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Susie White
Innovation Director I Podcast Host - Start-Up Mentor
Professional Background
Susie White is an energetic and passionate innovator in the food and beverage industry, dedicated to up-skilling businesses for sustainable growth. With over 15 years of experience, she has held leadership roles in innovation and marketing at some of the world's most recognized multinational companies, such as Colgate-Palmolive, Kraft Foods, Mondelez, and Procter & Gamble. Her profound expertise lies in developing world-class products that resonate with consumers across Australia, Europe, and globally.
Starting her journey as a child in Victoria, Susie first explored product innovation on her family's vineyard, where she began crafting wine. This early exposure to creating products ignited her lifelong passion for food and beverage innovation. Throughout her esteemed career, she has driven the development of over 5,000 new product ideas, crafting product funnels that have contributed significantly to sales, amounting to more than $900 million. Susie's commitment to fostering new product ideas has made her a sought-after leader in her field.
In her current role as the podcast host of "Eat Drink Innovate," Susie showcases the inspiring journeys of innovative food entrepreneurs within the Australian food industry. Through this platform, she continues to promote cutting-edge ideas and sustainable practices that elevate the industry and provide consumers with high-quality, desirable food and beverages.
Education and Achievements
Susie White's dedication to her craft is reflected not only in her extensive professional experience but also in her formal education. She holds a Bachelor of Business in Marketing and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, both from the prestigious Monash University, which have laid a strong foundation for her understanding of consumer behavior and market dynamics.
In addition to her degrees, Susie has pursued various certifications to enhance her knowledge and skills. She completed a Certificate in Organisational Coaching (Level 1) at the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (IECL), further strengthening her ability to lead and inspire others in the food and beverage sector. She also holds a Certificate in Graphic Communication, Packaging & Branding from the University for the Creative Arts and a Certificate IV in Training & Assessment with a focus on Innovation Best Practices from Monash University. These qualifications underscore her commitment to both personal and professional development, arming her with diverse skills necessary for her innovative role in the industry.
One of Susie's notable achievements includes authoring the Amazon best-selling book "Innovation Feast: Create New Product Ideas to Feed Your Hungry Business." This book serves as a significant resource for businesses looking to enhance their product development strategies. Within its pages, Susie shares a wealth of knowledge and practical insights, empowering others to harness their creative potential and innovate effectively.
Achievements
Throughout her illustrious career, Susie White has accumulated an impressive array of achievements that highlight her influence on the food and beverage market. As an Innovation Director and former SME Innovation Capability Manager at Mondelēz International, she played a pivotal role in launching several high-impact products that not only met market demands but also set new industry standards. Her leadership skills helped shape the innovation strategies at Mondelēz, where she served as the Head of Innovation for both Snacking and Cadbury divisions.
Her earlier roles included being a Senior Innovation Manager at Kraft Foods Group, where she significantly contributed to the development of new product lines that enhanced brand recognition and consumer loyalty. Additionally, her tenure as a Marketing Manager for New Products at Colgate-Palmolive and as a Global Design Brand Manager at Procter & Gamble further cemented her reputation as a visionary leader within the food and beverage domain.
Today, through the global reach of her podcast and her published works, Susie continues to inspire a new generation of food entrepreneurs to envision new possibilities, drive innovation, and embrace sustainable practices that will reinforce the future of the industry. With her passion for innovation, food education, and entrepreneurship, Susie White is a true trailblazer in the Australian food landscape, striving to create a world where delicious, desirable, and sustainable food is accessible to all.
