About
Lucy Manahi

Hello and welcome to Ideas Unleashed!

This platform is a reflection of my journey as a passionate creator and innovator. So far in life, I've had the privilege of bringing some diverse ideas to life, igniting change, building awareness, and designing solutions to solve complex issues. With a background in food technology and a passion to create more sustainable systems, I plan to explore the potential of novel technologies, envisioning a future where new solutions and traditional practices can align harmoniously.

Through this blog, I aim to share my insights, experiences, and breakthrough moments, all while fostering a community of like-minded individuals eager to embrace the untapped power of ideas. So, join me as we embark on this journey of unleashing innovation and transforming ideas into reality. Together, we'll shape a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.

Experience

Business Analyst Intern

Singapore, Feb - May 2023

As part of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Business Internship programme, and with additional assistance from the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia on behalf of Education New Zealand, I will be working with the Operations team at Shiok Meats on a number of projects which included:

Identifying trends and priority areas for innovation and corporate sustainability within the alternative protein industry across the APAC region and conducting market research to support strategic business planning and product development
Proposing a 5-year roadmap aligning business priorities and incorporating innovation and sustainability initiatives and presenting them to the CEO and CSO
Looking into priority areas related to the alternative protein industry for countries in APAC based on their political and economic outlook, as well as citizen preferences

Marketing and Communications Lead

Remote, Jun 2022 - Jan 2023

I was employed at Cellular Agriculture Australia (CAA) on a 6 month contract where I led the Marketing and Science Communications team where we worked on various projects, such as:

Assisted in creating Australia’s first online learning course on cellular agriculture
Collaborated with Science and Technology Australia to develop our first white paper and related content
Facilitated a cross-sectoral workshop with 28 key stakeholders at BCG in Melbourne
Developed annual reports, articles and press releases, assisted in company strategy, and managed our monthly newsletter Cultivated

Content Developer and Co-Category Manager

Remote, Feb - Oct 2022

At Taste Like I worked with a passionate team to establish the the world’s first directory for animal-free meat, seafood, egg, and dairy products and pet foods. It was during the initial stages of the company, and I was able to work on various elements to progress the company towards its release. These were:

Led a team to research and implement plant-based meat products into a global database
Worked alongside the co-founders to develop the website design and layout, brand strategy, and grant applications. I also helped generate ideas for marketing, design features, and website functionality
Developed infographics and content to be included on the website

Innovations Trial Intern

Hastings, Nov 2021 - Feb 2022

At Rockit, I designed and carried out various projects assisting the company during the pre-harvest season, and developing a thorough understanding of a global food processing company. A selection of projects I worked on include:

Designed and carried out longitudinal trials across various orchards in Hawkes Bay, collecting valuable data to better understand tree health and yield over a ten-year period
Calibrated and implemented a non-invasive fruit produce meter, the Felix F750, in collaboration with Plant and Food Research, into orchards to gain an understanding of fruit development prior to harvest
Designed and carried out post-harvest logistic trials on fruit travelling from Gisborne to Hastings

Technical Product Developement Intern

Hastings, Jan 2019 - Feb 2021

At GreenMount Foods I was involved across all areas of the company, from Quality Assurance through to Product Development, learning and obtaining valuable skills and experience in a food processing company. A selection of achievements include:

Assisted in a food safety investigation, where I gathered samples, liaised with customers, and conducted my own experiments. It was a great insight into the procedures and protocols around a food safety risk to the company.
Developed my skills in writing SOP's and conducting audits. I also assisted the Product Development team developing new products for Burgerfuel, with an idea of mine launching in a burger in late 2020, and the Kai Pono vegetable bites range.
Managed a product development project for Ketologie from idea generation through to small scale trials. I also assisted the company with the installation of a spiral freezer, which involved writing SOPs and undertaking line trials.

