At the recent Grocery Impact event in Orlando, Florida, the spotlight was placed on influential women in the grocery industry. This event not only celebrated the Top Women in Grocery honorees for 2024 but also provided a platform for insightful discussions about leadership, evolution in retail, and the importance of nurturing talent. Notably, Lynette Ackley, the Group VP of drugstore, pets, hardlines, and consumables at Meijer, and Susan Morris, EVP and Chief Operations Officer at Albertsons Cos., shared their unique experiences and insights.
During a panel moderated by Gina Acosta, the Editorial Director of Progressive Grocer, the conversation touched on the evolving nature of retail. Ackley accurately pointed out, “The fun thing about retail is that it’s always changing. Every day can present different challenges.” This perspective illustrates the dynamic environment in which retailers operate today. Consumer behavior has shifted dramatically. Today’s shoppers are more knowledgeable and connected than ever, leading to a market where retailers must continuously innovate to meet evolving customer expectations.
One critical point raised by Morris was the dual competition retailers are facing: not just for customers but also for talent. She emphasized that both employees and customers seek alignment with a company’s culture and values. This connection is vital for driving motivation and commitment. The implication here is significant; retailers must invest in employee engagement and development as much as they do in customer service.
To cultivate a positive workplace environment, Morris advised, “Get the right people in the right situations that match their skill sets and abilities.” This statement underscores the importance of strategic staffing and tailored training programs that empower workers, leading to improved productivity and job satisfaction.
Both Ackley and Morris highlighted the need for effective leadership in navigating complex challenges within retail. Ackley shared her philosophy, which incorporates lessons learned from previous mentors. She noted that great leaders must blend courage with humor to foster an atmosphere where associates feel valued and supported. For instance, she emphasized that being able to share personal experiences and learnings not only empowers others but also builds rapport and trust within teams.
Morris echoed this sentiment, revealing her secret to effective leadership: surrounding oneself with knowledgeable individuals. She stated, “Great leaders surround themselves with people way smarter than them. It makes your job easier if you have the right people around you, empower them, hold them accountable and let them go.” This statement serves as a powerful reminder that leadership is about harnessing the strengths of the team, not just individual accolades.
As both leaders discussed the barriers women face in the workplace, Morris highlighted that often, these barriers are self-imposed. “One of the biggest barriers that we have is us,” she stated. This reflects a broader issue in many professional environments, where women can be harder on themselves compared to their male counterparts. Encouragingly, Morris advised women to recognize their abilities and to not hesitate to pursue opportunities, even if they don’t meet every qualification outlined in a job posting.
In their discussions, Ackley and Morris also touched on the urgency of fostering change within organizations. As Morris articulated, “There’s magic in helping people understand the need for change. People want to feel that they’ve had a hand in shaping the future.” Achieving this requires clear communication and involving employees at all levels in the decision-making process, ensuring they feel heard and valued.
As the panel concluded, Ackley and Morris imparted practical advice to women aspiring to grow in their careers. “Raise your hand and tell somebody what your aspirations are,” Morris urged. Building a network of support through allies and mentors can significantly impact one’s career trajectory.
In summary, the insights gathered at the Grocery Impact event highlight the vital role of leadership in the retail sector, particularly in empowering women and fostering a culture of engagement. As businesses face the dual challenge of meeting customer needs while nurturing internal talent, the strategies discussed by Ackley and Morris stand as valuable guidelines for achieving success in an ever-changing industry.
