2026 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Chantal Azevedo (Q&A)

Chantal Azevedo

Senior Category Manager
Metro Ontario

How did you get your start in the grocery business?

My journey in the grocery industry began in high school with  my first part-time role as a cashier at Food Basics. What started as a job quickly grew into a genuine passion for the business. I spent seven years at store level, gaining hands-on experience across different areas while completing my education. When the opportunity arose to join head office in a contract role, I seized it. From there, I continued to build my career by taking on a variety of roles, each one giving me a broader perspective on the industry and deepening my understanding of the business. That progression—from stores to head office—has been instrumental in shaping how I approach my role today.

What excites you about the grocery business?

What excites me most about the grocery business is its fast pace and constantly evolving nature. There’s always something new—whether it’s a project, a challenge or a shifting customer need—and that keeps the work dynamic and engaging. I love being able to come to work each day and apply what I’ve learned to help drive the business forward, while also supporting those around me. At the same time, I’m continuously learning and growing, which is what makes this industry so rewarding.

What is a career challenge you've faced and how did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges in my career was not only transitioning from stores to a head office role, but also navigating the pace of my early progression once I got there. Moving into a more strategic, cross-functional environment required me to quickly adapt my skillset, while stepping into roles with increasing responsibility early on. To overcome this, I focused on staying curious, asking questions and actively seeking feedback from those around me. I also leaned heavily on my store-level experience, using that practical perspective to ground my decisions and add value. Embracing continuous learning and stepping outside my comfort zone allowed me to build confidence quickly and successfully grow into each new opportunity.

Best career advice you've received?

If you feel uncomfortable, you’re probably growing. Say yes to the challenge, trust what you bring to the table and don’t wait until you feel ready—because that’s often where the biggest opportunities are.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I would describe my leadership style as grounded in clear expectations and accountability. I believe in setting a strong foundation, so my team understands their goals and has the support and tools needed to succeed. I believe in developing people—helping them grow in their careers by giving them opportunities to take ownership and stretch beyond their comfort zone. At the same time, I encourage an open, collaborative environment where individuals feel supported, empowered and confident contributing their ideas. Ultimately, my goal is to build a high-performing team that feels both accountable and inspired to deliver results.

Your best day on the job?

Winning this award is certainly one of the highlights of my career. It’s incredibly rewarding to be recognized within an industry I’m so passionate about. Beyond that, stepping into my current role stands out as a defining moment. I truly enjoy the work—whether it’s diving into financials, analyzing performance or identifying what’s working and where we can improve. I also love taking on new projects and leading initiatives that help drive the business forward. Being in a role that challenges me while aligning with what I enjoy most has made those moments especially meaningful.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and our two daughters. Enjoying family moments and taking time to recharge together—that time is incredibly important to me.

What is a fun fact about you?

I’m a big country music fan—there’s always a country playlist in the background, whether I’m driving or unwinding.

Click here for the full list of 2026 Star Women in Grocery Award winners.