#85: Intern Leaves

Adam Yee interviews Ross Milne, CEO of Leaft Foods, discussing his background in engineering, his career journey, and the innovative work Leaft Foods is doing in the plant-based space, particularly focusing on the protein Rubisco. Ross shares insights on project management, the challenges of building factories globally, and the importance of planning in food production. He also discusses the unique properties of alfalfa as a raw material and the future of Leaft Foods in revolutionizing food production with sustainable practices. US/NZ can get 20% off their first Leaft Blade order with the code YOUROCK when they order at LeaftBlade.com. Also, the 2nd Annual TASTY Awards on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at The Hibernia in San Francisco. This year's theme is dairy, and we're celebrating the most delicious alternative dairy products as determined by thousands of real consumers through blind taste tests. Use the code "MYFOODJOBROCKS" for 50% discount. Register here Guests can join 300 food industry leaders, innovators, and tastemakers for an unforgettable evening where exceptional taste meets food innovation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tamanna Ramesh, a commercial lead at the Coca-Cola Company, shares her journey from being a "foodie" in India to navigating the corporate landscapes of Fortune 100 giants like Kraft Heinz and Coca-Cola. She reveals her tactical approach to surviving corporate bureaucracy, including her methods for color-coding her calendar to reclaim focus time and her "Five Whys" strategy for career alignment. Tamanna discusses the transition from a technical R&D background to business strategy, emphasizing how a researcher's mindset is a powerful tool for navigating the subjectivity of corporate roles and the emerging world of AI-driven innovation. Beyond her day job, Tamanna is the founder of Spark Careers, a coaching business born from her passion for empowering STEM professionals. She provides deep insights into the "broken" U.S. immigration system, sharing how she successfully secured an EB-1 "Extraordinary Ability" visa and why she tells her clients that professional volunteering is no longer optional for those seeking career continuity in the States. Whether you are looking to scale a side hustle, integrate AI into your workflow, or master the art of upward mobility, Tamanna’s perspective offers a roadmap for high-achieving professionals to maximize their potential. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam talks with Paul Schiefer, President of Amy’s Kitchen, about his remarkable journey from teenage intern to leading one of the most recognizable natural food brands in the country. Paul shares how Amy’s scaled from a family-driven startup into a national powerhouse without losing its commitment to organic ingredients, real cooking, and values-led decision making. He also discusses modernizing systems inside a fast-growing company and why technology should support people and purpose, not replace them. The conversation goes beyond operations into impact. Paul reflects on Amy’s role in the early organic movement, lessons from expanding internationally, and how mission, sustainability, and long-term thinking shape the company’s strategy today. For anyone building a food brand—or a meaningful career in food—this episode offers an inside look at how to grow, adapt, and lead while staying true to what matters most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Yee interviews Hydroxide, a food science content creator, who shares insights into her journey in food science, her experiences in the industry, and her approach to creating engaging content on platforms like TikTok. They discuss the importance of storytelling in science communication, the challenges of navigating controversial topics, and the impact of content creation on personal growth. Hydroxide emphasizes the need for authenticity and consistency in content creation while encouraging aspiring creators to embrace their passions and connect with their audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices