Episodes
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Matt Thell is a Global Strategy & Innovation Leader at General Mills Inc. General Mills Inc. is the creator of iconic brands like Cheerios, Pillsbury and Häagen-Dazs. Matt is a member of an internal consultancy team that helps teams within his organization tackle challenges and seize opportunities. His career journey spans over two decades, beginning with product development roles for beloved snacks like Chex Mix and Gardettos and evolving into strategic roles that focus on front-end innovation.
🔍 Episode Highlights:
Matt shares insights into his role as a strategic consultant within General Mills How Matt uses the I3 process to solve-problems Why curiosity and diverse experiences fuel creativity Tips on understanding team dynamics and timing idea sharingShow Notes
Matt's / LinkedIn
General Mills / Website /
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Introduction
(00:58) Matt explains what Sr. Strategy Manager does
(04:56) Matt's I3 Process
(09:47) Case study: Old Paso in Europe
(15:00) Turning insights into action
(20:13) Navigating challenges in research
(22:08) Creating a supportive team environment
(30:55) How to find ways to share ideas
(34:27) Why curiosity is important
(38:12) Matt's advice for interviews
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
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This podcast marks the 100th episode of the FoodGrads Podcast!
The podcast began in September 2020 and since then we have produced 100 episodes!
The success this show has had and continues to build is all because of YOU. You listening, supporting, and sharing the show. We thank you for the support.
To celebrate this achievement we are re-branding the the podcast to That's a Food Job! We wanted a fresh new look (and name) for the podcast.
We’re here to celebrate food industry professionals and proudly say—That's a Food Job!
In this episode Veronica Hislop is joined with Sydney Mohr and Nicole Gallace both team members from the FoodGrads team.
So in this episode, we talk about how the podcast came to be, highlights from past episodes of the show, the behind the scenes of the podcast, some of the most memorable guests in the first 100 episodes, and the unveiling of the new assets for the rebrand!
Show Notes
TIMESTAMPS
(0:00) Introduction
(9:50) FoodGrads Podcast Rebrand
(21:45) Looking at older intros of the podcast
(37:00) Reflecting on the iterations
(45:09) Behind the scenes of making the podcast
(50:00) Listener Q&A
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
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Episodes manquant?
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Joesph Lyons is the Environmental Operations Coordinator for Susgrainable. Susgrainable has a bold mission to create a world where food waste and diabetes are a thing of the past. Right now they are producing a variety of baking mixes but they are looking to expand in the future. Joseph with Honours from The University of British Columbia with a BCom specialized in Global Supply Chain & Logistics Management. Joesph is fairly new out of graduation but he has done a lot since he started at Susgrainable. In just 9 months he has helped build tools to track stock, built relationships with industry partners and he even has laid down the company’s groundwork for ERP.
🔍 Episode Highlights:
Behind the scenes with Susgrainable
What Joseph does in his role
What a circular economy is
Skills that Joseph is currently working on
Show Notes
Joseph's / LinkedIn
Susgrainable / Website / Instagram / LinkedIn
TIMESTAMPS
(1:15) Joseph’s food job
(2:55) How Joseph got into this role
(5:30) What is supply chain
(7:00) Susgrainable’s supply chain
(9:22) Joseph’s role in operations
(10:20) Launching a snack pretzel
(17:15) Coordinating Susgrainable’s supply chain
(23:15) How Joseph got into supply chain
(26:57) What Joseph likes about supply chain
(32:42) Communication in supply chain roles
(37:06) Why Susgrainable is a good place to work
(38:21) Skills Joseph is working on
(45:26) Advice for going into the supply chain
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
SPONSORS
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.
SAY THANKS
💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify
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Seamus Higgins is the Associate Professor & Course Director for Food Process Engineering at the University of Nottingham. With years of food industry experience, he combines his passion for a more sustainable world and novel manufacturing techniques with a new generation of process engineers at the University of Nottingham and supporting institutions.
