We know how important it is to be inspired by both big businesses and individuals, which is why we are excited to present Talking Leaders, a bi-monthly initiative from the AHDB which will see a series of inspirational speakers share their life experiences and deliver impactful stories to the AgriLeader community.

On this broadcast we discuss the workplace - "It’s not a problem it’s a cure - Driving equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace". We are joined by:

Sharon Blyfield OBE, Head of Early Careers and Apprenticeships GB. Sharon has been in the business for 28 years in a variety of functions and roles. She joined the HR team 17 years ago, covering all elements of Supply Chain and now heading up the Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) Early Careers agenda for Great Britain.

Having spent the majority of her career developing young talent at the start of their careers, her current remit fits perfectly with her passion to create opportunities to support the next generation of young leaders. As part of her commitment, Sharon strives to work with strategic partners who challenge organisation’s approach to under representation of young people across all communities and works to create a level playing field in the recruitment process that might unconsciously deselect from those groups.

Sharon’s dedication and commitment to CCEP’s apprenticeship programme has been recognised by CCEP’s leadership team, as well as her peers and apprentices alike. She has received praise for her outstanding leadership of the programme, which has continued to grow and expand in line with the business’ Early Careers agenda. As well as recognition from the leadership team, Sharon is adored by the apprentices themselves, who see her as a trusted advisor and mentor.

Sharon joined the HR team 17 years ago, covering all elements of HR and now heads up the Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) Early Careers agenda for Great Britain.

Having spent the majority of her career developing young talent at the start of their careers, her current remit fits perfectly with her passion to create opportunities to support the next generation of young leaders.

Barbara Bray MBE, Food Safety Expert & Nutrition Strategist For The Food Industry. Barbara is a TEDx speaker and director of her own consultancy, Alo Solutions Ltd, delivering food safety and developing sustainable nutrition strategies for food businesses.

A Registered Nutritionist with the Association for Nutrition, she has an MSc in Human Nutrition. She is a Fellow of the Institute for Food Science and Technology (IFST) with a BSc in Food Technology and an MSc in Postharvest Technology.

The Co-Chair of the Oxford Farming Conference, trustee of the Nutrition Society and 2017 Nuffield Farming Scholar, Barbara is passionate about diet and food. She was awarded an MBE in 2019 for services to food and nutrition.