2026 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Charlene Glennson (Q&A)
Charlene Glennson
Senior Category Manager, Fresh
The North West Company
How did you get your start in the grocery business?
Though I began my career in footwear and apparel, I was always drawn to The North West Company’s mission of providing food security to underserved communities. As someone who loves to cook, I jumped at the chance to join the grocery team as a category manager. Seeing first-hand how products move from farm to table solidified my decision to join the Company, and I’ve been fascinated by the grocery industry’s unique complexities ever since.
Tell us about your proudest career accomplishments.
My greatest professional satisfaction comes from mentorship. I take immense pride in seeing my team members reach their potential—whether that’s hitting a personal career milestone, earning a promotion or stepping into a leadership role. For me, true success isn't measured by the numbers on a spreadsheet, but by the professional growth and advancement of the people I lead.
How do you stay motivated and inspired at work?
What truly inspires me about The North West Company is the collective passion ‘Nor’westers’ have for the communities we serve. Operating in remote regions presents unique logistical challenges, but seeing the impact we have on our customers keeps me focused. I often think about the families relying on us; knowing we are providing fresh, accessible food gives my work a deep sense of purpose and keeps me energized through every challenge.
Best career advice you’ve received?
The best career advice I’ve received was when I first started in category management: “Never buy anything without an exit strategy.” It’s a reminder that bringing product in is only half the job; you must have a clear plan to move it out. This means every purchase needs a roadmap that includes a robust pricing strategy, a promotional plan and a vision for its digital or in-store placement—all while accounting for how it might impact the sales of other items in the category.
What’s your superpower, and how does it help you in your role?
My superpower is the ability to focus on a solution to solve the problem when there are a lot of competing priorities. In high-pressure situations, I can cut through the noise and align a team around a clear path forward. This helps by ensuring that, even when faced with complex obstacles, we never lose sight of the customer. By prioritizing effectively and fostering collaboration, I can keep the team energized and focused on delivering results regardless of the challenge.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I’m an avid reader who usually has at least three books on the go. I also cherish time at our family cottage, where I stay active year-round—from cross-country skiing in the winter to biking and beach days in the summer. I’m also dedicated to my community, volunteering with my local neighbourhood association to keep our area vibrant. I truly live by the motto, “work hard, play hard.”
What’s a fun fact about you?
I love cooking; however, I can’t seem to turn it off from a category mindset. I’ll walk into a grocery store for a few items and leave having mentally reorganized the entire shelf.
Click here for the full list of 2026 Star Women in Grocery Award winners.