Ali A. Gonzalez
EDITOR’S LETTER
Explore
the Influential Leaders
Reshaping the Food Industry
DearEsteemedReaders,
Inthedynamicrealmofthefoodindustry,aselectgroupofvisionariesandtrailblazershold t hepowertopropelthisever-evolvinglandscapetowardafuturebrimmingwithpossibilities.It iswithgreatpleasurethatwepresenttoyouthemuch-anticipatededitionofMirrorReview,unveiling “The 10 Most Influential Leaders in the Food Industry, 2023.” Withinthesepages,weinviteyoutodelveintothe captivatingstoriesoftheseextraordinaryindividualswhohaveredefinedtheveryessenceofgastronomy throughtheirunparalleledinnovation,audaciousstrategies,andunwaveringcommitment.
GracingourcoverisnoneotherthanAliA.Gonzalez,thedynamicCEOofSustainableCulinarySolutions. Withanunwaveringdedicationtosustainability,Alihasbecomeacatalystforchange,revolutionizingthefood industrybychampioningethicalpracticesandenvironmentalstewardship.Underhisastuteleadership, SustainableCulinarySolutionshasemergedasavanguardindeliveringsustainableandresponsiblefood solutions,satisfyingbothourpalatesandourconscience.
Inthecaptivatingpagesthatfollow,youwillbeintroducedtoaconstellationofluminaries,includingthe remarkableachievementsofSharolWilson,AlexBarseghian,StephaniePerrot,JimPerdue,andanillustrious lineupofotherinfluentialleaders.Eachofthesetrailblazershascarvedadistinctpathinthefoodindustry, forevertransformingthewayweapproachgastronomy.Throughtheirrelentlesspursuitofexcellence,they haveforgedanewparadigmwhereinnovation,sustainability,andsocialresponsibilityconvergeharmoniously
Asyouimmerseyourselfintheinspiringnarrativeswovenwithinthesepages,wehopethatthestoriesofthese visionaryentrepreneursigniteasparkwithinyou.Lettheirjourneyserveasacatalystforyourownaspirations, inspiringyoutoembraceinnovation,sustainability,andethicalpracticeswithinyourownsphereofinfluence. Together,letusforgeapathtowardabrighterandmorepromisingfutureforthefoodindustry—onethat nourishesbothourbodiesandoursouls.
Weextendourheartfeltgratitudeforyourunwaveringsupportandcontinuedreadership,whichallowsusto shineaspotlightontheseremarkableleadersandtheirtransformativeendeavors.
Thank you for your continued support!
Parag Ahire Project Editor
PUBLISHER
ARCHANA
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
VIKRAM
MANAGING
PANKAJ
PROJECT
PARAG
PROJECT
ADAM
VISUALIZER
GRAPHIC
AAKASH
RESEARCH
JAMES
MARIA
Ali A.Gonzalez
24 JiM PERDUE
28 ROBO EATZ
38
34 STEPHANiE PERROT
O N T E N T S
SHAROL WiLSON
Ali A. Gonzalez
Influential Leader Driving Positive Change in Food Service
CEO Sustainable culinary solutions
Ali A. Gonzalez is a highly accomplished and
forward-thinking senior executive with over thirty yearsofexperienceintheculinaryindustry.Hehas established a remarkable record of success in culinary organizational development, sustainability, and creating quality foods and facilities. Throughout his career,Ali has accumulated a wealth of knowledge in food service modernization,makinghimaleadingexpertinthefield.Ali's background includes designing cost-effective facilities and creating diverse, world-class cuisine His exemplary financial practices have also contributed to the economic successofvariousorganizations.Heisaproactiveexecutive who masterfully creates organizational objectives, establishes measurable expectations, communicates a collaborativevision,andmonitorsperformancetomaximize effectiveness. He utilizes a hands-on approach to propel projectstoanoptimalconclusion.
PassionTakestheWheel
Ali’s curiosity about food began at a young age when he started working at McDonald’s in the 80s. He knew he wanted to be a chef at just 13 years old, and in 1990, he movedfromWilmington,CA,totheSanFranciscoCulinary
Academy to study his passion. Ali worked in 32 states throughout his career, including at hotels, restaurants, Swedishbakeries,threemajormoviestudios,andasaprivate chefformanyexecutives.Healsohelpedacompanywithits Adopt-a-Ship program to train navy chefs. His passion for foodhastakenhimonagiantjourney,allowinghimtomeet celebritiesinHollywoodandsailona Destroyer fortheU.S. Navy.AstheCEOofSustainableCulinarySolutions, Aliis dedicated to transforming struggling entities into industry leadersinahighlycompetitivelandscape.Hisvastexperience andknowledgemakehimavaluableassettoanyorganization seeking to modernize its food service while maintaining sustainability
Custom-builtSolutionsOfferedbyAliandCompany
Ali established Sustainable Culinary Solutions in 2019.The company offers various services, including teaching sustainableapproachestofoodservicewhilebeingprofitable, helping struggling food service managers develop new strategic plans for their operations, and custom-building solutions for every operation case by case.Additionally,Ali haswrittenabookcalled“TheSustainableRestaurant
Plan,” which goes into further detail on how food service managers can implement sustainable practices in their operations.
