Front-line workers were talked about a lot during the pandemic, but they’re still working hard today, serving a critical role as the last chance to convince shoppers.
True, the produce and floral supply chains are so complex and challenging that when the product finally hits the grocery store’s loading dock, it can feel like nothing short of a miracle. But what happens in the last 50 feet — from the dock to the shopper’s basket — is yet another make-or-break opportunity.
That final chance to sell your produce is the topic of the inaugural New England Produce Council Produce Manager Leadership Development Program, presented Aug. 22, the main day of NEPC’s Produce, Floral & Foodservice Expo in Everett, Mass.
“The Last 50 Feet: Leading with Purpose and Confidence” will be presented by leadership coach Wendy McManus, founder and CEO of Connect 2 Potential. She was formerly the retail program manager for the National Mango Board, and before that she was the board’s marketing director. Prior to those roles, McManus was the marketing director for the National Watermelon Promotion Board.
Coast to Coast Produce is sponsoring the program, said Laura Sullivan, NEPC executive director. The shipper has a home office in Cheshire, Conn., an office in Boston and two California offices in Bakersfield and Monterey.
This ongoing program will give produce managers an opportunity to walk the show floor, meet suppliers, buyers and sellers face-to-face and gain some leadership education.
“We’re bringing in a lot of produce and floral managers to get them energized about what they do, for their progression and moving ahead in the industry,” Sullivan said. “There’s a lot in the industry for young leaders, but I haven’t seen a lot for the produce managers.”
The session will be fast-paced and highly interactive without forcing anyone to speak up in front of the room more than they want to. This is not a “death by PowerPoint” event, according to the NEPC; it will be fun, engaging and memorable.
Participants will reflect on what great leadership looks like and how they can foster those attributes in themselves. They can expect to explore their impact as a manager, fostering in them a much larger and more meaningful purpose than when they walked into the room.
The program will go as far as delving into how confidence is created, with the opportunity to celebrate their own achievements to pump up their current self-esteem and build their capacity to dial up their confidence in the future.
“I’m very excited about this new program,” Sullivan said.
