Meet the Team

Name: Jai Padey

Job Role: Sales Cadet

Length of Service: Just over three years

What attracted you to Muddy Boots?: After graduating from my Food Science course, I started searching for a full-time job – I was initially looking into a more technical QA/QC role, as I thought that these would be the only opportunities open to food science graduates. However, I stumbled across a vacancy within Muddy Boots, as the Coles Applications Specialist. I had never considered working on the software side of the Food Industry, but after doing further research on Muddy Boots and the products offered, I was instantly attracted. Being able to work in a company that offers solutions to help reduce food waste, improve sustainability and maintain food quality greatly appealed to me (as these are all values that align with me). Food supply chains will have a greater strain placed on them as the world’s population continues to rapidly increase, and cutting-edge software will be required to ensure that there is enough food to support the growing population. Being able to work in a company that is constantly innovating and helping solve these modern-day problems in the food industry fascinated me. Due to this, I decided to apply for the role and the rest is history!

Tell us a bit about you and your work history?: While I was at University, I worked in various part-time roles. I worked as a waiter, tutor, and swimming instructor, and I was also promoted to swimming instructor supervisor. After graduating, I joined Muddy Boots Software and worked as the Coles Applications Specialist for 2 and a half years. I have been working in my new sales role since the end of February, and I have been loving the change as I'm learning lots and developing new skills!

What does your typical working day look like?: My typical working day first starts off with checking and responding to my emails/messages, as well as sending a good morning message to the Australia team. I'll then plan my day depending on my schedule, if I have a client meeting I will usually spend a good chunk of my morning prepping accordingly for it. I spend most of my day getting new leads, making contact with them (usually by calling), and qualifying them. I also follow up with any older leads that haven't responded to me, to see if they would be interested in one of our solutions. Additionally, I try to squeeze a bit of sales-related learning every day, usually through LinkedIn Learning courses or reading articles.

What's an interesting fact about you?: I was born in Dubai!

Who would be your ideal dinner party guest and why?: I would have to say Elon Musk - we'd have some pretty interesting discussions about space travel, simulation theory, neuralink, and much more!

What's your favourite food?: My favourite food would have to be Channa Bhatura - it is a spicy chickpea curry served with puffed, fried bread.

What makes you passionate about food/farming?: Growing up in a household where most of our meals were homemade and cooked with a lot of love, I developed a passion for food at a very young age. My interest in food was enhanced after studying Food Science at University, where I learned about various aspects of the Food Industry (such as food quality, processing & preservation). I was fascinated by what I had learned and wanted to use the knowledge I gained to contribute to this industry. I am also a massive foodie and I love trying new cuisines/food!

Any skills or talents that people don’t know about?: I'm a decent tennis player and a DJ!

What advice do you wish you’d been given early in your career?: Take a moment every now and then to breathe and slow down, don't stress about the little things, and manage your time well.

Finish this sentence: on Sunday mornings you usually find me……snuggled up in bed with my cat, binging Netflix.

What’s one item you can’t leave your house or apartment without?: My glasses - I would literally be blind and lost without them.

Describe yourself in three words...Charismatic, social, and curious.

What publications do you regularly read or what book are you reading now?: I'm a regular reader of The Economist - most of my interest goes towards the Science & Technology section. I am currently reading
The Blind Watchmaker by Richard Dawkins.