Episodes

  • Why You Can’t Switch Off (And What It’s Doing to Your Leadership)

    Why You Can’t Switch Off (And What It’s Doing to Your Leadership)
    Apr 21 2026
    This episode opens the season with an honest look at something most people in the food industry experience but rarely talk about, the inability to switch off. I share my own experience of late nights, constant thinking, and the creeping build-up of burnout that can come from working in high-pressure food manufacturing and retail environments. I break down what’s happening in your brain when work follows you home. In an industry where deadlines are tight, priorities shift quickly, and decisions carry weight, your nervous system often stays on high alert. The problem is that your brain doesn’t distinguish between a real threat and a demanding work situation. Over time, this leads to prolonged stress cycles. Where cortisol and adrenaline stay elevated, and your body never fully resets. I introduce the concept of different “gears” we operate in. Alert, Drive, and Calm. For many food professionals, most of the day is spent in the first two. Calm becomes something that only happens on holiday, if at all. There’s also a personal layer to this conversation. I reflect on my own experience of burnout, and how factors like ADHD, constant ideas, and a strong sense of responsibility can intensify that feeling of never switching off. Rather than offering unrealistic solutions, this episode focuses on small, practical resets. Completing the stress cycle through movement. Creating simple transitions between work and home. Writing things down to give your brain a break. Taking short pauses before carrying stress into the next part of your day. The message is clear: you don’t need a complete life overhaul. You need consistent, small moments of recovery. The episode closes with a reminder that rest isn’t something you earn once everything is done. It’s what allows you to think clearly, lead well, and sustain performance in an industry that demands a lot. Timestamps 00:00 – Rest as a leadership skill, not a reward 00:37 – Why switching off feels so difficult in the food industry 01:21 – Mental load and constant thinking after work 02:22 – What’s happening in your brain and nervous system 03:06 – Early signs of burnout and why slowing down matters 04:29 – Constant change vs the brain’s need for certainty 06:12 – The three “gears”: alert, drive, and calm 07:19 – Why stress lingers even after the moment has passed 08:46 – ADHD, drive, and layering stress on top of work pressure 10:32 – Reassessing urgency and giving yourself permission to rest 11:32 – Sponsor mention 13:28 – Completing the stress cycle and why movement helps 15:45 – Signs you’re stuck in alert mode 17:35 – Micro-recoveries that actually work 20:15 – Creating transitions between work and home 21:03 – Talking things through and not carrying it alone 21:45 – Recap of practical strategies 22:43 – Final reminder: calm improves leadership and decision-making 23:39 – Closing thoughts and looking ahead Connect with The Fearless Foodies The Fearless Foodie Newsletter straight to your inbox. No fluff, no spam. Subscribe at:https://foodies.fearlessfoodies.co.uk/podcast Connect with Amy here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/amywilkinsoncoach/ Useful Links & Support If this episode resonated, especially around stress, switching off, and leadership under pressure, here are a few places to explore further. Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers — Robert Sapolsky A practical, science-backed look at how stress works in the body, and why modern work keeps us stuck in high alert. Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle — Emily & Amelia Nagoski A clear, accessible guide to understanding and completing the stress cycle so it doesn’t build up over time. Fearless Foodie Leadership development, resilience workshops, and support tailored to food manufacturing and retail teams.https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk A Big Thank You to Our Sponsors IFP Labs Specialist laboratory services supporting food businesses with fast, reliable testing and technical expertise.https://www.ifp-labs.com/
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    25 mins
  • Bethan's Bite Sized Bulletin March 2026

    Bethan's Bite Sized Bulletin March 2026
    Mar 17 2026

    Welcome to Bethan’s Bite-Sized Bulletin - your quick-fire briefing on what’s happening across the food and drink industry. In under five minutes, journalist and Food Manufacture editor Bethan Grylls shares the latest headlines, trends and developments to keep you in the know.

    Explore more industry news at foodmanufacture.co.uk

    Links and Resources:

    Website Link: https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk

    FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/thefearlessfoodiepod

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefearlessfoodiepod

    You can follow us here on Instagram: @thefearlessfoodiepod

    Find Amy on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation.

