Women in Leadership: From Cashiers to Store and District Manager
At Publix, we believe that diversity and inclusivity make our company a better place to work. Publix is recognized as one of Fortune’s Best Workplaces for Women. It’s an achievement we are proud of and one that shows the efforts women are making to pave the way in leadership. In this blog series, we will learn about the career paths of some of our female leaders and hear their advice to job seekers. This month, we introduce a store manager and a district manager who began their careers with Publix as cashiers.
Meet Simone, Store Manager in Florida.
At the age of 26, Simone packed up her belongings in Brazil and moved to Atlanta to focus on starting her professional career. In 2001, she started working for Publix.
“I started as a part-time cashier and later got promoted to assistant customer service manager in 2005.”
Simone has now been in management for over 14 years, four of which have been as a store manager!
“I am grateful for the opportunity Publix presented me with — the opportunity to serve in people’s lives. I am always impressed with how our customers and associates become part of our family and the way we help and care for them.”
Simone continues to grow and develop as a manager by learning from other leaders. She takes the time to get to know her associates and customers to build relationships and contribute to her continued growth.
As a manager, she has an important role in her store’s success. Simone works hard to ensure associates work together to create a pleasurable shopping experience for customers. She shared with us advice for anyone aspiring to be a manager.
“Work hard and learn everything you can. Do not wait for others to train you; go after what you want and have love for people.” She also shared, “People are the most important part of what we do.”
Meet Tammy, District Manager in the Atlanta Division.
Tammy began her career with Publix in Miami in 1988 as a cashier. Like many, she fell in love with the Publix culture and knew this was where she wanted to start her career.
“I enjoy the culture that is thriving within Publix,” Tammy said. “Our associates are second to none and I am honored to serve them daily.”
Tammy worked in the store throughout high school and college and was promoted to assistant manager soon after graduating. In 1996, she transferred to the Atlanta division and assisted with store openings before being promoted to store manager in 2001.
“I was a store manager in six stores and then I was promoted to district manager in 2017.”
Even as a district manager, Tammy works hard to continue her growth with the company. Her continued growth comes from pushing herself past her comfort zone and reading leadership books. “I make myself uncomfortable by pursuing things I lack knowledge about,” she said. “I am always a student; a student of my leaders, peers and retail associates.”
When asked what her biggest piece of advice is for anyone interested in a career with Publix, Tammy quoted our founder, George Jenkins.
“I would advise future associates to ‘Begin, The Rest is Easy.’ Give our customers and associates your very best and Publix will take care of you.”
Give our customers and associates your very best and Publix will take care of you.
To learn more about the career opportunities available at Publix, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn. If you’re interested in a retail position, visit apply.publix.jobs.
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