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In this episode, we sit down with Adam Vine-Hall and Tess Gerrand - a true FMCG power couple whose story blends elite sport, business transformation, and family life.

Tess, a former Olympian turned Head of Customer Category & Execution at Kraft Heinz, shares her journey of retiring from sport at just 26 and navigating a new professional identity. From the recommendation of Coca-Cola Amatil’s Managing Director to join a cross-functional leadership graduate program, to discovering her passion for sales through hands-on experience across strategy, procurement, and transformation, Tess’s story is one of curiosity, resilience, and reinvention.

Her husband, Adam, brings his own depth of experience as Director of Operations and Transformation at Circana, having transitioned from nearly a decade in rowing coaching into the world of insights and operational excellence. Together, they discuss how their sporting mindset has shaped their approach to business, leadership, and balance.

We explore how Adam and Tess use their networks across sport and industry to open new doors post-athletic career, how they navigate the demands of raising a young family, and what the corporate world can do better to support working parents.

This is an inspiring conversation about growth, adaptability, and redefining success - on and off the field.

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In this episode, we sit down with Donna Oakley-Davies, a seasoned marketing leader whose journey from the rolling hills of Wiltshire to the boardrooms of global FMCG brands is nothing short of inspiring.

Originally from a small village near Westbury - famous for its iconic White Horse - Donna shares how her rural upbringing, love of the outdoors, and strong family values shaped her grounded yet ambitious approach to leadership. With a father who was a cabinet maker and a mother who worked as a secretary, Donna’s early life instilled in her a strong work ethic and appreciation for craftsmanship and detail - qualities that have carried through her marketing career.

A private school education opened doors to new opportunities, and while Donna once dreamed of representing England in hockey, her passion for teamwork and performance eventually led her to pursue Food Management at Bournemouth University. From there, she launched her career with Marks & Spencer, laying the foundations for what would become a dynamic trajectory across the FMCG sector.

Donna reflects on her early roles at United Biscuits, where she developed a deep understanding of consumer behavior, and her later position as Chief of Staff to the European CEO at Heinz, which gave her a front-row seat to global strategy, innovation, and leadership at scale.

Now leading marketing and customer strategy at FoodCo, Donna discusses the evolving expectations of today’s consumer, the balance between creativity and data in modern marketing, and how her journey continues to be shaped by curiosity, resilience, and purpose.

Tune in to hear how Donna’s experiences - from sports fields to boardrooms - offer valuable lessons for anyone aspiring to build a meaningful and future-ready career in sales and marketing.

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In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome back Seb Brandt, but this time, Seb's story takes a turn.

In this special return episode, we catch up with Seb, who recently hit pause on his high-powered corporate life to cycle across the United States on what he calls “The Deliberate Detour.”

From growing up in Leichhardt and landing his first marketing job at Ashfield Mall, to leading iconic brands like Carlton Draught, Doritos, and Red Bull across Australia, Canada, and the U.S., his career has been a masterclass in marketing, leadership, and global brand building.

But in April 2025, he stepped off the treadmill - literally - and onto a bike, choosing to trade boardrooms and business plans for the open road. What followed was a transformative journey across America, driven by reflection, purpose, and a desire to reconnect with what really matters.

In this episode, we unpack:

• What it takes to walk away from a thriving executive career
• How the Deliberate Detour reshaped his perspective on leadership, success, and self
• The lessons from decades of building brands - and what business can learn from taking a step back

Whether you’re a marketing veteran, a corporate leader, or someone quietly craving a detour of your own - this conversation is equal parts inspiring and grounding.

Episode 25: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1235627/episodes/8755684-episode-25-seb-brandt-from-ingham-s-group-limited.mp3?download=true

Episode 90: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1235627/episodes/15506970

Instagram: @thedeliberatedetour

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In this episode, we sit down with Natalie Woolley, the Modern Trade Strategy Centre of Excellence Director for APAC at Suntory Oceania, whose journey through the world of FMCG is as global as it is inspiring.

Born in the UK and raised across continents - with formative years spent in Singapore - Natalie brings a unique, multicultural lens to brand, category, and trade strategy.

From launching her career at Danone in the UK to driving modern trade excellence across the Asia-Pacific region, she shares insights into navigating global markets, adapting to cultural shifts, and building customer-centric strategies that work across borders.

Whether you're in FMCG, brand management, or just passionate about global business, this episode offers a compelling look at what it means to lead with both strategy and cultural intelligence.

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In this special episode of Your Future in Sales and Marketing, we shine a spotlight on the prestigious Joe Berry Award - one of the retail and FMCG industry's highest honours for young talent.

We're joined by Holly Gregory, the 2025 winner and Assistant Brand Manager at Arnott’s, who shares insights into her journey, winning paper, and what this recognition means for her career. Also joining the conversation is Keith Quigg, CEO of Activate Group and Director of the Joe Berry Award, offering perspective on the award’s legacy and its role in shaping the future of the industry.

A must-listen for aspiring leaders and industry enthusiasts alike!

Ready to be the future of retail leadership?
The Joe Berry Award is your opportunity to stand out, showcase your insight, and be recognised by the industry's top leaders.

Pre-registration for the 2026 Award opens on the 1st October 2025!

Entries can be submitted to entries@joeberryaward.com.au

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In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Dennis, Commercial Director at Diageo whose journey from a farm in regional Victoria to the helm of global FMCG brands is nothing short of inspiring.

Raised with a strong work ethic and deep resilience, she shares how her rural upbringing shaped her leadership style, her transition to city life for education, and the pivotal moments that defined her career at Unilever, Arnott’s, and now Diageo.

We explore her path through a commerce degree with an economics focus, her perspective on women in leadership, and how she balances strategic thinking with authentic leadership in a competitive industry.

This is a story of grit, growth, and breaking glass ceilings - from the paddocks to the boardroom.

Drinks Association link:

https://www.drinksassociation.com.au/

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In this episode, we sit down with Dan Crabtree, Senior Sales Director at PepsiCo, to explore a career journey that started in the aisles of Woolworths and led to the leadership table of one of the world’s biggest FMCG companies.

Growing up in Sydney with a down-to-earth, hard-working family, Dan’s first exposure to retail came as a teenager pushing trolleys and stocking shelves. After completing a Commerce degree in Marketing and Finance, he entered the Woolworths graduate program and began building a diverse career across some of Australia’s most iconic retailers and suppliers—including ALDI, CHEP, and Coles.

Dan shares insights from each chapter of his journey—from navigating commercial negotiations to leading customer relationships at scale. He reflects on the transition from operational roles into strategic sales leadership, the importance of staying grounded, and what it takes to drive growth in highly competitive retail environments.

Whether you're starting your career or stepping into senior leadership, Dan’s story is packed with valuable lessons on resilience, adaptability, and the power of understanding retail from the ground up.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Amy Smith and Travis Miller, members of the Mindpick pod, to talk about the power of peer-based learning and what it really takes to thrive in FMCG.

Key highlights include:

• How trust is built when things don’t go to plan—and why that matters in account relationships.
• The value of being cross-functional and taking on challenges outside your comfort zone.
• Why peer-based learning is so powerful—and how Mindpick fosters it.
• The reassurance that “no one is alone” in FMCG—everyone is facing similar challenges.
• The importance of staying ahead with data and AI to remain competitive.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone in FMCG looking to grow, connect, and lead with confidence.

🎧 Tune in and hear how Amy and Travis are helping shape a more collaborative and resilient industry.