    IFP Labs sponsors the Fearless Foodie Podcast https://www.ifp-labs.com/en/index.php

    KEYWORDS:

    Foodconsultant, foodindustrycoach, foodindustry
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    5 mins
  • When Everything Is Urgent: Food Leadership Under Pressure

    When Everything Is Urgent: Food Leadership Under Pressure
    Mar 10 2026

    This isn’t a high-energy finale. It’s a grounded one.

    Amy takes a step back to connect the threads running through this season: leaders feeling stretched, teams stuck in reactive mode, and middle managers quietly holding everything together.

    Across conversations with guests and through her own lived experience in food manufacturing and retail, one pattern is clear. Many leaders are accountable for outcomes without having the authority to shape decisions. Cross-functional pressure is relentless. Commercial demands don’t slow down. And “just get it done” becomes the norm.

    Amy explores what she calls the urgency default. When everything feels urgent, meetings become transactional. Honest conversations get postponed. Feedback happens after the meeting, not in it. Speaking up starts to feel risky.

    Over time, this creates frustration and quiet resentment. Not because people don’t care, but because they care deeply and feel constrained.

    There’s also a spotlight on middle managers. The emotional shock absorbers of food businesses. The ones who translate pressure from above, protect morale below, and often over-function just to keep things afloat. Amy shares her own experience of burnout and the emotional labour that comes with trying to be the steady one for everyone else.

    Instead of offering another framework or performance hack, this episode offers space. Space to name what’s happening. Space to stop personalising systemic pressure. Space to practise self-compassion.

    Amy invites listeners to complete the Team Framework Quiz, a short reflective diagnostic designed to help you pinpoint what’s really happening in your team before jumping to solutions.

    The episode closes with a powerful question:

    What makes sense about how you and your team are behaving right now, given the pressure you’re under?

    Not as an excuse. As understanding.

    Because once you understand the pattern, you can begin to change it.

    Timestamps

    00:00 – A different kind of finale and a reminder: you are not failing

    01:06 – Reflections from the season and why leadership feels heavier

    03:35 – Cross-functional pressure and responsibility without authority

    05:14 – The urgency default and meetings losing depth

    06:57 – The meeting after the meeting and why speaking up feels risky

    08:32 – Emotional toll when accountability outpaces influence

    10:28 – Sponsor mention and leadership resources

    11:30 – Amy’s personal experience of project missteps and emotional load

    14:00 – Middle managers as emotional shock absorbers

    16:35 – If you recognise yourself: start with self-compassion

    17:41 – Naming patterns instead of personalising problems

    18:33 – The Team Framework Quiz and how to use it

    19:09 – Closing reflections and looking ahead to next season

    Connect with The Fearless Foodies

    The Fearless Foodie Newsletter straight to your inbox. No fluff, no spam. Subscribe at:

    https://foodies.fearlessfoodies.co.uk/podcast

    Connect with Amy here:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/amywilkinsoncoach/

    Useful Links & Support

    If this episode struck a chord. Especially around urgency, pressure, and feeling like you’re carrying more than your role allows, here are a few next steps.

    Take the Team Framework Quiz

    A short, practical diagnostic to help you pinpoint what patterns might be shaping your team’s behaviour right now, and where the pressure is really sitting.

    https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/team-framework-quiz/

    The Fearless Leaders Programme

    Structured leadership support designed specifically for food manufacturing and retail environments. If you want to build confidence, strengthen communication, and create healthier team dynamics without burning out, this is a practical next step. Find out more at https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk

    A Big Thank You to Our Sponsors

    IFP Labs

    Specialist laboratory services supporting food businesses with testing and technical expertise.

    https://www.ifp-labs.com/
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    21 mins
  • Stop Fixing Women: Start Backing Each Other

    Stop Fixing Women: Start Backing Each Other
    Mar 8 2026

    International Women’s Day often comes with big themes and bold statements. This episode brings it back to what actually moves the needle inside food businesses.

    Amy explores why advocacy and sponsorship matter more than “fixing the women”. In food manufacturing and retail environments, progression often depends on visibility, backing, and someone speaking up for you when opportunities arise.

    You’ll hear why mentorship isn’t always enough and why sponsorship, where someone actively uses their influence to create openings for you, is what shifts careers forward.

    Amy also addresses uncomfortable truths. Data still shows slower progression for women into senior roles. The pipeline leaks. The pay gap persists. And sometimes, scarcity thinking creeps in, where women feel they must compete rather than collaborate.

