The Fearless Foodie Podcast

Amy Wilkinson
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The Fearless Foodie (formerly, Oh For Food's Sake) is a space for honest chats, practical tools, and the reminder that being fearless doesn’t mean having it all sorted – it means feeling the fear and doing it anyway. Especially when the industry we love often feels like it’s breaking us. If that speaks to you, have a listen. And if it hits home, rate, review, and share it with your work besties or the team WhatsApp. Because your voice matters. And fearless starts with you. Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Fearless

  1. 1d ago

    Beyond Busy: What Burnout Really Looks Like

    Constant pressure can become so normal in food manufacturing and retail that being busy almost feels like part of the job. But what happens when we keep pushing long after our body is telling us to stop? In this episode, I’m joined by burnout specialist, coach and author Kelly Swingler to explore what burnout really looks like, why it is so often misunderstood, and what happens when we ignore the warning signs. Kelly shares her own experience of rising through the ranks while experiencing repeated burnout, including serious physical consequences and hospital stays. We talk about the mindset that keeps high achievers pushing through and why being the person who can always cope can make it even harder to recognise when something is wrong. We also explore how easily the word burnout gets used to describe being tired or overwhelmed. True burnout goes much deeper, and recovery isn’t something that can necessarily be fixed with a holiday or a few days away from work. Kelly shares practical advice for recognising the signs in ourselves and others, including the idea of “breadcrumbing”. Rather than confronting someone and telling them they are burning out, we can create opportunities for them to recognise what might be happening through conversations, articles and shared experiences. For anyone who already feels close to the edge, we talk about what realistic rest and recovery can look like. It doesn’t always mean making dramatic changes overnight. Small restorative actions can be an important place to start. We also look at the wider culture around burnout. Individuals can make changes, but organisations and leaders also have a responsibility to question environments where relentless pressure and overwork have become normal. One of Kelly’s strongest reminders is also one of the simplest: a business can replace you. Your family and the people who love you can’t. Timestamps 00:00 – Why burnout matters in food manufacturing and retail03:35 – Kelly’s career and first experience of burnout07:17 – Values, moral injury and long-term pressure08:07 – When burnout becomes physical13:00 – Recovery and the mindset that keeps us pushing22:08 – Why burnout is more than being tired29:35 – Recognising burnout in yourself or your team32:14 – Breadcrumbing and supporting someone who may be struggling37:05 – What realistic rest and recovery can look like43:49 – Individual responsibility and workplace culture44:28 – Why you are irreplaceable outside work 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 me here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amywilkinsoncoach/ Useful Links & Support Connect with Kelly Swingler on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyswingler/ You can also find details of Kelly’s books and work through her website. https://www.kellyswingler.com Fearless Resilience Practical workshops supporting resilience and wellbeing in food teams. https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk Work with Fearless Foodies Leadership development and team support tailored to food manufacturing and retail environments. 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/

    Beyond Busy: What Burnout Really Looks Like

  2. Oct 6

    Why Self-Promotion Doesn't Have to Feel Awkward

    For many people working in food manufacturing and retail, the word "selling" feels uncomfortable. Technical specialists, product developers and operational teams often see it as something other people do.But as Karen Green explains in this episode, we're all selling something. Whether it's a new product idea, a business case, a promotion or ourselves in an interview, our ability to communicate value has a huge impact on the opportunities we create.I'm joined by Karen, former retail buyer, sales leader and author of Buyerology, to explore how we can become more confident communicators without feeling inauthentic.One of the biggest themes throughout our conversation is that successful self-promotion isn't about becoming louder or more confident than everyone else. It's about understanding the person you're speaking to and helping them understand the value you bring.Karen introduces her Buyerology 3 × 3 Matrix, a simple framework that encourages us to think about three things before any important conversation:• The organisation.• The individual.• Their role within the business.Taking time to understand each of these helps us prepare better conversations, stronger presentations and more meaningful relationships.Some of the practical takeaways from the episode include:• Self-promotion works best when it feels authentic.• Preparation builds confidence before difficult conversations.• Understanding your audience is just as important as understanding your own message.• Adapting your communication style helps build stronger relationships without compromising your values.We also talk about career progression and why opportunities don't always come from waiting to be noticed. Sometimes they come from learning how to communicate your strengths clearly and confidently.This episode is a reminder that influence isn't about being the loudest person in the room. It's about building trust, understanding people and making it easier for others to see the value you bring. Timestamps 00:00 – Why selling yourself feels uncomfortable01:45 – Karen Green's career and the story behind Buyerology04:04 – Why everyone is selling something06:43 – Practical advice for self-promotion and interviews09:26 – Understanding people, not just businesses12:01 – Applying the Buyerology framework16:36 – Authenticity and confidence22:42 – Adapting your communication style26:47 – Cultural and generational differences30:13 – Karen's advice for building confidence30:38 – How to connect with Karen and Buyerology Connect with The Fearless Foodies The Fearless Foodie Newsletter straight to your inbox. No fluff, no spam.https://foodies.fearlessfoodies.co.uk/podcastConnect with me here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/amywilkinsoncoach/ Useful Links & Support If this episode resonated, especially around communication, influence and career development, here are a few places to continue the conversation.Connect with Karen GreenFollow Karen for insights on retail buying, communication, influence and career development.https://www.linkedin.com/in/thekarengreen/BuyerologyLearn more about Karen's Buyerology framework, her book and additional resources.https://buyerology.co.uk/Work with Fearless FoodiesLeadership development and team support tailored to food manufacturing and retail environments.https://fearlessfoodies.co.ukA Big Thank You to Our SponsorsIFP LabsSpecialist laboratory services supporting food businesses with fast, reliable testing and technical expertise.https://www.ifp-labs.com/

