That's A Food Job!

Епизоди

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  Co-Founders of the World Food Forum Quebec Chapter & Former Director of MYAD with Cate Laskey, Laia Charles Saigne and Jeanne Gonelle 06.09.2026 58мин

  Cate Laskey is Co-Founder of the World Food Forum Quebec Chapter and a former Agrifood Systems Ad Hoc Delegate with the McGill Youth Advisory Delegation (MYAD). Laia Charles Saigne is also a Co-Founder of the World Food Forum Quebec Chapter and a former CSocD64 and UNFCITC INC4 Delegate with MYAD. Jeanne Gonelle is the former Director of MYAD. MYAD is a youth-led NGO that has held Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council since 2006, working to bridge the gap between decision-makers and youth.  WFF is an FAO youth initiative that brings together young leaders to tackle food security and sustainability challenges through local chapters. In this podcast episode we dig into their story, what the WFF and MYAD actually are, and explore why young people belong in the conversation about our food system, even before they're officially employed in it. This is part one of a two part episode. Next week we're back with more members of the chapter, Sienna Corral and Lila Sonmaz, to continue the conversation. --- Shownotes --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 01:59 - What Is the World Food Forum 03:08 - Founding the Quebec Youth Chapter 05:46 - Chapter Goals & Breaking Silos 09:38 - Agri-Food in Quebec Explained 11:54 - Defining Food Insecurity 16:43 - Why They Got Involved 23:05 - NGOs & Policy Explained 29:07 - What Advocacy Actually Looks Like 35:43 - Barriers to Youth Participation 37:50 - How Policies Actually Get Made 40:39 - Measuring Real Impact 44:03 - Proudest Moments 52:53 - Advice for Getting Involved --- 📙 Career Guides 💭 Career Advice --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS 💼 Cate Laskey LinkedIn 💼 Jeanne Gonelle LinkedIn 💼 Laia Charles LinkedIn 💼Quebec Youth Chapter of the World Food Forum (FAO) LinkedIn 💼McGill Youth Advisory Delegation LinkedIn 🌐 World Food Forum Website 🌐McGill Youth Advisory Delegation Website --- CONNECT WITH US 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💼 LinkedIn
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  President/Founder of Women in Food Safety and Sr. Food Safety & Quality Advisor with Melody Yu 30.08.2026 41мин

  Melody Yu is the President and Founder of Women in Food Safety, a nonprofit community supporting female food safety professionals, and she also runs her own food safety consulting business, MarsMel LLC. Note at 7:20 Melody meant to say 7 principles and 12 steps  --- Shownotes --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Nothing You Do Is Wasted 00:28 – Welcome Back, Melody 01:26 – Life Since Round One 03:38 – Going All In on WIFS 04:22 – Mapping a Food Safety Career 05:20 – Starting in R&D 07:45 – Learning the SQF Code 10:08 – Visa Limbo and Consulting Years 13:01 – Find What You Like 13:39 – Opportunities for Today's Students 14:38 – Stay or Go? Her Checklist 17:42 – Fitting In vs. Belonging 19:00 – Certifications Worth Getting 20:04 – Try Everything While You're Young 22:35 – Why She Founded WIFS 23:17 – The Food Science Club Moment 25:34 – Bridging Academia and Industry 27:39 – Two New Global Chapters 29:44 – How Members Find Solutions Together 32:20 – 1,700 Members and Counting 35:33 – What "Middle Management" Really Means 37:29 – What's Next for WIFS 39:52 – How Students Can Get Involved --- 📙 Career Guides 💭 Career Advice --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼 Melody Yu LinkedIn 💼 Women in Food Safety LinkedIn 🌐 Women in Food Safety Website --- CONNECT WITH US 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💼 LinkedIn
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  Manager of Features and Education of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair with Paige Mawson 08.08.2026 38мин

