Mitch Lee
The Unfounders
Closing the door on my startup opened the door to more opportunities than I could have imagined. I’m proud to be an Unfounder, helping startups grow from day one. I’ve been both founder and Unfounder and now I want to share the stories no one hears; applauding the day one drivers behind brands. You don’t have to start the brand to be the reason it made it. Forget founder fairy tales. We’re here for the Unfounders. Real talk from the people who took the leap (and what they ’d tell you before you do).
Where to listen?
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Episodes
#90 - Harry Turipin - Imaginakery / Jungle Squad [Head of Sales] 21.06.2026 45:58
Today's guest is a good friend and absolute LEGEND in the FMCG scene, Harry Turpin . Harry is Head of Sales at Imaginakery - a game-changing children's better for you snacking brand, with their hero products Jungle Squad . If you're a parent, you NEED to get some of their 60% less sugar cakes in your basket. Use code UNFOUNDERS10 for 10% off on their website HERE I love their innovativ...
#89 - Clarisse Fraisse - Premier Foods [Innovation Controller] 11.06.2026 34:43
Clarisse Fraisse is Innovation Controller at Premier Foods - and she was an absolute joy to speak to! I loved hearing about her background, working in brands like Kerry, Gu and for the brilliant ZenB pasta. We talk all things innovation, NPD, frozen - and community, with the brilliant work she and Kelly Mackenzie are doing building People Like Me , a space for women in business to network in a mor...
#88 - Marieke Hammes - The Canned Wine Group [Head of Operations & Sustainability] 17.05.2026 30:32
Today's guest is Marieke Hammes - Head of Operations and Sustainability at The Canned Wine Group . They have two brilliant sub-brands, Canned Wine Co and The Copper Crew - both showcasing how incredibly delicious and sustainable canned wine can be. Marieke was employee number 1 after the founders and has been there nearly 6 years. I loved getting to know her backgroup, move into operations, an...
#87 - Zoe Fox - The Coconut Collab / Getting to Grow [Head of Business Development / Podcast Host] 03.05.2026 38:26
This weeks guest is the effervescent Zoe Fox - Head of Business Development at The Coconut Collab and host of brilliant consumer brand podcast Getting to Grow. Well versed in brilliant conversations, it was nice to dig into all things Zoe, her motivations, passions, career history and of course all about her podcast. Zoe is full of energy, and equally full of wisdom. You're gonna love it! If y...
#86 - Lawrence Moore - Oato [Commercial Director] 26.04.2026 47:46
Today's guest is Lawrence Moore - Commercial Director at Oato Lawrence shares insights from his extensive career in FMCG, from Belvoir Farms to Red Bull, and the innovative approach behind Oato's fresh oat milk. Discover lessons on brand building, manufacturing, and leadership in the competitive food and drink industry. If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my...
#85 - Charlie Pugh Cordero - Foreva Farmers [Growth Lead] 19.04.2026 30:57
This weeks guest is the brilliant Charlie Pugh Cordero - Growth Lead at Foreva Farmers . They are making quintessentially British drinks, crafted with 100% natural ingredients straight from their Herefordshire farm. The farm operates on renewable energy, ensuring that every can of Foreva Farmers' you enjoy leaves a minimal environmental footprint. I loved getting to hear about the brand from C...
#84 - Lucy Williamson - STOCKED [Brand Manager] 12.04.2026 39:34
Today's guest is Lucy Williamson , brand manager at STOCKED Now STOCKED make innovative meals in block format, with a passionate community of 'blockheads' and over 16,000 subscribers. I loved chatting to Lucy, you're gonna love it too! If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor Against Ordinary - the masterminds behind my gorgeous...
#83 - Louis Bedwell - FMCG Industry Advisor 05.04.2026 37:17
Today's guest is my good friend Louis Bedwell . Louis has spent 10+ years on the inside of the food industry - running innovation programmes with major retailers, backing early-stage brands through an investment fund, and leading a senior membership community focused on climate and health strategy. His job is all about helping brands, retailers, and investors make better decisions about food,...
#82 - Ellen Whysall - Pukpip [Business Development Manager] 29.03.2026 35:44
This weeks guest is Ellen Whysall , Business Development Manager at Pukpip . A brand revolutionising frozen banana desserts. Discover insights on brand growth, product innovation, and navigating the food industry, perfect for aspiring food entrepreneurs and FMCG enthusiasts. If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor Against Ordinary - the masterm...
#81 - Jess Wright - Caravan Coffee Roasters [Sales & Marketing Director] 22.03.2026 43:51
This weeks guest is Jess Wright - Sales and Marketing Director at Carvan Coffee Roasters. Jess has a fantastic career history, working for brands inlcuding Coca Cola, Emily Crisps, Camden Town Brewery, &Soda and many more! She now leads a team looking after the coffee side of the brilliant Caravan hospitality business. There's so much in this, Jess is full of energy and personality - I kno...
#80 - Aidan Conry - Fearne & Rosie [Head of Sales] 15.03.2026 41:04
This week's guest is the brilliant Aidan Conry , Head of Sales at Fearne & Rosie - A jam brand proud to produce a range using double the fruit (70%) and half the sugar compared to most jam's in the market! Aidan shares insights into building a successful food brand, navigating retail partnerships, and the importance of authenticity and persistence in FMCG. From early days of being a bu...
#79 - Mike Hemming - Love Sum [Commercial Director] 08.03.2026 44:17
This week I speak to industry titan - Mike Hemming , The Commercial Director of LoveSum Dumplings We discuss Mike's extensive background in the food industry, including his time at Cadbury, Green & Black's, Mars Pet Care and Peter's Yard. Mike shares the founding story of LoveSum Dumplings, their vision for fresh dumplings in the UK, and the challenges they face in the retail marke...