    Importantly, this is not a men-versus-women conversation. Amy makes it clear that advocacy is everyone’s responsibility. Many men play a powerful role in sponsorship and continuing that momentum matters.

    The episode also looks at why women sometimes hesitate to advocate or network. Caring responsibilities, imposter feelings, and cultural conditioning can all play a part.

    But the message is simple: small actions build momentum.

    That might mean not interrupting a colleague in a meeting. Recommending someone for a project. Sharing an opportunity. Or asking directly for sponsorship yourself.

    Amy closes with a practical challenge: lift up a woman this week or ask someone to back you.

    Because careers don’t move on effort alone. They move on visibility, advocacy, and courage.

    Timestamps

    00:00 – Setting the tone: reciprocity, relevance for all genders
    01:09 – Rethinking International Women’s Day through everyday action
    02:22 – The data: leadership gaps, pay gap, and the leaky pipeline
    03:24 – Why working harder isn’t enough to progress
    05:14 – Sponsorship vs mentorship — what actually shifts careers
    06:06 – Everyday actions that create space and opportunity
    07:57 – Why women sometimes hesitate to advocate or network
    09:15 – The cost of not backing each other
    10:44 – The business case for advocacy and reciprocity
    12:02 – A practical listener challenge
    13:15 – Closing call to small, bold action

    Connect with The Fearless Foodies

    The Fearless Foodie Newsletter straight to your inbox. No fluff, no spam.
    Subscribe at:
    https://foodies.fearlessfoodies.co.uk/podcast

    Connect with Amy here:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/amywilkinsoncoach/

    Useful Links & Support

    If this episode resonated, especially around advocacy, sponsorship, and progression in food manufacturing and retail. Here are a few places to continue the conversation.

    Fearless Women Connect
    A free networking and support community for women in food and retail. Real conversations. Less hierarchy. Practical support.
    https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/fearless-women-connect/

    Work with Fearless Foodies
    Leadership coaching and development support tailored specifically to food manufacturing and retail teams.
    https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk

    A Big Thank You to Our Sponsors

    IFP Labs
    Specialist laboratory services supporting food businesses with fast, reliable testing and technical expertise.
    https://www.ifp-labs.com/
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    14 mins
  • You Don’t Need a Career Plan — You Do Need to Work on Yourself

    You Don’t Need a Career Plan — You Do Need to Work on Yourself
    Mar 3 2026

    If your career path looks more like a bowl of spaghetti than a straight ladder, you’re not alone — and you’re probably doing better than you think.

    Katie Harvey shares her journey from dropping out of university and starting work as a kitchen assistant in a factory, through procurement and sales roles, to leading a large food team. It’s a story rooted firmly in the realities of food manufacturing — long hours, changing roles, and learning on the job.

    Amy and Katie talk candidly about why non-linear careers are common in food and retail, and how curiosity, asking “why”, and being willing to say yes before you feel ready can open unexpected doors.

    They also dig into leadership on the ground: how to listen properly in 1:1s, why psychological safety matters in factories and offices alike, and how investing in the right training (not generic box-ticking) helps teams grow sustainably.

    There are practical takeaways for anyone managing people — especially in high-pressure environments — plus a refreshing reminder that “soft” skills are often the hardest, and most valuable, ones to master.

    Timestamps

    00:00 Why decisions don’t need to be perfect, and adapting on the go

    00:15 Welcome to Fearless Foodie and the purpose of this episode

    00:41 Upcoming live recording at IFE, Excel London

    01:23 The myth of straight-line careers and introducing the squiggly journey

    02:10 First meeting and sharing real “squiggly” career stories

    02:53 Career origin story, pivoting from university to a factory role

    04:09 Moving into procurement, learning from scratch, and persistence in job hunting

    06:11 The joy and lessons of procurement, curiosity, and wider exposure

    07:16 Sideways career moves, transferable skills, and supporting women at work

    08:38 Navigating tough years in sales and adapting to new challenges

    09:43 Stepping into leadership, imposter feelings, and the power of being yourself