  Paige Mawson is Manager of Features and Education at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, a 104-year-old event that draws around 300,000 visitors annually to downtown Toronto. In this episode, Paige reveals how one of Canada's most iconic events is bridging city life and rural tradition through unforgettable experiences, hands-on learning, and storytelling that sparks curiosity. Discover how she leverages her museum studies background to transform the fair into a living, breathing educational hub that connects millions to our food system. --- Shownotes --- AgCareers is on a mission to provide global talent solutions in agriculture and food. They strive to "Feed the World with Talent" in the industries they serve. Their passion for agriculture is evident in their investment of time and resources in engaging with candidates and employers in the industry. Visit AgCareers.com to explore career opportunities and build your future in agriculture. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 00:58 - What the Royal Is 05:07 - Connecting Country and City 09:27 - Year-Round Planning Cycle 11:49 - Paige's Collaborative Role 13:16 - Designing Educational Programming 17:28 - Paige's Career Path 19:26 - Common Misconceptions 20:43 - AgCareers Sponsor Break 21:48 - Where to Start: Local Agricultural Fairs 25:23 - Roles Beyond Farming 27:00 - Transferable Skills in Agri-Food 29:48 - Paige's Royal Highlights 31:20 - Champion Showcase and Food at the Fair 33:35 - Getting Involved: 4-H, AgScape, Farm Tours 35:55 - One Takeaway for Listeners 37:19 - Tickets and What's Coming at the 2026 Royal --- 📙 Career Guides 💭 Career Advice --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼 Paige Mawson LinkedIn 💼 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair LinkedIn 🌐 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Website CONNECT WITH US 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💼 LinkedIn
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  Quality Assurance and Regulatory Manager and Consultant, Aparajhitha Sudarsan 01.08.2026 42мин

  Aparajhitha Sudarshan is a Quality and Regulatory Manager in pet food manufacturing and the founder of Food Strategy Consulting, where she helps small and medium food businesses with compliance, training, and food safety systems. In today's episode, we talk about the 80/20 rule of food safety leadership, how to build soft skills nobody teaches you in school, and practical ways students can network at conferences without it feeling forced. --- Shownotes --- 🎵 Music: 'Piano Sway' (Intro A - 4 seconds) by Jay Man / OurMusicBox (our-music-box.com) --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 01:41 - About Apara's Food Job 02:59 - Foundations of Food Safety 03:56 - Building Team Culture 05:50 - A Typical Day on the Floor 09:26 - Pre-Op Conversations 11:06 - The Soft Skill Nobody Teaches 15:44 - Most Surprising Part of the Job 17:46 - Her Career Path 20:10 - Comparing Industries 22:22 - Practicing Soft Skills Early 24:05 - What Is Toastmasters? 27:56 - Reframing Mistakes 30:34 - Conference Networking Advice 40:14 - Low-Stakes Ways to Start 42:27 - Closing Thoughts --- 📙 Career Guides 💭 Career Advice --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼 Aparajhitha Sudarshan LinkedIn 💼 Food Strategy Consulting LinkedIn 🌐 Food Strategy Consulting Website --- CONNECT WITH US 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💼 LinkedIn
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  Academic Director and Founder of Toronto Metropolitan University's Diversity Institute, Dr. Wendy Cukier 17.07.2026 39мин

  Dr. Wendy Cukier is Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Ted Rogers School of Management and Founder of the Diversity Institute, a research centre with 80 staff and hubs across the country studying skills, technology, and inclusion. In today's episode, we talk about why agriculture rarely comes up in conversations about entrepreneurship, the succession crisis facing Canadian farms, and how community gardens can be a real first step into an agriculture career. --- Shownotes --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Intro 00:25 – Meet Dr. Wendy Cukier 05:06 – A Day in Her Career 08:32 – Breaking the Farmer Stereotype 12:22 – Career Openings from Succession 16:41 – A Non-Traditional Path In 17:57 – Research Students Can Use 20:00 – Spotting Gaps as Opportunity 23:56 – Volunteer Your Way In 28:02 – Where AI Jobs Are Growing 31:30 – Skills You Need Now 35:07 – Where to Aim Your Career 38:43 – Advice for Your Next Step --- 📙 Career Guides 💭 Career Advice --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼 Dr. Wendy Cukier LinkedIn 🌐 Diversity Institute Website CONNECT WITH US 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💼 LinkedIn
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  Rainmaker and Co-Founder with Jake Karls, Mid-Day Squares 05.07.2026 35мин

