#52 (S5E14) Influence, Trust, and the Skills of Modern Leadership

In this episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA (Test Kitchen), host Kat Shanahan (VP, Marketing & Membership, IDDBA) sits down with Steve Asp (Meat & Seafood Category Manager, Lunds & Byerly’s) and Ellen Coatney (Education Coordinator, IDDBA) to unpack how leadership development translates into better communication, stronger teams, and real results on the job.

In this episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA, Kat Shanahan talks with Abby Despins, Vice President of Education and Industry Relations, and Brad Berg, Education Coordinator, about what they learned from What’s in Store Live at #IDDBA2026. They discuss how the show floor came together, what retailers responded to most, why practical innovation stood out, and how trends like protein, grab-and-go, global flavors, and bold flavor combinations are shaping fresh departments. Abby and Brad also share how IDDBA uses attendee feedback and show insights to guide future education, programming, and resources for members year-round.

In this special What's in Store episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA, IDDBA's Kat Shanahan talks with Karri Zwirlein, Director of Bakery, Deli, and Prepared Foods at Tops Markets, in a live podcast recording from What’s in Store Live at #IDDBA2026, on June 8, 2026.

In this Inside IDDBA episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA, Kat Shanahan talks with IDDBA Marketing Manager Cara Petrie for a practical, day-by-day guide to making the most of #IDDBA2026 in Orlando.