In the fast-moving, cross-functional world of food manufacturing and operations, influence is essential—especially for those who don’t have direct authority. Maybe you're a quality supervisor needing production to adjust processes. Or a senior director driving a change initiative. In any of these roles, pushing people doesn’t work—not for long. Real influence isn’t about controlling outcomes. It’s about building trust-based relationships that make others want to move with you.

The Influence Myt...

Sometimes what looks like “improvement” is really avoidance in disguise. In this week’s Real Talk with Jill & Tia, we’re naming 3 common ways leadership quietly takes a backseat—masked by process changes, shiny tools, or CI initiatives. These approaches can be helpful, but when they replace courageous leadership instead of enabling it, teams start to feel the disconnect. We’ll explore what it looks like when people sidestep leadership, how to spot it, and what to do instead. Whether you're a lea...

Lately, it feels like uncertainty is everywhere. DEI programs are being rolled back, immigration enforcement is creating fear in communities, and for many people, the future feels shaky at best. You may not see it outright, but people around you—your colleagues, team members, even friends—are carrying a lot right now.

As leaders, we can’t control everything happening in the world, but we can control how we show up. And in times like these, small moments of kindness and connection matter more th...

🎓 Join us for an enriching episode of "Real Talk Food Safety with Jill & Tia" as we explore the vital roles of mentors, sponsors, advisors, and coaches in the professional journey of technical professionals in the food and beverage industry. Discover how these guiding figures can offer invaluable support, insights, and opportunities for growth, shaping the trajectory of careers and fostering success.

🌟 Don't miss out on the opportunity to be part of this dynamic discussion. Tune in, comment, an...

🔍 Curious about navigating the delicate balance of professional relationships? Join us for a thought-provoking episode of "Real Talk Food Safety with Jill & Tia" on When to Give Up. Delve into the nuanced discussions around recognizing when it's time to move on from individuals who may no longer align with your goals or values.

💬 Engage with us as we explore the complexities of knowing when to let go, sharing insights and experiences that resonate with professionals across the food and beverage...

🎙️ Join Jill and Tia on the next episode of "Real Talk Food Safety" as they delve into the crucial topic of team members not being fully prepared for their roles. In this insightful discussion, our seasoned hosts will explore the signs and situations that indicate when a team member might not be ready for the responsibilities at hand. Drawing from their extensive experience in the food and beverage industry, Jill and Tia will share practical insights on how to navigate through these scenarios wi...

This week is On the Fly! Join us to ask questions, share insights and engage in unstructured conversation around people, culture and all things food safety and quality. It's amazing what can grow when there's space!

Learn more in THIS episode of Real Talk Food Safety with Tia & Jill.

It’s months before traditional end-of-the-year reviews will begin.  That’s why it’s the perfect time to talk about how to create more value from performance reviews!  When we’re looking to lead better business outcomes, performance reviews were designed to support leaders, yet we often dread doing them. See how performance reviews can be moved from a necessary evil to your most valuable asset!

Learn more in THIS episode of Real Talk Food Safety with Tia & Jill.

We all know people leave bosses, not companies.  While we may say it’s due to a bad boss, there’s often a host of factors to explore to understand the relationship dynamic, especially in food safety and quality.  Join us this week as we dive into five ways to deal with a bad boss.  

Learn more in THIS episode of Real Talk Food Safety with Tia & Jill.

Last week we had the opportunity to be at the Farm to Label event in Portland. We met incredible people, heard some fantastic stories, and learned some lessons. Join us to recap food safety lessons from Portland that are important to food businesses and leaders.

Learn more in THIS episode of Real Talk Food Safety with Tia & Jill.

It’s Thursday mid-morning.  You’re at work busy [insert your favorite FSQ activity] and production seems to be running smoothly.   Your mind keeps drifting to the last few things you need to get ready for this weekend: pack food, put camp chairs in the truck, grab bug spray. 

It’s been months since there’s been a ‘no production’ weekend, and last week the complex manager announced NO PRODUCTION for this weekend.  Last Thursday and Friday, the energy in the plant was like everyone won the lot...