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The good stuff we do: how to do it right – Mark Cuddigan, CEO, Ella’s Kitchen

About This Episode

We’re joined today by the CEO of organic baby food brand Ella’s Kitchen, Mark Cuddigan. Described by Innovate UK and others as a transformative presence in its market, Ella’s Kitchen has made its name as a leading force for sustainability and good business practice. With a mission to improve children’s lives through developing healthy relationships with food, Ella’s Kitchen is one of the UK’s most recognisable B Corps. For Mark, the mission is all about doing what’s right and putting people, the planet and profit on equal footing.

Mark Cuddigan, CEO, Ella's Kitchen

Mark Cuddigan joined Ella’s Kitchen in August 2011, drawn to a company whose founding mission is to improve children’s lives through developing healthy relationships with food. This purpose permeated throughout the business and continues to be a guiding principle today. Mark is a passionate advocate of business being used as a force for good and through his leadership at Ella’s, he exemplifies how a business can be both profitable and purposeful. In February 2016 Ella’s Kitchen certified as a B Corporation, becoming only the second company to do so whilst part of a PLC. Mark is a member of the B Lab board, a UK registered charity that supports certified B Corps in the UK – businesses that give equal standing to people, planet and profit. A demonstrative example of this is that Ella’s have committed to becoming net zero by 2030. Ella’s Kitchen was acquired by The Hain Celestial Group Inc. in May 2013. The brand is now sold in over 33 countries; every second of every day someone, somewhere around the world, eats an Ella’s Kitchen product. Mark previously worked in FMCG and ran his own companies for 15 years.

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Lockdown List

What is a book that has changed your life?

Anthony Beevor – Stalingrad

What are you watching at the moment?

Small Axe

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

Paul Lindley. He showed me that there is another way to run a company and he believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.

In one sentence, describe your ‘new normal’.

Working from home more, being more present for myself and my family.

What is your best tip for life?

Work out what truly gives you deep fulfilment at work.

What is your lockdown soundtrack?

  • Teardrop – Massive Attack
  • Release the Pressure – Leftfield
  • Resolve – Audien
  • Can’t Hold Us – Mackelmore & Ryan Lewis
  • You Got the Love – The Source ft. Candi Staton (New Voyager Mix)
  • Younger – Seinabo Sey (Kygo Mix)

Find out more

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