We recently connected with Ali Manning and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ali, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry
Some of the biggest trends and challenges in the food industry are finding more regenerative agricultural solutions using innovative technology that genuinely supports the next generation of farmers. Environmental concerns due to the effects of food manufacturing have led to an upswing in vegan products and other non-meat alternatives, which reduce our carbon footprints.
Ali, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am Ali Manning, an author/food scientist/consultant, and artist in Memphis, Tennessee. I began my career in the food industry as a food quality chemist, later moving into a research scientist and development role within the fats & oils industry. After ten years in the food industry, Umami Food Consulting was created in 2019 to provide technical support to my community and nationwide food entrepreneurs. We provide support in all areas, from product development to sustainability and education.
I also am the creator of Food Science 4 Kids, a food STEAM program that teaches students food science principles and allows them to experience activities emphasizing food’s importance as a seed and system. I later published an early reader picture book entitled “Can I Play with My Food?” which explores food and science through the eyes of two sisters, Nema and Lexi (Lexi mirrored after my sister Alexis, who has Down’s Syndrome).
Catch me on Netflix’s latest snack competition, “Snack vs. Chef”!
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Aiming for perfection was a lesson I had to unlearn because it stifles progress and hinders ingenuity. As a child, I thought the “perfectionist” model led to likability or inclusion. That was false. Why minimize yourself to fit the mold, play the game, and fit in? That form of thinking leads to anxiety and low self-worth.
It took being fired from my job to decide to try living life my way. When unlearning things from childhood, it’s paramount to sit in stillness, take the pressure off, and be open to receiving a life of fullness.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Tom Rath said, “The ultimate test of a leader is not what you are able to do in the here and now — but instead what continues to grow long after you’re gone.”
It is critical to the life of your business to find a team of individuals invested in your vision with contrasting skills and complementary personalities. Would there be a balanced-high team morale? Possibly, but we know that our differences make us stronger.
Listening and observing others’ behaviors while being empathic to their needs helps build trust while engaging beyond daily responsibilities and providing incentives makes your employee’s time worthwhile. The team is our most significant resource, and there’s been a growing trend for flexible, remote, and beneficial roles in terms of compensation and time.
My advice for managing a team is to find individuals aligned with your vision who want to see your mission thrive. Then continue to hone their strengths and motivate them through their weaknesses. High morale lasts as long as the leader is engaged and motivated to see others and the organization win!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ali-manning.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alimanning_carpediem/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-manning-767a2443/
Image Credits
Brian Manning, photos.bybe on IG