    11:28 Feeling proud and choosing continuous learning

    12:59 Why career pressure on young people is unnecessary and what really matters

    15:25 The core transferable skills: communication, curiosity, and empathy

    17:07 Creating psychological safety and why empathy matters at work

    19:00 Sponsor shoutout

    20:05 Recap and real talk about “soft” skills that are actually hard

    20:18 Decision-making, learning from mistakes, and supporting team growth

    24:02 Investing in training that fits the team, not one-size-fits-all

    25:06 Supporting new starters, focusing on progress, and easing the pressure

    28:00 Handling credibility questions and leaning into fresh perspectives

    31:21 Team diversity, playing to strengths, and getting the support you need

    33:56 Letting go of perfection and opening up to new experiences

    34:47 Advice for leaders: listen more in 1:1s

    35:51 Optimism for the next generation and keeping the fearless energy

    36:23 Wrap-up and sharing the episode with someone who needs real career honesty

    Connect with The Fearless Foodies

    The Fearless Foodie Newsletter straight to your inbox. No fluff, no spam: https://foodies.fearlessfoodies.co.uk/podcast

    Connect with Amy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amywilkinsoncoach/

    Links and Resources:

    If this episode resonated — especially the parts about being a woman in food and navigating the career squiggles — Fearless Women: Empowered to Rise is designed for women in the food and retail industry who want to lead with confidence and clarity, without burning themselves out: https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/fearless-women-rise/

    And join our FREE network at https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/fearless-women-connect/ Website

    Work with Amy on leadership, culture & team development: https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk
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    37 mins
  • It Shouldn’t Be This Hard: What Really Slows Teams Down at Work

    It Shouldn’t Be This Hard: What Really Slows Teams Down at Work
    Feb 24 2026
    This conversation is about busting one of the most common myths in food and retail: that when teams struggle, it’s because they don’t care or aren’t capable. Amy and Donna share what they see again and again while coaching pressured teams — from unspoken rules and quiet toxicity to “too-nice” cultures where nothing difficult ever gets said. They explore why leaders often default to training requests, even when the real issue sits deeper in behaviours, systems, and relationships. You’ll hear why surface-level fixes rarely work, how emotional labour and burnout creep in unnoticed, and why projects often feel heavier than they need to. Donna brings a grounded, retail-savvy perspective on what actually helps teams move forward — including the power of asking braver questions and inviting honest feedback. This isn’t about blame or quick fixes. It’s about understanding how work really feels on the inside — and what shifts when leaders stop patching over problems and start addressing what’s unspoken. Timestamps 01:28 Why it feels so flipping hard to get everything done in food and retail 03:02 Donna’s journey from retail to sidekick extraordinaire in food and manufacturing 04:34 Beyond training: why “people just need more training” misses the real causes 06:02 The power and awkwardness of asking the right questions, and why it’s worth it 07:14 Fact versus perspective and the danger of dying on your own sword 08:30 The illusion of surface-level problems: why time, pressure, and roles aren’t the real issue 10:04 Unpacking “the system”: workplace machines, hidden hierarchies, and office politics 12:01 The hidden cost of burnout, overwork, and why “just getting it done” isn’t enough 13:05 Toxic behaviours, overly “nice” teams, and the cost of artificial harmony 14:27 Why some conflict is healthy and necessary for change 15:23 The value of external team coaching and surfacing what’s left unsaid 16:52 Why transformation beats sticking-plaster solutions every time 18:36 Training versus coaching: different tools, but only coaching gets under the surface 20:18 What makes team coaching different: flexibility, depth, and following the real energy 22:08 Getting data from the system through individual feedback, frontline insight, and honest conversations 23:18 Why real cultural change is a long game, not a one-off 24:31 The change equation in action and what it really takes to bring people with you 26:10 The trap of paperwork replacing honest conversations 28:19 Why surface problems are never just about numbers, they’re always about people 29:33 Actionable takeaways: easy but brave questions to ask your team 30:53 Why “my door is always open” isn’t enough without a real invitation to feedback 32:13 The importance of feedback upward, sideways, and downward 33:19 Building healthy habits where small conversations beat big dramas 34:33 Why it’s about how we do the work, not just what we do 35:57 Amy and Donna on practicing what they preach 37:11 Key takeaways: it’s not a lack of effort, it’s what’s unspoken. Start tackling the real blockers 38:29 Free team resource, how to connect, and a final reminder to keep being fearless Connect with The Fearless Foodies The Fearless Foodie Newsletter straight to your inbox. No fluff, no spam: https://foodies.fearlessfoodies.co.uk/podcast Connect with Amy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amywilkinsoncoach/ Connect with Donna here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ward-higgs-8194a969/ Useful Links and Resources: Team Framework Quiz https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/team-framework-quiz/ The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance: https://amzn.eu/d/aZUaZw1 Work with Amy on leadership, culture & team development: https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk A big Thank you to Our Sponsors: Link to our sponsors IFP Labs: https://www.ifp-labs.com/
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    39 mins
  • Why the Food Industry Is Entering a New Era of Change

