ShandeeLand

Joshua Powers is a student at Nazareth University and the Founder & CEO of Safety Zone, a company dedicated to improving the lives of those with food allergies. Joshua shares his personal journey growing up with food allergies and how those experiences shaped his understanding of the disability and accessibility.We dive into the controversial topic of peanut-free tables in elementary schools, exploring the pros, cons, and the unintended social consequences. Joshua then takes us inside campus life at Nazareth University, highlighting what the school gets right, where there's room to grow, and actionable suggestions for creating more inclusive dining spaces.He opens up about the inspiration behind Safety Zone, the impact it's making, and his vision for the future. The conversation also ventures into more personal territory and raises the issue of dating and kissing and food allergies.To wrap things up, we explore the potential of AI-powered food allergy apps, the tools that claim they can dissect menus and help people with allergies eat out more safely.This is an honest, insightful, and forward-thinking discussion about advocacy, entrepreneurship, and living fully with food allergies.

“Please keep up this good work,” a patient once told Dr. Ahmar Iqbal — a moment that captured the heart of his mission. For him, helping even one person live a better life is the culmination of his life’s work.In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Iqbal, senior leader at Genentech and Therapeutic Area Lead for Respiratory and Influenza, to discuss his leadership on the landmark OUtMATCH trial — the pivotal Phase III study that led to the 2024 FDA approval of Xolair, the first and only approved biologic that blocks IgE to treat food allergies.Dr. Iqbal walks us through each phase of the study, which included both children and adults and focused on real-world clinical reactions — not just IgE test results. He also explains how Xolair is used alongside food avoidance, offering a new layer of protection for patients with food allergies.With a rich career spanning GSK, Pfizer, and Eli Lilly, and decades of experience in immunology and clinical research, Dr. Iqbal brings depth, humanity, and a clear vision for the future of patient-centered care.

Liz Moskow is a true visionary in the world of food and technology. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Liz has transformed her passion for hospitality into a groundbreaking career as a Food Futurist, entrepreneur, and innovator. As the Founder of Saase and Principal at Bread & Circus Ltd, Liz helps businesses navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of hospitality, restaurant technology, and innovation.Liz’s journey is as inspiring as it is unconventional. During college, a PBS marathon of cooking shows sparked her creativity and led her to the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. From there, she bought a struggling restaurant, became a yoga teacher, and explored various career opportunities. She eventually landed in consulting, where she intersected her experiences in food and beverage, health and wellness, and consumer packaged goods. These varied experiences shaped her unique ability to help others bring their visions to life.In this episode, Liz shares what it means to be a Food Futurist and how she stays ahead of the curve, predicting trends that shape the hospitality industry. She offers a glimpse into Saase, her groundbreaking platform that aims to solve one of the restaurant industry's biggest challenges—a problem no one else has cracked yet. Liz candidly discusses her own entrepreneurial journey, from her highs to her challenges. She also explores the often-overlooked disconnect between restaurants and technology, explaining how tech can be a powerful tool for creating better experiences for both customers and staff.Liz’s superpower is understanding the needs of others—a skill she uses to transform hospitality into something truly remarkable. Whether you’re in the food industry, fascinated by the future of tech, or simply love hearing stories of creativity and resilience, this episode is a must-listen.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Mia Silverman, a Food Allergy Advocate and NYU student who's making a huge impact both in the allergy community and beyond.We first discovered Mia through her TikTok.  She was traveling with her 50+ food allergies. But her work goes far beyond that. She shares her personal journey, from discovering her diagnosis to managing new allergies as she grows older. Mia also discusses her experiences with food challenges, offering valuable advice for others on a similar path.While studying psychology, focusing on child and adolescent mental health, Mia balances multiple jobs, research projects, and her work with a non-profit—all while staying committed to helping the allergy community. She also shares dating tips (green flags included!) and provides expert travel guidance for navigating food allergies.Tune in to hear Mia’s incredible story and be inspired by her resilience and dedication to making a difference.  This young woman is determined to give back!

