On this episode of The TOP Lessons Podcast, host Kathy Inglot sits down with Brooke Effron, Co-Founder of The Well Network, Principal of BWE Consultancy, and former Unilever executive, to unpack the strategies behind building, scaling, and sustaining successful food, beverage, and wellness brands. Brooke shares her journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, offering insights on navigating today’s rapidly evolving digital and social landscape, effectively engaging modern consumers, and leveraging AI as a career and business advantage rather than a threat. She also highlights the critical role of authentic networking, maintaining strong professional relationships, and staying adaptable in a competitive marketplace, while reflecting on career growth lessons and the advice she would give her younger self.

About Today’s Guest: 

On today’s episode, host Kathy Inglot is joined by Brooke Effron, Co-Founder of The Well Network and Principal of BWE Consultancy. A seasoned CPG strategist and former Unilever executive, Brooke has spent her career guiding food, beverage, and wellness brands from early-stage to scale-up, while also advising CEOs of Fortune 500 companies on innovation, brand growth, and organizational strategy. Recently named to the 50 Women to Watch for Boards list by 50/50 Women on Boards, Brooke brings board-level perspective and a deep understanding of how to connect insight with impact. At The Well Network, she channels that same expertise to foster meaningful, ROI-driven connections between founders, investors, and operators shaping the future of the CPG and wellness industries.

Key Points from this Episode:

• 0:00 Welcome to The TOP Lessons Podcast

• 0:10 Introducing today’s guest, CPG strategist and executive, Brooke Effron

• 1:45 Brooke’s journey from the traditional work force to entrepreneurship and lessons learned along the way 

• 8:05 The digital and social environment at present and impacts in CPG strategy with increased accessibility in reaching consumers

• 9:00 How to engage consumers despite the change in medium, engagement, and presentation

• 12:00 Brooke’s top advice on using AI in your career rather than being replaced by AI

• 14:02 Key factors in Brooke’s career progression and the power of networking

• 18:40 Keeping your network warm

• 22:30 Brooke’s career path for the remainder of 2026

• 28:29 What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?

Mentioned on the Show: 

• Connect with Kathy Inglot on LinkedIn

• Recommend a Guest for The TOP Lessons Podcast: [email protected]

• Connect with The TOP Lessons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetoplessons/

• Subscribe to The TOP Lessons on YouTube

• Connect with Brooke Effron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-effron/

• The Well Network: https://thewellnetwork.com/about

• 50 WOMEN TO WATCH FOR BOARDS 2025 COHORT: https://5050wob.com/2025-cohort/

• BWE Consultancy: http://www.bweconsultancy.com/

Thank You

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