    Why the Food Industry Is Entering a New Era of Change
    Feb 17 2026

    Amy and Sarah start by clearing up one of the industry’s most common misconceptions: what IGD actually does. Far from being “just another acronym,” IGD operates as an independent charity, reinvesting profits into insight, capability building and talent development to support the long-term health of the food system.

    The conversation moves into the realities of driving change at scale — from balancing commercial competition with genuine collaboration, to navigating regulation, competition law and political complexity. Sarah shares how IGD creates spaces where conversations happen that simply wouldn’t elsewhere, helping align retailers, manufacturers and suppliers around shared challenges.

    They also explore the Food Strategy Advisory Board and the “Good Food Cycle,” breaking down what these initiatives mean in practice for people at the coalface — not just policymakers. Topics include food inflation, sustainability, skills shortages, recruitment challenges, and the pressure many leaders feel trying to do the right thing in a stretched system.

    Throughout, Amy and Sarah keep it practical: how to stay informed without drowning in data, why independence and balance matter when interpreting insight, and how leaders can protect their energy while staying engaged in an industry that never stands still.

    Timestamps

    00:00:12
    Introduction and welcome, with an overview of IGD’s leadership and purpose.

    00:02:05
    Personal background, career journey, and the influences that shaped it.

    00:04:56
    What IGD is, what it stands for, and its role as a strategic, independent institute.

    00:06:05
    A look at IGD’s work across insights, training, forums, and talent development.

    00:08:13
    How IGD’s influence has evolved, bringing collaboration across the food system.

    00:11:19
    Why balance, independence, and challenging unconscious bias matter in industry data.

    00:14:42
    Bridging the gap between government and industry through strategic advisory work.

    00:17:49
    The Good Food Cycle, policy updates, and why food strategy must be iterative.

    00:23:12
    Staying informed and proactive through webinars and industry updates.

    00:24:10
    What’s next: upcoming initiatives, programmes, and events.

    00:27:07
    Staying inspired, leading change, and protecting your energy in food leadership.

    00:29:38
    Final reflections, IGD’s open-door approach, and how to get involved.

    Connect with The Fearless Foodies

    The Fearless Foodie Newsletter straight to your inbox. No fluff, no spam:

    Connect with Amy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amywilkinsoncoach/

    Connect with Sarah here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbradburyigd/

    Useful Links and Resources:

    Episode about the “Mmmake Your Mark” campaign: https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/podcast/the-mmmake-your-mark-initiative-inspiring-careers-in-food-and-drink/

    Join our FREE network for women in food and retail at https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/fearless-women-connect/ Website

    Work with Amy on leadership, culture & team development: https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk

    A big Thank you to Our Sponsors:

    Link to our sponsors IFP Labs: https://www.ifp-labs.com/
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    31 mins
  • Bethan's Bite Sized Bulletin February 2026

    Bethan's Bite Sized Bulletin February 2026
    Feb 11 2026

    Welcome to Bethan’s Bite-Sized Bulletin - your quick-fire briefing on what’s happening across the food and drink industry. In under five minutes, journalist and Food Manufacture editor Bethan Grylls shares the latest headlines, trends and developments to keep you in the know.

    Explore more industry news at foodmanufacture.co.uk

    Links and Resources:

    Website Link: https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk

    FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/thefearlessfoodiepod

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefearlessfoodiepod

    You can follow us here on Instagram: @thefearlessfoodiepod

    Find Amy on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation.

    IFP Labs sponsors the Fearless Foodie Podcast https://www.ifp-labs.com/en/index.php
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    5 mins