2024 Star Women in Convenience winner: Cecilia Corelli

Key account coordinator

Sobeys Wholesale

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

There are multiple projects we worked on as a team. It’ll be exciting to see them all come to life, as each one challenges the evolution of current market trends including that all sites have access to fresh food, produce and dairy products, while ensuring fairness and equity. I’m excited to see the positive impact in the day-to-day operations from these initiatives. 

What do you like most about your job?

The dynamic pace and constant influx of new challenges; no two days are ever the same. Embracing this fast-paced environment means being adaptable and resilient, ready to tackle whatever comes your way. Just when you think you've got everything under control, something unexpected arises, which pushes you to problem solve and be innovative.

What was the biggest challenge or your career?

I joined Sobeys as they were taking the Suncor/Petro-Canada accounts national. Coming from the hotel industry, there was a whole new language to learn. While both industries revolve around customer satisfaction, the approaches and nuances are distinct. It’s been an amazing learning experience and challenge to understand the intricacies of the convenience and grocery industry.

What's the best advice you ever received? 

Learn something new every day. Approaching each day with a mindset of curiosity and a commitment to learning ensures you're constantly evolving and improving. It fosters innovation, creativity, and resilience—invaluable qualities for any career. As you accumulate knowledge and skills over time, your accomplishments build upon each other, leading to greater success and fulfillment. So, embrace the opportunity to learn something new every day—it's a habit that pays dividends in the long run.

What excites you most about the future of this channel? 

The convenience and grocery industry is poised for significant changes as sustainability becomes a central focus. Packaging plays a pivotal role, as companies seek alternatives to traditional single-use plastics and opt for more eco-friendly materials. From biodegradable packaging to reusable containers, there's a growing array of options aimed at reducing environmental impact.

Moreover, AI capabilities are revolutionizing various aspects of the industry, including supply chain management, inventory optimization, and even personalized shopping experiences. AI can help streamline operations, minimize waste, and enhance customer satisfaction by providing tailored recommendations and efficient checkout processes. 

As sustainability and technology converge in the convenience and grocery channel, it's indeed an exciting time to observe how these changes unfold. I’m excited and proud to be part of a company that prioritizes environmental responsibility and embraces innovative technologies that are likely to thrive in this evolving landscape while contributing to a healthier future for our planet.