Seamus began his career as an electrical engineer in the food industry and has worked with leading international food companies including Tongaat Hewlett, Nestle, and Premier Foods. He has held lead project and senior management roles in factory development, food process engineering, and new product development, and has also consulted for global food and UK companies as well as entrepreneur development and new company start-ups.
🔍 Episode Highlights:
Understanding the concept of food
Evolution of the food system
Adapting to change management
Exploring the role of a food engineerShow Notes
Seamus's / LinkedIn / Research Gate
TIMESTAMPS
(0:00) Introduction
(1:40) What is the food?
(4:50) Seamus’s food job
(9:30) What is a food engineer
(13:20) How Seamus got into engineering
(19:00) Evolution of the food system
(26:05) How food technologies have changed
(30:00) Learning how to manage change
(40:21) What is exciting Seamus about the industry
(51:40) Seamus’s new book
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
SPONSORS
Canadian Food Innovation Network: Check out CFIN’s Career Hub to learn more about CFIN’s free membership, their Food Innovator Career Hub, and how can you can join the fastest growing food business community in the country.
SAY THANKS
💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify
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Dana Dickerson is the Market Development and Sustainability Manager at Grain Farmers of Ontario. Grain Farmers of Ontario is the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmers. Her food job is working to expand markets and encourage new uses for Ontario grain through consumer awareness, domestic industry and export development and end-user relationships.
Prior to her role with Grain Farmers of Ontario, Dana spent eight years at the British Consulate-General, where she held leadership positions, including North American Head of Sector for Consumer Goods and Agri-Food. In this role, she led the UK's strategy to develop agri-food exports to Canada and the U.S. Dana holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce with a major in International Business and a minor in French language from Lakehead University.
🔍 Episode Highlights:
• What a market development and sustainability manager does
• Learning how to communicate on behalf of an industry
• Facts about Ontario Grain
• Oppotunities in agricculture that aren't farmingShow Notes
Dana's / LinkedIn / Twitter / Instagram
Grain Farmers of Ontario / Website / LinkedIn / Twitter
TIMESTAMPS
(0:00) Introduction
(2:09) What Dana does
(2:39) Facts about Ontario grain
(5:44) What Dana does at Grain Farmers of Ontario
(9:15) How to communicate on behalf an industry
(10:12) Dana's career journey
(19:00) How Dana learns on the job
(22:00) Surprises for foreign delegates
(23:15)Technology in grain agriculture
(29:25)Tech jobs in agriculture
(35:37) Where are the jobs located
(38:40) Using school resources
(40:40) Sustainable practices Ontario farmers are implementing
(46:00) Advice for students
(48:00) Where to find DanaCOOL 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
SPONSORS
Canadian Food Innovation Network: Check out CFIN’s Career Hub to learn more about CFIN’s free membership, their Food Innovator Career Hub, and how can you can join the fastest growing food business community in the country.
SAY THANKS
💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify
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AJ Taylor, Ph.D. is a Scientist II, Innovation at McCormick FONA who recently graduated from the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign with a Ph.D. in food science where his research focused on understanding the physiochemical and microbiological aspects of cocoa bean fermentation. This research is looking at ways to understand how microbes affect the quality and flavour profile of the resulting chocolate.
Obtaining a Ph.D. was a rewarding but challenging experience for AJ. In addition to his research AJ acted as a graduate teaching assistant who helped to teach food science to students.
Today he works at McCormick FONA teaching clients about working better with flavours covering everything from the science behind flavour, the labeling landscape, to using flavor in your specific application.
