2020 Star Women in Grocery winner Carol Henry (Q&A)
Rising star
Carol Henry
Director of Human Resources
Longo’s
How did you get into the grocery/CPG business?
I was recruited by a search firm that Longo’s hired in 2006 to fill the new role of Human Resources manager. I responded because I was very curious about a line I saw in the job specification. They were looking for someone who had both professionalism and humility—values that were very important to me. As it turned out, Longo’s is a values-based company with humility at its core, and I have remained engaged ever since.
What do you think is your best quality?
I love coaching and encouraging others to be the best they can be. I think that I do that in all my interactions with others, even when I’m not aware of it. It’s part and parcel of who I am and what I think I’m put on Earth to do.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be open to new opportunities, and whatever you do, no matter how small or unimportant the job may seem, do it confidently and with your head held high. After graduating from university I had a difficult time figuring out my next career move. When I was offered a role that I wasn’t sure about accepting because of a negative pre-conceived notion I had, my mentor told me, “If you can’t look someone in the eye and tell them what you do proudly, then that job is not for you.” I took the job, and as it turned out it was one of the best jobs I’ve ever had, and it launched me into the career I have today.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career? How did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges has been taking ownership of my career, and holding myself responsible for my reactions and responses when things didn’t always go the way I expected. It’s very easy to blame others when things don’t go the way we want them to. I’ve had to learn to hold myself accountable by seeking out counsel, being willing to listen to feedback, and then taking proactive steps to move towards my goals. I have also relied continuously on my faith in God to guide my decisions throughout my career.
What has been a career highlight, or one of your greatest achievements?
Perhaps one of the greatest highlights has been the growth and development of various individuals I have had the privilege to lead over the years. I’ve been able to work with very talented individuals who have also helped and challenged me to grow as a leader. That’s been very rewarding.
What do you like most about your job?
I love the freedom I have to bring my passion for innovation and learning to work every day, knowing that I will get the support, guidance and feedback needed to get things done. Being able to work in a company where the values are paramount, openly known, and used to guide our decisions, makes it easy to have the courage to act.
Click here for the full list of 2020 Star Women in Grocery award winners.