Ali’scustom-builtsolutionsincludecreatingrecipes,menus (with cost breakdowns), production sheets, and employee jobdescriptions.Healsoofferstotrainstaffinperson,which is beneficial for managers who do not have the time or experience to do it themselves By offering a tailored approach,Ali aims to help food service operations achieve operational excellence and become industry leaders in a highlycompetitivelandscape.
RelyingonExperiencetoOvercomeChallenges
As a leader in the food service industry, Ali faced various challengesthroughouthiscareer Oneofthemostsignificant challenges he faced was balancing his creative and sustainableapproachtofoodwiththedemandsofcorporate managers who wanted him to buy certain ingredients.This oftenlimitedhisabilitytoexpresshimselfandbecreativeas achef.However,Alistoodfirminhisbeliefsandpushedfora moresustainableandfreshapproachtofood,evenifitwent againstthecorporatemanagers'desires.
AnotherchallengethatAlifacedwastheabsenceofhuman resources in the 90s, which meant fewer employment laws andfewersafeguardsforemployees.Aliandhiscoworkers would work hour days without taking any breaks, 16–18 whichwasnotsustainableinthelongrun.Toovercomethese challenges,Alireliedonhisexperienceandexpertiseinthe food service industry He stayed true to his beliefs and pushed for a more sustainable and fresh approach to food, despitethepressuresfromcorporatemanagers.
RolesandRewardsoftheCEO
As the CEO of Sustainable Culinary Solutions, Ali is responsible for making critical executive decisions every day that affect the success of his business. He uses his 35 years of food service experience to assist him in making informed decisions, predicting future outcomes, and understanding the risks associated with any food servicerelated situation. Ali also serves as a listener and student, always seeking to learn and develop his skills through a varietyofdifferentexperiences.
As the founder of Sustainable Culinary Solutions, Ali’s responsibilities include developing a strategic plan for his business, managing the day-to-day operations, overseeing thefinances,andensuringtheoverallsuccessandgrowthof
the company Additionally, he provides consulting servicestohelpstrugglingfoodservicemanagersdevelop sustainable practices in their operations, including creatingrecipes,menus,productionsheets,andemployee jobdescriptions.
Ali’s greatest accomplishment in his professional career ishisabilitytolistenandlearnfromavarietyofdifferent experiences. He has worked in a range of food service environments, including hotels, restaurants, college campuses, cafes, bakeries, movie studios, and tech companies.Throughhisjourney,hehaslearnedtolookat many cultures from the perspective of their food and developedapassionforteachingothers.
BringingUniqueStyleofLeadership
Ali believes that great leadership and team-building are essential for running a successful organization. He believesthatbeingagoodlistenerandunderstandingthe perspectiveofhisemployeesarecriticaltoachievingthis. To keep his team motivated and productive, Ali implements a quick daily briefing where the entire team can communicate and address daily concerns. He also congratulates accomplished team members who have succeededinstressfulsituations.
Alirecommendsplacingacertificationprograminevery operationtoshowworkersthattheirworkisvalued.This can help motivate and inspire employees to continue performing at a high level. He also emphasizes the importance of creating a positive work environment where employees feel valued and appreciated for their contributions. This can be achieved by recognizing employees for their hard work and celebrating their achievements.
ProjectsthatMaketheWorkExciting
The most exciting project that Ali and his team are currentlyworkingonisacoffeeoperationthatfocuseson sustainability and social responsibility. Ali’s vision for the future of the food industry is one that emphasizes sustainability, health, and social responsibility, and this coffeeoperationperfectlyalignswiththatvision.Aliand histeamhavetakenacomprehensiveapproachtoensure that this coffee operation is sustainable and socially responsible. They have researched and selected energyefficient equipment, sourced fair-trade beans, and made in-house syrups to avoid ingredients like fructose and aspartame.
“My greatest accomplishment is just being a listener and student. I developed my skills by having a variety of different experiences.”
Additionally, they have ensured that all food and beverages arefreeoftrans-fat,andtheyareworkingtowardscertification from the city to verify that they meet sustainable standards. Moreover,Aliandhisteamhavealsodesignedanddeveloped other coffee and dining operations that prioritize sustainability, compostability, and fair trade products. These initiatives reflect Ali’s commitment to creating a more sustainableandresponsiblefoodindustry.
AddressingSustainabilityandFoodInsecurityIssues
According toAli, the food industry should play a significant role in addressing societal issues such as sustainability and food insecurity The industry should focus on educating its customers about sustainable practices and promoting social normsthatencouragesustainability.Additionally,theindustry should work towards reducing food waste and promoting accesstohealthyandaffordablefood.AtSustainableCulinary Solutions, there is a strong focus on sustainability The team goes above and beyond to checkthe sustainableprograms in particular cities and ensure that they are using compostable and recyclable materials. They also visit their vendors to ensure that they have the same values and a sustainable mission.
