2024 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Sage Pullen McIntosh (Q&A)
Sage Pullen McIntosh
Director, Communications & Loyalty
Calgary Co-op
How did you get your start in the grocery business?
I got my start in the grocery business when I was in high school as a courtesy clerk at the Calgary Co-op location close to my home. I loved the company values and commitment to exceptional customer experiences and knew I would work for them again someday. Fast forward to 2019 when I accepted the role of manager of communications at Calgary Co-op. I am now currently the director of communications & loyalty and I still hold true to those important values Calgary Co-op instilled in me all those years ago.
What keeps you passionate about your work?
My team and the members we serve. I am inspired by the hard work, dedication, commitment and creative ideas my team comes up with to better serve our members. Our members are passionate and truly care about where their co-operative is going. They are committed to the longevity of our co-operative and to giving back to our community and on behalf of them, we are able to do some incredible work to improve food security.
What is the best career advice you've received?
“Fail Fast” which to me means, don’t be afraid to try new things, think outside the box and be innovative. If it doesn’t work that is OK; you tried and you learned. Now move on quickly and try something else until you find what works!
What would you say is a highlight of your career, so far?
I would say being part of the team that launched our new member exclusive app in September 2023. It was wonderful to see months of planning and innovation come to life and to see so many of our team members and members excited about our new membership program delivered through an app. It is a journey we are still on and are making incredible strides every day.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
I have three children, so my husband and I are very busy outside work managing their extra-circular activities, which include a lot of time at the swimming pool and on the basketball court. We also enjoy camping with friends in the summer and I am currently training for a marathon.
What is a fun fact about you?
I am a former dancer and trained at the National Ballet School. I am also a former journalist and spent 16 years working in radio and television news.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I am thrilled and humbled to be nominated for a Star Women in Grocery Award by my colleagues. There is no greater honour than to be recognized by a team of such incredible and hard-working people, who are truly committed to our business and the members we serve.
Click here for the full list of 2024 Star Women in Grocery award winners.