My Food Job Rocks!

What does it really take to understand the numbers behind your CPG brand? This week, Adam sits down with Abby June Richards, founder and fractional CFO of The CPG CFO, to demystify the financial side of the consumer packaged goods world. Abby shares how she went from 20+ years in public accounting to building a thriving fractional CFO practice serving emerging CPG founders and why she'll never go back to traditional accounting. In this episode, you'll learn the difference between finance and accounting, why most financial models sit unused on a shelf, and how the simple 4:1 cost-to-retail ratio can be a cheat code for pricing your product. Abby breaks down why retention is one of the most powerful (and overlooked) levers in your business, why raising prices is often the bravest and smartest move a founder can make, and how collaboration between finance, sales, and operations is where the magic really happens. She also shares the now-famous Lupini pizza story — where an accidental $25 price tag still moved units and proved that special brands can charge what they're worth. Whether you're pre-revenue, scaling into retail, or just trying to figure out if your business actually has margin, this conversation will give you the clarity (and courage) to look at your numbers with new eyes. Because as Abby says: if you don't have margin, you don't have a business. Find Abby: Website: thecpgcfo.com LinkedIn: Abby June Richards Free resources: Cash Fight Framework, Cash Flow Forecasting Tool, and Know Your Numbers handout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tamanna Ramesh, a commercial lead at the Coca-Cola Company, shares her journey from being a "foodie" in India to navigating the corporate landscapes of Fortune 100 giants like Kraft Heinz and Coca-Cola. She reveals her tactical approach to surviving corporate bureaucracy, including her methods for color-coding her calendar to reclaim focus time and her "Five Whys" strategy for career alignment. Tamanna discusses the transition from a technical R&D background to business strategy, emphasizing how a researcher's mindset is a powerful tool for navigating the subjectivity of corporate roles and the emerging world of AI-driven innovation. Beyond her day job, Tamanna is the founder of Spark Careers, a coaching business born from her passion for empowering STEM professionals. She provides deep insights into the "broken" U.S. immigration system, sharing how she successfully secured an EB-1 "Extraordinary Ability" visa and why she tells her clients that professional volunteering is no longer optional for those seeking career continuity in the States. Whether you are looking to scale a side hustle, integrate AI into your workflow, or master the art of upward mobility, Tamanna’s perspective offers a roadmap for high-achieving professionals to maximize their potential. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Yee interviews Hydroxide, a food science content creator, who shares insights into her journey in food science, her experiences in the industry, and her approach to creating engaging content on platforms like TikTok. They discuss the importance of storytelling in science communication, the challenges of navigating controversial topics, and the impact of content creation on personal growth. Hydroxide emphasizes the need for authenticity and consistency in content creation while encouraging aspiring creators to embrace their passions and connect with their audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Yee interviews James Gourley, a partner at an intellectual property law firm specializing in the food industry. They discuss the importance of understanding intellectual property (IP) for entrepreneurs, the different types of IP, and the nuances of trademark and patent law. Gourley shares insights from his career, including the significance of writing in law, how to choose the right lawyer, and the role of trade secrets in protecting business ideas. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on the legal landscape and the challenges faced by food businesses in navigating legal issues. Takeaways James Gourley specializes in intellectual property law, particularly in the food industry. Understanding IP is crucial for entrepreneurs in the food sector. Writing skills are essential for lawyers, especially in drafting legal documents. Choosing the right lawyer involves assessing their experience in specific legal issues. Different types of IP include patents, trademarks, and trade secrets. Trademark protection is vital for brand identity in the food industry. Cease and desist letters can be intimidating but require careful assessment. Trade secrets can provide a competitive advantage if properly protected. Contracts with manufacturers should clearly outline IP rights and responsibilities. Patents in the food industry can be complex and require careful consideration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During my trip to Japan I met Schyler Cole and had a great talk with her so I decided to interview her. Her journey is very interesting! Schyler Alexandra Cole is an Entrepreneur in Residence at Value Create Ventures in Tokyo, building a revenue-based financing venture to fill funding gaps for SMEs and startups. Her journey into entrepreneurship began with food: while earning her BA in Economics at Stanford, her research led her to found a social enterprise creating a marketplace for culturally competent food and health resources—an experience that shaped her commitment to more equitable investment of financial, social, and human capital. Recognizing parallels between the Southeast US and Japan in entrepreneurship and startups, Schyler earned her Master of Public Policy from the University of Tokyo, focusing on funding strategies for diverse startups. She has worked across venture-backed Silicon Valley startups, VC firms, and think tanks in the US and Japan, specializing in pre-seed/seed stage investments. She advises organizations including Shibuya Startup Support and Women in Tech Japan, and shares content on the future of funding great ideas, building impactful solutions, and centering wellness across Instagram, TikTok, and Substack. Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schylercole Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schyleracole/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@schyler.cole Substack: https://bewelldowellnow.substack.com/about Website: https://www.schylercole.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rachel Atcheson, the Executive Director of Food Policy Pathways, discusses her journey into food policy, the importance of understanding policy definitions, the role of data in shaping food policies, and the influence of lobbying. She shares insights on navigating government structures, implementing innovative programs, and building a career in food policy. Rachel emphasizes the need for collaboration and the importance of getting involved in food policy advocacy to create impactful change in the food system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Satoshi Umino, CEO of Sustainable Food Asia interviewed me while I was in Japan at his office in front of a live audience. This podcast has been edited to remove the Japanese translation. I chat about the following trends happening in the USA: What's happening now: Protein, Tariffs, Labubu Economy What's not happening now: Plant-based, Sustainability Initiatives, Regenerative Trends that will persist for a decade: AI, Biotech, MAHA Trends that are important to watch: Reactive Supply Chain, Fiber and research, The Katseye model Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices