Can You Lead With Heart and Still Win? The Truth About Purpose in the Food Business With Andrew Thornton

In the next episode of Oh For Food’s Sake, we sit down with Andrew Thornton—entrepreneur, speaker, change agent, and author of "Putting the Heart Back into Business." We dive deep into what it really means to run a values-led, purpose-driven business in an industry that’s all too often obsessed with profit over people. From innovative retail at Budgens to pioneering plastic-free zones before it was cool, Andrew shares the story of his career, his evolving ethos, and the pivotal moments that shifted him from chasing profits to championing purpose. Together, we debunk the myth that the bottom line has to come at the expense of people or the planet and get real about the practicalities of change in food. Andrew’s experience proves that when you focus on all stakeholders—your employees, customers, community, suppliers, and the environment—profit takes care of itself. Plus, Andrew shares some of the creative and practical tools he’s used (from gratitude rounds to the power of checking in before meetings) to make work more human and effective. Whether you’re a challenger brand, a corporate warrior, or somewhere in between, this episode will leave you inspired to think differently and build a food business that’s good for more than just the shareholders.