Episode Description
For the past 9 years, John has been the CEO of Cafedirect – one of the founding businesses of the Fairtrade movement and the UK’s first B-Corp accredited Coffee Company. With a successful career spanning over 3 decades, John can be regarded as a pioneer in the purpose-driven business movement. Especially passionate about supporting people at the beginning of the supply chain, John & Cafedirect work in collaboration with the award-winning charity Producers Direct to deliver real change to Farmers livelihoods.
In this episode, we learn about John’s background, how he came to work in this industry and his top tips for career success.
John talks us through what he believes has helped him get through the pandemic – listing determination and an unwavering optimism as two key attributes that kept him going. He talks about how it was crucial that, throughout the pandemic, the business became a bubble of certainty for its employees living in an uncertain world.
John generously shares his thoughts on businesses that have purpose tend to have a better work culture – as they possess a greater meaning than just making money. These organisations then also tend to be better places to work, with a culture based on trust and employees motivated by making a difference.
Finally, John talks us through the importance of the B-Corp movement, his advice on harnessing the true benefits of a purpose-driven culture and his thoughts on why being authentic as a leader is so crucial. We also shine light on the incredible work done by Producers Direct who work closely with farmers to develop their
farms and improve their livelihoods.
If you’d like to get in touch for any reason, feel free to drop me a message on LinkedIn or you can email me directly at Jon@leaderexecutivesearch.com
Special thanks to our sponsor Obvious Candidate – the experts in accelerating your job search and helping you get the job you really want. If you’d like to take advantage of the exclusive offer and get access to the Precision Networking Method and also a free Dream 30 Networking Tracker then simply go to www.obviouscandidate.com/leader
Episode Transcript
I am thrilled to be joined by my guest for this episode, Bruce Alexander.
Bruce is the Managing Director of Montezuma’s Chocolates – one of the most innovative and fastest-growing SME’s around. Described as “Britain’s Greatest Little Chocolate Company”, they work with the principles of “Business Done Properly”, putting substance over style and sustainability over profit.
Bruce has had a successful career spanning 25 years, working within commercial FMCG roles across the UK and abroad including companies such as United Biscuits, Nestle and Kerry Foods. In this episode, we discuss why Montezuma’s Chocolates is one of the most talked-about SME’s around, as well as Bruce’s role in ensuring the vision and values laid by its founders is reflected in everything they do. We discuss Bruce’s highly successful background and how his love for working within the FMCG sector drew him to his current role.
Bruce shares with us the key aspects that have helped him throughout his career – including his naturally competitive nature and a keen desire to keep learning and challenging himself. We discuss Bruce’s thoughts on leadership, striving to become a B-corp, the Better Business Act and more! As ever, if you’d like to get in touch for any reason you can reach me at Jonathan.ohagan@leaderexecutivesearch.com Enjoy!