#78 - Hayley Costanzo - PÄRLA [Managing Director] 01.03.2026 40:12
Today's guest is the fantastic Hayley Costanzo - Managing Director at PÄRLA . Now PÄRLA are revolutionising oral care and the toothpaste space with their range of innovative tabs and more recently their fully recyclable aluminium tube pastes. Hayley is a TRUE unfounder, being there pretty much from day one - I loved unpicking the last 5+ years building the brand, and her lessons and learnings...
#77 - Bryan Serwatka - Minor Figures [Coffee Community Manager] 22.02.2026 36:13
This weeks guest is Bryan Serwatka , the Coffee Community Manager at Minor Figures , about the evolution of oat milk in coffee, the unique culture at Minor Figures, and Brian's personal journey into the coffee world. (Give him a follow on Instagram at @mf.bryan.mf ) We explore the importance of authenticity in business, the challenges faced in the coffee industry, and the trends shaping the fu...
#76 - Thea Mathias - Our Place [VP International] 15.02.2026 39:42
This weeks guest is Thea Mathias , VP International at Our Place - A brand known for their gorgeous non-toxic cookware. We dig into the brand's rapid growth in just 6 years, the importance of team dynamics, and the strategies behind their successful international expansion. Thea was a joy to talk to, I loved it, and you will too! If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak w...
#75 - Amy Seymour - The Turmeric Co [Head of Brand & Comms] 08.02.2026 36:47
Amy Seymour almost didn't get the job at The Turmeric Co ... Luckily things have a way of working out, and they got the right person in the end! Amy - Head of Brand & Comms, shares her journey and insights into the brand's founding story, product innovations, and the challenges faced in the health and wellness industry. The conversation highlights the importance of alignment, problem-s...
#74 - Mia Skelson - Seep [Social Media & Community Manager] 01.02.2026 40:03
This week I am joined by Mia Skelson - Social Media & Community Manager at Seep , discussing her journey in the sustainable cleaning industry. Mia shares insights into the importance of eco-friendly products, the challenges of social media marketing, and the significance of community engagement. We also discuss her brilliant approach to networking through a speed dating concept for social medi...
#73 - Miranda Ballard - NielsenIQ [Head of SMB West Europe & Global] 25.01.2026 49:23
Today's guest is the absolutely brilliant Miranda Ballard , Head of Small and Medium Business at Nielsen IQ. I loved this conversation, it was equal parts cathartic, fascinating and entertaining to say the least! Miranda digs into the critical role of data for small businesses, emphasising the importance of competitor data, consumer behaviour insights, and the impact of AI in market testing. M...
#72 - Chloe Reeley - Holos Kombucha [Head of Sales] 18.01.2026 38:07
In this episode the brilliant Chloe Reeley - Head of Sales at Holos Kombucha shares her journey from working in larger brands to leading a mission-driven startup. Holos Kombucha is dedicated to supporting survivors of modern slavery, and Chloe discusses the unique challenges and successes of scaling the brand. The conversation covers the importance of community engagement, innovative product devel...
#71 - Alice Galsworthy - Mother Root [Chief Operating Officer] 11.01.2026 41:24
From Veganuary to Dry January - Today's guest is the incredible Alice Galsworthy , Chief Operating Officer at Mother Root . Mother Root is the feel-good aperitif that helps you unwind without the alcohol, made of apple cider vinegar, honey, fresh pressed ginger and chilli extract. And it's blooming delicious! From an early customer, to first employee - Alice has now been there for nearly 3...
#70 - Zoe Harris - Oatly [Head of National Accounts - OOH] 04.01.2026 39:31
First guest of 2026 is the wonderful Zoe Harris , Head of National Accounts at Oatly . Now if somehow you've never heard of Oatly, they essentially created the Oat milk space 20 years ago and have become an absolute powerhouse of a brand ever since. I loved speaking to Zoe about her time working in Incredible brands like Kellogs and Bear alongside many inspirational people on her journey. Plus...
#69 - Henry Mills - All Dressed Up Dressings [General Manager] 28.12.2025 41:50
In this episode, Henry Mills , the General Manager of All Dressed Up Dressings , shares his journey through the food industry, discussing his experiences with various brands like Vita Coco, Seedlip, and Mindful Chef. Henry discussed what makes All Dressed Up special, including their commitment to natural ingredients, the packaging, and of course the founder Tess and her mission to shake up the foo...
#68 - Izzy Maxwell - Della Vite [Head of Marketing] 21.12.2025 38:40
Would you cheat on champagne? Well that's what this weeks guest Izzy Maxwell (Head of Marketing) is asking consumers to do over at Della Vite - An award wining Italian prosecco brand created by Cara, Poppy and Chloe Delevingne. Izzy shares insights into the brand's mission to premiumise the Prosecco category, her journey to the company, and the unique challenges of working with celebrity f...
#67 - Jo Taylor - Dionilife (MASH GANG) - [Global Marketing Director] 14.12.2025 38:14
Today's guest is the brilliant Jo Taylor - The Global Marketing Director at Dionilife Dionilife are reimagining adult beverage with a fantastic growing portfolio of alcohol free brands including Pavari aperitivo, agave based spirit La Borosa and the incredible beer brand MASH GANG who are taking over the AF space, recently launching in Waitrose Jo has a truly fantastic career working with the...
#66 - Joe Rampley & Eli Baillie - Forest [Creative Brand Manager & Creative Producer] 07.12.2025 31:49
This week I speak to Joe Rampley [Creative Brand Manager] & Eli Baillie [Creative Producer] at Forest , the London-based e-bike company. We discuss their innovative marketing strategies, company culture, and the unique user experience they offer. Diving into their creative team dynamics, the importance of community engagement, and their personal career journeys leading to get them where they a...
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