Heather Neary, the President and CEO of Taco John’s International, Inc. shares her inspiring professional journey, which began in a cheesesteak shop outside of Philadelphia, where she often left work smelling like onions.  It was here Heather discovered her passion for the fast-paced and exciting hospitality industry.Her career trajectory took a fascinating and incredible trajectory. Heather advanced through the ranks at Auntie Anne’s, gaining valuable experience and eventually finding her way to Taco John’s. In her current role, she is deeply committed to honoring the brand's legacy while guiding its growth.One of the key topics Heather addresses is the delicate balance of leading an established company—understanding what aspects to preserve and identifying areas of growth. A significant part of her leadership philosophy centers on the importance of listening, both to her team and to the franchisees with whom she maintains strong relationships.Throughout the episode, Heather emphasizes a positive outlook on life, discussing the best and worst parts of her day while maintaining an optimistic perspective. She also offers invaluable advice for women aspiring to grow and advance in the hospitality industry. Heather's approach to leadership is characterized by a willingness to take risks, learn every aspect of the business, and never say, "That's not my job."Additionally, Heather shares some personal reflections, including the proudest moment of her career, highlighting her journey as one of hard work, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Meet Rebecca Berry, a hospitality trailblazer with over a decade of dedicated service! As the Senior Sales Manager for Career & Workforce Advancement at the National Restaurant Association, Rebecca is reshaping careers in the dynamic world of hospitality. Her impressive background includes serving as a former board member of The Colorado Restaurant Association and being a proud member of the World Wide Women's Association.Rebecca is instrumental in the success of ServSuccess, driving the development of industry-leading training programs and certifications. Her commitment to professional development is unwavering.In this episode, Rebecca shares her inspiring journey. Initially a licensed cosmetologist, she transitioned to hospitality after being diagnosed with celiac disease, driven by concerns about chemical exposure.  Rebecca explains the critical role of ServSuccess in providing training and certification support for restaurant and hospitality workers. She highlights how it equips employees with the necessary tools to build knowledge and validate skills, facilitating growth across various career stages.Rebecca also delves into the post-pandemic state of the industry, discussing the evolving demands for quality of life from employees and how leadership is responding. Plus, she gives us a glimpse into the next big shift in hospitality.Tune in to hear Rebecca Berry's insightful journey and valuable perspectives on the future of the hospitality industry. 

We had the pleasure of featuring the incredible David "Rev" Ciancio for his second appearance on our podcast! If you missed his first episode, be sure to check out #158.Rev is a powerhouse in the business, tech, and marketing world. He's the Co-Founder and CMO of Handcraft Burgers and Brews and the Head of Revenue Marketing for Branded Strategic Hospitality. Recently, he's embarked on a new journey with Baboo, an innovative online ordering and food delivery platform that's commission-free and fee-limited, designed to support independent restaurants in Greater North Jersey.In this episode, Rev dives deep into the inspiration behind Baboo and its significance for the restaurant industry. He passionately discusses why, for the first time, guests are paying for the experience rather than just the food. Rev also shares valuable insights on how restaurants can enhance their guests' experiences.

Meet Caitlin Follett, the Pastry Chef Extraordinaire at Fenway Park! Boston-born and deeply immersed in Boston sports, Caitlin shares her journey from MBA graduate to creating delectable desserts for Fenway's premium department, private suites, and catering programs. Her unique blend of culinary expertise and business acumen sets her apart in the industry.With a family who supported her every step of the way, Caitlin inherited their strong work ethic. She walks by the iconic field every day, fueled by passion and gratitude for her dream job. Tune in as Caitlin reveals the ins and outs of her game day routine, from crafting desserts for restaurants to catering to exclusive events. She dishes on the best moments of her day and what tasks she dreams of delegating. From the hustle and bustle of the kitchen to the thrill of seeing her creations delight patrons, Caitlin's day is a symphony of culinary artistry and precision.Caitlin shares advice on building technique and expertise. Despite her remarkable career, she ponders what the future might hold. Her journey is a testament to the power of dedication and hard work, inspiring aspiring chefs to pursue their passions.Don't miss this inspiring episode as Caitlin Follett serves up insights from the heart of Fenway Park! 

Troy Hooper, CEO of Hot Palette America, the parent company of Pepper Lunch is our exciting guest this week. Troy's journey is a fascinating blend of real estate, construction, culinary arts, and supply chain expertise, all converging into his remarkable career path.Troy delves into the art of choosing the perfect location for success, drawing parallels between real estate and crafting the perfect menu. He emphasizes that just like a well-curated dish, a strategic location is a recipe for triumph.But here's the real takeaway: it's not just about getting people to try your offerings; it's about ensuring they keep coming back for more. Troy reveals the sobering statistic that 70% of customers never return, shedding light on the true challenges of building customer loyalty in the culinary world.Moreover, Troy provides valuable insights into the unique challenges the US market faces compared to international markets, offering a holistic view of the culinary landscape.Tune in to our podcast episode to discover Troy's wisdom and experience firsthand! 

In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Weedy, Vice President of Finance for Ledo Pizza, to unravel the fascinating journey of a finance professional in the dynamic world of hospitality. Aaron shares his unexpected entry into the industry during college, highlighting the diverse career paths that hospitality can offer.We delve into Ledo Pizza's rich history, exploring its origins, unique selling points, and how it has carved its niche in the competitive pizza landscape. Aaron sheds light on the intriguing aspects of operating a pizza chain that offers dine-in and take-out but stands out by not delivering – a strategic choice that includes shipping for their customers.The conversation takes a deep dive into the pros and cons of franchising, offering valuable insights for those navigating the complexities of expanding a business. Aaron shares the financial intricacies of his role as a CFO, providing a glimpse into the day-to-day responsibilities and decision-making processes that contribute to the success of Ledo Pizza.Join us in this insightful episode as we explore the slice of hospitality with Aaron Weedy and uncover the secrets behind this iconic brand.