🔍 Episode Highlights: • AJ's research
• The unlikely experience that led to AJ getting a job
• Day in the life of a PhD
• Transitioning between grad school and industry
Show Notes
AJ's / LinkedIn
McCormick FONA
TIMESTAMPS
(0:00) Introduction
(1:34) AJ introduces himself
(2:50) What AJ did in graduate school
(12:15) Dealing with setbacks
(15:46) Process of getting a project
(20:50) Day in the life of PhD
(27:00) What is being a TA
(37:50) Transition between acadamia and industry
(40:39) Standing out from the crowd
(48:00) Where to find AJ
(48:33) OutroCOOL 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
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Brendan Niemira, PhD is a Lead Scientist with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service. He leads a team of 30+ scientists, engineers, technicians, postdocs, and students in Wyndmoor, PA., developing tools to kill human pathogens on produce, meats, poultry, shellfish, and other foods. However, his focus and passion are developing and validating cold plasma, high-intensity monochromatic light, irradiation, and other nonthermal food safety treatments for fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables.
Dr. Niemira has published over 180 peer-reviewed research articles, book chapters, and critical reviews. He is the co-editor and author of a well-regarded reference text and holds two patents.
🔍 Episode Highlights:
• What Brendan does as a lead scientist
• Why plasma could be a game changer for food safety
• Growing your career through food organizations
Show Notes
Brendan's / LinkedIn
USDA Agricultural Research Service
Cold Plasma + Oranges
TIMESTAMPS
(0:00) Introduction
(1:04) Dr. Niemira introduces himself
(1:55) How Niemira progressed into Cold Plasma
(5:27) What a lead researcher does at the ARS
(9:40) What is cold plasma
(17:05) How to implement cold plasma
(23:23) How to justify research?
(29:08) Commercialization of cold plasma
(31:57) Cost of the system
(41:24) Growth opportunities
(45:46) IFT Opportunities
(53:22) Advice for students going into food safetyCOOL 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
SPONSORS
Canadian Food Innovation Network: Check out CFIN’s Career Hub to learn more about CFIN’s free membership, their Food Innovator Career Hub, and how can you can join the fastest growing food business community in the country.
SAY THANKS
💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify
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Michael Sharp is the director of research and analytics at the Heartland Food Products Group. The Heartland Food Products Group is a global leader in making low-calorie sweeteners and liquid water enhancers. It is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, and makes Splenda Sweeteners.
Michael has over 13 years of experience in research and development, leading new products from concept to commercialization. He graduated from Utah State University with a bachelor's degree in food science and a master's degree from Ohio State University.
🔍 Episode Highlights:
• What a Research and Development Director does
• The different kinds of R&D roles
• Michael’s career journey
• Advice for product development research interviewsShow Notes
Michael's / LinkedIn
TIMESTAMPS
(0:00) Introduction
(1:33) Michael's introduction
(11:15) Why Michael decided to get a master's degree
(12:50) Differences between product development and R&D
(16:45) Michael's research process
(22:20) Where Michael learned about data analytics
(24:10) Basic tools of data analysis
(26:40) Difference between small and large labs
(29:20) Sponsor: CFIN
(30:10) Transitioning from work to school
(31:50) How to identify your skills
(33:45) Michael's extra-curriculars during school
(37:00) Technologies that are interesting to Michael
(42:25) Advice for students looking to go into R&DCOOL 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
SPONSORS
Canadian Food Innovation Network: Check out CFIN’s Career Hub to learn more about CFIN’s free membership, their Food Innovator Career Hub, and how can you can join the fastest growing food business community in the country.
SAY THANKS
💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify
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Jennifer McEntire, Ph.D., founder of Food Safety Strategy and former Chief Food Safety & Regulatory Officer at the International Fresh Produce Association. She is a food microbiologist by background and has worked in the Washington, DC, area for over 20 years, bringing the scientific perspective to food safety leadership positions within the grocery manufacturers association. She held previous food safety leadership positions with the Grocery Manufacturers Association and the Institute of Food Technologists, where she led the FDA FSMA traceability pilots.