WordofAdviceStraightfromthePioneer
Ali’sadviceforaspiringleadersinthefoodindustryistofocus on building a strong team and creating a culture of learning and growth. He believes that it is important to be a great listener and to understand the perspective of the employees who run the operation every day. Daily briefings can be an effective tool for communication, allowing management to address concerns and congratulate team members who have excelled Ali recommends implementing certification programsineveryoperationtoshowemployeesthattheyare valuedfortheirwork.
Intermsofproductivitytips,Aliemphasizestheimportanceof delegationandtimemanagement.Asaleader,itisessentialto beabletotrustyourteamanddelegatetasksaccordingly.This allowsyoutofocusonthebiggerpictureandstrategizeforthe future.Additionally,Ali recommends setting clear goals and deadlines, prioritizing tasks, and avoiding multitasking. He alsosuggeststakingbreaksthroughoutthedaytorechargeand refocus.
COVER STORY
“Leadership and confidence is a skill that needs to be practiced every day! I personally believe it is an art.”
RoleofAIinBuildingtheFuture
AlibelievesthatAIwillplayanimportantroleinthefoodserviceindustry’sfuture.HeseesAIasatoolthatcanassistworkers and improve efficiency and consistency in food production. In addition,Ali believes thatAI can be integrated into various aspects of food operations, such as inventory management, pricing, and human resources.As an advisor,Ali sees his role as helpingcompaniesidentifythemostappropriateAIprogramstouseintheiroperations.HestatesthatAIwillbeavaluableasset tothefoodserviceindustryandcanhelpcompaniesstaycompetitiveandefficient.
“ “
I always believed in taking a sustainable and culinary approach to my work, even at a young age.
PERDUE
PropellingtheFamilyLegacy throughServantLeadership
TheCOVID-19pandemichas highlightedtheimportanceof foodsupplychainsandtheir complexprocessesofdelivering products–fromstartingatthefarm throughfrontlineproduction, transportation,andmuchmore.These challengesresultingfromthepandemic continuetoaffecttheindustrywhilefood producersstrivetocontinuouslymeet consumers’evolvingneeds.
Severalindustryleadershaveshown exemplarystrengthandadaptability throughoutthepandemic,pivotingtheir businessesandexecutingstrategized planstosurpassthechallenges.
JimPerdue(ChairmanofPerdue Farms)isonesuchfigureheadwhohas demonstratedutmostdeterminationand flexibilitytoleadhiscompanyduring theseunprecedentedtimes.Jimfirmly upholdsthecompany’svaluesand strivestopreservethem.Moreover,he applaudshisemployeesforhelping deliveronthecompany’scommitments duringthecrisis,whilealsostrivingto keepthemmotivated.
CarryingtheLegacy
PerdueFarmsisafourth-generation, family-owned,U.S.-basedfood,and agriculturecompanyestablishedin1920 byJim’sgrandparents,ArthurandPearl Perdue.Duringhischildhood,Jim watchedhisfather,FrankPerdue,and grandfathergrowthecompanywitha priorityoncreatinghigh-quality productsandfundamentalvaluesthat underscoreeveryoperationofthe
Chairman Perdue Farms
company.Theseincludethevaluesof quality,integrity,teamwork,and stewardshipthatstillguidePerdue’s businesstoday
JimjoinedPerdueFarmsduringthe early1980s.In1991,hewaspromoted astheCEOafterundertakingseveral positionswithintheorganization. Currently,heleadsateamof21,000 associateswiththesamevaluesand dedicationtomakingpremium products–whichwasinstilledwithin himbyhisgrandfatherandfather.In 2020,Perduecelebratedits100thyear inbusiness,andseveralmembersof thefamilycurrentlyworkatthe company.
RecognizedLineofServices
PerdueFarmsisthenation’snumberoneproducerofUSDA-certified organicchicken.Itsbrandsareleaders inno-antibiotics-everchicken,turkey, pork,beef,andlamb,andUSDAcertifiedorganicchickenandbeef.
Withthevisiontobethemost-trusted
nameinfoodandagriculturalproducts, PerdueFarms’premiumprotein portfolioincludesitsflagship PERDUE®brand,NimanRanch®, PanoramaOrganicGrass-FedMeats®, ColemanNatural®,andYummy®,and petbrandsincludeSpotFarms®and FullMoon®.PerdueAgriBusinessis aninternationalagriculturalproducts andservicescompany.
AModestLeader
Jimregardshimselfasthekeeperof thecompany’svalues,andcarriesthe responsibilitytocontinueconducting businessinawaythatalignswiththese valuesandensuresthattheir significancereacheseveryassociate withinthecompany.Moreover,he focusesonpeopleasheconsidersthe company’sassociatestobethedriving forceofthebusiness.
Jimstates, “One lesson I repeatedly heard from my father was to always listen to the consumer.” Headdsthat thisphilosophyismirroredinthe company’sdecision-makingprocess
regardingvariousareas:
• Raisinganimalswithno antibioticsever–which Perduepioneeredasthefirst majorpoultrycompanyinthe U.S.toeliminateroutineuse ofallantibiotics;
• Industry-leadinganimal welfarestandards;and
• Thevarietyofpremium productsofferedbythe company
ArdentStewardship
Perdueleadstheindustryinthe establishmentofacomprehensive associatehealthimprovementsystem thatwasrecognizedasthebesthealth systemforalargecompanybytheU.S. DepartmentofHealthandHuman Servicesoveradecadeago.
