Where are they now? Catching up with Generation Next winners

Rishi Patel  
2022 WINNER

Job then: Director of Sales Strategy for Yogurt & Cultured, Lactalis Canada

Job now: Senior Director, Sales Strategy for Yogurt & Cultured

How has your career evolved since winning the Generation Next Award? I was promoted to a senior director (from director), and have been invited to several events to participate in either a panel discussion or speak about my career and opportunities within the dairy industry.

How do you measure success today versus when you won the award? I haven’t changed how I measure success; I’ve always believed it’s more than hitting KPIs—I want to ensure people on my team or in my organization are engaged, enjoying our collaboration and, ultimately, proud of the work they’re doing while having lots of fun.

How do you stay motivated and inspired?My manager, Adrienne, who I consider a close friend, provides an incredible amount of support and opportunities to stay engaged, and she inspires me every single day. People who surround me each day, like my team, seem to be happy coming in and stretching themselves, even when there is a crisis. That keeps me motivated professionally. Personally, to keep a constant high level of energy and engagement, I have to take my breaks, enjoy my hobbies and spend time with my loved ones. I’m grateful for where I am in my life and wouldn’t trade it for anything else!

Randa Hassanie  
2020 WINNER

Job then: Customer Development Manager, Tree of Life Canada

Job now: Team Lead – Pattison Food Group & E-commerce

How has your career evolved since winning the Generation Next Award? I evolved to a leadership role working with an amazing team focused on growing Tree of Life’s presence in the West and online. I also had the great honour to be recognized as a Star Woman in Grocery (in 2023). I need to say that both awards did not change who I am, but they changed how I see myself—a capable, resilient and strong woman that can do anything I put my mind to, and for that I am extremely grateful!

How do you measure success today versus when you won the award? I used to measure success with the regular individual KPIs we are subject to in our industry. Today, success for me is measured by the individual and group achievements of the team I am lucky to work with, the satisfaction of learning new ways of addressing old and new challenges and, finally, being appreciated for being myself.

What career advice would you give your younger self? Don’t be afraid of taking risks, facing new challenges and failure. Even when you think you failed, you have succeeded in building a new and better version of yourself for what’s next!

Jacquelin Weatherbee
2020 WINNER

Job then: Vice-president, Communications and Corporate Affairs, Empire/Sobeys

Job now: VP, HR Operations – Retail

How has your career evolved since winning the Generation Next Award? I spent a few more years in the VP, communications and corporate affairs role at Empire, serving as a member of the company’s executive committee. I had some great discussions with leadership at the time about how I wanted to grow and continue contributing to Empire’s long-term growth and success. We narrowed it down to two goals: first, to get closer to the operation; second, to contribute to our culture and in-store teams. This role–while a shift to a different practice area–ticked both boxes. I knew this career change would be a humbling learning journey. Ultimately, I learn more and more every single day, and I don’t think that will ever stop–which is highly engaging!

How do you measure success today versus when you won the award? I measure success by our ability to provide an inclusive, safe, high-performance workplace. I believe in the rich opportunities for career development that we provide. When I see people grow, I know we are well along on our journey to become the best retailer in Canada.

How do you stay motivated and inspired? Our store leaders inspire me every single day. A retail store manager makes more decisions in a morning on the floor with their teams than many of us make in a month. Their capacity for growth, change and community connection–that’s what gets me out of bed in the morning!

What career advice would you give your younger self? The more you know, the more you know you don’t know. (I can’t take credit for that– Aristotle said it!) 

Do you know a rising star in the grocery industry? Nominate by Sept. 12!

This article was first published in Canadian Grocer’s August issue.