🔍 Episode Highlights:
Jennifer's food safety career journey Skills that are important for food safety professionals Safety concerns regarding produce Technology's role in the future of food safetyShow Notes
Jennifers's / Website/ LinkedIn
TIMESTAMPS
(0:00) Introduction
(1:30) Jennifer introduces herself
(5:20) Jobs in food safety policy
(10:44) Science and government policy
(14:10) How to practice communicating science
(16:25) Understanding people’s points of view
(20:13) Food produce food safety
(24:31) Food safety of sprouts
(28:15) Technology’s role on food safety for the future
(33:00) How to learn about data science
(37:22) Soft skills needed by food safety professionals
(44:34) Outro
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
SPONSORS
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.
SAY THANKS
💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify
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Davis Jaeger is a R&D Leader, Culinary Expert and Food Scientist. He has had a winding career path up until this point. Davis began working in the hospitality industry at the young age of 14, starting as a busboy. However, his career took a turn when he transitioned to the kitchen after one of the chefs resigned and another chef invited him to join the kitchen staff. That's how he ended up in the culinary science program at Clemson University. Since then, his passion for food science has only grown, and he has not regretted his decision for a moment.
🔍 Episode Highlights:
▪ Challenges and failures Davis faced along the way
▪ The necessity of gaining manufacturing plant experience
▪ The difficulties of collaboration in research
▪ The skill of communicating technical details to non-technical stakeholders
▪ Asking good questions to get a problem solved
Show Notes
Davis's / Instagram / LinkedIn
TIMESTAMPS
(0:00) - Introduction
(2:30) - Davis's career journey
(16:50) - Switching between R&D expertise (meat to confectionery)
(24:15) - Imporance of manufacturing plant experience
(34:39) - How to ask questions in the workplace
(36:56) - How to demonstrate you can solve problems in an interview
(40:14) - Davis talks about his failures and challenges in the workplace
(52:20) Skills important to individuals looking to go into R&D
(55:40) Outro
WHEN YOU'RE READY
📖 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
SPONSORS
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.
SAY THANKS
💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify
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On today’s episode we are talking about what a senior researcher does, the difficulties of collaboration in research and figuring out what you enjoy.
Matthew Teesgarden Ph.D., Senior Researcher and his role is providing strategic leadership for all scientific operations and communications in the Ohio States Foods for Health research initiative. FFH is focused on helping researchers work collaboratively to discover new ways in which food can enhance health. Matt completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Food Science at The Ohio State.
Sponsorship
Canadian Food Innovation Network: CFIN’s Food Innovation Career Hub is a a one-stop-shop for food professionals, students, and employers. This community is home to anyone who is interested in a career in foodtech or is actively seeking talented employees for their food business. The Food Innovator Career Hub lets you search job openings, access original content, and connect with a growing community of food professionals and mentors.Timestamps
(0:00) Introduction
(2:22) Matt's career journey
(6:48) Matt explains what a senior researcher does
(12:08) Ohio State's Food for Health Initiative
(22:24) Sponsor: Canadian Food Inovation Network
(23:00) How Matt learns about different disciplines
(27:30) Attending talks as a student
(31:10) Why Matt loves science communication
(43:56) How to figure out if you enjoy graduate science
(47:16) Matt's experience with IFT
Links
Ohio State Foods for Health Research Initiative
The Lancet Study on Diet and Health
Matt Teagarden on LinkedIn
Tasting Columbus
IFT Food Disruptors Podcast
IFT Career Center
Show Notes
https://foodgrads.com/matthew-teesgarden/
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On today’s episode we are talking about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, what’s it like working in a small business and finding your "why".
Surria Fadel, is the Co-Founder of Cedar Valley Selections. Cedar Valley Selections is not your average pita chip company. They are creating high-quality authentic pita chips in a variety of different flavours.
Surria graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and has spent several years in the fitness industry in many roles including being a Personal Trainer, Coach, Fitness Instructor, and Pain Management Therapist. She started Cedar Valley Selections with her son Ameen after receiving a small grant from his school board and wanted to share his mothers’ famous Fattoush Salad recipe.
