Courtney Andersen: A Trailblazing Journey as General Mills' VP of Supply Chain [Speaker Spotlight]

Courtney Andersen is the Vice President of Supply Chain at General Mills' Morning Foods division (Cereal & