2020 Star Women in Grocery winner Brittany Ford (Q&A)
Rising star
Brittany Ford
Account Executive
Carlton Cards
How did you get into the card business?
I shifted from a science education to a career in sales, beginning with various positions in retail management followed by account management. It quickly became clear that Carlton Cards was an excellent fit when I joined four years ago and, in this role, I have had the opportunity to work with grocery and pharmacy partners.
Your best quality?
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.
Career highlight/greatest achievements?
A recent career highlight was participating in a multiyear project, from early negotiations through to execution, which significantly expanded the availability of Carlton Cards across Canada. While this project was a companywide success, it was also a personal growth opportunity for me to broaden my understanding of the business, develop my network of contacts, and garner a greater sense of accomplishment.
Best advice received?
Become comfortable with silence. Whether there is silence as you take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding or silence as you wait for a response, recognize that silence can be productive and carry as much weight as words.
Biggest challenge faced in your career? And how did you overcome it?
There was an unexpected personnel change in the midst of a major project and, despite the potential disruptions, I maintained composure and kept my focus on the end goals. Leading by example supported successful completion of the project and more credibility was gained from eloquently navigating the obstacle than if there had been no obstacles.
What you like most about your job?
The people and the product. Within Carlton Cards and among our retail partners, it’s the people who have fostered the collaborative team-oriented atmosphere that I thrive off and who I appreciate sharing successes with. I also enjoy representing a product that is a selfless purchase, supports human connection, and elicits an emotional response.
Anything else you'd like to add?
It is my honour to receive this award and be recognized as a Rising Star. Congratulations to all of the 2020 recipients!
Click here for the full list of 2020 Star Women in Grocery award winners.