“There are sadly far more leaders and chief executives across the combined drinks, retail and hospitality sectors that choose to stay quiet and work away behind the scenes than there are those willing to speak out and risk opening themselves up to publicly scrutiny – and all three sectors potential for future growth are harmed as a result.” Harsh but fair? The Buyer’s Richard Siddle thinks so and here explains why in all his years covering the grocery and FMCG sectors, in particular, and their long and winding supply chains, he can’t think of a time when there is a real lack of leadership clout and individuals with the personality to inspire and motivate the industries they work in. It’s ironic that in a time when there have never been more ways to communicate so many of our so called leading supermarkets, drinks companies, brand owners and their suppliers choose to hide behind sanitised corporate social media feeds and anodyne public statements. The good news is the stage is clear for any businesses, brands or individuals to stand up and make a difference. You will quickly earn the respect of your peers if you do.