2025 Star Women in Convenience winner: Kelly Guss

Kelly Guss

Director, Facilities and Technology

Canadian Mobility Services | Shell Canada

How did you get into this business?

I've worked at Shell for over 27 years, starting in retail IT and customer support while attending university. Recognized for my problem-solving skills, I secured an internship and later a permanent position, launching my career in Shell's retail business. Since Canadian Mobility Services Ltd. (CMS) was formed in 2023, after acquiring 56 Shell-branded retail and convenience sites from Sobeys in Western Canada, I have led facility and technology operations and capital program delivery at CMS.

What do you like most about your job?

I've held various positions at Shell, but I have enjoyed my current role at CMS the most. I truly appreciate my colleagues and partners and their dedication to keeping CMS stations customer-ready and operating smoothly. We collaborate daily to ensure CMS stations are the top choice for our customers. I interact with everyone from front-line staff to senior management. One day, I might help resolve a laptop issue on-site; the next, I will be presenting the ten-year strategic capital investment plan to our leadership team or consulting on the best way to keep pigeons off our roofs!

What was the biggest challenge of your career?

The most significant challenge of my career was 10 years ago when I transitioned from 17 years in IT back into retail, into a role in contracting and procurement and contract management. This shift required adapting to a new organization, acquiring a different skill set, and reinventing myself. I learned new areas of business, established credibility through negotiation and contract management best practices, and became an expert in engineering, equipment, and strategic supplier negotiations. This experience expanded my capabilities, opened new opportunities, and reinforced the importance of embracing change.

What's the best advice you ever received?

Early in my career, I stumbled upon a coffee shop board that read: "Taking a step forward and a step back is not a disaster; it's a cha-cha!" This lighthearted perspective resonated with me, emphasizing that change is inevitable, and the key lies in how we respond to it. Embracing this mindset has turned life's ups and downs into a rhythm, keeping me adaptable and ready for whatever comes my way.

What's your career highlight/biggest achievement?

Working for CMS has been a huge highlight. I enjoy the diverse role and the people I work with. Each day brings new challenges and learning opportunities. My responsibilities span several areas, requiring vision, strategic planning, daily management, and technical expertise to ensure the organization's physical and technological aspects run safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Transitioning from Shell to being seconded to CMS, building the company from start up, has been exciting, demanding and fun!

What excites you most about the future of this channel?

I'm excited about the future of convenience stores and fuel stations as we enter a period of rapid technological change and energy transition. New opportunities and innovative technologies will emerge, allowing us to adapt our offerings for new generations of customers. The journey ahead promises to be dynamic and full of potential.

What trends or innovations are you keeping an eye on right now. Is there anything you think will shape the business in the next five years?

Working closely with our Convenience Retail and Operations teams, we constantly introduce exciting new products, offers, and solutions to surprise and delight our customers. I envision Artificial Intelligence expanding its role, enhancing our business agility, providing real-time data to measure success, delivering reliable solutions, and ensuring we consistently exceed customer expectations.