Perdue’sWellnessCentersarelocated ateachproductionfacility,freetoall associatesandtheirfamilies,and
enabletheassociatestoconsultalocal healthcareproviderwhile“onthe clock”duringtheirshift.
DuringJim’sleadershiptenure,the companyhasformalizeditsanimal welfareinitiatives.In2016,Perdue launcheditsCommitmentstoAnimal Careprogramtofosteracultureof animalhusbandryacrossthecompany andpioneeredrealchangeacrossthe industryasitscompetitorsfollowedthe company’slead.
AdaptingtoChangesinCommerce
Beforetheonsetoftheglobal pandemic,Perduelauncheditsfirstevere-commerceplatformtoofferan assortmentoffrozenitemsacrossits
mostpopularbrands.Itgainedhuge popularityduringthepandemic.Jim adds “While the timing was coincidental, the popularity of e-commerce during and following the pandemic has led to the platform’s success.”
Consumers,accordingtoJim,arealso lookingfornewinnovativeproducts. Perdue’sChickenPlus–achickenand-vegetableblendedproductwith one-quartercupofvegetablesineach serving–hasachievednational distributionandhighsalesvelocity. Thisproductlineservesasanexample ofPerdue’scommitmenttoproviding solutionsthatfiteasilyintoconsumers’ lifestyles.
LessonsfromthePandemic
Perdue’scommitmenttoputtingits peoplefirsthasbeenitsguidinglight throughoutthepandemic.This philosophyenabledthecompanyto respondquicklyasinformation availableaboutthevirusevolved,and workwithhealthexpertstoenact safetystandardstokeepitsassociates safeandprotected.Forinstance, Perdueimmediatelyextendedthework hoursofitsWellnessCentersandwas abletorelyonthemfortemperature checks,contracttracing,andmuch more.Perdue’sabilitytoanswerthe challengesofthepandemicswiftly validatedthecompany’speople-first approach.
Perduehasalsoworkedtofosteran ongoingdialoguewithitsfarmers.The companyadjustedthetimebetween theirflocksaccordinglyasdemandfor chickenfluctuated–allowingPerdue toavoiddepopulatingbirdswhile keepingfarmersfinanciallywhole.Jim shares, “There is no such thing as a perfect record in this pandemic, but we believe our efforts overall have made a positive impact.” Perdueisconstantly
re-evaluatingandadjustingas necessary,accordingtoCDC guidelines,educatingitsassociateson vaccination,andpartneringwithhealth authorities.
EnhancedBusinessProspects
Jimmentionsthatirrespectiveofthe pandemic,consumersareincreasingly shoppingforoptionswithimproved animalhusbandrypractices–a fundamentalpartofPerdue’sbusiness.
Inthepast,Perduehadchartedanew courseinseveralkeyareas,especially fortheanimalsinitscareandthe familyfarmerswhoraisedthem.This four-part“CommitmentsToAnimal Care”planincludesanimprovedfocus onthewelfareofPerdue’sflocksbased on“TheFiveFreedoms.”Thishelps thecompanytoevaluateand implementproductionsystemsthatare designedtogobeyondjusttheneedsof itschickens,andtoincludewhatits chickens“want.”Perduealso re-engageditsfarmerpartnersinthe process,dedicatingitselftocontinuous improvement,andcommittedtodoing allofthistransparently.
COVID Lesson
“There is no such thing as a perfect record in this pandemic, but we believe our efforts overall have made a positive impact.”
RoboEatz
Revolutionizing The Food Service Industry with an All-in-One Complete Kitchen System
Weliveinanerathatis heavilyinfluencedby technologyandits advancements.Presently,technology hasreplacedmanualworkandlabor forthegreaterdevelopmentof mankind.Whileinnovationhas sparkedthefaceoftheworldby streamliningandsimplifyingregular andmundanetasks,itsincorporation withtechnologyhasresultedinthe inventionoffurtheradvancements.
Onesuchtechnologicalmarvelisthe conceptofRoboKitchens.
Theconceptofarobokitchenhas becomeabloomingconceptinthe21st centurybyreducingkitchenchoresand helpingsupportthekitchenstaff. Designedwithsafety,reliability,and theabilityformassproduction,ARK byRoboEatzbringsthebenefitsof automation,cleanliness,efficiencyand menupersonalizationtothekitchen.
TheARKsolutionisthebrainchildof AlexBarseghianandtheRoboEatz team,whoestablishedthecompanyin
2017.Asarecognizedleader,Alex’s proficientleadershipandimmense contributiontothecompany’sgrowth anddevelopmenthavetakenRoboEatz togreaterheights.Thecompanyhas beenabletosecurepartnershipswith Tier1companiesinavarietyofsectors overthepastfewyears—severalof whicharegoingtobedeployedwithin thenextfewmonths.