  Jake Karls is Co-Founder and Chief Rainmaker at Midday Squares, a Better-For-You chocolate and snacking brand now sold in over 10,000 stores across North America. In today's episode, we talk about what it actually looks like to build a career on relationships instead of resumes, how to network without an agenda, and why your story matters more than you think, even if you don't feel like you have one yet. --- Shownotes --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Intro 00:20 – Meet Jake Karls 07:37 – Networking Without Feeling Fake 10:39 – Why Your Resume Isn't Enough 12:30 – Finding What Makes You, You 14:16 – Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking 17:56 – Mentorship You Already Have Access To 20:39 – Using Social Media For Good 21:44 – What To Say At A Networking Event 24:46 – What Actually Makes A Good Story 27:30 – Why Facts Alone Don't Land 28:38 – Dealing With Online Haters 30:22 – What's Next For Midday Squares 34:54 – Final Advice For Students --- Opening Song by "Track Title(s)'' Jay Man - OurMusicBox  https://www.our-music-box.com    / ourmusicbox   --- 📙 Career Guides 💭 Career Advice --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼 Jake Karls LinkedIn 💼 Midday Squares LinkedIn 🌐 Midday Squares Website CONNECT WITH US 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💼 LinkedIn
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  Plant Manager with Tony Wong, 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters 21.06.2026 43мин

  Tony Wong is the Plant Manager at 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters, a specialty coffee roastery in Vancouver that supplies retail chains, independent cafes, and a growing e-commerce operation across Canada. In this episode, we talk about what plant management actually looks like in a food and beverage manufacturing setting, how speciality coffee is actually made and how a food science background in quality can lead you into a path in operations. --- Shownotes --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro  02:21 - About Tony's Food Job 04:36 - What Are KPIs? 06:00 - How Coffee Beans Are Processed 09:23 - Quality Control and Cupping 11:40 - About Coffee Roasting 17:00 - Quality and Safety Above Profits 19:23 - Tony's Career Path: QA to Operations 21:37 - Why He Stayed in Operations 24:01 - Food Safety Background as an Asset 26:17 - Skills Needed in His Role 35:37 - Role Evolution and Financial Skills 38:01 - Learning from Subject Matter Experts 40:24 - Networking and Asking Questions 41:50 - Advice to His Younger Self --- 📙 Career Guides 💭 Career Advice --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼 Tony Wong LinkedIn 💼 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters LinkedIn 🌐 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters Website CONNECT WITH US 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💼 LinkedIn
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  Senior Human Resources Manager with Olga Cenic, Voortman Bakery | HR Mini-series 16.05.2026 49мин

  Veronica Hislop sits down with Olga Cenic, HR Manager at Voortman Bakery, to talk resumes, interviews, mentorship, and the overlooked ways students can break into food manufacturing - all in part three of FoodGrads' HR mini series! Olga Cenic is the HR Manager at Voortman Bakery - a 75-year-old cookie and wafer manufacturer in Burlington, Ontario, and home to the number one sugar-free wafer in North America. --- Shownotes --- De Lacy Executive Recruitment offers professional recruitment services for employers and candidates in agriculture and food. As a candidate, De Lacy will provide career development advice, career consulting, as well as preparation for interview success. Open communication, confidentiality, and complete transparency are a priority for De Lacy consultants — check out De Lacy Executive Recruitment for more information on exciting opportunities! --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Episode Intro 02:57 - What HR Looks For In New Hires 03:43 - LinkedIn Strategy 05:00 - Foot in the Door 06:36 - About Voortman Bakery 09:01 - Culture & COVID 11:49 - Co-op Programs 14:11 - Sanitation Crew Opportunity 16:28 - Temporary Agencies Explained 21:34 - Resume Tips 29:33 - What Is Mentorship? 38:00 - Interview Tips 40:52 - Questions to Ask 43:00 - Following Up After Interviews 45:00 - Assessing Company Culture 49:12 - Final Advice --- 📙 Career Guides 💭 Career Advice --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼 Olga Cenic LinkedIn 💼 Voortman Cookies LinkedIn 🌐 Voortman Bakery Website CONNECT WITH US 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💼 LinkedIn
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  VP of People and Culture with Steve MacIntyre, Fine Choice Foods | HR Mini-series 09.05.2026 47мин

