Episode 2 Why You Don’t Need to Be the Smartest Person in the Room to Lead

This episode is as down-to-earth as it gets. Amy kicks off with a reminder that fearlessness isn’t about having zero doubts—it’s about doing the scary stuff anyway. Enter Danny, who admits to feeling like an imposter when first asked to co-host, setting the honest and relatable tone of the chat. Danny’s story is a powerful testament to grit, curiosity, and learning on the job. He talks through climbing the career ladder without formal qualifications, managing teams of scientists, and the lessons he’s learned about leading people who might technically have “more” experience. Amy and Danny break down the myth that great managers must be the most intelligent people in the room. Instead, they champion soft skills: self-awareness, emotional intelligence, the ability to listen, and helping everyone on the team recognise their own strengths. There’s plenty of humour as they jokingly dismantle the idea that “soft” skills are easy or unimportant—if anything, they’re the hardest (and most valuable) skills to master. The conversation becomes practical, offering advice for new managers, individuals navigating “peer to boss” transitions, and anyone thrust into leadership before they felt ready. Amy shares actionable tips, such as writing down your wins and strengths, to combat imposter syndrome. At the same time, Danny describes his “jigsaw puzzle” approach to team leadership—delegating by strengths and always keeping the big picture in sight. This one’s a must-listen for anyone feeling a bit out of their depth (hint: that’s most of us) and wanting fundamental, no-fluff strategies for thriving in food and retail. Timestamps 00:00:12 Introduction & setting the tone  00:00:36 Meet Danny Franklin and episode topic: managing those more “qualified” than you  00:02:58 Danny’s backstory—climbing the ladder without academic qualifications  00:05:05 The transition from peer to manager, and learning to lead experienced teams  00:06:00 Age, qualifications, and why both matter less than you think  00:08:29 The real importance (and misnomer) of “soft skills” in leadership  00:09:28 Spotting and leveraging people’s strengths as a manager  00:11:06 Managing highly technical teams when you’re not the expert  00:14:38 The power and pitfalls of promoting top performers to managers  00:15:38 How to lead when you don’t know all the details  00:17:27 Danny’s “jigsaw puzzle” analogy for leadership  00:19:51 The value of team wins (not just individual glory)  00:22:31 Addressing ego and imposter syndrome in leadership  00:23:06 Strategies for building confidence as a manager  00:24:36 Real takeaways for leaders managing teams with more experience or knowledge  00:25:54 Why developing your team is a strength, not a threat  00:26:59 The bigger picture: leadership as assembling the jigsaw, not just being a piece  00:28:31 Closing thoughts & next episode teaser  Links and Resources:   https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/podcast/from-music-to-microbiology-exploring-food-safety-with-danny-franklin/ https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/podcast/thriving-in-the-food-industry-how-let-them-thinking-elevates-your-career/ Website Link: https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/thefearlessfoodiepod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefearlessfoodiepod You can follow us here on Instagram: @thefearlessfoodiepod Find Amy on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation. Microsearch Laboratories sponsors the Fearless Foodie Podcast https://micro-search.co.uk/ KEYWORDS: Foodconsultant, foodindustrycoach, foodindustry