2024 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Traci Wildish (Q&A)
Traci Wildish
Vice-President of Canadian Sales and North American Retail Operations
McCormick Canada
What are some career highlights??
I have built my career predominantly in sales while benefitting from various cross-functional experiences, which have helped me become a more impactful leader. I take pride in the reputation I have developed, characterized by three key accomplishment areas. Firstly, I have a strong track record of delivering financial and marketplace results by developing sound strategic plans and solving complex issues. Secondly, I am experienced in building high-performing teams and fostering a strong culture. I am passionate about inspiring, developing and leading people within an inclusive environment. Lastly, I have led transformative change initiatives and leveraged an innovative mindset to drive improved efficiencies and effectiveness across the organization. As an executive woman, I am proud of my achievements, and my greatest aspiration lies ahead, where I aim to support more women in reaching leadership positions for better representation.
What is the best part and, conversely, the most challenging part of your current role?
The best part of my role is when someone on my team comes to me to excitedly share a great win they just secured. I love seeing people on my team deliver results, overcome barriers, develop and achieve their career aspirations. The most challenging part has been providing leadership and support while navigating the last few years. As an industry, we have been facing high uncertainty, a challenging macro environment, and evolving consumer and shopper dynamics. I am extremely proud of our team for continuing to build insight-driven plans, adapt to changing trends, overcome obstacles, collaborate with our retail partners and have a growth-mindset that has resulted in strengthening our results.
How would you describe your leadership style?
My leadership style can be described as adaptable and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, transparency and transformational leadership. I tailor my approach to suit the situation and the specific needs of my team, striving to better understand what motivates them. I prioritize inclusivity and employee engagement, encouraging active participation from team members in decision-making processes. My focus on people development, fostering a high-performance culture and promoting innovation aims to enable team members to tap into their full potential.
Best career advice you’ve received?
The classic sales advice I received early in my career is deliver your targets, allowing you to continue focusing your time on building and securing future growth, rather than looking back and justifying any gaps. This advice has always resonated with me and [is] why I’ve remained a highly results-focused leader (that and I’m super competitive). That being said, the best advice I received emphasized the importance of building my network and seeking mentorship and sponsorship. There is so much to learn from others and gain from their support. I am grateful to have had several mentors and sponsors across my career, particularly during the years as a mom with two young kids while pursuing my career aspirations.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I value any opportunity I can spend with my family and friends, attending my kids’ activities, having great conversations, experiencing new things and laughing a lot! I am a huge sports lover. In the summer, I try to spend as much time as possible at our cottage and outside.
What is a fun fact about you?
My daughter has had more birthdays than me! (I was born on February 29th.)
Click here for the full list of 2024 Star Women in Grocery award winners.