SolvingANumberofIndustryIssues
RoboEatzisexperiencinganincrease indemandasitissolvinganumberof issuesexperiencedbyrestaurants nowadayssuchasreducedlabor support,increasedlaborwages,rising foodsupplycosts,tonameafew The companywasbornfromthenumerous issuesthathavebeengrowingwithin thefoodserviceindustry—particularly laborshortage,increasesinlaborcosts andfoodcosts,andthedesireto increasequalitywhilemaintaining consistencyinofferings.Itprimarily focusesontherestaurantandisfurther planningtofocusonrevolutionizing
thefoodserviceindustry.RoboEatz providesafullturn-keysolutionfor customerstodeployamodularkitchen solutionthatisefficientandcosteffective.
FullyModularAutonomousKitchen Robot
RoboEatzoffersacompletekitchen system.Theseincludestorageofsolid andliquidingredients,dispensingof perfectlyportionedmeals,hotandcold features,cleaning,andthenplatingto customers.RoboEatz’shugecapacity allowsforthepreparationandserving of1,000mealsbeforeitrequires replenishing.Thismakesthe technologymoresuitableand convenientinmorehard-to-access areassuchasminingfacilitiesor airports.Moreover,itstechnology allowsforfullcustomization,andits intuitivenessreducesoraddsfoodby thegram.Italsoallowsuserstocook theirownfoodbasedonpersonal preferenceordietaryrestrictions.
Alex Barseghian Founder
TheRoboEatzARKsolutionstandsout withitsuniqueandfullymodular autonomouskitchen,inthatitcan simultaneouslyprepare,serveand completelysanitizeitselfbetween cookingcycles.Asastandalone solution,thereisnorequirementfor multipleemployeestodoroutineyet importanttaskssuchascleaningand allowsthemtofocusoncustomer service.
ScalingBusinesstoGreaterHeights
Beingatthehelm,Alexspearheadsas theBoardMemberandundertakes severalvitalrolesandresponsibilities. Heisresponsiblefordrivingthevision andstrategyoftheoverallbusinessand actsasathoughtleaderwithinthe industry Thecriticalcomponentof scalingiscreatingworkingculture, believesAlex.Withtheteam expandinginternationally,transparency
becomesthehallmarkofRoboEatz. “We are clear on our quarterly objectives and hold each other accountable,” assertsAlex.
Astheleader,Alexspearheadsthe teamofRoboEatz.Thecompanyhas seasonedexecutiveswithintheteam withbackgroundexperienceinarange offields,includingrestaurants, engineering,andaerospace. “The core engineering team is the heart of who RoboEatz is,” remarksAlex.
ForefrontofFoodService Revolution
TheCOVID-19pandemichasheavily impactedthefunctioningofseveral industries.Asbusinessowners worldwideexperiencedseveralcrises, innovationbecamethenecessary ingredientforsocietytogrowand prosper.Althoughseveralindustries
eventuallyfoundtheirwayoutofthe pandemicwhirlpool,thefoodservice industrycontinuestostruggletodate.
Attheforefrontofthefoodservice revolution,RoboEatzstoodstrongwith itsinnovativetechnologicalapproach. Thepandemicsignificantlyincreased thevolumeofdemandforthissolution. Thecompanylauncheditsfirst installationusingtheARKsystemto thegeneralpublicattheheightofthe pandemicwithinabusydowntown locationinRiga,Latvia.Althoughit reducedworkinghoursofoperations, RoboEatzfocusedontheabilityto delivercustommealsmadetoorderon thespot.Infact,theARKsystemhas evenbecomeafamily attraction—makingitsocialmedia worthytocrowdsonweekendsto greatersuccess.
EvaluatingStrengthsandDeployingExpansions
Astheworldisrecoveringfromtheaftermathofthe pandemic,asignificantconcerncontinuestorevolvearound sanitationandsafetyconditions.Tosucceedinthepostpandemicclimate,foodservicebusinessesmustguarantee top-levelsanitaryconditions.RoboEatzhassuccessfully resolvedtheissuebyincorporatingSaniClean+,an automaticself-cleaningfeaturethattakesplacebetween eachcookingcyclewithcontaminationcontrol.Itfurther eliminatespotentialfood-borneillnessesthrough temperatureregulation,smartstorageandafreshness trackerthatensuresentiresanitizationandsafety
Inspiredbyitsrecentachievements,RoboEatzisinthe midstoflaunchingtheirsecondinstallation,andwillbe announcingsomenewinstallationsalongwith developmentsinthenearfuture.Thecompanyaimstobe thegloballeaderinautomatingkitchensasakey componentofindustrialrevolution4.0.Theirgoalistobea softwareandhardwareroboticsenginetodrivegrowthfor thewholecategorywithastrongfocusonfoodquality,and theyarewellontheirwayofachievingthis.
“The key is that the system is the chef, which means food is paramount to what we do. We strive to perfect the food experience to ensure it meets the perfect temperature, taste and texture.”
