2026 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Erin Higdon (Q&A)

Erin Higdon

Vice-President, Business Strategy
Atlantic Grocery Distributors Ltd.

How did you get your start in the grocery business?

After graduating from Memorial University with joint degrees in business commerce and economics, I achieved my professional accounting designation as a Chartered Accountant. I was working in the mining industry in Labrador when my dad put me in contact with family friend Dave Powell, owner of the Powell Group of Companies, which includes Powell Supermarkets and Atlantic Grocery Distributors, the largest wholesale distributor to independent grocers in Newfoundland and Labrador. At the time, it was a wonderful opportunity to move my young family back home to the island, so I joined the company in 2014 as director of finance. Less than a year later, the grocery industry and its people had stolen my heart, and when opportunity presented itself, I moved into my current role as vice-president of business strategy. 

What is your proudest career accomplishment?

It would be the opportunity I had to serve as chair of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) last year. CFIG is an incredible association that does critical work to amplify the collective voice of independent grocers across the country, highlighting the crucial role played by independents in their communities and advocating for their needs. 

During that time and through my various roles on the board, I participated in critical work such as the development of the newly established Canadian Grocery Code of Conduct. The ability to support and be supported by some of the greatest women and men in the grocery industry has certainly been a career highlight and is a gift that will continue to give, through lasting friendships and networks developed during that time. 

What habit or mindset has had the biggest influence on your career growth?

I once read a book titled The Slight Edge, which presented an approach to success that really resonated with me. The application of the simple principle it presented has become a key part of my daily strategy in both my professional and personal life. Success in anything is often not the result of a sudden significant change you make. Instead, it is the result of the compounding effects of small but consistent steps forward. 

I believe in making 1% improvements on a daily basis, knowing that each small change is moving you in the direction you want to go, or impacting the situation in a positive way. That mindset has helped me work through difficult situations— to move forward and not lose sight of the end goal. 

I also regularly tell both my daughters, “there is always a solution; there is nothing that can’t be fixed” when they find themselves facing difficulties. This challenges them to think through problems, but also reassures them that they can manage and work through hard things.

How do you inspire and motivate your team?

I have an incredible appreciation for the people I get to work with and am inspired by them on a daily basis. I love connecting with like-minded people who are passionate about what they do and passionate about people. What I love the most about the grocery industry is it is built upon the foundations of people and relationships. When those around us feel appreciated and seen, there is a shared energy and inspiration. I feel that we are at our best as leaders and team members when we clearly communicate gratitude to one another for our individually unique talents, skills and contributions. I regularly feel challenged to continue to do better because I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with amazing people who are more like family. 

What advice would you give future leaders?

Lead from your heart and have courage to stand up for what you believe in. Don’t let anyone set limits for you. What feels impossible to one person may feel entirely within reach to another. That’s why we are all better together.

Don’t be discouraged by your weaknesses or shortcomings, but work hard to know what they are. Then you can find and bring together those people that complement you, and each other, and celebrate your differences by working together. That’s the magic of great teams who appreciate one another.

What do you like to do outside of work?

My passion is spending time with my girls, Georgia and Olivia. I love to watch them dance and absolutely love to transform into the loudest dance mom in the crowd, cheering them and their teammates on, when they are performing in dance competitions. I also love to hike and travel, neither of which I find enough time for but feel most alive when exploring new places and adventuring with my family.

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