Susan begins by sharing her the challenges she experienced with engaging in IFST as a student and early career professional engaging in IFST, which stemmed from geographical and time-related issues. Things took a turn when she transitioned into freelance consultancy, a shift that allowed her to get more deeply involved. Starting with the Midlands branch, she eventually took the lead in establishing the IFST Food Innovation Special Interest Group during the pandemic. This group created a much-needed space for product developers to collaborate, share ideas, and find support during a difficult time.

The conversation moves to the launch of the Innovation Toolkit in 2023.

Designed for product developers, this resource is a treasure trove of practical tools, including creative ideation methods, innovation processes, project management strategies, and trend analysis. It’s clear from Susan’s description that the toolkit is a must-have for anyone in product development, whether they’re new to the industry or seasoned professionals.

Susan also highlights the importance of bridging academia with real-world industry experience. She believes that combining theory with hands-on learning makes education more impactful and engaging, bringing lectures to life in a way that resonates with learners.

As the discussion continues, Susan reflects on the value of IFST as a professional network, particularly for freelancers and consultants who often feel isolated in their work. She emphasises the importance of staying connected to a community that supports growth, offers learning opportunities, and encourages collaboration.

We also dive into Susan’s career journey, including her pivot from working with branded goods to focusing on ingredient innovation. She shares insights into risk management and the need for flexibility in product development processes. Susan encourages food professionals to revisit the basics, like the NPD Fundamentals course, which she sees as beneficial for anyone looking to stay current and enhance their understanding of industry practices.

The episode concludes with Susan and the hosts encouraging listeners to explore IFST’s resources, including the Innovation Toolkit, which will soon be integrated with the NPD Fundamentals course for even greater value.

Timestamps

• [0:00] - Introduction
• [2:30] - Susan’s early challenges with IFST
• [8:45] - Founding the Innovation Group during the pandemic
• [11:20] - Innovation Toolkit launch in 2023
• [15:35] - Bridging academic and industry experience
• [19:10] - Why IFST is a lifeline for food professionals
• [30:12] - Transitioning from branded businesses to ingredients
• [33:45] - Revisiting fundamentals and staying flexible
• [40:15] - Encouragement to explore IFST resources

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