    Why Self-Promotion Doesn't Have to Feel Awkward

  3. Sep 29

    Why “It’s Not My Fault” Stops Progress

    Accountability comes up everywhere in food manufacturing and retail. Projects are overdue, the same actions keep appearing in meetings and, when everyone is busy, it’s easy for blame, excuses and “wait and hope” to creep in. In this episode, I introduce the Accountability Ladder, a simple tool for recognising what accountability actually sounds like in ourselves and the people around us. Below the line, you’ll hear phrases like “no one told me”, “it’s not my fault” or “maybe if I wait, this will sort itself out”. They’re all signs that responsibility is sitting somewhere else. Things start to change when we move above the line. Instead of focusing on what somebody else should have done, we start asking what we can do next, what part of the problem we can own and what action we can take. I share an example from my own career involving a product recall, where I had to work my way through those different stages myself. It’s a useful reminder that accountability isn’t about pretending everything is your fault. Even if only a small percentage of a situation is within your control, you can still decide what you’re going to do with it. We also look at how you can use the ladder with other people without simply accusing them of being “below the line”. Asking questions such as “What can we do next?” can help move a conversation away from blame and towards action. The next time you’re in a meeting, listen to the language being used. When the conversation starts shifting from “they should” and “someone needs to” towards “here’s what I’ll do”, that’s when things start moving. Timestamps 00:00 – The impact of below-the-line thinking01:00 – Why accountability slips and what blame sounds like02:00 – Introducing the Accountability Ladder04:00 – Common excuses and avoidance in food teams07:30 – Moving above the line and taking ownership10:30 – A product recall and my own experience of accountability16:30 – Helping other people move up the ladder19:20 – What to listen for in your next meeting 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 me here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amywilkinsoncoach/ Useful Links & Support Fearless Strategic Leadership Programme Practical leadership development for people working across food manufacturing and retail. https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk Work with Fearless Foodie Leadership development and team support tailored to food manufacturing and retail environments. 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/

    Why “It’s Not My Fault” Stops Progress

  4. Sep 22

    Beyond the Data: What Great Category Teams Really Do

    So many businesses in food manufacturing and retail want to be shopper-led, but when the pressure is on, products, numbers and monthly targets can quickly take over. In this episode, I’m joined by Sue Tiller, Co-Founder of The Growth Factors, to explore how category management can keep the shopper at the heart of decision-making and why the role is about far more than data. We talk about how category has evolved, the balance between commercial priorities and bringing an objective perspective, and why the strongest category professionals combine analytical thinking with storytelling and influence. Sue shares why understanding your stakeholders is so important, how to turn data into insight people can actually use, and why asking “so what?” should be part of every category conversation. We also explore the growing role of AI. While it can help process information and save time, it can’t replace critical thinking, interpretation or the human understanding needed to turn information into meaningful insight. Above all, this episode is a reminder of category’s unique role as the voice of the shopper, helping businesses make better decisions by keeping real people at the centre.

    Beyond the Data: What Great Category Teams Really Do

  5. Sep 15

    When Does Difficult Behaviour Cross the Line?

