We chatted with Danny Franklin, returning guest and managing director at Microsearch Laboratories. Together we explore the importance of allergen management, spurred by high-profile cases in the UK, where contamination led to widespread recalls. Danny explains how food factories often react to major incidents rather than proactively prevent them, a mindset he aims to shift.

We highlight the growth in allergen testing, driven by both increased awareness and regrettably, food fraud.

The episode delves into the complexities of the supply chain, shedding light on potential contamination during farming and the necessity for stringent controls and testing at every stage.

Danny shares practical advice on how businesses, regardless of size, can implement effective allergen testing protocols and why regular buyback testing from supermarkets can be a game-changer for ensuring product safety.

Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] Danny explains how change often occurs after a major issue.
• [00:00:22] Introduction to Oh For Food's Sake and its hosts.
• [00:01:03] Welcome to guest Danny Franklin, and discussion on allergen management.
• [00:02:13] Danny's background and role at Microsearch Laboratories.
• [00:02:27] Discussion on increased allergen testing due to peanut and mustard issue.
• [00:04:06] Statistics on allergens versus food poisoning cases.
• [00:06:48] Complexities of contamination in food supply chain.
• [00:08:13] Importance of lab collaboration and proactive testing.
• [00:15:30] Innovative testing methods and managing allergens in production.
• [00:21:58] Role of buybacks and risk assessments in allergen management.
• [00:28:32] Food fraud, its dangers, and its effect on the market.
• [00:33:30] Importance of supplier trust and communication in ensuring food safety.

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!

We kick off this week’s episode by delving into Mel Robbins' "Let Them" theory, a technique that promotes managing challenging relationships by focusing on personal reactions and control, rather than trying to change others.

With our combined decades of experience in the food industry, we present relatable anecdotes and professional insights, illustrating the daily struggles faced in the sector, like dealing with difficult colleagues or suppliers.

The conversation weaves through practical applications of the theory in workplace scenarios such as managing persisting deadline issues or handling micromanaging bosses, emphasising the benefits of setting personal boundaries and reclaiming energy.

Throughout the episode, we envelop serious discussions with light-heartedness and humour, making for an engaging listen.

Timestamps

• [00:00:00] Introduction to the "Let Them" theory.
• [00:00:29] Amy and Lucy share their professional backgrounds and the episode's focus.
• [00:01:12] Discussing the Mel Robbins podcast and the motivating concept of "Let Them."
• [00:02:28] Exploring how this theory can transform workplace dynamics.
• [00:05:39] Examples: deadline missers and workplace enabling behaviors.
• [00:14:10] Advice for handling micromanaging bosses.
• [00:21:56] Tips and strategies for applying the "Let Them" theory.
• [00:25:15] Closing thoughts and encouragement for the audience.

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!

In this episode, Lucy shares how a recent health scare forced her to take a step back and reassess what really matters. We get into the constant juggle between work and personal life, the challenges of staying focused on long-term goals, and how to stay true to your core values—even when life throws curveballs.

We break down practical tools like the urgent vs. important matrix and time blocking—no fluff, just simple strategies to help you manage your time better. Plus, we get real about the everyday struggle of balancing family, work, and everything in between, especially in the fast-paced food industry.

Lucy also opens up about procrastination—why we do it, how to spot the patterns, and what you can do to move past it. And finally, we talk about something we all need to hear: rest isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Taking intentional pauses can actually make you more productive, not less.

If you’re feeling stretched thin, this one's for you.

Timestamps

00:00:00 - Introduction and importance of prioritisation.

00:01:29 - Lucy discusses her personal experience with illness and prioritisation.

00:02:46 - Decision-making based on importance; Lucy reflects on how priorities evolve with age.

00:04:03 - The complexity of prioritizing as responsibilities grow.

00:10:07 - Competing priorities between family and work; navigating challenging decisions.

00:16:15 - Introduction of time-blocking as a method for task management.

00:22:35 - Tackling procrastination and setting realistic deadlines.

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!

In this episode, we dive into DISC profiling—a powerful tool for understanding personal and team dynamics.

Lucy shares her journey of self-discovery, reflecting on how her initial assumptions about her dominant traits were turned on their head, and how gaining clarity on her true preferences has completely changed the way she works.

Amy breaks down the different DISC types and their relevance in food industry roles, exploring why certain personalities naturally gravitate towards specific job functions. We discuss how this insight can help you better understand colleagues, adapt your approach, and make day-to-day interactions feel less like a battle.

