2023 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Élaine Testulat (Q&A)

Élaine Testulat

Store Manager, Super C Granby, Que.
Metro

How did you start in grocery?

In 2000, I started my journey with the Super C banner as a department manager. Through my effective communication skills, unwavering perseverance and strong leadership, I advanced to the role of store manager in 2010.

What has been the biggest challenge of your career, so far?

The greatest challenge was becoming a store manager in a work environment where more than 90% of my colleagues and superiors were men. Indeed, as a woman, it hasn't always been easy to hold a manager position in a traditionally male-dominated field. Nevertheless, I persevered and demonstrated that I had just as much capability as my male colleagues to achieve the organization's objectives.

What do you appreciate the most about your work?

What I value the most is that each day presents its own unique challenge. No days are alike, and I thoroughly enjoy breaking free from the monotony of routine tasks. One moment that I particularly enjoy is breakfast with my team, where we establish our action plan and discuss the issues encountered the previous day to make necessary adjustments. It's a dynamic way to start the day and foster effective collaboration.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

"Step back, breathe and come back." This advice has helped me take a step back in moments of pressure, take a deep breath to refocus, and come back with a fresh perspective and a better approach.

What is your best quality?

Undoubtedly, my greatest quality lies in my leadership abilities. I have the capacity to empower my team to surpass their personal goals and achieve the company's objectives. I excel as a captain of the ship, as I possess a clear vision of our destination and the expertise to guide my team towards success.

What are your greatest achievements? 

It's clear that recent years have posed challenges in the job market affecting me, my team, our store and our brand. However, despite the hurdles of recruitment, retention and ongoing adjustments to health measures, I successfully maintained Super C in Granby at the top position in all departments. This accomplishment is not solely mine but a result of the collective efforts of my team, the support of my operations manager, the collaboration of key stakeholders and my unwavering perseverance. I take pride in our achievement, and I will continue to inspire and motivate my team to sustain this position.

What do you do when you are not working?

I am a traveller at heart. Exploring new cultures and expanding my knowledge about the places I visit is something I deeply cherish. Additionally, I find delight in engaging in various activities in my daily life such as golf, Cross-Fit, and scuba diving! Sundays are typically dedicated to family dinners, where we gather to savour the simple pleasures of life.

Click here for the full list of 2023 Star Women in Grocery award winners.