    Difficult people are part of working life, but in food manufacturing and retail, poor behaviour can sometimes be tolerated for far too long, particularly when the person involved is seen as commercially valuable. In this episode, I explore what happens when businesses quietly weigh up someone's results against the disruption they cause. Meetings get worked around them, colleagues learn to stay quiet and eventually good people can decide they've had enough. When you're the person on the receiving end, it's also incredibly easy to start questioning yourself. If nobody else is challenging the behaviour, you might wonder whether you're being too sensitive or making too much of it. I share some practical ways to approach these situations without trying to find the perfect comeback. Preparation matters. Think about your boundaries before the conversation, stay focused on the facts and use simple questions to understand what's actually driving the disagreement rather than getting pulled into an emotional exchange. We also look at why you don't have to win every difficult conversation. Sometimes pausing, stepping away or deciding something isn't worth pursuing in that moment is the more useful response. Importantly, there's a difference between somebody being difficult and somebody crossing a professional line. Shouting, belittling or inappropriate personal comments can become a conduct issue. When that happens, documenting what's taking place and knowing where you can go for support becomes important. Ultimately, you might not be able to change the person or the culture around them. But you can decide what you're prepared to accept, how you respond and where your own line sits. This episode isn't about learning how to win against difficult people. It's about protecting your confidence, staying grounded and finding a way to keep doing good work without absorbing somebody else's behaviour. Timestamps 00:00 – Why disruptive behaviour gets tolerated in food businesses 02:15 – When commercial value outweighs behaviour 07:12 – Why so many people experience conflict but stay silent 08:36 – Preparing yourself before a difficult conversation 10:41 – Separating the problem from the pressure 11:54 – Staying with the facts and asking better questions 14:26 – Deciding your boundaries before the conversation 18:31 – Why you don't need to win every interaction 20:00 – When difficult behaviour becomes a conduct issue 22:45 – Calling out behaviour and documenting incidents 24:24 – What you can control and where you draw the line 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 me here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amywilkinsoncoach/ Useful Links & Support Fearless Relationships Programme Support for technical, product development and supply teams to prepare for difficult conversations, communicate with confidence and hold their ground. https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk ACAS Guidance Advice and support around workplace bullying and conduct issues. https://www.acas.org.uk/ Work with Fearless Foodie Leadership development and team support tailored to food manufacturing and retail environments. 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/

    When Does Difficult Behaviour Cross the Line?

  6. Sep 8

    Redundancy, Confidence and Taking Back Control

    Redundancy, restructuring and uncertainty have become familiar conversations across food manufacturing and retail. Behind every organisational change are real people trying to navigate what comes next, often while questioning their confidence, identity and sense of purpose. In this episode, I'm joined by Dahlia Stroud, commercial consultant and host of the Stressed But Well Dressed podcast, to explore what happens when work changes and how we can find stability during uncertain times. One of the strongest themes throughout our conversation is identity. Many of us spend years building careers, relationships and routines around work, so when that suddenly changes, it can feel like we've lost more than just a job. Dahlia shares why getting dressed became an important daily ritual during periods of uncertainty. It's not about fashion or appearances. It's about taking a few minutes to reconnect with yourself and create a sense of control when everything else feels unpredictable. We also explore how different clothes often represent different versions of ourselves. Our work wardrobe, our home clothes and what we choose to wear during periods of transition can all influence how we feel and how we show up each day. Another important part of the conversation is the BANI framework, which describes today's world as Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear and Incomprehensible. It's a useful reminder that many of the challenges we're facing aren't personal failings. They're a reflection of the complexity of the environments we're working in. Throughout the episode we discuss practical ways to rebuild confidence during career transitions, including creating small daily routines, letting go of clothes or habits that no longer serve you, remembering that purpose doesn't have to come from work alone, giving yourself permission to pause and make decisions at your own pace, and building confidence through networking and new experiences. This conversation is a reminder that confidence isn't something you either have or you don't. It's something we build through small, consistent actions, especially during the moments when life feels most uncertain. Timestamps 00:00 – Why confidence and identity matter during uncertain times 01:00 – Meeting Dahlia Stroud and her commercial career 02:24 – The meaning behind Stressed But Well Dressed 05:35 – Redundancy and the loss of professional identity 07:18 – How clothing influences confidence and mindset 09:05 – Understanding the BANI framework 11:57 – Small daily habits that help during difficult times 15:03 – Workplace expectations and confidence 16:41 – Creating a wardrobe that works for you 20:25 – Rebuilding confidence after redundancy 24:06 – Finding purpose during career transition 30:46 – Practical advice when facing redundancy 33:54 – Consultancy, networking and what's next 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 me here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amywilkinsoncoach/ Useful Links & Support If this episode resonated, especially around confidence, resilience and navigating career change, here are a few places to continue the conversation. Connect with Dahlia Stroud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dahliastroud/ Stressed But Well Dressed Podcast https://dahliastroud.com/podcast/ Work with Fearless Foodies Leadership development and team support tailored to food manufacturing and retail environments. https://fearlessfoodies.co.ukA Big Thank You to Our SponsorsIFP Labs Specialist laboratory services supporting food businesses with fast, reliable testing and technical expertise. https://www.ifp-labs.com/

