Women in Food: Leadership, Data and What Needs to Change

We kick off with Laura’s backstory – how a proud northerner with zero agri-food experience stumbled into a decades-long love affair with the meat industry.

Laura and Amy get real about how people often have no idea about the breadth of careers in food, or the quirks that make this industry so colourful.

Laura opens up about launching Meat Business Women as a safe, supportive network for women in meat and food manufacturing.

Both dig into the practicalities – why so many women struggle to prioritise networking and personal development, and how the ready-made community of MBW makes it less awkward (and, frankly, a lot more effective).

We also explore the bold vision behind the Food Business Charter, pushing for 40% female representation in meat and food manufacturing by 2035, and what it means for businesses of all sizes.

Laura shares how collecting and leveraging robust data isn’t just a tick-box exercise but a way to actually move the needle – unlocking challenges faced by both women and men and creating more flexible, inclusive workplaces.

Finally, Laura opens up about stepping back operationally to make space for new leadership at MBW, the challenge (and relief) of handing over her “first baby,” and moving forward as an executive coach and consultant – proving that personal growth and change really are a lifelong journey.

If you’ve ever felt like an imposter, questioned how to progress in food, or just needed a nudge to prioritise yourself, this episode brings comfort, practical strategies, and permission to hit “pause” and reflect on your own journey.

Timestamps

00:16 – Welcome and intro to Laura Ryan: her portfolio career and passion for personal development
02:30 – Laura’s accidental entry into the meat industry and why she stayed
04:53 – The hidden world of food industry careers and retention challenges
05:42 – What is Meat Business Women? From humble beginnings to global influence
07:27 – The power (and pain) of networking, and why women often overlook it
09:46 – Data, partnerships, and practical tools to drive real change
11:40 – MBW’s expansion into the broader food industry
12:06 – Tangible member benefits: mentoring, events, community, and a unique industry language
13:26 – How MBW focuses on BOTH business skills and personal growth
15:16 – The origin and ambition of the Food Business Charter and its practical impact
17:57 – Accountability, action, and supporting businesses at every stage of the journey
18:48 – Laura’s UN experience and MBW’s global mission
21:17 – Why a data-driven approach resonates with senior leaders
22:56 – The importance of male allies and MBW’s inclusive model
23:47 – Universal workplace challenges: how flexibility helps everyone
24:57 – How modelling and normalisation of flexibility unlock culture change
25:55 – What’s next: industry-wide surveys and why YOUR data matters
29:29 – Laura’s transition, growth mindset, and making space for new leadership
33:47 – The superpower of coaching and why it’s not just for executives anymore
35:35 – How to connect with Laura and final calls to action