We kick off the episode by dissecting the nuanced differences between coaching and mentoring. We explain that while coaches help individuals draw their own conclusions, mentors offer the benefit of their hindsight and experience.

Drawing from our year-long journeys with Flourish in Food mentoring scheme, both hosts share personal anecdotes about the monumental shifts in their careers over the past year.

Lucy opens up about her hesitations around seeking a mentor despite feeling the need for one, and how partnering with Flourish in Food opened the door to a transformative mentoring relationship with Charles Banks. She recounts how this relationship has empowered her to realign her business and personal goals confidently.

Amy mirrors these sentiments but, in her journey, her mentor Debbie Davies has been instrumental in helping her expand her consultancy without losing her personal touch.

We also explore the best practices for a fruitful mentoring relationship, touching on the importance of clear roles, setting expectations, maintaining momentum, and checking in on the relationship’s progression.

We also differentiate between mentors, sponsors, and allies, underscoring the significance of each role and we encourage listeners to reflect on their own networks and suggest practical ways to cultivate and maintain these relationships.

Timestamps

[00:00:00] - Amy clarifies the difference between coaching and mentoring.

[00:00:15] - Lucy and Amy introduce the episode’s focus on mentors, advocates, and allies.

[00:01:30] - Amy and Lucy reflect on their experiences with the Flourishing Food mentoring scheme.

[00:03:09] - Lucy shares how her mentoring relationship helped her rebrand and find direction in her business.

[00:07:01] - Amy explains the importance of structure in mentoring meetings and how to get the most out of them.

[00:07:58] - Amy shares her experience with her mentor, Debbie Davies.

[00:11:28] - Differences between coaching and mentoring.

[00:18:38] - Importance of sponsors and advocates and how to find them.

Links and Resources:

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/

You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/

For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

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

Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories: https://micro-search.co.uk/

See you next time!

Susan begins by sharing her the challenges she experienced with engaging in IFST as a student and early career professional engaging in IFST, which stemmed from geographical and time-related issues. Things took a turn when she transitioned into freelance consultancy, a shift that allowed her to get more deeply involved. Starting with the Midlands branch, she eventually took the lead in establishing the IFST Food Innovation Special Interest Group during the pandemic. This group created a much-needed space for product developers to collaborate, share ideas, and find support during a difficult time.

The conversation moves to the launch of the Innovation Toolkit in 2023.

Designed for product developers, this resource is a treasure trove of practical tools, including creative ideation methods, innovation processes, project management strategies, and trend analysis. It’s clear from Susan’s description that the toolkit is a must-have for anyone in product development, whether they’re new to the industry or seasoned professionals.

Susan also highlights the importance of bridging academia with real-world industry experience. She believes that combining theory with hands-on learning makes education more impactful and engaging, bringing lectures to life in a way that resonates with learners.

As the discussion continues, Susan reflects on the value of IFST as a professional network, particularly for freelancers and consultants who often feel isolated in their work. She emphasises the importance of staying connected to a community that supports growth, offers learning opportunities, and encourages collaboration.

We also dive into Susan’s career journey, including her pivot from working with branded goods to focusing on ingredient innovation. She shares insights into risk management and the need for flexibility in product development processes. Susan encourages food professionals to revisit the basics, like the NPD Fundamentals course, which she sees as beneficial for anyone looking to stay current and enhance their understanding of industry practices.

The episode concludes with Susan and the hosts encouraging listeners to explore IFST’s resources, including the Innovation Toolkit, which will soon be integrated with the NPD Fundamentals course for even greater value.

Timestamps

• [0:00] - Introduction
• [2:30] - Susan’s early challenges with IFST
• [8:45] - Founding the Innovation Group during the pandemic
• [11:20] - Innovation Toolkit launch in 2023
• [15:35] - Bridging academic and industry experience
• [19:10] - Why IFST is a lifeline for food professionals
• [30:12] - Transitioning from branded businesses to ingredients
• [33:45] - Revisiting fundamentals and staying flexible
• [40:15] - Encouragement to explore IFST resources

Links and Resources:

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/

You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/

For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

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

Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch: https://micro-search.co.uk/

See you next time!

Lucy welcomes listeners to the first episode of 2025, acknowledging the unique pressures and chaos that food industry professionals face in January.

Together, Amy and Lucy share four practical strategies to help listeners prioritise their work, set boundaries, plan recovery time, and maintain connections with their support network.

Throughout the episode, they touch on personal anecdotes and practical examples, making the advice relatable and easy to implement.

We emphasise the importance of ruthless prioritisation, setting clear and communicable boundaries, planning both short micro breaks and longer recovery times, and staying connected with friends and mentors in the industry.

Lastly, we encourage listeners to decide on one actionable step from their tips and implement it to improve their work life.

Timestamps

00:00:16 - Lucy welcomes listeners and introduces the episode's focus on strategies for a busy January.

00:01:34 - Discussion on the post-launch review stage and the typical January busyness in the food industry.

00:02:59 - Tip #1: Prioritise ruthlessly. 00:04:20 - Tip #2: Setting boundaries and communicating them.

00:07:11 - Sponsor Break: Microsearch Laboratories.

00:07:51 - Continuation of Tip #2.

00:09:49 - Tip #3: Planning recovery time and small rewards.

00:10:38 - Discussion on the importance of finding micro breaks.

00:15:05 - Tip #4: Connecting and reaching out to your support network.

00:16:30 - Wrap-up and invitation for listeners to share their chosen strategies.

Links and Resources:

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/

You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/

Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch: https://micro-search.co.uk/

For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

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

See you next time!