2025 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Lisa Hughes (Q&A)

Lisa Hughes

Senior Category Manager
Walmart Canada

What do you like most about your current role?

Customers! I am truly customer-focused and fuelled by the ability to deliver quality and value to our customers. I am energized by the potential of what we can introduce to the Canadian market—trends, innovation and what’s next. Working with some of the best companies in Canada and having influence over what we bring to market is truly the best part of my role.

Proudest career accomplishment?

My proudest moments have been collaborative accomplishments with my entire support team. There is nothing better than completing a project with a group of people who share the same goal. Individual success is made possible by the strength of the team, allowing us to reach the finish line together. I thrive in an environment with peers who share the same energy and sense of accomplishment.

What is your best quality?

Relationships, collaboration and respect. These qualities drive my decision-making every day. I always strive to keep these elements top of mind.

Best advice you’ve received?

Be a good human. We can achieve our goals while being compassionate and transparent. My best successes have come from being strong and confident in my position while influencing others around me to make daily progress.

What excites you most about the grocery industry?

Product is everything! I began my career as a cake decorator and loved having something creative to show at the end of the day. I genuinely get excited about discovering new products that I can present to customers. I enjoy brainstorming and thinking outside the box. I feel fortunate to influence products that customers will choose for their families or events.

How do you like to spend your time outside work?

I am fortunate to spend most of my time outside of work with my two boys (ages 10 and seven), who are both competitive athletes. Our time is devoted to training and attending games, and I wouldn’t change it for anything. Being their mom is the most challenging but rewarding role I have ever had, and I am incredibly proud of them.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Regardless of where you are in your career or the challenges you face, remember that your work has value and impact. It's easy to forget this at the moment. You may not be where you thought you should or wanted to be, but it is never too late. Each stage of life brings opportunities for new and challenging experiences.

Click here for the full list of 2025 Star Women in Grocery Award winners.