In this very special audio-only bonus edition of Talking Hospitality (you won’t find it on YouTube), host Timothy R Andrews is joined once again by Tracey Rashid, returning to the mic for an inspiring conversation with Mex Ibrahim, co-founder of Women in the Food Industry.

Mex shares how her organisation shines a spotlight on the stories and successes of women across every corner of the food world — from chefs and producers to entrepreneurs and policy leaders.

She discusses the barriers women still face in hospitality, the power of visibility and storytelling, and why collaboration — not competition — is key to real progress.

This episode also explores:

• The stories behind women like Asma Khan, Emma Heal (Lucky Saint), and Ramona Hazan (Ramona’s Kitchen)
• The importance of female leadership and allyship from men
• How women can support each other through community, mentorship, and confidence-building

A must-listen for anyone passionate about equality, representation, and creating lasting change across our industry.

Takeaways:

1. Visibility drives change

• You can’t be what you can’t see. Sharing women’s stories across every area of hospitality helps others believe leadership and entrepreneurship are within reach — not reserved for a select few.

2. Collaboration beats competition

• Progress happens when women support one another and when men step up as allies. It’s about shared goals, not rivalries.

3. Real barriers need practical fixes

• Long hours, childcare challenges, and menopause support aren’t abstract debates — they’re workplace realities that demand flexibility, empathy, and policy change.

4. Ask, connect, and be bold

• From Andi Oliver to Emma Heal, the most successful women didn’t wait for permission — they reached out, asked for help, and built networks that lifted others up too.

Companies & People mentioned in this episode:

• Women in the Food Industry
• Lucky Saint
• Ramona's Kitchen
• Tesco
• Asma Khan
• Andi Oliver
• Great British Chefs

Links referenced in this episode:

• womeninthefoodindustry.com (https://womeninthefoodindustry.com/)
• talkinghospitality.com (https://www.talkinghospitality.com/)

Contact Mex via her Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/meccaibrahim/?originalSubdomain=uk) here