Timestamps
(0:00) Introduction
(2:19) Cedar Valley origins
(7:38) Where Ameen's entrepreneurship spirit came from
(12:05) Why Surria decided to commit to Cedar Valley
(13:00) What drives Surria
(21:47) Sponsor: CareersNow!
(22:14) Experience running a manufacturing facility
(33:54) What it was like being on Dragon's Den
(40:30) Where Surria looks for guidance
(47:36) Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
Links
Surria's LinkedIn Cedar Valley Show Notes
MORE 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
SPONSORS
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.
SAY THANKS
💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify
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On today’s episode, we discuss food safety consulting, essential skills for food safety professionals, and how volunteering can help you network.
Tania is the Co-Founder and Director of Assured Food Safety Consulting. She is here to offer guidance on navigating the world of food safety careers. Tania has a Master's degree in food science and is a proud Centennial College Biotechnology alumni. She has worked in food safety within the government and the food industry. Tania is passionate about giving back to the student community and helping companies improve their food safety.
Timestamps
(0:00) Introduction
(2:53) Tanya's career journey
(5:39) How Tanya found out about food safety consulting
(10:34) How food safety consulting works
(14:51) Skills needed by a food safety consultant
(13:05) Food safety regulations and consulting options
(24:51) Improving communication skills in school and beyond
(29:30) Overcoming language barriers
(31:20) Mentorship and why Tanya started to
(42:18) Skills students are lacking in the workplaceLinks
Tania's LinkedIn Assured Food Safety Show NotesWHEN YOU'RE READY
📖 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
SPONSORS
Canadian Food Innovation Network: CFIN's Food Innovation Career Hub is a one-stop shop for food professionals, students, and employers. This community is home to anyone interested in a career in food tech or actively seeking talented employees for their food business. The Food Innovator Career Hub lets you search job openings, access original content, and connect with a growing community of food professionals and mentors.
SAY THANKS
💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify
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On today’s episde we are talking about the Kaan's career journey, his book "Food for Thought" and philosophy.
About Kaan Demiryürek
Kaan Demiryürek is the Research and Development Director for Sustainable Packaging at PepsiCo. Pepsico products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo's food portfolio includes products such as Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream.
Kaan has over two decades of career experience working at PepsiCo in food science, engineering and R&D spanning multiple geographies. Kaan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Engineering from the Middle East Technical University and His first role at Pepsico was as an R&D intern in Turkey. Since then he has worked in various business units in Europe (Turkey, Balkans, and East Europe) and North America across different foods categories. Before his current role in sustainable packaging Kaan led the R&D team for Potato Chips for North America.
Links
Show Notes Kaan Demiryürek's LinkedIn PepsiCo Food for Thought: Food Science and Engineering for the Future of Humanity by Kaan Demiryürek How modern science is turning our foods into medicines | David Julian McClements | TEDxAmherst Dr.David McClements Webinar for The Good Food Institute Kaan's emailTimestamps
(0:00) Introduction
(1:52) Kaan introduces himself and career history
(5:36) Difference between food engineering and science
(7:00) Why Kaan transitioned to sustainable packaging
(12:52) Discussion about "Food for Thought" Book
(20:00) Philosophy and R&D
(25:13) Sponsor: CareersNow!
(30:17) Importance of curiosity
(34:55) Prioritization in work
(42:00) Advice for inspiring food professionals
(45:39) Outro
MORE COOL STUFF
📖 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
SPONSORS
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.
SAY THANKS
💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify
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On today’s episode we are talking about the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN), CFIN's career resource library, Jamil's career story and cool innovation happening in Canada.
Our guest today is Jamil Karim, Director of Communications for CFIN. CFIN helps to fund transformative foodtech projects, stimulate collaboration, and foster a growing community of food and beverage professionals. They connect the Canadian food and beverage ecosystem to new ideas, opportunities, and technologies to increase collaboration and position Canada as a global leader in food innovation.
Jamil Karim combines more than a decade of marketing and communications experience with a passion for helping people and companies tell their stories. He also has extensive experience working with industry, where he’s led media and community relations strategies for some of the country’s fastest growing tech companies. Additionally, Jamil is deeply committed to having a positive impact on his community.
