Kate Hardcastle MBE

Broadcaster & Business Advisor

Kate Hardcastle MBE, a.k.a. The Customer Whisperer is a global expert on consumer insight supporting some of the world’s biggest brands on consumer insight and evolving vision into value She appears daily in the media as the go-to business expert providing commentary and presenting documentaries for BBC, ITV, Sky News, CNBC, Reuters and NHK and is also a respected thought leader writing for Forbes magazine. Kate was recognised for her entrepreneurial success with over 25 awards including a MBE from HRH Queen Elizabeth II. She is a respected speaker and presenter at global business summits and conferences including World Congress, Financial Times Live and Seamless and is the host of the podcast - Rock n Roll Business.

Why are you involved with The Fragrance Foundation UK?

I have enjoyed creating partnerships and positive alliances in commerce for over 25 years and I welcome the opportunity to introduce more awareness to the sterling work of the Fragrance Foundation board.

Fashion and beauty are sectors of which I have long been part of and I understand the positive impact that the Fragrance industry brings to commerce and beyond.

I will be happy to bring the voice of the consumer to the table and add to the rich conversations around digital, sustainability and education advancements.

Why do you love fragrance?

Our senses are an incredible tool kit that give us so much - being able to enjoy the sound of my favourite music, see the art that inspires me, taste the food I enjoy, feel the touch of my children's hand in mine or indeed the joy I feel in spritzing a scent that brings happiness. The way our senses can make us feel is incredibly powerful. For me, it’s the ability to be able to scent my home in fragrance that I love and then as I travel so much, have a reminder of everyone I love in just one sprite. That’s magical. 

What is your Scent Memory?

Smelling the lavender all around me in Sicily, whilst enjoying the scent of the crisp lemon in my water and aroma of mu hot coffee. Natural scent is so powerful and evocative, and I can place myself in a moment via a certain smell. My children always like for me to make biscuits with cinnamon as it makes them feel happy - when I asked why they said it was like Christmas and Disneyland all rolled into one.