We are excited to introduce FoodFutureCo’s EIR or Executive in Residence, Steve Charlton. Steve is a veteran of the corporate world, who now focuses on working with innovative founders and owners as a mentor, advisor and investor.
Towards the end of my corporate career I started working with start-ups, advising them on key consumer trends and basically ensuring they had a sustainable business to back up their great idea. I was blown away by their passion and drive and realised I wanted more of that inspiration!
Where are you from and what did you do prior to FFC?
I was born in London, spent a few years living and working in Chicago and now live in Surrey in England. Most of my career (almost 25 years) was spent at Mintel, the world’s leading market research agency operating in the world of consumer research and trends. Working with some of the world’s largest consumer brands and some of the newest entrants, helping them translate consumer attitudes and behaviour into actionable business strategies.
Most recently I founded The REAL. Leadership Consultancy with a vision of disrupting the traditional notion of leadership, especially focused on helping start-up and scale-up founders with their leadership journey, not forcing them to adopt an old-fashioned blueprint for the typical leader! So many founders focus on operations, commercial, product or IT, rather than leadership. Firstly, I encourage them to analyze their own leadership style, where are they most valuable to the business, where do they need help or who can complement or enhance their skills? The skills that have got them to where they are today, are not necessarily what’s needed to lead their business to the next stage!
My own leadership career has taught me to focus on Results, show Empathy, be Authentic and always Learn, which is where the REAL acronym came from. I’ve realised that my passion is helping people develop into successful leaders.
Why did you join FFC as an EIR?
Towards the end of my corporate career I started working with start-ups, advising them on key consumer trends and basically ensuring they had a sustainable business to back up their great idea. I was blown away by their passion and drive and realised I wanted more of that inspiration! I was introduced to Shen Tong through a colleague and was inspired by his personal purpose and passion for everything in the food and agtech space. FFC is head and shoulders above all of the other accelerators out there with it’s successful track record, clear mission, unbelievable mentor community and unique, proven curriculum. I think we both saw the benefits of my commercial and research experience, how it could be used to help shape the future of FFC, and most importantly allow me to mentor the cohort companies…something which I love doing.
Where is your favourite place to eat (or shop for food) in the UK and why?
It’s a farm shop close to where I live, during the pandemic I think everyone started to analyse where their food came from, reassess their diets and look for more transparency and quality overall. This farm shop only stocks quality food, clearly labelled and locally sourced, it’s more expensive but we don’t order so many takeouts or eat out as often!
What has prompted your interest in food?
I hit a certain life-stage and decided it was now or never to get fit! A big part of that change was focusing on my diet, I’ve always loved eating but it now had to support my exercise regime. I became more interested in what and when I was eating, pretty much gave up meat (with some relapses…) and feel a lot better for it.
What would your last meal on earth be?
My grandfather was Chinese and so Chinese food has always been my favourite, and a Chinese meal would be my last!
