2026 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Liz Anderson (Q&A)
Liz Anderson
Head of Service Operations
Farm Boy
Looking back at the last seven years with Farm Boy, what's the 'win' you're most proud of that doesn't show up on a spreadsheet?
Since joining Farm Boy, I've had the privilege of helping build and operate our project delivery, retail execution and business support teams. Farm Boy has always had a strong culture of supporting our stores. Being part of growing and nurturing that within our teams is the win I'm most proud of. Watching team members step into new challenges and develop a genuine commitment to serving our stores has been very rewarding. Putting ourselves in the shoes of our store teams, building trust with operators and being a genuine partner is what matters most. It changes how you operate every day.
What's one thing your volunteer work has taught you about leadership that you wouldn’t have learned in a boardroom?
Being the manager for my 10-year-old daughter's hockey team has taught me more about leadership than I expected. Supporting young girls in a competitive team environment—helping them build confidence, navigate setbacks and be there for each other—is both humbling and inspiring. It has deepened my commitment to championing the next generation of women and reminded me that when team members feel supported and connected to a larger purpose, they flourish. I have learned that's just as true in the workplace as it is on the ice.
What intrigues you about the grocery business?
What intrigues me most is how dynamic and impactful it is. It constantly evolves and we are always needing to find new ways to meet the needs of customers. At the heart of it all is something deeply meaningful—helping put food on the tables of Canadian families. That sense of purpose is what drew me to Farm Boy, where it’s woven into everything we do. From leading the way in fresh market grocery to the moments we create in our stores, every decision we make is, ultimately, about delivering an exceptional experience for our customers.
What is the best career advice you have received?
A career is not a ladder; it's a jungle gym. The idea that success means moving straight up is limiting. Some of the most valuable moves I've made have been lateral ones—stepping into the role at Farm Boy from a different industry, taking on a new function, or raising my hand for a project outside my comfort zone. The jungle gym philosophy gives you permission to explore, to build a more interesting and well-rounded career, and to find opportunities in places you might never have thought to look.
What does a typical day look like for you, and how do you prioritize your time?
No two days look the same. I try to start each day by identifying my big rocks, which are the two or three things that will have the biggest impact or that need to be dealt with urgently. Some days that's strategic work; some days it's supporting my team and some days it's navigating the unexpected. Whatever the reality, the intention behind how I prioritize stays the same. I don't always get that right, but it's the discipline I come back to when things get busy and competing priorities start pulling in different directions. Staying focused on the right things and being willing to make deliberate choices about where my time and energy go is what keeps me on track.
What habits or mindsets have helped you stay resilient?
The belief that most problems are solvable—you just have to dig in. Curiosity, persistence and a willingness to ask the right questions will take you further than you think. The key is surrounding yourself with people who challenge and support you, in equal measure. Those relationships are what carry you through when things get hard and give you the confidence to know there is always a way forward.
What keeps you motivated at work?
It comes down to the people, the pace and the impact. Watching my team grow and deliver work they are proud of is incredibly rewarding. Also, there is something deeply satisfying about seeing a project come to life in our stores, knowing it is making a real difference for our teams and the customers we serve.
What is a fun fact about you?
I grew up in Annapolis Royal, N.S., a town of about 600 people where community and connection are everything. Looking back, these small-town roots have stayed with me and helped shape my core values in ways I didn't fully appreciate until many years later.
Click here for the full list of 2026 Star Women in Grocery Award winners.