2023 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Eva Carron (Q&A)

Eva Carron

Senior Director, Information Technology
Longo's

What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?

One of the most challenging times in my career was the time I was given working notice two months into my second pregnancy. The working notice ended a week prior to my due date. All the joy and excitement of having a second child was impacted by this news. I was scared, I did not know how the next two years would play out. I wasn’t ready to leave the team or the organization, but my only option at the time was to transfer within North America. I gathered my thoughts and began to map out options with my husband. One thing we did know was that I wanted to stay home for the full year with my son and we did not want to move to another Country. I leaned on two of my leaders, who continue to be my mentors today, and we worked out an option that allowed me to continue to work with my team, take my one-year maternity leave and join a new department within the same organization upon my return. It was a time of uncertainty, but leaning on family, friends and my mentors helped me pull through. My mentors are individuals I continue to connect with today and lean on for many of my career decisions. They, along with my husband, have played a key role in my successes to date (Thank you!) 

What keeps you motivated at work?

Motivation for me comes in many forms; maintaining balance, the need to learn and be challenged, connection and company culture are all key. However, the one aspect that jumps out for me the most is my ability to visualize and set out a plan for the next step in my career. A clear path allows me to stay grounded and laser-focused on the goals and expected outcomes. In turn, a plan enables me to lead with enthusiasm and passion, making the team feel valued and empowered.

What is your career highlight/greatest achievement?

I have been very fortunate to work with leaders who have created learning and development opportunities for me. When I think back to the various roles and teams I have been part of, I would say the greatest achievement has been to be a recipient of the Star Women in Grocery award. When I received the email advising I was a recipient, the overwhelming feeling of gratitude, joy and honour was indescribable. To be recognized as a rising star alongside many successful women across various organizations in the grocery industry is incredible! Thank you once again!

What is your best quality?

My best quality is my loyalty. I am fully committed in all I take part in. Whether it’s relationships, work related, or a project, I carve out the time it takes to ensure positive outcomes.

What is your leadership philosophy?

I believe everyone brings value to a team and part of my role is to bring the best out in everyone. Most often people do not realize their true strengths. As a leader, I take the time to get to know my team and better understand what motivates them with the intention of unlocking their full potential. Developing team members and supporting their growth into different and/or more senior roles with greater influence in an organization is the ultimate reward for me as a leader. The biggest compliment I can receive is one that is reflective of my team.

What is a fun fact about you?

My favorite animal is a giraffe. I have always found them to be beautiful animals, symbolizing leadership and guidance. I shared this love I have for giraffes with my son and he recognized it was an animal I could not possibly own as a pet, so he made me a giraffe that I could keep.

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