Name: Olivia Ferdi
Job title: Co-founder and CEO
Company: Trip
What was your first job? A Saturday job working in a clothing store,
What’s been your worst job interview? I’ve had plenty! You’d have to ask those people that didn’t hire me – ha!
What was the first music single you bought? It must have been Britney Spears.
How do you describe your job to your friends? They understand that it’s not a typical ‘job’. Trip started after a personal experience when I was getting married – discovering the incredible power of natural botanical ingredients for recovery.
My friends and family were part of that, watching the idea for Trip begin after the wedding and growing in the early days, from taste-testing first recipe ideas in my kitchen to helping me sample at weekend events. They’ve been with me for the full ride! So they understand it’s built around family, friendships and lived experiences, all to help people find their calm everyday.
“Consumers are looking for more than just a drink; they’re looking for a mood”
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Hearing from our community. When someone tells us that Trip helped them navigate a stressful day or finally find some balance with family or work, it makes every late night and hurdle worth it.
Seeing the business grow each year and the excitement from our incredible team across the globe. We’ve recently launched in some of the biggest retailers in the US. Although seeing someone with a can of Trip while I’m out and about will never get old!
Seeing our team grow. There is nothing more fulfilling than watching a group of passionate people take an idea and turn it into something that sits on the shelves of the world’s biggest retailers. Innovation is central to our culture at Trip and we love seeing people think outside the box and get creative – it’s the best way to drive change.
What is the least rewarding part? Admin and spreadsheets. I’m definitely in my element when I’m out meeting our customers, or in the lab working on product development.
What is your motto in life? It’s a great day to have a great day.
If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? That when I’m on annual leave, everyone is too! So no emails to catch up on.
Do you have any phobias? Spiders and creepy crawlies, which I’m having to hide in front of my toddler when he presents me with one.
If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? I’d love to see even more dedicated space for ‘functional wellness’. Consumers are looking for more than just a drink; they’re looking for a mood, and the layout of our stores can help them find that more easily, right next to traditional product formats.
Making the “mindful” choice the easiest choice. I’d love to continue working with retailers to ensure that low-sugar, functional, and calming options are as accessible as the traditional categories.
It’s been amazing seeing Trip part of the meal deal nationwide, taking something loved and familiar and optimising for healthier choices.
What luxury would you have on a desert island? My family.
Read more:
-
Ncuti Gatwa invests in functional hydration challenger Punchy
-
Tenzing adds Natural Energy+ to tap growing functional demand
-
Co-op commercial director departs for soft drinks challenger Hip Pop
What animal most reflects your personality? A swan. Hopefully appearing calm and graceful on the surface, while underneath the water, I’m paddling away with a lot of energy to keep things moving forward.
What’s your favourite film and why? I’m not sure I could choose one, it depends what mood I’m in.
Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? We’ve been lucky enough to work with some incredible celebrity partners since starting Trip, it would be too tricky to choose just one. From Joe Jonas, to sharing Trip at the Oscars, to Paul Wesley, the job’s taken me to some incredible and surreal places.
What would your death row meal be? A Sunday roast.
No comments yet