SHAROL WILSON
Unlocking the Top 1% of Food & Beverage Talent
Thefoodserviceindustryison thebrinkofamajorboom, withaprojectedsalesfigureof astaggering$997billionin2023,as perthelatestindustryreport.This remarkablegrowthislargelyattributed totheupwardtrendinmenuprices, drivingincreasedrevenueforthe sector.Furthermore,thefoodservice industryisexpectedtowitnessasurge inemploymentopportunities,withan estimatedadditionof500,000jobs, resultinginatotalindustryworkforce of15.5millionbytheendof2023.
Despitethispromisingoutlook,the foodindustryisgrapplingwitha formidablechallenge–thedireneed forexceptionalleadershipatthesenior level.Withtherapidlychanging landscapeoftheindustryandthe growingdemandsofconsumers, businessesarefacingthedauntingtask offindingtherighttalenttonavigate throughthesecomplexitiesanddrive positivechange.
Recognizingthischallenge,industry luminarySharolWilson(Founder,and CEOofS.WilsonStaffingLLC),has emergedasabeaconofhope.Sharol's staffingfirmisdedicatedtodoingthe duediligenceandallthenecessary backgroundworktopresentthecrème delacrèmeofcandidatestocompanies
seekingthetop1%oftalentinFood& BeverageinNorthAmerica.
FromHRtoHeadhunting
Sharol’sjourneyisoneofperseverance andpassionforhercraft.Sheholdsa Master’sinBusinessAdministration fromtheUniversityofPhoenixandhas spentherentireprofessionallife workingintheHumanResourcesand Recruitingarea.
ShebeganherjourneyastheDirector ofRecruitment,HumanResourcesfor KMG Inc.,wheresherevampedthe company’srecruitmentpolicyand procedures,managedthefinancial performanceofthecompany’snew officeinRochester,NY,and successfullyledabudgetof$200K.
Sharol’snextadventuretookherto Cornell University,wheresheserved astheStationHousingManagerfor foreignstudentsandvisitingscholars thatlivedincampushousing.Shealso leveragedherexpertiseinrecruitment tosource,screen,andqualify candidatesforallskillsets,including Professors,PostDocs,andlab technicians.
However,itwasherroleasthe BrokerageOwner&Executive
Headhunter-AccountManagerfor The Staffing Exchange thattrulyignitedher passionforthefoodindustry.Sharolis nowfocusedonrecruitingtop-tier talentintheFood&Beverage ManufacturingIndustry,including PlantManagers,Maintenance Managers,SalesManagers,and Directors.
Sharol’spassionforthefoodindustry stemsfromitsrecession-proofnature, withtheassurancethatfoodwill alwaysbeneeded.Thisledherto establishS.WilsonStaffingLLC,a top-tierstaffingfirmthathelpsfood industrycompaniestapintothebest talentavailable.
S.WilsonStaffingLLC:APremier ExecutiveSearchFirmintheFood Industry
FoundedinJune2017inGeneva,New York,S.WilsonStaffingLLChas quicklybecomealeadingproviderof executivesearchservicesinthefood industry Thecompanyoffersexclusive servicesandsolutionsthatare unparalleledintheindustry.Asa premierexecutivesearchfirm,S. WilsonStaffingspecializesinhiring thetop1%inthemanagementareaof Food&BeverageinNorthAmerica.
S.WilsonStaffingiscommittedto makingabalancedfitbetweenthe candidateandthecompany.Theywork withthetop100companiesinthefood industrytoidentifythebesttalent availableandensurethattheyarea perfectfitfortheirclient’sneeds.With aproventrackrecordofsuccessanda commitmenttoexcellence,thestaffing firmhasearnedareputationasa trustedpartnerinthefoodindustry.
ATenaciousandDrivenLeader
AsthePresidentandExecutive HeadhunterofS.WilsonStaffingLLC, Sharolwearsmanyhatsinherday-todaywork.Shetakesonavarietyof rolesandresponsibilitieswithinthe company,rangingfromspeakingwith potentialclientsandstrongcandidates tomanagingalladministrativeand financialaspectsofthebusiness withouttheaidofanadministrative assistantorateamofassociates.
Sharol’srelentlessworkethicandher passionforthejobkeephermotivated andproductive.Sheisconstantly researchingnewtalentandstayingon topofindustrytrends,alwaysstriving toprovidethehighestlevelofservice toherclients.
ContributingtotheSustainable FoodMovement
Thefoodindustryhasacriticalroleto playinaddressingsocietalissuessuch assustainabilityandfoodinsecurity Whilemanydefinesustainablefood systemsbyfactorssuchasgreenhouse gases,landuse,biodiversity,andwater use,Sharolunderstandsthatthe primarypurposeoffoodproductionis toprovidenutrients.
Sharolbelievesthattherelationship betweendietsandsustainabilityis crucial,andsustainabledietsshouldbe focusedonfourdomains–public
health,theenvironment,food affordability,andculturalrelevance.To supporttheseinitiatives,S.Wilson Staffingconductsresearch,engagesin socialmediaactivity,andhostsZoom meetingswithotherfoodindustry expertswhohavesimilarobjectives.
