Ever wonder who's behind your favorite foods and drinks? Meet Dr. Mary Wagner, the powerhouse who's shaped everything from Hamburger Helper to Starbucks' Nitro Cold Brew. With a career spanning over 45 years and encompassing roles at industry giants like General Mills, Taco Bell, Gallo Winery, Mars and Starbucks, food scientist Dr. Mary Wagner takes us on a whirlwind tour at the forefront of food innovation, crisis management, and leadership.

• Discover how a chance college course led to a career transforming global food giants

• Learn how she navigated major industry crises and came out stronger

• Get insider insights on the future of food, from AI to cell-cultured meat

• Hear her candid advice for women aiming to shatter glass ceilings in any industry

Whether you're a foodie, an aspiring leader, or just curious about the science behind your daily cup of joe, Mary's story will leave you hungry for more. Dive into a world where science meets business, and one woman's vision changed how we all eat and drink.

Show Notes:
Introductions
Mary Wagner's Career Journey
Building R&D Teams and Fostering Innovation
Navigating High-Profile Crises
Consumer Expectations and Food Safety
The Future of the Food Industry
Advice for Women Leaders in Food Science
Work-Life Balance and Personal Reflections
Excitement for the Future

Guest Bio:
Dr. Mary Wagner is a recognized executive leader and board director with a reputation for creating innovative products, managing risks, handling crises, and leading food quality and safety initiatives. She has a track record in a range of branded global retail and consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, including Starbucks, Mars, Gallo, YUM and General Mills. Mary is known for her ability to engage people around a common goal, with a history of transforming organizations, building departments from the ground up, and creating an R&D culture of innovation. She holds significant leadership roles on industry and non-profit boards of directors.

Learn more about Mary’s work and connect with her:
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