2025 Star Women in Convenience winner: Snejana Bratunova

Snejana Bratunova        

Territory Manager         

Petro-Canada, a Suncor business   

How did you get into this business? 

By pure luck! It turned out I spoke French a little better than most QSR specialists in Toronto back in 2014; that’s when I joined Petro-Canada as a Foodservice Advisor, supporting Ontario and Quebec. I quickly realized how much I loved the pace, the people and the opportunity to grow.

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

How we accelerated the development of our single-site operators as they transitioned into multi-unit business owners. Watching them build new skills, take on bigger challenges, and expand their operations successfully has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

What do you like most about your job?

Growing the business while secretly building an army of strong leaders along the way. Watching someone you’ve mentored absolutely crush it is the kind of win no spreadsheet can measure—even if it does make you wonder when they got smarter than you! Helping others find their voice and confidence reminds me every day why leadership is so much more than just hitting targets—it’s about creating a ripple effect that goes far beyond your own success.

What was the biggest challenge of your career? What did you learn?

Balancing a career and raising a three-year-old has been the ultimate leadership bootcamp—some days I’m closing business deals; other days I’m negotiating bedtime with a determined little mastermind. Motherhood has taught me resilience, creative problem-solving, and grace under pressure—lessons that have made me a stronger leader, a better teammate and an even more grounded person.

What's the best advice you ever received? 

Look at habits and behaviour you admire in others and make those your own habits. Look at what you find somewhat reprehensible in others and decide those are things you are not going to do. I believe great leadership is built by studying the best in others and making those strengths part of who you are. Just as importantly, it’s about recognizing the mistakes you see around you—and choosing, every day, to rise above them.

What's your career highlight/biggest achievement?

The real highlight of my career isn’t about a title or a milestone—it’s being part of others’ success stories. Watching talented people step into their potential and knowing I had a small hand in their journey stays with me the most.

What excites you most about the future of this channel? 

How we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible. It’s not just about being faster anymore—it’s about being smarter, more personal, and genuinely making people’s lives easier. The best part? We’re only getting started, and I can’t wait to help shape what’s next.

What trend or innovation will shape the business in the next three years?

The shift toward hyper-personalization—blending smart technology with real human moments. The brands that can anticipate what customers want before they even ask—and deliver it with a personal touch—won’t just succeed, they’ll completely redefine what convenience means.

Anything else you would like to add?

The best part of the journey so far has been the people, the challenges, and everything I’ve picked up (sometimes the hard way) along the way. I’m proud of the path I’ve taken, grateful for everyone who’s been part of it, and excited for what’s next.