  This is part two of FoodGrads' three-part HR miniseries, built for students entering the food and beverage industry with support from De Lacy Executive Recruitment. In this episode, we get into what hiring managers actually do when they open your resume - and what happens in those first five to seven seconds that determines whether you make the pile or not. Steve McIntyre is the Vice President of People and Culture at Fine Choice Foods, a Richmond, BC-based manufacturer of spring rolls, gyoza, bao buns, and other premium dim sum products. Steve started his career as a maintenance electrician. He did not plan to end up in HR - but food manufacturing has a way of creating lateral opportunities for people who stay curious, and that is exactly what happened to him. In this conversation, Steve shares what hiring managers are really looking for, why your education section is not doing the work you think it is, and how to make yourself visible in a market where four hundred people are applying for the same role. If you are a student or new grad trying to figure out your next move, this one is worth your time. --- Shownotes --- De Lacy Executive Recruitment offers professional recruitment services for employers and candidates in agriculture and food. As a candidate, De Lacy will provide career development advice, career consulting, as well as preparation for interview success. Open communication, confidentiality, and complete transparency are a priority for De Lacy consultants — check out De Lacy Executive Recruitment for more information on exciting opportunities! --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 01:30 - Steve's Role at Fine Choice Foods 04:00 - About Fine Choice Foods 07:30 - Steve's Path into HR 13:00 - How Students Get Hired 17:00 - Reading Entry-Level Resumes 22:00 - Personal Summaries That Stand Out 26:00 - Are Cover Letters Worth It? 29:00 - Extracurriculars on Your Resume 32:00 - Showing Technical Skills 34:00 - What Impresses in an Interview 38:00 - Managing Interview Nerves 41:00 - Common Interview Mistakes 44:00 - How to Research Company Culture 48:00 - What Hiring Managers Actually Ask 52:00 - Job Searching in a Tough Market 56:00 - Final Advice for Students --- 📙 Career Guides 💭 Career Advice --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼 Steve McIntyre LinkedIn 💼 Fine Choice Foods LinkedIn 🌐 Fine Choice Foods Website CONNECT WITH US 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💼 LinkedIn
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  Talent Aquisition Manager with Nicolas Pretorius, High Liner Foods | HR Mini-series 25.04.2026 45мин

  In episode one of our HR-Miniseries we are talking about what hiring managers actually look for, how to approach resumes and interviews, and realistic ways that students can build experience and momentum as they start their careers. Nicolas Pretorius is Talent Acquisition Manager at Highliner Foods, one of North America's leading processors of frozen, added-value seafood. In this conversation, you'll learn: What hiring managers actually look for on an entry-level resume Why soft skills often separate candidates more than technical ones How to use the skill bucket resume format with limited experience What "culture fit" really means and better questions to ask instead You might think getting hired is about having the right degree or the right experience. As Nicolas will show you today, it's really about how you tell your story and the soft skills that most candidates overlook. If you're a student or new grad figuring out your next move, this one is worth your time. --- Shownotes --- De Lacy Executive Recruitment offers professional recruitment services for employers and candidates in agriculture and food. As a candidate, De Lacy will provide career development advice, career consulting, as well as preparation for interview success. Open communication, confidentiality, and complete transparency are a priority for De Lacy consultants — check out De Lacy Executive Recruitment for more information on exciting opportunities! --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 00:59 - Nicolas's Role at Highliner 02:37 - Long-Term Talent Planning 04:43 - Highliner's Facilities 05:55 - Nicolas's Career Path 08:06 - Embrace Unexpected Opportunities 09:47 - Casting Nets to the Future 14:45 - What Stands Out on a Resume 17:04 - The Skill Bucket Resume Format 20:41 - Technical vs. Soft Skills 24:42 - Interview Prep Tips 26:05 - What to Wear to an Interview 27:34 - Researching the Company 28:59 - From Co-op to Full-Time 30:49 - Culture Fit vs. Values Alignment 32:50 - Assessing Culture as a Candidate 36:24 - Behavioral Interview Questions 41:35 - Advice for Students Job Hunting Now --- 📙 Career Guides 💭 Career Advice --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼 Nicolas Pretorius LinkedIn 💼 Highliner Foods LinkedIn 🌐 Highliner Foods Website CONNECT WITH US 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💼 LinkedIn
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  Confectionery Specialist with Enea Lelaj, Tilray Brands 31.03.2026 44мин

