2024 Star Women in Convenience winner: Radmila Rakita

Category manager          

Alimentation Couche-Tard | Circle K

How did you get into this business?

As a newcomer to Canada in the 1990s with a business background, I landed a volunteer opportunity with Sears through a co-op program. After three months, I was offered a full-time job, fell in love with retail and never looked back. I worked in various roles from supply chain, marketing, as well as buying/category management.  With the closing of Sears, I knew I wanted to stay in retail. Landing at Circle K on the convenience side of retail business, was the best thing that could have happened to me. I love the fast-paced environment and the dynamics of this industry. 

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

When I received the Top Category Manager Award for Circle K Ontario.

What do you like most about your job? 

Interacting with different levels of the business. I love working with my vendors and supporting field teams and assisting store operators—whether it's answering their questions, providing missing information, sparking creativity for merchandising, or just seeing how they’re doing. It’s fulfilling to connect with others through communication and business. I’m continuously learning and growing from these interactions, which makes my job dynamic and rewarding.

What was the biggest challenge or your career? 

Finding ways to deliver exceptional customer experiences, either through product offerings or promotions. Also, being agile and adapting to the ever-changing retail landscape.

What's the best advice you ever received?  

‘Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.’ This encourages me to learn from my mistakes, and view setbacks as opportunities rather than reasons to give up. Treat the business as your own and success will come.

What excites you most about the future of this channel?

The potential for introducing innovative, high-demand products to meet different customer segment needs. Convenience stores became more than just places to grab snacks; they became destinations for new innovative products.

What will shape the business in the next 5 years? 

With consumers’ awareness of their health and well-being, convenience stores may be looking to rapidly increase offerings of healthier food options.

Anything else you would like to add? 

Treat the business as your own and success will come