We also share practical, real-world tips on flexing your communication style to connect with different personality types—helping to smooth out teamwork and make conversations more effective

Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] Introduction and dynamics of team personalities
• [00:01:26] Understanding DISC profiling and its personal impact
• [00:04:13] The essence of self-awareness in communication
• [00:07:08] Breakdown of the four DISC types: Dominance (D), Influence (I), Steadiness (S), Compliance (C)
• [00:16:38] Stereotypes in food industry roles and personality types
• [00:28:47] Transformative impact of personality awareness on team dynamics
• [00:30:07] Key takeaways and actionable steps

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!

In this engaging episode, we start with the definitions and importance of establishing boundaries, particularly within the food industry where the pace never slows. We discuss the societal pressures and personal characteristics, like people-pleasing tendencies, that often lead to poor boundary-setting.

Lucy opens up about her journey of not considering boundaries until just a few years ago, highlighting the impact this had on her mental health and family life and Amy brings in her experience of burnout and how being a boundary-less people-pleaser significantly contributed to it.

They talk about how critical it is to realise you're not only allowed but need to set boundaries to maintain energy and productivity.

Throughout the episode, we share personal anecdotes, reflecting on the transformations we have experienced since we started recognising and establishing our boundaries. We also touch upon practical tools like time blocking and the impacts of saying 'no' to social events or additional work that doesn't serve your goals.

Simple changes like learning to communicate your needs clearly without guilt, and prioritising tasks effectively have brought significant improvements to their work-life balance.

This episode is not just about setting boundaries in professional life but also extends to personal boundaries with family and friends, ensuring a holistic approach to maintaining well-being.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction and setting the stage for the topic of boundaries

00:01:00 - The importance of boundaries in the food industry

00:02:18 - Defining boundaries and their role in well-being

00:04:06 - Lucy’s journey and the late realisation of the need for boundaries

00:06:15 - Balancing productivity and boundaries

00:07:01 - Impact of lack of boundaries on personal and professional life

00:08:14 - Looking for joy in life through boundaries 00:11:32 - Work-life integration and personal fulfilment

00:15:15 - Structuring work and communicating needs effectively

00:18:11 - Implementing boundaries and handling pushback

00:25:39 - Practical tools: Time blocking and its benefits

00:28:59 - Structuring time around personal commitments

00:31:23 - Dealing with pressure and pushback at work

00:33:45 - Recognising boundary violations and addressing them

00:34:41 - Recap and takeaways for maintaining boundaries

00:35:29 - Closing remarks and encouragement for listeners

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!

Join us on Oh for Food’s Sake this week as Amy welcomes Cameron Rigg, the Lead Product Developer at Tesco and Co-founder of Flourish in Food Mentoring.

We start with Cameron reminiscing about his early love for food and nutrition, ignited by his grandmother's baking and a remarkably supportive food technology teacher.

Cameron walks us through his career trajectory, from a placement year at Pizza Hut, a significant stint at Co-op where he transitioned from development to buying, and finally his current role at Tesco.

He opens up about his challenges, like the difficult decision to move back north and the hurdles of taking on a buying role during economically tumultuous times.

A key highlight of the episode is Cameron sharing how he balances his professional life while managing a substantial commute. He emphasises the importance of time management, setting boundaries, and prioritising personal well-being, offering actionable tips for anyone feeling the strain of their work schedule.

Cameron also elaborates on the origins and objectives of the Flourish in Food Mentoring scheme. Born out of a desire to support students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Flourish is an initiative that pairs industry professionals with mentees, helping to nurture the next generation of food industry talent..

Cameron also gives us his perspective on the evolving work culture of Gen Z and Alphas, who are changing the game with their fresh take on work-life balance

Whether you’re looking to grow your own career, give back through mentoring, or just hear an inspiring story about thriving in the food retail industry, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice.

Timestamps

0:00 – Introduction, Lucy’s Absence, and Welcoming Cameron Rigg

2:46 – Cameron’s Early Interest in Food and Influential Mentorship

5:40 – Sheffield Hallam University Experience and Placement at Pizza Hut

10:26 – Transition to Co-op and Career Growth

15:50 – The Move to Buying During Economic Challenges

18:50 – Returning to Development at Tesco

20:26 – Balancing a Challenging Commute & Work-Life Balance

25:00 – Flourish in Food Mentoring Scheme: Origins and Impact

30:50 – Generational Differences in Work Approaches

39:07 – Responsibility and Rewards of Working in Food Retail

45:02 – Effective Time Management and Avoiding Burnout

52:10 – Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

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!

