Imagine this, someone walks up to you and asks your permission to give you some SoulFood. How would you react?

A hesitant "Er, yes... go on then?"

Or perhaps, "I don't know what you mean."

Or maybe even a flat "No, I don't need anything."

Whatever your reaction, it’s natural—because recognition is often misunderstood. At and., we believe recognition is more than a pat on the back. It’s fuel for growth, connection, and genuine impact. Let us introduce you to SoulFood, our way of saying, "I see you, and what you did made a difference."

Why SoulFood Matters

Feedback often comes loaded with agendas, hidden criticisms, or an expectation to change. Most of us are familiar with feedback that starts with "Can I give you some feedback?" and ends with us wondering what we did wrong and what we need to fix.

This is where SoulFood is different—it’s genuine recognition with no strings attached. It’s about honouring someone’s contribution and making them feel seen and valued.

SoulFood: Genuine, Positive, Specific

SoulFood follows our GPS approach—Genuine, Positive, and Specific. We don’t do vague, empty compliments. We don’t do praise just for the sake of praise. We do real, intentional recognition that makes people stop, think, and smile.

Genuine means it’s got to be real. When we recognise someone, we mean it. It’s about showing up with heart and authenticity.
Positive isn’t just about being "nice"; it’s about celebrating what’s working, what’s good, and what’s inspiring. It’s the kind of recognition that lifts people up and motivates them to keep going.
Specific means we call out exactly what we’re recognising. We don’t do "good job" or "well done." We say, "The way you handled that difficult conversation with empathy and clarity made a huge difference." Being specific makes recognition meaningful and memorable—it shows you’re paying attention.

The Impact of SoulFood

Most people are cautious about feedback—they expect an agenda, a catch, something that they need to fix. SoulFood breaks that pattern. It’s about strengthening, not steering. It encourages people to believe in themselves and feel proud of their contributions. It’s about creating moments that build confidence, foster trust, and strengthen bonds within a team.

We’re inspired by Ken Blanchard’s idea of "catching people doing things right." SoulFood takes it even further—it’s about truly seeing, understanding, and celebrating the unique contributions that people make. This kind of recognition creates a ripple effect. It encourages confidence, strengthens relationships, and gives people tangible reminders of their value—reminders they can hold onto, look back on, and draw strength from.

People who have received SoulFood often keep their cards for ten years or more. They become symbols of those moments when someone truly saw them—moments that leave a lasting impact.

The Barriers We Break with SoulFood

Feedback can be a loaded word. It can bring doubt, resistance, or even outright fear. Most of us have experienced that tense feeling when someone says they have feedback for us—the doubt, the "what’s the catch?" suspicion, or the sense that it’s just for show.

With SoulFood, we aim to dissolve these barriers by making recognition feel authentic, uplifting, and meaningful. It’s not about correction or praise for praise’s sake. It’s about acknowledging the heart of what you and your team do and showing that what’s done well has a lasting impact.

How SoulFood Helps

For Leaders and Teams: SoulFood helps create a culture where everyone feels seen and appreciated—not just for what they do, but for how they show up. It’s about daily contributions, not just the big achievements.
For Individuals: SoulFood builds confidence by recognising unique strengths. It celebrates everyday actions, showing individuals that their efforts matter and make a difference.
For Organisations: SoulFood strengthens a culture that values the human element. It encourages trust, collaboration, and shared purpose—fostering a work environment where people feel connected and engaged.

The Benefits of SoulFood

A Big Boost to Focus: SoulFood highlights the behaviours that align with your organisation’s mission. It shows what’s working and why it matters.
Encourages Growth: The "I see you" attitude helps people recognise their own growth and pushes them to develop new skills. SoulFood becomes an invitation to grow, not a command.
Fosters a Positive Mindset: By celebrating what’s working, SoulFood creates an environment where improvement is welcomed but not demanded. It’s about building on strengths rather than just fixing weaknesses.
Powerlifts Culture: SoulFood makes recognition a natural, genuine part of daily interactions. When recognition is genuine, it becomes woven into the culture itself.
Keeps the Human Element Alive: Tangible recognition that’s heartfelt and specific keeps the human in human resources—it’s felt and remembered.

How We Do SoulFood

We deliver SoulFood in three ways, and every step is intentional:

Ask Permission First: This might seem small, but asking permission is a magical part of SoulFood. It’s a moment that shifts the receiver’s mindset. By asking, you signal that what you’re about to share matters—and, more importantly, that they matter.
Write It: First, we put it down on a SoulFood card. This captures the genuine and specific nature of the recognition, and it makes it tangible. It’s not just words—it’s something that can be held, reread, and kept.
Speak It: We don’t just send a card or an email; we say it, person-to-person. There’s power in spoken words—hearing someone’s voice, seeing their expression. It makes the recognition more real and more impactful.
Hand It Over (or Post It): Finally, we hand it over directly or mail it. This isn’t just an afterthought—it’s a personal touch that ensures the recognition is something the person can keep and reflect on. It’s not just praise—it’s a reminder of their value.

The Legacy of SoulFood

People have kept their SoulFood cards for a decade or more. These cards become keepsakes—symbols of moments when they felt truly seen, valued, and celebrated. Moments like these have a lasting impact. They don’t just create a good feeling for a day—they create a legacy of confidence, trust, and growth.

Do SoulFood

We invite you to bring SoulFood into your teams, your clients, and your organisation. Watch how it changes not only the dynamics but the entire mindset of those around you. SoulFood isn’t just a gesture—it’s an opportunity to create lasting impact, to celebrate small wins, and to shine a spotlight on the people who make it all happen.

POLL: Would You Buy SoulFood Cards?

We’ve made SoulFood cards for years for our own use and to share, and now we want to know—would they be useful for you and your business?

Let’s make recognition a movement—

let’s do SoulFood.

Meet SoulFood