  Enea Lelaj is a Confectionery Specialist at Tilray Brands, working at the intersection of food science, product development, and one of Canada's fastest‑changing industries. In this episode of That's a Food Job!, Enea shares how his path into food science was anything but planned. Starting in chemistry at Toronto Metropolitan University, he followed curiosity into a food research lab and discovered a field that combined science, creativity, and real‑world impact. Today, Enea develops gummies, chocolates, and tablets infused with active cannabinoids. He talks candidly about what real R&D looks like beyond textbooks — balancing regulation, rapid iteration, and problem‑solving in a fast‑moving, highly regulated space. The conversation explores why creativity matters just as much as technical skill, how graduate school prepared him to tackle unsolved problems, and why staying open to unexpected opportunities can lead to surprisingly cool careers. --- ShowNotes --- CareersNOW!  is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi‑year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out  CareersNOW.ca for more information on jobs, career pathways, industry mentors, and professional development opportunities. --- 📙 Career Guides 💭 Career Advice --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼 Enea Lelaj LinkedIn 🌐 Tilray Brands CONNECT WITH US 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💼 LinkedIn
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  President with Domenique Mastronardi, Beck's Bone Broth 31.03.2026 41мин

  Domenique Mastronardi is President of Beck's Bone Broth, a Canadian food startup bringing bone broth-based lattes to market — blending comfort, wellness, and innovation for retailers across Canada. In this episode of That's a Food Job!, Domenique shares her journey from engineering student to co-leading one of Canada's most creative emerging food startups. She opens up about what entrepreneurship really looks like behind the scenes — navigating uncertainty, balancing structure with creativity, and learning to trust your intuition. --- Shownotes --- CareersNOW! is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNOW.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction to Startup Life and Entrepreneurship in Food 01:27 – A Week in the Life of a Startup President: Strategy, Travel, and Flexibility 03:00 – Canadian vs. U.S. Trade Shows: Brand Awareness vs. Direct Selling 05:04 – How a Startup President's Role Evolves: Fundraising, Finance, and Networking 06:34 – Getting Into Retail: Why Relationships Come Before Strategy 09:04 – Navigating Uncertainty: Mindset Tools for Startup Life 10:51 – What University Actually Teaches You: Resilience, Teamwork, and Problem Solving 12:02 – From Engineering to Entrepreneurship: Transferable Skills That Surprised Her 14:14 – [Sponsor: CareersNOW!] 15:26 – Finding Your Spark: How Food Product Development Changed Everything 18:20 – Listening to Your Intuition: Why Your Hobbies Are Telling You Something 21:17 – Book Rec: EOS Traction by Gino Wickman 21:53 – Unconventional Marketing: Spice Girls, Karaoke, and Authentic Branding Online 26:06 – Vulnerability as a Strength: Building Confidence to Share Your Story 27:55 – Career Advice That Doesn't Always Land — and What Actually Works 30:30 – Skills and Habits to Build Now If You're Curious About Startups 33:39 – How to Test If Entrepreneurship Is Right for You: Incubators, Side Projects, and Startup Jobs 35:17 – Getting Co-op Positions at Startups: What You Need to Know 36:03 – How to Network Without It Feeling Forced: LinkedIn, Events, and Cold Outreach 40:07 – What's Next for Beck's Bone Broth 40:53 – Where to Find Beck's Bone Broth --- 📙 Career Guides 💭 Career Advice --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼 Domenique Mastronardi LinkedIn 💼 Beck's Bone Broth LinkedIn 🌐 Beck's Broth Website 📸 Beck's Bone Broth Instagram CONNECT WITH US 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💼 LinkedIn
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  Continuous Improvement Manager with Talha Rashid, Handi Foods Ltd. 27.03.2026 44мин

