What inspired you to pursue a career in the food and grocery sector?
The dynamic nature of this sector has always kept me going. Every day brings a new challenge to deal with and with those challenges comes new learning opportunities. As long as I continue to learn, I will continue to enjoy the role.
What part of your job brings you the greatest fulfillment?
Since I have a large team to handle in my current role, seeing each one of them develop and grow in their career is the most rewarding thing for me.
Any role model who has influenced you?
I’ve had a mentor for the past decade, and learning from him has been invaluable. If I can achieve even half of his leadership qualities, I would significantly improve as a leader. His guidance has been crucial in shaping me into a better people leader.
What personal qualities or skills are essential for thriving in this industry?
Ability to manage chaos on a daily basis and, in fact, find a way to blossom in chaos
Networking skills
Skills in conflict resolution & stakeholder management
How do you stay motivated and inspired in your role?
By doing the right thing in the right way. Focus on things that you can control/influence; leave aside the things that you cannot control.
Any memorable experience or achievement in your career that you’re proud of?
I find the growth of my team members as the most satisfying aspect of my job, and seeing a lot of my past team members doing really well in their career is something that I am proud of.
What’s the one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I am addicted to Chess and play chess for at least 1-2 hours daily. This time allocation goes up exponentially on weekends.
What methods do you use to stay current with the latest developments and innovations in your field?
I regularly read industry-specific online publications and newspapers. I also follow key influencers and thought leaders on social media platforms, participate in webinars and virtual conferences, and engage with professional networks and forums.
Any learnings that you would like to share?
Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning as they often provide the most valuable insights. Their feedback, though sometimes challenging to hear, highlights critical areas for improvement and helps refine our approach. Embracing this feedback constructively allows us to address weaknesses, enhance our offerings, and ultimately build stronger customer relationships.
