Ep. 35.4 - What Are Past Guests Up To Now? (Final Episode): Part 4 - Erin Zhang

In this second part of the final episode, I talk with Sophia Retchin from Episode 3 who interned at multiple alternative protein organizations. She tells about her transition from interning to after graduating, starting work at Redefine Meat in Israel and how her internships prepared her for her role now.This episode is sponsored by Tälist.

In this first part of the final episode, I talk with Andrew Sayles from Episode 1 who was previously a Business Operations Manager at Mission Barns. He shares his journey to starting his own company, Livestock Labs, and what lessons he has learned through that experience. This episode is sponsored by Tälist.

In this fourth part of the final episode I talk with Erin Zhang from Episode 8 who was previously a Business Development Executive at Green Monday. She explains how she has eventually found her way through numerous roles to become the Global Corporate Relations Specialist for Mercy For Animals, a role she feels really suits her. She also offers advice and encouragement for young professionals trying to find their way in the world. This episode is sponsored by Tälist.

In this fifth and last part of the final episode, I talk with Bryce Rogers from Episode 23 who was previously a Project Engineer at Edge Foods. He discusses how he moved away from alternative proteins and eventually got back into the industry working at Simulate as well as he provides excellent suggestions for jobseekers.This episode is sponsored by Tälist.Here is my email: [email protected]

In this third part of the final episode, I talk with Julia Martin from Episode 4 who was previously a Food Scientist at Hoxton Farms. She elaborates on how her interest in science and protein diversification lead her to the position she has now at 3Keel and she advocates for debunking of the misinformation in the alternative protein industry. This episode is sponsored by Tälist.

Marina Schmidt is a Climate Educator and Founder of the impact media outlet Ɍ2Ǥ MEDIA, an in-depth content studio specializing in agriculture and food sustainability. Her flagship podcast, Red To Green, is ranked in the top 5% globally and has a loyal listenership in over 160 countries. It is obligatory onboarding material for new hires at several VCs and startups and is deemed 'excellent' by MIT. Marina is also the voice and Editor-in-Chief of a new future food podcast funded by the Bavarian Ministry of Agriculture and Nutrition. With over nine years of marketing and strategic communications experience, she serves on the jury for Impact Hub and as an advisor to future food scale-up Formo. Her advice is to set aside a budget for professional development. This episode is sponsored by Tälist. Sign up for Pia’s fireside chat here.  

Jacqueline Samson is a Senior Engineer at The Better Meat Co., a B2B fermentation-based mycoprotein startup in Sacramento, California. She studied Chemical Engineering at Louisiana State University and previously worked for Evonik, a specialty chemicals company. Outside of work, Jacqueline enjoys hiking and biking, reading, and playing soccer. Her advice is to don’t let the lack of a job posting defer you from reaching outReach out to The Better Meat Co. at [email protected] This episode is sponsored by Tälist. Sign up for their AI-powered candidate-job-matchmaking service here.

Sofia Katzin has been working as the Research Development Quality Assurance Manager for Arvela, a black soldier fly producer in Australia. She is passionate about sustainable solutions for the protein industry and waste management sector. Sofia has developed processes, researched roadmaps, managed internal quality programs, and led small teams of scientists and operators. She has expertise in insect nutrition, diet formulation, and breeding performance so if other businesses are looking to improve their processes, she is the person to contact. Sofia’s advice is to pursue your passion. Links discussed in the episode:Insects to Feed the World (IFW) conference in SingaporeArvela’s job boardOther insect protein resources:Benefits of black soldier fly larvaeDo insects feel pain?Potential insect farming jobsThis episode is sponsored by Tälist. Enroll in their Masterclass here.

Parendi Birdie has thrived in startups for the past 15 years and is currently building her fourth, Asentia. Parendi has been at the forefront of the alternative protein industry since 2013. She earned a degree in biochemistry from the University of Kansas, with the goal of advancing the sector. She then helped build two leading alternative protein companies from the ground up: GOOD Meat and Mission Barns. Throughout her career, Parendi has established and led multiple functions, including R&D, marketing, strategic partnerships, and product development. She is a well-rounded entrepreneur with a track record of success, from closing partnerships with leading global meat producers to developing the first commercially available cultivated meat cell lines. Today, Parendi is the Founder & CEO of Asentia. Her ambitious vision is to make meat that's better than anything we've ever known. She's starting with hybrid meat for the massive, untapped market of people who want to eat better, but don't want to give up meat. Parendi also serves the industry as an impact investor and advisor to Food System Innovations, Alt-Collective, and Tälist. Beyond alternative protein, Parendi also ran her family’s business (a Montessori school) for four years, growing the business to $1M+ in annual revenue and a successful exit.This episode is sponsored by Tälist. Check out their newsletter, Alt Protein Careers Navigator.

Noga Golan is the Founder and Managing Director of Alt Protein Careers, a company that provides an industry job board, career resources, career coaching, and recruiting services to the alt protein industry. She is also the co-founder of Alt Protein Israel. Noga has an MBA from Stanford University and previously worked in private equity investing. Noga is passionate about the alternative protein industry and even has her own pet chicken named Silkie. Noga’s advice is to do informational interviews with others in careers you aspire to have as well as consider hiring a career coach.Links to things discussed during the episode:Ep. 20 - Sandra Einvall (Vegan Graphic Designer, Marketeer, and Entrepreneur)Ep. 24 - Rebecca Palmer (Chief Marketing Officer at Terra Bioindustries)GFI’s Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)Alt Protein Careers’ Resources pageAlt Protein Careers’ LinkedIn pageThis episode is sponsored by Tälist. Check out their revamped job board at Alt Protein .Jobs. Follow this podcast on Instagram and never miss an episode.