2023 Star Women in Convenience winner: Sridevi Gummadi

Owner/operator

Petro-Canada | Suncor

 

How did you get into this business?

When I moved to Canada, my first job was with Petro-Canada as a Guest Service attendant. I loved the work environment, and with great leaders around me, I worked my way up the ladder till I was offered the opportunity to operate my own business in partnership with Petro-Canada.

What work-related accomplishment are you most proud of during the last 12-18 months?

First was my ability to have my business become a recognized contributor to the local community through numerous charity events. My team and I also were able to grow sales in a difficult highway construction environment. Lastly, being chosen as the Associate of the year for Petro-Canada 2022.

What was the biggest challenge of your career?

What I found to be one of the hardest challenges in my career was a lease expiry that forced two locations of mine to close. The hardest part for me was not the fact that I would lose two locations but having to be a strong leader for the staff that would not be able to report to the job they had been doing for so long. However, with help from Petro-Canada, we were able to help as many as we could and smooth the transition.

What is your biggest career highlight?

Being chosen to run the next generation of the highway travel centre in the Petro-Canada network.

 What’s the best advice you ever received?

The one piece of advice that has stuck with me over the years is “when you know better, you do better.” It has helped me keep motivated and always striving for more.