  Talha Rashid is a Continuous Improvement Manager at Handi Foods Ltd., a Canadian food manufacturer specializing in crackers and better‑for‑you snack products supplied to major retailers across North America. In this episode of That's a Food Job!, Talha breaks down what a continuous improvement career looks like in food manufacturing and how data, teamwork, and problem‑solving drive real change on the production floor. He explains how organizations identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and improve productivity without compromising quality. --- Shownotes --- CareersNOW! is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNOW.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction to Continuous Improvement in Food Manufacturing 02:58 – Understanding Continuous Improvement: Definition and Scope 05:58 – A Day in the Life of a Continuous Improvement Manager 09:00 – The Importance of Data in Continuous Improvement 12:05 – Collaboration Across Departments for Success 14:54 – Skills for Success: Balancing Analytical and People Skills 18:08 – Continuous Learning and Professional Development 21:06 – Lean Six Sigma: Tools for Waste Reduction 23:58 – Applying Lean Principles to Real?World Problems 24:12 – Career Insights for Students in Food and Beverage 25:50 – Showcasing Willingness to Learn in Interviews 29:29 – Understanding Company Culture for Success 33:44 – Essential Skills for Continuous Improvement 39:44 – Journey into Continuous Improvement Careers --- 📙 Career Guides 💭 Career Advice --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼 Talha Rashid LinkedIn 💼 Handi Foods LinkedIn 🌐 Handi Foods Website CONNECT WITH US 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💼 LinkedIn
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  Careers in Food and Beverage (#121.5) 24.03.2026 41мин

  In this special solo episode, Veronica breaks down something that often gets overlooked — what the food and beverage processing industry actually is, and just how many career paths exist within it. If you've ever stood in a grocery store aisle and wondered how all those products got there, this one's for you! --- CareersNOW!  is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi‑year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out  CareersNOW.ca for more information on jobs, career pathways, industry mentors, and professional development opportunities. --- Timestamps 00:00 — What is the food and beverage processing industry? (Hint: it's everything between farm and fork!) 02:22 — The 11 subsectors broken down: dairy, meat, confectionery, seafood, beverages, bakery, and more 07:08 — Operations deep-dive: production operators, maintenance technicians, and plant supervisors 09:27 — Skilled trades and continuous improvement roles 11:45 — How automation and robotics are changing operations 14:09 — Food safety: quality assurance vs. quality control, and why it matters 16:31 — Health and safety managers and systems thinking in food safety 18:50 — Sales and marketing: account managers, brand managers, and marketers 21:19 — How sales and marketing connect to every other part of the business 23:44 — Sponsor spotlight: Careers Now 26:10 — Supply chain and logistics: procurement, inventory planning, and logistics coordinators 28:35 — Warehouse supervisors and the rise of automation in supply chain 31:00 — Food science and R&D: product developers and flavorists 33:24 — Behind the scenes: finance, accounting, and human resources 35:27 — How HR shapes workplace culture 37:42 — Wrapping up: career mobility, job stability, and why the food and beverage industry is a great place to grow  
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  Co-Founder & Sourcing Director with Salma Fotovat, Riverside Natural Foods (MadeGood) 21.02.2026 44мин

  Salma Fotovat is the Co-Founder & Sourcing & Procurement Director at Riverside Natural Foods, Ltd. - Home of MadeGood. They are a Canadian-owned company that specializes in creating healthy, allergy-friendly snacks She shares her insights on the complexities of product development in the dairy industry. She discusses the importance of collaboration, the challenges of optimizing established products, and the innovative processes involved in launching new products. Pratisha emphasizes the significance of curiosity, human connections, and networking in her career journey, providing valuable advice for aspiring product developers. --- Shownotes: https://foodgrads.com/podcast/Salma-Fotovat --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction 03:15 – What Is a Sourcing and Procurement Career? 07:30 – What This Job Actually Looks Like Day to Day 12:00 – How a Single Ingredient Takes Months to Approve 18:00 – Why "Right Price, Right Place" Is Harder Than It Sounds 22:00 – What Happens When 50% of Your Main Ingredient Disappears 27:00 – How Strong Relationships Saved the Business 31:30 – What Makes a Supplier Actually Want to Work With You 36:00 – How Procurement Can Support Farmers and the Planet 40:30 – The Future of Supply Chain Careers and Sustainability 45:30 – Skills Students Should Start Building Now --- 📙  Career Guides: https://foodgrads.com/career-paths-food-and-beverage/    💭  Career Advice: https://foodgrads.com/blog/ --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼  Salma Fotovat LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salmafotovat/ 💼 Riverside Natural Foods LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/riverside-natural-foods/ 🌐 Riverside Natural Foods Website: https://www.riversidenaturalfoods.com/ 📸 MadeGood Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madegoodfoods/ --- CONNECT WITH US   📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodgrads/   🎵  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foodgrads.com   💼  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foodgrads/
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  Product Development and Commercialization Manager with Pratistha Banerjee, Darigold 07.02.2026 51мин

