2022 Star Women in Grocery winner Shilpa Mukhi (Q&A)

Shilpa Mukhi

VP, Sales

P&G Canada

 

How did you get into the grocery/CPG business?

They say you can never plan the future by the past! Growing up in a family of engineers, I had my sights set on an engineering career. After working for a couple years, I decided to complement my skills with an MBA. While at school, I came across a P&G sales internship posting that looked interesting. I was lucky enough to get in and have been at P&G for 19 remarkable years and have never looked back!

What are some of your greatest career achievements?

This pandemic challenged all the norms – hybrid work, physical and mental health, and unprecedented pressures on our products and the supply chain, I’m really proud that I was able to lead my teams successfully through this.

What is your leadership philosophy?

A great piece of advice I received many years ago was: “Lead in a way that other people want to follow you.” I approach leadership in an inclusive way. People always come first—I focus on building connections and trust and hold myself accountable to supporting and inspiring them. I also believe it’s important to have fun at work, so I’m constantly looking for ways to inject some fun and laughter into our day.

How do you promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace?

Championing D&I is important for me and many others at P&G. From mentoring to supporting to leading several networks and initiatives at P&G, I have driven progress on key issues such as unconscious bias of Asian professionals and Francophone representation. During the peak of the pandemic, with rising anti-Asian sentiment, I sponsored anti-discrimination programs including a corporate match to the CanadaHelps Asian Solidarity Fund and Anti-Racism Fund, which has raised almost $900,000.

What is your proudest moment?

Being nominated for the 2022 P&G Canada Woman of Distinction Award at P&G’s annual International Women’s Day celebration. I am honoured to be recognized with other great women for connecting, supporting and empowering people at P&G.

What are you passionate about outside of work?

Outside of work I spend as much time as possible with my family, enjoying the outdoors and being on the water. I have also rediscovered my passion for reading as my kids are finally old enough to let me have some time to myself!

Click here for the full list of 2022 Star Women in Grocery award winners.