2025 Star Women in Convenience winner: Stéphanie Coursol

Stéphanie Coursol     

Foodservice Merchandising Manager, Proxi               

Harnois Énergies

How did you start in this field?

I have always been passionate about the food industry and the way it can influence consumer behaviour and expectations. My interest goes beyond simply appreciating food products; I have always wanted to understand the dynamics of this sector and how trends, consumer needs, and business strategy intertwine to create successful products in the market.
I chose to work in this field with the goal of contributing to the development of food products that not only meet consumer expectations but also align with emerging trends. Product development, combined with a strategic approach to marketing, has allowed me to play a key role in optimizing offerings and creating value for consumers.

What do you like most about your job?

The opportunity to work alongside such talented and supportive people, particularly my managers. I am fortunate to be part of a team where collaboration and mutual respect are at the heart of everything we do. My managers have always been a great source of guidance and inspiration, providing me with the space to grow while offering valuable insights and feedback. They encourage me to challenge myself, be creative, and take initiative, all of which motivates me to perform at my best. The trust and support I receive from them makes a huge difference in my day-to-day work and contributes significantly to the success of our projects.

What was your greatest challenge in your career?

Taking on a leadership role in a constantly evolving sector while ensuring that my team remains motivated and aligned with the company’s goals. The food market, especially in a merchandizing/marketing environment, evolves rapidly, with new trends and increasingly demanding customer expectations. Managing this complexity while maintaining a clear vision and good resource management has been challenging, but it’s also what makes this work exciting.

What was the most important advice you received?

To always approach challenges with calmness, think things through carefully, and ensure that you have the right people by your side. Collaboration is key, and it’s crucial to listen to others, value their perspectives, and work together towards a common goal. By staying composed, I’ve learned to make better decisions and to involve the right team members, ensuring that everyone is aligned and supportive of the direction we’re taking. This advice has helped me build stronger relationships, trust, and create a more collaborative and effective work environment.

What is your greatest career achievement?

Successfully redefining and implementing a more effective food strategy within our company, which led to a significant improvement in our sales and customer satisfaction. This involved working closely with cross-functional teams, analyzing market data, and rethinking our offerings to better meet consumer expectations while achieving our financial goals.

What is the moment you are most proud of this year?

All the projects we worked on as a team. Several important initiatives came to fruition, but what truly makes me proud is the constant learning I experienced throughout these projects. Every challenge was an opportunity to improve my skills and refine my interpersonal relationships with different people in our organization. These experiences allowed me to realize how crucial collaboration is for the success of our company.

What do you find most exciting about the future of this field?

The integration of technology in product marketing. The use of artificial intelligence to analyze consumer preferences and optimizing logistics processes to ensure faster and more efficient delivery are growing areas. These represent huge opportunities to personalize customer experiences, respond more quickly to demand, and refine our strategies. The future is definitely exciting!

What are your leadership qualities?

Collaboration, authenticity, and working with joy. I encourage my team to share their ideas and propose innovative solutions. I firmly believe that leadership comes through trust, transparency, and the ability to support your team in achieving their goals while working in a positive and inclusive environment. My approach is to lead by example, to be accessible, and to motivate everyone to give their best.

Anything else you would like to add?

I want to emphasize that this award is not just the result of my work but the work of the entire team. The success of our department relies on constant collaboration and engagement from everyone. I am honoured to represent such a committed and dedicated team, and this award truly reflects our collective achievement.