We’re still riding the energy wave from Catalyst’s Leadership Summit—and we’ve got stories to share! On this week’s Real Talk with Jill & Tia, we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what it took to bring the event to life, plus the powerful insights and takeaways that emerged. From standout sessions to unexpected moments, we’ll share what we heard, what we learned, and what surprised us most. You’ll also get a peek at participant feedback and what’s next on the horizon for Catalyst. Whethe...

The countdown is on for Catalyst Food Leader’s Leadership Summit focusing on Advancing Everyday Leaders, Driving Extraordinary Results!

This week on Real Talk with Jill & Tia, we’re pulling back the curtain to share behind-the-scenes insights on how this event came together and why it’s a game-changer for food industry leaders. From designing impactful sessions to curating expert speakers, we’ll highlight key takeaways and what attendees can expect. Plus, we’ll share tips to help you maximize ...

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...

What does it take to become the best version of yourself—both personally and professionally? This week on Real Talk with Jill & Tia, we’re joined by Steve Sorenson of Johnsonville, who believes that growth happens through experiences, mentorship, and intentional choices. He’ll challenge us to think about how we spend each day of our lives and what we’re truly working toward. Learning alone isn’t enough—success comes from application. Join us as we explore how to take ownership of our growth, dev...

Foodborne pathogens are a massive global issue, and current testing methods aren't keeping up. But what if AI could change the game? This week on Real Talk with Jill & Tia, we’re joined by Matthew Theurer (THER) of Hyperspectral, who’s bringing a fresh perspective on how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing food safety. By combining AI with spectroscopy—an age-old technology—Hyperspectral is making pathogen detection faster, more accurate, and cost-effective. We’ll dive into the scale of t...

I remember sitting through multiple years of strategic planning sessions at my former company in the food industry. Three days in a conference room, filled with PowerPoint decks, financial projections, and passionate debates about the next 1–3 years.

The same priorities always emerged: drive up sales and drive down costs.

Leadership teams came armed with game plans—increase operational efficiencies, reduce supplier and ingredient costs, and introduce new products. We’d map out timelines, budge...

Working in the food industry isn’t just about protocols—it’s about people, culture, and leadership. This week on Real Talk with Jill & Tia, we’re joined by Elena Montoya, a passionate leader who has rebuilt food safety and sanitation foundations for multiple brands. From navigating the shift “from high heels to steel toes” to coaching teams on the why behind food safety, Elena knows what it takes to create lasting impact. 

We’ll dive into how training, teaching, and leadership can transform com...

At Catalyst Food Leaders, we believe that leadership is about more than just skills—it’s about impact. That’s why we are proud to support Black Professionals in Food Safety & Quality, a professional group founded by our co-founder, Tia, to create a much-needed space for Black professionals in this critical industry.

Why This Group Exists

Food safety and quality are essential to public health and business success, yet representation in this field has long lacked diversity. Black professionals o...

At Catalyst, we believe the future of leadership in the food industry depends on developing passionate, people-first leaders who are ready to step beyond their technical expertise and drive meaningful impact. That’s why we created the Emerging Leader Program—to ignite the potential of professionals who are ready to grow, influence, and inspire.

This program isn’t just about leadership development; it’s about transformation. Our Emerging Leaders gain the skills to build strong, people-centered c...

This episode of Real Talk with Jill & Tia, we hosted Chelsea Tyus, PhD, for an inspiring discussion on leadership evolution. Chelsea shares her journey from middle management to visionary leadership, highlighting how she transitioned from task-focused roles to strategic decision-making. 🌟

Gain insights on how she built influence across cross-functional teams and earned trust at every level, plus tips on networking, mentorship, and personal growth to accelerate your own career. Whether you’re l...

🎥 Join us for an exciting episode of Real Talk with Jill & Tia! This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Abbey Thiel, aka Abbey the Food Scientist. Abbey is a trailblazing food scientist whose groundbreaking work spans sustainable dairy alternatives, innovative confectionery, and pet food solutions. She’s on a mission to revolutionize how we think about food, combining her expertise in academia and industry with her passion for creating products that are good for people and the planet. 🌱🍫✨

In this ...

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Angela Anandappa, CEO of the Alliance for Advanced Sanitation, to the show! With over two decades of experience in the food industry and a Ph.D. in Food Microbiology, Angela has built a remarkable career solving complex challenges in food safety, quality, and innovation. In this episode, Angela will share her journey from researcher to leader, offering insights into how evolving leadership skills are essential for driving meaningful success in today’s ever-changing ...