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Oh For Food's Sake

Amy Wilkinson, Lucy Wager
Oh For Food's Sake
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  • The Final Episode: Why Ending Oh For Food’s Sake Has Lessons for All of Us
    On the last ever "Oh For Food’s Sake" episode, we open up about the process (and sometimes pain) of letting go—whether it’s stepping down from your own business, leaving a beloved job, or, in this case, moving on from a podcast that’s meant so much. We discuss how the show itself began out of Lucy’s journey with letting go of "Pudology," and how leaving isn’t as sudden as it looks from the outside. Both share the behind-the-scenes doubt, fear, and tough conversations that come before big leaps.Amy explains how leaving her corporate career was terrifying, but ultimately created space for greater creativity and meaning and Lucy gets honest about how hard it is to say goodbye to something that’s become part of her identity but knows it’s time to allow new projects (hello, YouTube!) to take root. We break down the stigma around the word "quitting," reframing it as evolving or moving forward—and offer straight-talking advice for anyone feeling stuck or afraid to step into the unknown.There’s practical wisdom here too: from reevaluating your routines and systems, to recognizing whether your fear is rational, to getting honest about what you’d do if you weren’t afraid of failure. Lucy and Amy are as supportive as ever, reminding all listeners that it’s okay to change, growth is messy, and sometimes the bravest thing you can do is create the space for something new. While "Oh For Food’s Sake" is ending, the journey isn’t: Amy will be back with a rebranded podcast, and Lucy is jumping into new content, so make sure you keep following their adventures!Timestamps 00:00:00 – Lucy and Amy welcome listeners and reflect on four years of podcasting together and the decision to end the podcast.00:02:14 – Discussing the challenge of letting go—why we stay stuck, fear of the unknown, and personal examples.00:03:30 – Behind-the-scenes of previous big life changes: stepping away from Pudology, corporate careers, and relationships.00:05:03 – Examining the negative connotations of "quitting" and why failure isn’t fatal.00:06:21 – The emotional experience of change—grieving, fear, and reframing for growth.00:07:44 – Celebrating continued friendship, personal growth, and being honest in pivoting.00:09:48 – Letting go of limiting thoughts and internal narratives, not just jobs and external situations.00:11:09 – Creating space—how making small changes enables bigger pivots.00:12:29 – Using self-awareness tools (like human design) to recognize if something is no longer serving you.00:14:33 – Looking back on tough decisions and only remembering the good, after growth.00:17:29 – Lucy and Amy reflect on what they gained by letting go, and the different types of change in life and business.00:19:37 – Identifying when you’re operating out of fear vs. intention. Practical ways to check in with yourself.00:20:52 – The regrets we don’t want to have and how to make bold decisions intentionally.00:22:21 – What’s next? Updates on Lucy’s YouTube channel and Amy’s rebranded podcast.00:24:51 – Thanking listeners, sharing the journey and what’s coming in their next chapters and an invitation to join the mailing list and connect for future news and resources.00:26:19 – Final sign-off.Links and Resources:Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsakeLinkedIn: 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/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/
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  • Innovating in Food Manufacturing: How Smart Systems and Soft Skills Make It Happen
    Welcome to another episode packed with insights, laughter, and brutally honest takes on what it’s really like working behind the scenes of food innovation. Lucy starts us off by sharing why Stage Gate is close to her heart—yep, she’s our resident “systems geek”—and Amy jumps in to champion the power of people and soft skills. Together, we break down how Stage Gate is supposed to be a framework that supports swift, safe, and high-quality product launches, not just another dreaded hoop to jump through.We explore why most folks in the food biz end up learning systems by osmosis rather than by proper training, and how the lack of clear, regularly reviewed processes leads to unnecessary pressure, repetition, and confusion—especially when every team seems to be stashing their own spreadsheet empire. We spill the beans on how they’ve helped businesses map out what’s actually going on, often leaving people gobsmacked at the sheer complexity of bringing a product to shelf.The conversation doesn’t shy away from the frustrations: outdated tech (“We’re still using Excel from 1995, what’s that about?”), squeezed timelines, and the struggle to get leadership onboard with investing in proper product development systems. We put a spotlight on the importance of soft skills and why junior and seasoned team members alike need better training and support—not just chucked in to ‘figure it out’.Listener questions spark discussion about AI’s (potentially huge) role in freeing up time for the creative, human parts of innovation, and how vital it is to educate business leaders about making Stage Gate a business-wide priority, not just an NPD headache.In trademark Oh For Food’s Sake style, the episode concludes with a call to constantly review systems, embrace new tech with open arms, and invest in people—because systems are only as good as the folks using them.Timestamps00:00 – Why Stage Gate is vital in the food industry00:54 – What Stage Gate is (and isn’t)02:18 – Lucy’s journey with Stage Gate + early food industry experiences04:25 – Why people and systems must work together05:23 – What Stage Gate actually does & where it goes wrong07:27 – Product development as the “gatekeeper” role08:24 – It’s not just NPD’s job: Why Stage-Gate is a business process10:07 – The chaos of poor systems: too many spreadsheets11:23 – The industry’s slow adoption of technology12:45 – Workshop revelations: Realising the true complexity of launches14:25 – The knock-on effects of a broken process15:50 – What needs to change: Reviewing and modernising Stage-Gate17:23 – Making frameworks flexible and people-focused18:59 – Investing in soft skills and ongoing support19:28 – Embracing tech and AI as tools, not threats20:39 – Top takeaway: Systems + people = successful innovation21:30 – Audience questions: Leadership buy-in, off-the-shelf systems, AI worries24:54 – Training the next generation and the need for mentorship26:55 – Wrap up and calls to actionLinks and Resources:Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsakeLinkedIn: 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/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/See you next time!
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  • Can You Lead With Heart and Still Win? The Truth About Purpose in the Food Business With Andrew Thornton
    This week, we peel back the layers on what running a genuinely heartful business looks like in food and retail.We welcome Andrew Thornton, legendary for shaking up the industry and for always bringing his signature purposeful approach to everything from the shop floor to the boardroom. Andrew tells the story of his journey from his first job in a Dublin newsagent—serving the iconic Fergal Quinn—to launching a consulting company and eventually taking on supermarket ownership in the heart of North London.We talk about Andrew’s midlife crisis (where instead of buying a Porsche, he bought two supermarkets!), the challenges and triumphs of making Thornton's Budgens a haven for people, planet, and innovation, and the world-first plastic free zones that changed the industry’s approach to plastics. Andrew unpacks how shifting focus away from short-term profits actually made good business sense, and why psychological safety and authenticity matter—as much in retail as in life.You’ll also hear why describing what people are doing well can make all the difference, what gratitude really looks like at work, and how slowing down at the start of a meeting can transform how people show up. Andrew even shares the story of the “giant tomato display”—a beautiful example of what happens when people are empowered to bring their full creative selves to work. We wrap up with a bold look at the big challenges facing the industry (hello, UPFs and microplastics), and why real innovation—driven by diverse voices and new tech—is our way forward. Oh, and we don’t shy away from the fun either, because if work isn’t enjoyable, what’s the point?Timestamps 00:00 From Dublin News Agent to Foodie05:22 Musgrave's Long-Term, Stakeholder-Focused Strategy09:21 Testing Reusable Packaging Initiative10:46 Team's Dedication Over Personal Glory15:59 Inflow Matrix Exercise for Success18:37 Purpose Over Profit23:36 Reducing Costs with Natural Sweetener25:52 Tech and AI Revolutionizing Food Industry29:14 Unconventional Meeting Approaches33:10 Encouraging Innovation Through Open Dialogue35:30 Gratitude vs Negativity Hardwiring37:59 Start Meetings with Positives41:40 "Essential Human Needs Reminder43:58 "Share and Review Episode"Links and Resources:Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsakeLinkedIn: 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/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/See you next time!
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  • Gen Z Is Redefining Work. Are You Ready?
