“Over my career, my best quality has been my ability to reflect on my own performance and hold myself accountable. We can always strive to do it better tomorrow. In my current position, I like to think my best quality is adaptability to any situation. There is no ‘it can’t be done’ in my vocabulary because I believe there is always a way!”

“Thoughtful communication is a quality I take pride in and continually strive to improve. While I am naturally a conversationalist, I always aim to communicate in a considerate manner with transparency and sincerity. Taking time to evaluate different perspectives and reflect on past communications has enhanced my ability to adapt to various audiences and strengthen relationships.”

“Anyone can serve food, but I love the meal, the event. It’s what brings us together as human beings. Whether its family, friends, neighbours or perfect strangers, the meal—although an everyday occurrence—involves sharing and gratitude. It’s rewarding to know that in a small way we help to make that happen for the people we serve. With the current state of affairs in the world today, we could all use a good meal.”

“At Unilever, we talk a lot about purpose. I define mine as one that builds thriving and successful teams who challenge the status quo to deliver the best possible results—while having a lot of fun along the way! I feel very fortunate to work in such a dynamic and interesting industry.”

“The best advice that I have received is that it is OK to be vulnerable, to ask for help, and to ‘fail.’  True growth comes from those moments where you get on the other side of a tough situation, where you experience the greatest learning and develop grit.  During times like these, it’s more important than ever to lead with transparency and vulnerability.”  

“The best parts of my job are the people, the challenge and the sense of accomplishment. I also enjoy being part of an industry that provides families with healthy meal options throughout all stages of life. Through food we are part of people’s lives, their celebrations, comfort and nourishment.”

“Ikigai is the Japanese concept of 'reason for being' (do what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs and get paid for it). I’m very fortunate to have discovered my ikigai at my job. As a plant director, I’m responsible for all activities in the factory—from safety to supply chain operations to people. Each day, I show up with positive energy and passion to inspire and position my team members to succeed and grow to their full potential.”

“I see it as essential to treat everyone within the company with equal respect and kindness, no matter their role on the spectrum of business hierarchy.  I see the importance of empowering every individual employee to feel they are an essential part of the company. This not only helps to push my colleagues to fulfill their potential, but makes each day gratifying.”

“When I switched to the e-commerce team we were a team of one (me). We’re now up to eight full-time members. Getting to where we are today has been incredibly challenging. We’ve overcome many obstacles through hard work and the strength of our team and our leadership. I’m proud to say that over the last four years we’ve built up our group into an integral—and rapidly growing—part of the business.”

“Some of my greatest career achievements to date have been working with my team to build out sustainability as the top initiative in our company. I work with an incredible team where we put the customer first and then factor in the most sustainable way we can promote, package and deliver food to those customers.”

“I believe in working together and considering the opinions, thoughts and feedback from all team members to achieve the best result. I also believe a collaborative approach helps team members develop in their roles and can help create engagement and buy-in with all.”

“I work very hard to create an environment where my team members feel like they can bring their ideas and be heard. I expect my team to challenge each other as much as I challenge them, but in a respectful way that brings out the best in all of us.”

“I am driven by the fast-paced environment of sales—managing multiple priorities and working as part of a commercial team. I love seeing strategies come to life with our retailers, our shoppers and our consumers. I also find it very rewarding to see them embrace initiatives I’ve helped to develop.”

“I love meeting with local entrepreneurs and listening to them pitch what they have created from the ground up. I love collaborating on launch plans and working through all the details to execute at store level. These fabulous entrepreneurs light up when they see it all come together, and they feel like they have made it; they feel successful.”

“My favourite part of my job is the people. Each day I have the opportunity to grow and develop future leaders and help them achieve their career goals. I also really enjoy the fast-paced environment that tests my ability to find solutions to problems of all shapes and sizes. I enjoy strategizing with my team and using my vision to set goals that we can achieve together.”
 

“What I enjoy most about my job is the people I work with and the customers I engage with every day. Each day is different and there is never a dull moment. In fact, I welcome the challenges that come my way. Plus, I get to make a difference in someone’s life by doing my job in the best way possible and leading by example.”

“I’m proudest when I see team members that I have coached and mentored succeed in advancing their careers. I’m also proud of being able to recognize the talent and find the best way to nurture it to allow that success. Take care of your team and they will take care of you; and don’t be afraid to fail because you will never succeed if you don’t try.”

“I love the people part of the business, building long-lasting relationships with my team and my customers. I want my customers to walk into my store and have an awesome experience, whether it’s shopping for Christmas dinner or picking up some fresh local berries on a hot summer day. I really want my teammates to want to be at work. Grocery retail is hard, challenging work so it’s important for me to make the workplace an inviting place to be.”