Leading with Kindness in Uncertain Times belonging diversity food leadership human skills inclusion powerful conversations Mar 25, 2025

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 youā€”your colleagues, team members, even friendsā€”are carrying a lot right now.

As leaders, we canā€™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...

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Mentors, Sponsors, Advisors & Coaches OH MY! bettertogether developing people food safety culture human skills powerful conversations Apr 17, 2024

šŸŽ“ 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.

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

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When to Give Up On People developing people food safety culture human skills leadership powerful conversations Mar 30, 2024

šŸ” 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.

šŸ’¬ 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...

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In Over Their Head: When a Team Member isnā€™t Ready developing people expectations food safety culture leadership powerful conversations takesavillage Jan 24, 2024

šŸŽ™ļø 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...

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On the Fly! continuous learning developing people food safety culture leadership powerful conversations Jan 17, 2024

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 THISĀ episode of Real Talk Food Safety with Tia & Jill.

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Performance Reviews: Moving from Necessary Evil to Valuable Asset developing people expectations human skills leadership powerful conversations Aug 02, 2023

Itā€™s months before traditional end-of-the-year reviews will begin.Ā  Thatā€™s why itā€™s the perfect time to talk about how to create more value from performance reviews!Ā  When weā€™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.

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5 Ways to Deal with a Bad Boss leadership managing up powerful conversations technical leadership May 25, 2023

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

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

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Food Safety Stories from Portland bettertogether food industry powerful conversations May 12, 2023

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.

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Why Pizza Parties Aren't Cutting it for Food Safety Culture mindset powerful conversations Jul 27, 2021

Itā€™s Thursday mid-morning.Ā  Youā€™re at work busy [insert your favorite FSQ activity] and production seems to be running smoothly.Ā Ā  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.Ā 

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Itā€™s been months since thereā€™s been a ā€˜no productionā€™ weekend, and last week the complex manager announced NO PRODUCTION for this weekend.Ā  Last Thursday and Friday, the energy in the plant was like everyone won the lot...

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