NavigatingtheChallengesofaMaleDominatedIndustry
AsafemalePresidentofherown company,Sharolfacedachallengeto thriveinthefoodindustrythatis primarilydominatedbymen.However, sheovercamethisbystaying determined,focused,andconstantly researchingeverydetailofthefood industry.Ithelpedherbe knowledgeablewhenanswering clients’questions.Herresilienceand dedicationtohercrafthavenotonly helpedherovercomethechallenges shefacedbutalsopositionedherasa prominentleaderinthefoodindustry.
CelebratingSuccess
Sharolconsidersherbiggest accomplishmentinherprofessional careertobethesuccessfulplacement ofaSeniorLevelcandidateat$160K andassistinganothercandidatein transitioningintoanewrolewitha 25%salaryincrease.Itwasa significantmilestoneforherasaleader inthestaffingindustry
Inaddition,themostexcitingproject sheworkedonwasduringthe beginningofthepandemicin2020, whereshewasabletosecuretwonew FoodandBeverageclientsand successfullymaketwoSeniorLevel placementsbeforethecountrywent intolockdown.Despitethechallenging circumstances,Sharolwasableto adaptanddeliverresultsforherclients, whichsheconsidersagreat accomplishment.
10YearsAhead
Sharolpredictsthatthefoodindustry inthenextdecadewillsurpass everyone’sexpectationswiththe continuousdevelopmentofnewand innovativefoodresources.Sharolsees
hercompanyplayingavitalrolein shapingthefutureofthefoodindustry byactivelystayingontopofemerging trendsandbuildingstrong partnerships.Bydoingso,S.Wilson StaffingLLCwillbenefitfromthe excitingopportunitiesthatthefuture holdsforthefoodindustry.
ProductivityTipsandInsightsfor ThrivingintheFoodIndustry
AsanExecutiveHeadhunterinthe FoodIndustry,Sharoladvisesaspiring leaderstoprioritizeresearchandstay updatedwiththelatesttrendsand developmentstosucceed.
SherecommendstighteningQuality ControlSystems,providingproper training,increasingtheuseof AutomationandTechnology,and loweringprocessingcoststoincrease productivity.Byensuringtheoptimum utilizationofresourcesandequipment, leaderscanproducemoreunitsina shortertime,whichleadstoimproved revenue.Sharol’sproductivitytipsare rootedinherexperienceasasuccessful entrepreneurwhohasbuilther company,S.WilsonStaffingLLC, fromthegroundup.
“Since the Food and Beverage Industry will continue to grow, I know I will be able to find those top 1% of Senior Management candidates.”
STEPHANIE PERROT
GLOBAL SALES DIRECTOR / PLANKTON FIRST
A Dynamic Leader spearheading Change in the Food Industry
Foodhasbeenacoreinterestforpeopleandafterthe pandemic,ithasbecomeaproperexerciseoftheir citizenshipinthemarketplace.Asthisawakened people’sconsciousnesstowardtheirfood,forfairand sustainableingredientsandfoodoffers,thefoodindustry hadtorefocus.Inthisscenario,wherethewayof consumptionischangingandimpactingindustry production,onlythecompanieswillingtochangewill survive.Instrumentalindeed,womenarepartofthischange andtheyhaveofferedadifferentposture,anewvoiceof trusttonormalizethatsituation.Conqueringthedifficult roadtosuccess,StephaniePerrotisdisruptingthefood industrywithherfearlessapproach.
AdmirableJourney
“It would be honest to say that my studies were not supposed to take me into this industry,” saysStephanie.She briefsaboutherfamilybackgroundandpassionforthefood sector.BeingaFrenchnational,foodandwinehavebeena religioninherfamily.Andthus,shesharesthisfondness fromaveryyoungage.Moreover,Stephaniewas
impassionedabouttheinteractionwiththeAsia-Pacific region,itshistory,anditscultureingeneral.Shewas especiallycuriousaboutthechangesChinawasfacingin the2000s.Forwardingherpassionintoacareer,Stephanie graduatedwithtwomaster’sdegrees—Asianaffairsand CountryRiskmanagement(aspartofhercurriculumin SciencesPoinFrance).
“I moved to Asia, and that is when I had a great opportunity to get close to the place that has always made me dream: kitchens,” explainsStephanie.Exploring kitchen-relatedaspects,shediscoveredthebehind-thescenesofgastronomy,andwiththatknowledge,sheworked closelywithprofessionalsfromtheHORECAworld.She hasalsoworkedwithF&BprofessionalsinAsiaand Europeaswellassupportedthem
intheirchallengeswithultra-premiumproductsand ingredients.Stephaniehasworkedforadecadewith Valrhonaanddevelopingherexpertiseinchocolate couvertureandinternationalbusiness.Strongofthat experienceatValrhona,shehaswishedtosupportthe launchofanewvoiceonthemarket.Shehassuccessfully introducedanewdisruptiveactoronthecacaoscene,Xoco Gourmet“bysharinganewvision:thecultureofcacao basedonitsvariety.”Shehasdecidedtorefocusontrue pointsofconcernforherwhicharesustainabilityand nutritionwithPlanktonFirst.Further,shewishestoutilize theseskillsasamultidimensionalsolutionforoneofthe challenges—nutritioninitslargerspectrum.
