Canadian Grocer honours Diane J. Brisebois with first-ever Star Women Icon Award winner
Diane J. Brisebois, retired president and CEO of the Retail Council of Canada was the recipient of the first-ever Star Women in Grocery Icon Award. Celebrating her 30 year career and influence, Brisebois received the award during Canadian Grocer’s Star Women in Grocery celebration on Sept. 25.
“When we learned about Diane's retirement from the Retail Council of Canada earlier this year, we knew that the Icon Award had to be launched in 2025,” said Vanessa Peters, publisher of Canadian Grocer.
The award, sponsored by Mondelēz, was introduced by Michael Medline, president and CEO Empire Company Limited and Sobeys Inc.
“Diane has always served as our industry's critical ballast and stabilizing force during turbulent times, like in recent years with the global pandemic, record inflation and fragile supply chains, or from time to time when our industry and its players didn't always see eye to eye,” said Medline. “Diane continues to serve as a role model and inspiration, not just for women, but for all those who are passionate about the work they do and the people they serve, including me."
A video tribute to Brisebois’ career, featuring key industry players, thanked Brisebois for her years of service and her dedication to the industry.
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“Over the past three decades, you've devoted your heart and your soul, and let's be perfectly honest, your blood, sweat and tears as well, advocating for the interests of retailers large and small across this country, always with courage, you have championed our interests. You've strengthened our voices, and most importantly, you've helped our industry navigate incredible change,” noted a video tribute to Diane from industry leaders.
Brisebois’ acceptance speech was heartfelt and full of thanks, noting the importance of celebrating and supporting women in the grocery industry.
“We're not only celebrating women and giving women hope and courage as they move forward, but we're also bringing them in. We're very much part of our life and our growth with us through this beautiful event,” said Brisebois.
Brisebois spoke of her experiences throughout her career and life lessons she’s learned, from childhood to retirement. She shared that her father used to tell her to “be better” than him. To Brisebois, this acted as a reminder to take a step back and evaluate where you’ve come from, where you are headed and that you have the power to change and to give power to the people around you.
“I was blessed [for] close to 31 years of watching the best. They don't have to be CEOs. They don't have to be coos. They're people who bring passion and compassion to what they do, and who believe that they need to surround themselves with people who are different from them to be complete. Those are the people who make a huge difference in your career and your lives,” said Brisebois.
Brisebois closed her speech with a reminder, “I will leave you with this, the No. 1 lesson: don't be like me! Be better than me. Embrace healthy paranoia. There's nothing wrong with that. Always think, could I have done it better? Could I have said it better? Could I listen better? Make emotional intelligence the key team strength. Live your life holding a glass half full and not half empty.”