    We kick off this episode by confronting a very familiar narrative: Why is everyone blaming Gen Z for “not wanting to work”? On Oh For Food’s Sake we refuse to let stereotypes go unchallenged. We ground the conversation in our blend of experience: decades in food manufacturing and retail, coaching, and plenty of mistake-covering confessions from the good old days. Together, we share what they see on the ground: Gen Z is anything but lazy; instead, they’re hungry (pun intended!) for jobs with purpose, value alignment, and workplaces that actually support their well-being.We hit on some key shifts: Gen Z isn’t learning everything by “osmosis” in the office, thanks to remote working and career launches during the pandemic. This means they need a different kind of support than “just get on with it”. Amy shares candid voice notes from a Gen Z herself—juggling a degree apprenticeship, a side business, and a big corporate job—showcasing the real drive behind the headlines.We share practical advice on bridging the generational gap and we don’t shy away from the frustrations but challenge leaders to stop “dinosaur-ing” and lean into more inclusive, empowering management.If you’re an older-gen listener struggling to engage with Gen Z, or a younger industry pro trying to get your managers on-side without feeling like a cliché, there’s something for you here. Timestamps00:00 Supporting Gen Z in Remote Work06:36 Gen Z: Bridging Generational Gaps07:21 Empowering Through Contextual Understanding11:48 Empowerment Through Structured Support18:32 Understanding Gen Z Motivation21:21 Regular Feedback & Nurturing Essential25:19 Fostering Mutual Understanding at Work27:40 Bridging Gen Z and ManagersLinks and Resources:Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsakeLinkedIn: 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/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/See you next time!  
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  • Built with Heart: The Story Behind Ramona’s Houmous and the Love That Powers It
    Ever wondered what goes into growing a food brand from a tiny home kitchen to supermarket shelves across the nation? Ramona Hazan tells all—chickpeas in the living room, rolling suitcases packed with houmous through Soho, and years of “no’s” from major retailers. We discuss her unique approach to new product development (hint: feed your friends, watch what disappears first), her experience transitioning from the stability of wholesale to the daunting world of retail, and why perseverance trumps any “overnight success” narrative.Amy and Lucy reminisce about their days developing dips and marvel at just how tough it is for brands to break into own-label-heavy categories. Ramona discusses her rebrand from Me Too Foods to Ramona’s, the accidental timing with the #metoo movement, and the genius move of putting herself—and her story—front and center on every pot.This episode also shares some hard truths about starting a food business: the need for financial grit, a healthy disrespect for instant gratification, and constant, sometimes crazy, belief in what you’re doing. We also discuss launching new products (think tzatziki, kalamata olive houmous, and even tikka masala options) and why product quality and loyalty matter most.We get straight into gender, self-belief, and leading with authenticity—why women need to stop waiting for permission and instead “just get the job done.” Ramona’s take on handling setbacks, balancing family and work, and empowering the next generation is refreshing and motivating. Expect honest advice, warmth, and plenty of those moments that make you feel, “Oh, for food’s sake—I’m not alone in this.”Timestamps0:01:55 Ramona’s Backstory: From Engineer to Food Entrepreneur 00:03:31 Early Days: Making houmous at Home, First Sales 00:04:39 Growth Steps: Moving to Small Units, Expanding Production00:07:10 Brand Evolution: Me Too Foods to Ramona’s Rebrand00:08:37 Breaking into Retail00:11:14 The Challenges of Building a Brand & Customer Loyalty00:13:19 Personal Resilience: How to Keep Going Despite Setbacks00:16:35 Factory Culture: Quality, Teamwork, and “Love” in Production00:20:17 New Product Launches: Ramona’s Latest Dips00:23:04 The Lows: Product Flops and Facing Failure00:25:28 Profitability and Practical Advice for Food Startups00:27:24 Women in Food: Mindset, Leadership, and Self-Belief00:32:13 Balancing Work, Parenting, and Business Realities00:37:18 Where to buy Ramona’s products and how customers can connect directly.00:38:37 Wrap Up and OutroLinks and Resources:Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsakeLinkedIn: 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/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/See you next time!
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About Oh For Food's Sake

Oh For Food’s Sake unravels the challenges faced when working in the food industry whether you are in an employed role or a business owner. We are your hosts, Amy Wilkinson and Lucy Wager and offer you a new discussion drawn from our own experiences in the industry from stress, burnout and resilience to working with retailers, setting up on your own and much more. There will also be guest interviews from our food industry network to explore these challenges further giving you a comprehensive offering of stories, tips and advice through this rewarding industry.
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