    Redundancy, Confidence and Taking Back Control

  7. Sep 1

    What "Be More Strategic" Actually Means

    Welcome to Season 4 of The Fearless Foodie. I wanted to start this season with a topic that comes up time and time again when I'm working with leaders across food manufacturing and retail. "Be more strategic." It's one of the most common pieces of feedback people receive as they progress in their careers, yet it's rarely explained in a way that's practical or useful. In this episode, I explore what strategic leadership actually means and why so many people find the transition difficult. Across food manufacturing and retail, I see talented managers promoted because they're brilliant at delivering results, only to discover that leading strategically requires a completely different set of skills. With businesses asking teams to do more with less, it's easy to become trapped in firefighting mode. The constant pressure to solve today's problems leaves little space to think about tomorrow's opportunities, making it difficult to step back and see the bigger picture. I introduce the four pillars of Fearless Strategic Leadership, a framework I've developed alongside Donna Ward-Higgs to help leaders build practical strategic capability. See Wider Understand the wider system you operate in, not just your own area of responsibility. Look beyond immediate problems to recognise patterns, relationships and opportunities. Think Deeper Create space to make sense of complexity, ask better questions, and focus on what really matters rather than reacting to every urgent request. Stand Firmer Have the confidence to back your judgement, communicate priorities clearly, and hold your ground when difficult decisions need to be made. Bring People on Board Create clarity, build trust, and help others understand where you're heading so they can make decisions without relying on you for every answer. Throughout the episode, I also explore why self-awareness sits at the centre of strategic leadership. Understanding your own habits, behaviours, and reactions under pressure makes it much easier to recognise when you've slipped back into firefighting mode and when it's time to step back. Rather than trying to change everything at once, I encourage you to think about which of the four pillars feels strongest today and which one could benefit from a little more attention. Strategic leadership is not about having all the answers. It's about creating enough space to think clearly, make better decisions, and help others do the same. Timestamps 00:00 – Why "be more strategic" is such frustrating feedback 02:26 – Why so many leaders get stuck in the weeds 03:47 – The difference between busyness and strategic thinking 06:15 – The four pillars of Fearless Strategic Leadership 10:47 – Moving from doing the work to leading the work 11:19 – Practical questions to strengthen each pillar 13:41 – Why self-awareness underpins strategic leadership 15:07 – Finding your next area for development 16:04 – A preview of what's coming in Season 4 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 me here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amywilkinsoncoach/ Useful Links & Support If this episode resonated, especially around leadership development and building strategic capability, here are a few places to continue the conversation.Fearless Strategic Leadership Learn more about the Fearless Strategic Leadership framework and how it helps leaders develop practical strategic thinking. Work with Fearless Foodie Leadership development and team support tailored to food manufacturing and retail environments. https://fearlessfoodies.co.ukA 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/

    What "Be More Strategic" Actually Means

  8. Jun 29 ·  Bonus

    Bethan’s Bite-Sized Bulletin June 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

    Bethan’s Bite-Sized Bulletin June 2026
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About

The Fearless Foodie (formerly, Oh For Food's Sake) is a space for honest chats, practical tools, and the reminder that being fearless doesn’t mean having it all sorted – it means feeling the fear and doing it anyway. Especially when the industry we love often feels like it’s breaking us. If that speaks to you, have a listen. And if it hits home, rate, review, and share it with your work besties or the team WhatsApp. Because your voice matters. And fearless starts with you. Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Fearless

Information

  • Creator
    Amy Wilkinson
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    257
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Fearless Foodie Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Fearless Foodie Podcast

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