Fuelled By Ambition...Tamsyn Tucker
We caught up with one of our incredible members Tamsyn Tucker, Livestock Buyer at Kepak Bodmin, to get to know more about her career journey and ambitions for the food industry. As part of our campaign 'Fuelled by Ambition' we're sharing the stories of our community and asking them to define ambition in their own terms, as well as give us as insights into their career journeys so far.
Tell us about your current role and how you got there.
I’ve been working with Kepak as a Livestock Buyer for the past 18 months, having progressed into the role from Livestock Procurement Executive after joining the business in 2022. This progression has allowed me to build on my commercial understanding of livestock procurement while continuing to focus strong, long term relationships with our producers.
My route into the meat and food industry was very much shaped by my upbringing. Born and raised on my family’s beef and sheep farm in Cornwall, I had an early appreciation for livestock, but also for the responsibility and commitment my parents demonstrated to the business.
After college, I began my career as an Agri Marketing Executive with an agricultural retailer. This role gave me valuable exposure to the wider Agri supply chain and the importance of clear, effective communication with farmers. Spending time on the road across the South West, engaging directly with farmers and growers, coordinating marketing activity around the farming calendar, helped me develop strong relationship-building skills early on.
I later joined a newly established, dairy-focused farm veterinary practice in North Cornwall — the first of its kind in the county. Working in a start-up environment was a formative experience, allowing me to combine practical technician work on farm with managing the day-to-day.
I feel very fortunate that each of my experiences have led me on to the next step in my career and where I am today.
What would you say your top strength or superpower is and how has it helped you in your role?
I’d say my key strength is relationship building. I genuinely enjoy talking to people, learning from those around me, and building trust over time. Within my current role, strong relationships are essential — and catching up with farmers and producers is without doubt the most rewarding part of my role.
I’m constantly inspired by the passion our producers have for what they do, and I believe there’s a huge amount to be gained from listening to their experience.
Tell us about one of the biggest challenges to date in you career and one key learning you took from it?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was stepping up to cover my manager during her maternity leave. At the time, it felt like a significant step, and one I very nearly didn’t take due to self-doubt and questioning whether I was ready.
With the support of a strong team around me, I grew into the responsibility. While it certainly wasn’t easy, the experience proved to be a hugely positive turning point. It also reinforced the key lesson that growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone.
Who has influenced or inspired you along the way and what impact have they had on you?
I’m fortunate to work within a strong procurement team where women are well represented. Being surrounded by capable, supportive women on a daily basis is incredibly motivating and has had a significant impact on my confidence and ambition. There aren’t many days where I’m not inspired by the people I work alongside, both personally and professionally.
Our ongoing campaign is called Fuelled by Ambition where we celebrate ambitions both big & small. When you think about ambition, what does it look like for you at this stage of your life and career?
At this stage, ambition looks less like constant movement and more like intentional progress. To me, a successful career is about achieving a sustainable balance between high performance and personal wellbeing.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of equating being busy with being effective, but I’ve learned that productivity comes from focus and clarity. One of my personal objectives is to make the working day as efficient and impactful as possible, while protecting time away from work to recharge. The MBW masterclasses have been particularly helpful in supporting this shift in mindset, especially Reset & Refocus with Kate Acheson.
Looking ahead, what would you love to see change, improve or grow in the meat/food industry?
Education is key to the future of our industry. At a producer level, continued learning around new technologies and efficiencies will be vital to supporting farm resilience and long-term returns. Equally important is education at a younger age.
I’d love to see schools placing greater emphasis on food education — helping children understand where their food comes from, the work behind producing it, and how to make the most of local, high-quality produce. Building that connection early is imperative for the long-term future of British agriculture and food production.
Quickfire questions:
What’s your favourite cuisine?
Cliché, but it has to be Italian — a pasta dish with some gorgeous, melty beef. Yum.
Favourite pastime or hobby?
A true Granny at heart – I’m happiest in the garden.
If you had to pick your soundtrack song to get you through the working day, what would it be?
Paolo Nutini for something chill, or Red Hot Chilli Peppers when I need a boost.
Favourite holiday destination?
France every time — skiing in the winter and wandering around dreamy farmers markets in the summer.
