This episode kicks off with Amy welcoming listeners to a space built for honest conversations about the food and retail world.
She immediately calls out the myth of an industry “reset” in January—reminding us that most teams start the year already stretched thin, still reeling from Q4 chaos. Drawing from her personal journey with burnout and her coaching work with food industry teams, she addresses the cultural patterns that reward unhealthy overwork—like being the “fixer” or the one who always picks up the slack.
She also identifies three core habits to let go of: taking on responsibilities that aren’t yours, staying silent when honesty is needed, and using overwork as a coping mechanism.
Listeners get actionable advice on small pivots—like practising saying no, speaking up even when it’s uncomfortable, and embracing micro-pauses to break the relentless cycle of busyness.
Amy gives a nod to Fearless Women Connect for those craving deeper connection, and closes by challenging everyone to choose three things they’ll leave behind this year to embark on a more fearless, fulfilling journey in food.
Timestamps
00:44 – Amy Wilkinson sets the stage for an honest chat
01:39 – Why “New Year reset” is a myth in food
02:17 – Amy Wilkinson on post-holiday burnout and the cycle of exhaustion
03:08 – The culture of over-functioning and blurred boundaries
04:01 – Behaviours that get praise but fast-track burnout
04:54 – “Carrying what isn’t yours” and the cost of over-responsibility
07:03 – How women in food especially get caught in the mental load
08:10 – Sponsor shout-outs and Fearless Women Connect info
08:54 – The need to speak up and stop self-silencing
09:54 – Why silence drains more than it protects
10:33 – Quick challenge: Say one honest thing in your next meeting
11:43 – Overwork as a false solution to overwhelm
12:52 – Micro-pauses and practical strategies for resetting
14:05 – What to let go for a braver, lighter year
15:52 – Call to action: What three things will you leave behind?
16:46 – Outro and where to find Amy Wilkinson online
Links and Resources:
Website Link: https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk
FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/thefearlessfoodiepod
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefearlessfoodiepod
You can follow us here on Instagram: @thefearlessfoodiepod
Find Amy on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation as @amwyilkinsoncoach.
Link to our sponsors IFP Labs: https://www.ifp-labs.com/
Join our next intake of Fearless Women: Empowered to Rise:https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/fearless-women-rise/
And our FREE networking athttps://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/fearless-women-connect/