SponsorshipThis podcast episode is sponsored by the Canadian Food Innovation. Check out CFIN’s Career Hub code to learn more about CFIN's free membership, our Food Innovator Career Hub, and how can you can join the fastest growing food business community in the country.
Timestamps
[0:00] Introduction
[1:43] Jamil’s career path in communications and public relations up until CFIN
[6:57] Skills required in communication roles
[14:26] About CFIN
[23:15] Food tech innovation and collaboration in Canada
[26:36] Green-tech definition
[28:37] CFIN’s career hub
[34:45] Jamil’s research process
[38:05] Canadian innovation trends
[41:27] Challenges of implementing innovation
[44:35] CFIN funded startups
[48:58] Advice for students looking to innovate
Links
Jamil Karim LinkedIn
CFIN’s Career Hub
CFIN’s YODL
Relocalized
Food Cycle Science
Jamil Karim’s Email
Find Jamil Karim Online
Show Notes
Website: FoodGrads.com/Jamil-Karim/
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On today’s episode we are talking about buliding a career journey into the tea industry, the differences about blended and single orgin teas, fostering a sense of continuous learning and problem-solving techniques which are pivotal for his consulting pursuits in the tea industry and advice for those looking to go into the tea industry.
Our guest today is William (Billy) Dietz, author or the book Spill the Tea. Billy has been in love with the tea industry since he first discovered the health benefits of tea back in high school. Billy has over 15 years of career knowledge. Which has amassed from his time as a tea blogger, a tea entrepreneurship, working in product development at DavidsTEA to currently being an independent tea consultant.
Sponsors
This episode of the podcast is supported by CareersNow! 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
Coming soon!
Links
Coming soon!
Find Billy Dietz Online
Show Notes
Website: FoodGrads.com/billy-dietz/
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On today's episode, we discuss the fields of packaging and project management, lessons learned in managing teams, and the importance of staying curious.
Our guest is Karen Aranha, Innovation & Commercialization Project Manager at The Hershey Company. Karen graduated with a Bachelors's Degree from the University of Mumbai in Packaging and Printing Technology. After gaining some experience in the field she obtained a Master's Degree in Packaging Science from Rochester Institute of Technology. After graduating, she worked for the Packaging Corporation of America as a packaging engineer, developing and executing merchandising displays and corrugated packaging. Her responsibilities included creating and implementing temporary displays and corrugated packaging for Hershey's. Although she now works in project management for the food industry, she remains passionate about packaging and considers herself a "packaging geek."
Sponsors
This episode of the podcast is supported by CareersNow! 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
[4:12] Karen's career journey
[9:46] Speaking about a packaging engineering degree
[15:20] Differences between cardboard and corrugated material
[21:11] Why Karen switched to project management
[26:45] Designing and Coordinating Packaging
[31:00] How Karen manages projects
[36:58] Hershey’s sweet and salty division
[39:31] Learning how to manage people
[45:11] Advice for students and graduates
[50:12] OutroLinks
Comin soon!
Show Notes
Website: http://FoodGrads.com/karen-aranha/
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On today’s episode we are talking about the ins and outs of food inspections, the art of communication in the workplace and balancing work a master’s program. Our guest today is Mariia Melnychuk, Food Processing Specialist Inspector at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and MSc. student for Food Safety & Quality Assurance at University of Guelph. The CFIA is a key science-based federal regulator of food, animals and plants. The CFIA is committed to enhancing the safety of food produced and sold in, or imported into, Canada, contributing to the health of animals and protecting the plant resource base.
Mariia graduated from Niagara College with an advanced diploma & Associate’s Degree in Food Science and Technology and since then has held multiple food safety positions. Her current master’s research is looking at consumers perceptions of cultured meat.
