2025 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Amélie Lavoie (Q&A)
Amélie Lavoie
Senior Director, Human Resources
Keurig Dr Pepper Canada
How did you get your start in the grocery/CPG business?
My journey in the grocery and CPG industry actually began when I was 16 years old, working as a cashier at Provigo. At the time, I never imagined this would evolve into a career in the CPG sector. Growing up, my uncles owned grocery stores, so these early experiences probably developed my appreciation for the resourcefulness, hard work, community-mindedness and dedication that characterizes the talents in this industry. However, it wasn’t until I joined Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) Canada back in 2018 that I truly began my professional journey in the CPG world. As head of HR, and a partner in the grocery industry, I’ve come to appreciate the strategic role our talents play in the broader ecosystem.
What keeps you passionate about your work?
What keeps me passionate about my work is the dynamic nature of the industry. It's fast-paced, full of healthy competition, and there's always something new to learn or a new challenge to overcome. I thrive in this high-energy environment, where the stakes are high and the talent has a challenger mindset. What truly drives me is the opportunity to make a real impact, not just business wise, but on the lives of the people we serve. At KDP Canada, we’re working on things that matter, whether it's pushing forward sustainability initiatives to improve our impact or empowering our employees to grow and succeed. I love being part of a forum where we can exchange ideas, learn from each other and drive meaningful changes. That’s what keeps me motivated every day.
What is your leadership style?
Leadership for me is rooted in empathy and a hands-on approach to business partnership. By fostering a culture that values teamwork, individuals are empowered to engage fully and perform at their best. I encourage curiosity within my team, creating space to explore challenges and approach problems with a business mindset. In my role as an HR leader, the focus is on aligning talent potential with business strategy to create long-term value. I lead with the desire to foster connection, accountability, a sense of belonging, teamwork and a commitment to grow. It’s about being both a leader and a colleague, helping to build an environment where people feel encouraged to bring their own flavour to work.
What is a career challenge you've faced and how did you overcome it?
One of the most significant challenges I’ve faced in my career was leading the development of our new corporate headquarters in Montréal’s Mile-Ex neighbourhood. As the sponsor of this project, I was responsible for overseeing every aspect of the relocation, ensuring the new office space would not only reflect KDP Canada’s culture and values, but also meet the evolving needs of our diverse workforce.
Managing the construction of an entire office space, with its commercial protocols, strict regulations and complex logistics, was quite a different challenge that took me out of my comfort zone. The project had many unforeseen hurdles and there were several bumps in the road along the way. I felt incredibly lucky to be able to rely on the diverse expertise and talented employees within KDP. Our teams truly rose to the occasion, offering their support when I needed it most and stepping in to help us navigate through each obstacle. Through this experience, I learned the importance of resilience, collaboration and relying on the strengths of those around me. By staying aligned with our vision and maintaining clear communication, we were able to overcome every challenge and create a space that symbolizes KDP Canada’s commitment to innovation, collaboration and employee well-being. It’s a project I’m immensely proud of, and it really showcased the power of teamwork and determination.
What is the best career advice you've received?
The best career advice I’ve received came from a mentor who once quoted [author] Henry Mintzberg, “Leadership, like swimming, cannot be learned by reading about it.” Essentially, theory and knowledge are important, but true learning comes from hands-on experience. It’s through applying what you’ve learned in real situations, trying things out and seeing how it fits for you, that you truly grow and develop. I believe that stretching yourself outside your comfort zone, whether it’s to take on a project or trying a role outside of your function, truly helps you grow, learn and add skills to your box.
What has been your best day on the job?
Without a doubt, my best day on the job was the opening day of our new corporate headquarters in Montréal’s Mile-Ex neighbourhood. The energy in the room was absolutely electric, there were smiles, wonder and a sense of pride that was truly unforgettable. Watching our team come together to celebrate the culmination of such a monumental project was incredibly rewarding. If I could encapsulate that moment and sell the KDP experience through that feeling, I absolutely would. It was a perfect representation of the passion, collaboration and dedication that defines our company, and it stands as one of the most meaningful milestones in my career.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
Outside of work, I love to immerse myself in family life and enjoy the time spent with my child: whether it's playing, exploring or simply enjoying each other's company. It’s a grounding experience that brings a lot of joy to my day.
When I’m not at work or caring for my family, I’m usually outdoors. Whether it’s biking, walking, swimming or skiing—anything that keeps me active and connected to nature, I’m in. My love for biking even inspired me to get involved as an ambassador for the Make-A-Wish Bike Challenge, combining my love for cycling with a chance to give back to a cause close to my heart.
What is a fun fact about you?
I once had the opportunity to serve as the general manager for a Cirque du Soleil show, which took me to various countries. I stepped outside of my usual HR role to oversee everything from operations to show to life on tour, ensuring seamless operations at every performance, from the first curtain rise to moving the show to a different city. This experience gave me some unforgettable moments. Beyond the excitement of travel and the unexpected, this experience really broadened my perspective on life and deepened my understanding of human connections.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Every day, I feel privileged to be surrounded by an incredibly talented group of women at KDP Canada. These women are not only leaders in their own field, but they are also mentors, collaborators and innovators. They bring a depth of talent, creativity and determination that pushes all of us to think bigger, aim higher and make an impact. One of the things that inspires me most is the way these women navigate challenges with grace and resilience. They are not just pushing barriers; they are redefining what’s possible. They understand that leadership is about lifting others as we rise, and together, we create a culture where everyone’s voice is heard, valued and respected.
Click here for the full list of 2025 Star Women in Grocery Award winners.