In this episode we both highlight the growing importance of AI in everyone’s daily routines, noting how it can save hours of work, particularly for freelancers and small business owners who manage multiple roles.

We emphasise that while AI tools like ChatGPT are incredibly useful, it's crucial to understand their limitations and ensure the final output aligns with your own professional expertise.

Our conversation then shifts to specific examples of how we use ChatGPT daily—from crafting assertive emails and generating presentation outlines to analysing data and planning LinkedIn posts.

We also discuss the benefits of AI in relieving mental load, especially for tasks that are time-consuming or creatively demanding.

However, we caution listeners against blindly trusting AI outputs, stressing the importance of fact-checking and personalisation.

Amy shares her experience of using Otter AI for real-time transcription of meetings and events, including a humorous account of using it during her child's parents’ evening.

We wrap up by encouraging listeners to experiment with AI tools, share their experiences, and think of AI as a helpful friend rather than a replacement for their professional skills.

Timestamps

[00:00:00] Lucy’s experience with ChatGPT for translating PDFs

[00:01:02] Introduction: Embracing AI in everyday life

[00:02:28] Risks and limitations of AI in larger businesses

[00:03:39] ChatGPT: What it is and how it works

[00:07:25] Practical uses of AI: Writing emails and presentations

[00:14:48] Data analysis and meal planning using AI

[00:22:07] Encouraging AI experimentation and real-life examples

[00:26:56] Summary and closing remarks

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!

Today on "Oh For Food's Sake," we welcome Nicky Foster to explore the complexities of confidence and leadership challenges in the food industry.

Confidence, often hampered by imposter syndrome and self-doubt, can be nurtured through small, consistent actions that build competence and self-belief. Our discussion highlights the impact of gender socialisation, where societal expectations differ for girls and boys, often creating a bias when women appear more confident and assertive.

Nicky shares her experiences from her retail career, including the trials of advocating for flexible working as a new parent and the profound personal growth following redundancy. She uses powerful analogies to illustrate her goal of helping women achieve success more easily. Nicky emphasises authenticity in leadership, challenging the outdated notion that women must emulate male behaviours to succeed.

We also tackle the topic of maternity leave, discussing the loss of confidence, the physical and mental toll of childbirth, and the importance of recovery and support systems. Nicky and Amy stress the need for women to lean into their true selves, to set boundaries, and to ask for help — especially crucial when returning to work after maternity leave.

The conversation highlights the value of women supporting women, sharing successes and challenges, and fostering a strong, supportive network.

Nicky ends the discussion by introducing her new program aimed at building clarity, confidence, and community among women leaders, Fearless Women: Empowered to Rise.

The Fearless Women’s Programme is a comprehensive journey designed to tackle the unique challenges women face in professional roles.

Do you find yourself holding back in meetings? Struggling to build your network? Or feeling like you have to prove yourself twice as hard to be taken seriously?

You’re not alone, and this programme is here to change that.

Whether you’re battling self-doubt, feeling stuck, or just searching for a clearer sense of direction, this programme will guide you to unlock the confidence, clarity, and connections you need to move forward.

You can join the waiting list for this programme and register for a live webinar on the 24th January by clicking on the links in the Links & Resources section.

Timestamps

[00:02:30] Introduction to Nicky Foster and her journey in the food retail industry.

[00:05:15] The recurring challenge of confidence and imposter syndrome.

[00:08:40] Gender socialisation and societal pressure on women.

[00:12:10] Nicky’s personal career stories and lessons learned.

[00:18:00] The importance of authenticity in leadership.

[00:21:45] Challenges faced by women returning from maternity leave.

[00:25:30] The significance of a supportive network and women’s tribes.

[00:29:50] Building confidence through actionable steps and self-reflection.

[00:34:00] Introduction to Nicky's new confidence-building program.

[00:38:15] Upcoming events and closing thoughts.

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.

Fearless Women Programme Wait List https://foodies.fearlessfoodies.co.uk/fearlesswomen

Fearless Women Webinar Registration https://foodies.fearlessfoodies.co.uk/webinar

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

See you next time!