  Pratistha Banerjee is a Product Development and Commercialization Manager at Darigold, a global supplier of dairy and specialty food products. Pratistha shares insights into her role, emphasizing that food product development is not just about flavor but also about functional ingredients, supplier collaboration, and navigating complex operational and regulatory requirements in the dairy industry. She discusses the challenges of optimizing existing products and taking new product ideas from concept to plant launch, as well as what innovation truly means in a large food company. Pratistha highlights the importance of curiosity, problem-solving, and communication in building a successful career. Throughout the conversation, Pratistha reflects on her journey from early career roles to her current position. She emphasizes adaptability, continuous learning, and the value of building strong relationships with colleagues, suppliers, and operators. For students and aspiring food scientists, Pratistha encourages experimenting, learning from real-world challenges, and understanding the functional and technical aspects of ingredients. --- Shownotes --- TIMESTAMPS (00:00) What Food Product Development Really Is and Isn't (02:10) How Pratistha Got Into Product Development (05:00) What a Product Development Manager Does Day to Day (08:40) How Food Products Go from Idea to Launch (12:30) Why Food Product Ideas Fail at Scale (17:00) Theory vs Reality in Food Product Development (21:30) Working With Plants, Suppliers, and Operations (26:10) What Innovation Actually Means in the Food Industry (31:00) How Product Developers Solve Complex Problems (36:20) Choosing Between Food Industry Career Paths (41:30) Networking Advice for Introverted Students (47:40) What Students Should Start Doing Now --- 📙 Career Guides 💭 Career Advice --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼 Pratistha Banerjee LinkedIn 🌐 Darigold Website 💼 Darigold LinkedIn 📸 Darigold Instagram 🐦 Darigold X (Twitter) CONNECT WITH US 🐦 X 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💼 LinkedIn
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  Product Development Specialist with Leslie Herbas, Ascona Foods 18.01.2026 44мин

  What does a Product Development Specialist actually do in meat manufacturing? Leslie Herbas Marañon is a Product Development Specialist at Ascona Food Group, a global supplier of customized dry blends, edible films, and casings for the meat industry. With over 10 years across production, quality management, and R&D in Bolivia and Canada, she brings a hands-on, formulation-first approach to every project. --- Shownotes: https://foodgrads.com/podcast/Leslie-Herbas --- Explore food industry careers with CareersNOW!: https://careersnow.ca/ --- CareersNOW! is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNOW.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development. --- TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Introduction to Food Product Development and Problem-Solving   (01:05) What a Product Development Specialist Does at Ascona   (03:10) Customizing Dry Blends, Edible Films, and Casings   (05:13) From Bench-Top Formulation to Plant Trials   (07:07) What Documentation Means in Product Development   (10:34) Regulatory and Administrative Work in the Meat Industry   (15:57) Building Confidence Through Experience and Failure   (18:09) Managing Multiple Projects and Scaling Up   (23:07) Practicing Product Development Skills at Home   (29:56) Career Path from Production to Product Development   (37:38) Why Problem-Solving Starts with Planning   (43:27) Learning from Production Teams and Operators --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 📙  Career Guides: https://foodgrads.com/career-paths-food-and-beverage/    💭  Career Advice: https://foodgrads.com/blog/ --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼  Leslie Herbas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-herbas-mara%C3%B1on-18507579/ 🌐 Ascona Food Group Website: https://www.asconafoods.com/   💼 Ascona Food Group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascona-foods-group/ CONNECT WITH US   📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodgrads/   🎵  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foodgrads.com   💼  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foodgrads/
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  Senior Project Engineer at Agri-Neo | Mohammad Kathawala 03.01.2026 1ч 1мин

