Stuart Common, Managing Director at ice cream brand (and JC client) Mackie’s of Scotland, joins this episode of Who’s Steering This Thing? to discuss how he’s leading a family business through growth and change – without losing its heart.

Stuart offers candid insights into the realities of steering a challenger brand in the Food & Drink sector. He talks about why it’s important to recognise when you’re not the expert, how resilience is built through setbacks, and why leadership isn’t always a popularity contest.

He also shares the life experiences that have shaped his leadership philosophy, from supporting employees through illness to prioritising mental health and wellbeing – and how those lessons have influenced how Mackie’s approaches caring for its people.

The conversation also covers the role of AI in Food & Drink, managing change, and Stuart’s challenge for all leaders: take a good look at how you’re spending your time and whether it’s really going on the right things.

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