Organisational change doesn’t just test systems—it tests people.

In this straight-talking episode, Amy unpacks what actually helps when teams are navigating uncertainty: the emotional impact leaders carry, the unspoken fear beneath resistance, and the small, consistent actions that build trust when big answers aren’t available.

She explains the powerful difference between “change” (the external stuff: org charts, new faces, shifting priorities) and “transition” (the internal process everyone goes through as they try to regain stability and clarity).

She shares why leaders (and teams) don’t just resist change—they resist loss of control, safety, and connection, and how that can show up as everything from tunnel vision to overwork, withdrawal, or just uncharacteristic quiet.

Building real psychological safety is at the core of her advice. She offers hard-won, practical tips, be honest about what you know and don’t know, keep communications predictable (even if your updates are “no update”), and don’t disappear when the going gets tough. She makes a strong case for not just surviving but leading with authenticity and empathy—showing your own vulnerability in a professional way and giving your teams permission to do the same.

The episode also tackles the not-so-glamorous “what NOT to do” list: going silent, pretending everything’s normal, making promises you can’t keep, punishing emotions, and trying to carry the emotional load alone. She calls out the power of external support—from team coaching to facilitated learning sets—especially when morale is taking knocks from too much uncertainty.

To wrap up, Amy leaves us with three foundational principles: clarity, consistency, and compassion.

They might sound simple, but they’re the secret weapons for any team navigating change. If you’re feeling stretched and need a pep talk (with a side of real talk), you’ll definitely want to give this one a listen.

Timestamps

00:00 "Leading Through Uncertainty"

03:19 "Leading Through Emotional Transitions"

09:49 Navigating Fear Through Team Support

10:52 "Creating Fearless Spaces for Change"

15:16 "Consistency Creates Calm"

17:34 Compassionate Leadership and Connection

21:50 "Allowing Space for Emotions"

Connect with The Fearless Foodies

The Fearless Foodie Newsletter straight to your inbox. No fluff, no spam: https://foodies.fearlessfoodies.co.uk/podcast

Connect with Amy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amywilkinsoncoach/

Useful Links and Resources:

Leading Through Uncertainty – free download: https://foodies.fearlessfoodies.co.uk/leading-through-uncertainty

If support would help, I work with leaders and teams during periods of change through:

Leadership workshops

Facilitated ways-of-working sessions

1:1 coaching

Team coaching

Change workshops for Teams

If you want to talk things through, you’re very welcome to drop me an email to explore how Fearless Foodies can help: amy@fearlessfoodies.co.uk  

What is true innovation and why does it matter?

Nell Masey O Neill and Amy Wilkinson get painfully honest about how “innovation” gets thrown around everywhere in the food industry, but rarely means what it should. Nell breaks down the difference between real innovation and the kind that just ticks boxes, sharing her experience as a nutritional biochemist who’s been in the technical, research, and leadership hot seats.

The discussion peels back what keeps big businesses stuck on the safe, short-term stuff—process, control, reporting—and why it’s startups and agile teams who seem to get the “fun” jobs of game-changing innovation.

But, as both speakers remind us, saying yes to true innovation isn’t just for the tiny disruptors. The episode is jammed with tools and mindsets for traditional companies and leaders who want to create cultures that are brave enough to try, fail, and actually learn.

Want to know why collaboration goes beyond sitting in the same room, and why mastering “real talk”—including giving feedback, pausing to reflect, and really listening—makes all the difference?

They cover it all, sprinkling in the practical: from small daily habits to building reflection into your team’s routine, and why a little courage (and a lot of honesty) goes a long way.

If you’re sick of innovation theatre and ready for something that actually moves the needle, you’ll feel seen, and walk away with real steps you can start today.

Welcome to Bethan’s Bite-Sized Bulletin - your quick-fire briefing on what’s happening across the food and drink industry. In under five minutes, journalist and Food Manufacture editor Bethan Grylls shares the latest headlines, trends and developments to keep you in the know.

Explore more industry news at foodmanufacture.co.uk

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.

IFP Labs sponsors the Fearless Foodie Podcast https://www.ifp-labs.com/en/index.php