Quality Control Specialist

Hastings, June - Oct 2023

At T&G Global I was employed as a Quality Control Specialist in Hastings, Hawkes Bay. In this role I looked after quality in various aspects of the business, such as packaging and fruit, and assisted with various projects such as:

Coordinated quality inspections of fruit bound for the United States according to USDA regulations across the supply chain process from washing through to packaging
Collaborated with Plant and Food Research on various projects to better understand the fruit in terms of pests, internal defects, and optimal fruit washing processes. This involved devising and conducting various trials to obtain valuable data to inform the senior leadership team.
Worked together with operators and management on the line applying appropriate tools and methods to enhance processing systems to reduce waste and increase efficiency

Marketing Assistant

Hastings, Oct - Dec 2023

At Creative Marketing New Zealand, I was employed as a Marketing Assistant in Hastings, Hawke's Bay. In this role I worked with clients on various projects, such as designing and developing websites on Wordpress, crafting social media content, and organising professional events. Some key projects include:

Designing the websites for Holly Trail and Sunday's Drinks in Wordpress to bring their ideas to life and creatively showcase their personality and services.
Created social media campaigns to attract both new and returning customers utilising Canva, CapCut, Photoshop, and Procreate. I also implemented a new social media tool, Buffer, for efficient and effective management of posting.
Organised a 200-person, fully catered event for a client. It was an opportunity to bring their professional network into a space to educate them on their services and also as a networking event.

Product Developer

Ballarat, Jan 2024

In my current role, I am part of the R&D team at Mars Chocolate Australia as a Product Developer for the M&M's brand. As part of this role I:

Develop and implement various new product development activities and value leadership opportunities to drive product innovation and achieve significant savings for the business.
Take a new product concept through the complete stage-gate process: from a new product request through to lab-scale development and then to factory line trials and first make.
Collaborate with functions across the business and with stakeholders to explore new options to harness potential innovation opportunities.
Communicate with associates across the MCA site and the wider business, from commercial and factory innovation through to supply and quality and food safety

Education

Massey University

Bachelor of Food Technology with Honours, Product Development

2019 - 2022

Individual Honours Project - Investigating the Rheology and Texture of Hybrid Cultivated Meat Products. This project was funded by the Catalyst Strategic Fund as part of the MBIE and A*STAR New Zealand-Singapore Bilateral Research Programme on Future Foods.

Group Honours Project - Developed an innovative food product called Women's Comfort Bites. These cookies were made with ingredients that had researched nutrients and functional properties to specifically target and support premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms

Jiangnan University

Belt and Road University Alliance for Food Science and Education, School of Food Science
and Technology
2019

Attended a 10 day summer school at Jiangnan University at the School of Food Science and Technology.

Honours and Awards

Startmate Women Fellowship Scholarship
NZ Growth Partners - August 2023

Prime Minister's Scholarship for Asia
Education New Zealand - October 2022

Shiok Meats Singapore Internship Grant
Asia New Zealand Foundation - October 2022

Plate to Pasture Youth Scholarship
Silver Fern Farms - June 2022

GirlBoss Edge: Ca$hflow Challenge
GirlBoss New Zealand - January 2022

Massey University Vice Chancellors High Achievers Scholarship with Distinction
Massey University - February 2019

Sir James Wattie Scholarship for Food Technology
Massey University - February 2019

Hannah Butler & Family Cup
Iona College - December 2018

Phyllis Wedd Memorial Award
Iona College - December 2018

Programmes and Courses

Startmate Women Fellowship Spring'23
Startmate - September 2023

AFS Global Up Abroad
Education New Zealand - April 2023

Asia New Zealand Foundation Business Internship Programme
Asia New Zealand Foundation - February 2023

Market Readiness Programme: Singapore and Malaysia Module
Southeast Asia Centre of Asia Pacific Excellence - July 2022

Tertiary Market Immersion Programme
Southeast Asia Centre of Asia Pacific Excellence - July 2022

Cambridge University Alternative Protein Fundamentals Programme
Cambridge University Alt. Protein Society - May 2022

GirlBoss Edge: Ca$hflow Programme
GirlBoss New Zealand - January 2022

Women of Cellular Agriculture Programme
WOCA and Dr. Jess Krieger - 2021

International College Students Innovative Competition
Jiangnan University - July 2019

Hands on at Otago - Genetics Programme
University of Otago - January 2018

Spirit of Adventure
Spirit of Adventure Trust - April 2017

Want to Connect?

I really appreciate it when people go out of their way to get in touch. I'll make sure to get back to you as soon as possible!

About Lucy Manahi