2026 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Shahzil Qidwai (Q&A)

Shahzil Qidwai

Category Director, Home Meal Replacements 
Loblaw Companies Limited

How did you get your start in grocery?

My journey into retail started in high school at my local Sephora, where I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed connecting with people. What fascinated me most was that no two days were ever the same— every customer had a different story, a different need or a different problem to solve. 

Shortly after graduating from university, I joined Loblaw, where I’ve now spent the last nine years building my career across a variety of fresh merchandising categories. Throughout that time, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with incredible cross-functional teams spanning store operations, procurement, marketing and supply chain.

Merchandising sits at the centre of so many moving parts within the business, and that’s what makes it so exciting. My focus has always been on leading teams that drive innovation, create compelling customer experiences and continuously evolve the value we bring to Canadians every day.

What excites you most about the grocery business?

How dynamic and competitive the industry is. Grocery is constantly evolving—consumer habits change, food trends emerge and customer expectations continue to rise. That creates endless opportunities to innovate, differentiate and think creatively. Grocery is an industry that challenges you daily, but it’s also incredibly rewarding because the impact is so tangible. Food is deeply personal and plays such an important role in people’s everyday lives, cultures and traditions. Knowing the work we do  reaches millions of customers and families every single day is something I never take for granted.

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

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced throughout my career has honestly been overcoming self-doubt. Early on, especially in high-pressure environments or when stepping into bigger opportunities, I sometimes questioned whether I was truly ready. Over time, I realized that growth rarely happens when you feel completely comfortable. I learned to trust my experience, lean into challenges and stop waiting for the “perfect moment” before taking the next step. Having strong mentors and surrounding myself with talented people also played a huge role in helping me build confidence. Today, I see self-doubt differently — not as something negative, but as a sign that you’re pushing yourself into new territory and continuing to grow.

Best career advice you've received?

“Surround yourself with smart people.” I’ve carried that mindset with me throughout my career. Being around driven, talented individuals pushes you to think differently, challenge your own perspectives and continuously improve. Some of my biggest periods of growth have come from learning alongside people who inspired me to raise my own standards.

What has been your best day on the job?

My best days are always the ones spent out in the field visiting stores and connecting directly with customers and teams. There’s something incredibly energizing about being in stores—seeing the business come to life, observing customer behaviour first-hand and hearing real feedback in real time. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to visit stores across the country, and every visit teaches me something new. Sometimes it’s seeing the pride and execution of our teams reflected on the sales floor, and other times it’s spotting a small customer insight that sparks a completely new idea or opportunity. I truly believe some of the best innovations in retail start by simply spending time in stores and listening closely.

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

I love to travel. If I could choose any lifestyle, I’d probably live as a nomad—constantly exploring different cities, experiencing new cultures, meeting people from all walks of life and discovering local food scenes around the world. Travel gives me perspective and inspiration. I’ve always found that some of the best ideas come from stepping outside of your routine and immersing yourself in unfamiliar environments. Whether it’s trying street food in a new country, walking through local markets or simply observing how people live and connect through food,—those experiences stay with me and often influence how I think creatively both personally and professionally.

What’s a fun fact about you?

I’m happiest when I’m outdoors and surrounded by nature. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me gardening, going on long hikes, exploring new biking trails or chasing waterfalls on weekend adventures. I love disconnecting from the fast pace of everyday life and spending quality time outdoors with family and friends.

There’s something incredibly grounding about being in nature—whether it’s an early morning hike, discovering a hidden scenic spot or simply enjoying a quiet evening in the garden. It’s my way of recharging, staying balanced and finding inspiration outside of work.

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