  Mohammad Kathawala, a senior project engineer at Agri-Neo, explains what it takes to work in food safety engineering. He describes how project engineers translate technology into systems that work in real food processing environments, often across global operations. Mohammad shares how his engineering background led him into the food industry, what his role looks like day to day, and why communication and continuous improvement matter as much as technical skill. The conversation also covers how food safety technology is changing and what students and early-career engineers should know before entering the field. --- Shownotes --- Explore food industry careers with CareersNOW!: https://careersnow.ca/   CareersNOW! is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNOW.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development. CareersNOW! - What can you do with an Engineering Degree? --- TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Introduction to Food Safety Engineering (03:02) What a Project Engineer Does in Food Safety (06:09) Agri-Neo's Technology and Food Quality Focus (09:08) Understanding Client Needs and Equipment (11:50) Global Operations and Cultural Differences (15:05) Measuring Success in Engineering Projects (18:10) Continuous Improvement and Client Relationships (20:49) Skills Aspiring Engineers Should Build (23:50) Career Path and Industry Evolution (26:58) The Future of Food Safety Technology (30:09) Advice for Future Engineers -- 📙 Career Guides  💭 Career Advice --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼 Mohammad Kathawala LinkedIn 🌐 Agri-Neo Website 💼 Agri-Neo LinkedIn ▶️ Agri-Neo YouTube CONNECT WITH US 🐦 X 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💼 LinkedIn
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  Skills Every Food Industry Job Seeker Needs with Jayana Kaiprath, Talent Acquisition Manager, Give & Go Prepared Foods (#117) 21.11.2025 46мин

  Explore food industry careers with CareersNOW!: https://careersnow.ca/ Jayana Kaiprath is the Talent Acquisition Manager at Give & Go Prepared Foods, helping students and professionals land their next opportunity in the food industry. Give & Go Prepared Foods, part of the Mondelēz family of brands, makes iconic treats like two-bite® brownies and supports employee growth at every stage of their career. --- Shownotes --- 🧠 Shownotes:  📙 Career Guides:  💭 Career Advice: --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼 Jayana LinkedIn 🌐 Give & Go Website 💼 Give & Go LinkedIn 📸 Instagram CONNECT WITH US 🐦 X:   📸 Instagram: 🎵 TikTok: 💼 LinkedIn:   
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  Mastering Stage-Gate and Beyond with Lara Tiro and Christine Farkas, Food Industry Consultants and Podcast Hosts (#116) 03.11.2025 45мин

  Lara Tiro is the founder of Rebel CPG, where she helps food entrepreneurs take products from kitchen concepts to retail shelves. She brings deep experience in product development and project management, guiding clients through every stage of innovation to ensure ideas become market-ready products. Christine Farkas is the founder of IHeartFood and co-host of the podcast Munching on Molecules. With a background in culinary science and strategic consulting, she helps food innovators solve complex challenges and create products that resonate with consumers. In this episode, we talk about how food consultants use the Stage-Gate process to bring structure to innovation, why collaboration, humor, and flexibility are essential in their work, and how different approaches can lead to successful product launches. Lara and Christine also share insights from their own journeys in the food industry and show how even in the same role, there's room for unique perspectives and personal style. *** Shownotes *** This week's episode is sponsored by: The Faculty of Land and Food Systems at UBC explores the connections between land, resources, environment, and health. Students tackle big questions in food security, sustainable agriculture, and community health. Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs including the Master of Food Science and Food, Nutrition and Health programs at landfood.ubc.ca *** Lara Tiro: LinkedIn Rebel CPG: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Christine Farkas: LinkedIn IHeartFood: Website / LinkedIn Munching on Molecules Podcast: Website / LinkedIn / YouTube / Spotify *** NEXT EPISODE TO CHECK OUT #166 – Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D. Food Scientist, Food Industry Consultant and Author *** SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY FOOD INDUSTRY CAREER TIPS → Sign up for the newsletter *** COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT  Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks)  Get Career Advice (Blog) *** CONNECT  Connect on Twitter  Connect on Instagram  Connect on LinkedIn  Connect on TikTok  Subscribe on YouTube *** SAY THANKS  Leave a review on Apple Podcasts  Leave a rating on Spotify