CarryingtheLegacy
Stephaniehasachievedremarkablesuccessinherlifeand shegivesthiscredittoherparents—greatteachersandthe epitomeofsuccess. “Risking being a proper cliché, I would say my parents,” saysStephanieandaddsthattheyhave alwaysshowntheloveoffoodanditsrepresentatives,as wellasthewilltobecuriousandtolearnmore.Moreover, shehasmetnumerousinspiringprofessionalswhowere leadingbyvalueslikededication,passion,andexcellence; thesevaluesareimportantandcoretoStephanie.
AccordingtoStephanie,alloftheseindividualstaughthera lessonthatshehasanexcellentchancetoworkinan industryofpassion.Additionally,whenitcomesto distinctiveservices,Stephanieandtheteamarepouring theireffortstogivepeoplethechancetoliveunique experiencesthroughtheircontactsandtime. “We are platforms for others to express their gifts and to touch people in the outmost intimate way that is through food, taste, and bringing people together,” saysStephaniein gratitude.
SmartConsumers,SmartSolutions
Consumerstodayaskforsustainable,traceable,and transparentvaluechains.Moreover,theynolongerdecide tobuyaproductorasolutionbasedonaesthetically attractivepackaging.Instead,theyfact-checkitandwill challengecompanieswhetherthesecompaniesand productsarehistoriconesornot.Cateringtotheneedofthe hour,Stephaniewantstorespondtotheworldreality:We haveagrowingandageingpopulationthatwillneednew formsofproteinintake,proposingalternativesto agriculturalintensiveculture.PlanktonFirst wasestablishedwithamissiontoresearch,develop,and producemicroalgaeandmicroalgae-derivedhigh-value
functionalingredientsthatoffernewnutritionalpathsas wellasimprovepublichealthandpreventdiseases.
Alternativelyknownasthefoodofthefuture,microalgaeis agreatsolutiontocurrentchallengesfacedbysocieties. PlanktonFirstissettoprovidesolutionsnotonlyinterms ofhealthbenefitsbutbeingfullysustainable.Thecompany assuresthatthisautotrophicandrenewablesolutionwill surelyhelpconsumers.Itoffersapanelofproductswith zerocarbonimpact,answeringtothestakesthattheworld isfacing.
AVersatileLeader
Beingatthehelm,Stephaniedevelopsandoverseesthe salesandmarketingstrategyofthecompany.Keepinga constant360-degreevision,sheensuresthatalldecisions takenneedtobeassessedbeforebeingtakenastheymight haveheavyandlong-termconsequencesonthecompanyas wellasitsecosystem.
Forherrelentlessefforts,Stephaniehasbeenrewardedwith variouspositivecomments. “One of my personal KPI and achievements is based on transmitting my expertise to my customers and seeing them taking ownership of it,” says Stephanieproudly.Shefurtheraddsthatfortheindustryto change,leadersmusteducateandshareknowledgewiththe membersintheindustry
Toeducatethemembersintheindustry,especiallychefs, whoalwayswanttobeatthetopoftheirgame,itisvery essentialtogivethemanunderstandingofthevaluechain anditsreality Additionally,thiswilldemonstratethereal impactthechefshaveontheirenvironment.
OnlineMarketing-FundamentalStreamforSuccess
Ascompaniesarefacingacentralchallengetoefficiently engagewiththeircustomerbase,digitalmarketingisa fundamentalwaytosolvethiscrisis.Accordingto Stephanie,companiesneedtobeflexibleandinnovative, andtestfornewmethodsaswellasthenewtoneofvoices. Currently,numerousplatformstrytotouchpotentialbuyers andthismightoverwhelmprofessionals.Thesolutionin Stephanie’sopinionistoprioritizecommunicationand ensuretherightchanneltohavethebestcontact.
ChangeinMotion
Thoughthefoodindustryisaforteformostwomen, misogynisticbehaviorscanbeseenwherewomenare
misjudgedandmisconsideredduetotheirgender. Thesealsoincluderejectingwomendueto pregnancy,neglectingtheiropinionsatthe negotiationtable,orhiringthemjustforthe'WOW effect'.AccordingtoStephanie,the#metoomoment isinprocess.Instead,peopledoexpressthemselves morenowadays,andmostlytheyaremorelistened to. “Women are getting more exposure in the media, on executive boards, in kitchens offering us a great channel to legitimize this new situation,” concludes Stephanie.
WORDS OF WISDOM
1. Be who you are, be genuine.
2. Listen to others.
3. Work harder than anyone.
4. Embrace having people with strong expertise that will challenge and nourish your decisions.
5. Never let anyone tell you that you cannot do something because of your gender.
“We, as responsible beings, have to offer sustainable alternatives to respond to the challenges our society is facing.”
THE USA LEADERS IS AN ILLUMINATING DIGITAL PLATFORM THAT DRIVES THE CONVERSATION ABOUT THE DISTINGUISHED AMERICAN LEADERS DISRUPTING TECHNOLOGY WITH AN UNPARALLELED APPROACH.