Timestamps
[00:00] Introduction
[1:02] Mariia's Journey to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency
[8:40] Important skills for a food processing inspector
[15:21] Stories that have stuck out to Mariia
[18:54] Exploring Maria's UofG Master's Program
[24:20] Mariia's thesis on perceptions in cell based meats
[25:45] Choosing the Right Research Topic
[26:43] Difficulties of conducting surveys
[27:06] Current State of Cell-Based Meats in Canada
[30:29] The Role of Supervisors in Research
[38:23] Why Mariia decided to get a master's degree
[40:29] Advice for Students and Closing RemarksLinks
Mariia Melnychuk LinkedIn
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
University of Guelph's Food Safety and Quality Assurance program
Information about the different roles CFIA inspectors carry out
Find Mariia Melnychuk
Mariia Melnychuk LinkedIn
Show Notes
Website: https://foodgrads.com/2024/01/17/mariia-melnychuk/
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On today’s episode we are talking about entrepenurship, Canada’s food landscape and how Venture Parks is helping to support small start-ups.
Mike McNeil is vice president of operations at Venturepark Labs. Venturepark Labs is a non-profit supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in the food & wellness categories. It was initially founded in 2015 as District Ventures Accelerator and District Ventures Kitchen by Canadian business icon Arlene Dickinson. In May 2021, this initiative became Venturepark Labs—a proud community within Venturepark—Canada’s only business growth ecosystem.
Mike began his career as an advisor to Canada's Minister of Finance, the Honourable Jim Flaherty, but soon discovered a passion for entrepreneurship. As the first hire at Venturepark Labs, Mike established the accelerator program as one of Canada's leading programs for entrepreneurs. To date, the program has supported over 130 entrepreneurs and contributed over $1B in economic output. In 2023, Mike was named one of the Best Executives in Canada by The Globe and Mail.
In 2023, the Globe and Mail recognized Mike as one of the Best Executives in Canada.
Sponsors
This episode of the podcast is supported by CareersNow! 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
Coming soon!
Links
Coming soon!
Find Mike Online
Mike McNeil
Show Notes
Website: http://FoodGrads.com/mike-mcneil/
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On today’s episode we are talking about what a product developer does in the wine and spirits sector, sensory science and the valuable skills developed during postgraduate education.
Our guest today is Esther Onguta, a Toronto native passionate about food and cooking, is an expert in food, fermentation, and sensory science. She earned a BSc in Food Science from the University of Guelph, specializing in Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals, and later pursued a Certificate in Grape and Wine Technology and an MSc in Biotechnology at Brock University. Esther then moved to New Zealand for her PhD in Food Technology at Massey University, focusing on the sensory aspects of protein-based foods. In 2021, she returned to Canada to work in distilled spirits and recently joined the Absolut Group/Pernod Ricard in Windsor, Ontario, as a Product Development Specialist. Additionally, she has completed WSET Levels 2 and 3 in Wines and aspires to achieve the DipWSET.
Timestamps
[0:00] Podcast Introduction
[1:58] Esther Self-Introduction
[5:51] The Role of a Product Development Specialist
[7:15] Working With Other Departments
[9:01] What Attracted Esther to This Role
[10:25] The Transferability of Ph.D. to Product Development
[13:03] How Esther Decided on a Ph.D. Supervisor
[15:07] Differences Between Ph.D. and the Workforce
[18:48] Tools Esther Uses to Manage Her Work
[20:24] Skills Esther is Currently Developing
[22:22] What is "Good" Sensory for a Consumer
[26:15] Other places Ph.D.'s work in the Company
[30:36] Lessons Esther has Learned Working
[33:01] Esther's Experience as a TA
[34:26] Networking during Ph.D.
[40:56] The Impact of Technology and Innovation on Esther's Role
[43:15] Advice for Aspiring Food Industry Professionals Links
CareersNow!Absolut Group/Pernod Ricard
University of Guelph
Find Esther Online
Esther's LinkedIn
Show Notes
Website: https://foodgrads.com/esther-onguta/ - Montre plus
