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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

Lean into this transformative conversation with Becky Wills, a passionate advocate for the power of life writing. Becky’s approach creates a safe, supportive space where writing becomes a journey of self-discovery, healing, and authentic expression. She believes that reflecting on our experiences through writing builds the kind of self-awareness essential for inspiring leadership. Plus, storytelling is one of the most powerful tools leaders can use to connect and motivate...

On this episode of Real Talk with Jill & Tia, we welcome Jacqueline Mitchell from QA Magazine to share insights into the role of journalism in the food and beverage industry. While our audience members stay updated with QA Magazine, this episode dives into the journey behind the headlines, exploring the broader industry lens journalists use to bring comprehensive stories to life. Jacqueline will reveal how stories are chosen, researched, and developed, showing why publications like...

In this episode of Real Talk with Jill & Tia, we’re exposing The Most Disturbing Mistakes Leaders Make When Promoting People . From choosing the wrong criteria to overlooking potential, these mistakes can have a major impact on team morale, performance, and culture. Join us to explore the hidden pitfalls leaders often fall into and learn how to elevate your promotion practices to set your team up for success. Don’t miss this conversation packed with insights and actionable...

On this Real Talk with Jill & Tia, we’re diving into the topic of career transformation with Kate Warrington from TetraPak . Kate will share how making a bold career shift can reignite your passion and align your work with your values . Whether you're feeling stuck or seeking more fulfillment, Kate's insights will inspire you to embrace change—even when it’s intimidating. Join us for this empowering conversation about redefining success and finding deeper meaning in...

Join us on Real Talk with Jill & Tia as we dive into the topic of Questionable Judgment . From quick decisions in high-pressure situations to the long-term impact of questionable calls, this episode explores how lapses in judgment can disrupt teams and erode trust. We’ll discuss why these missteps matter, and more importantly, how to rebound and recalibrate after they happen.

If you’re a leader, manager, or team member navigating complex decisions, you won’t want to...

Join us this week for an eye-opening episode of Real Talk with Jill & Tia, where we’re diving deep into the art of persuasion with our special guest, Bryan Armentrout.

Persuasion isn’t just about influencing others—it’s about building relationships, driving change, and communicating value effectively in the food industry. Whether you’re presenting food safety data, negotiating with suppliers, or motivating your team, mastering these skills is essential for...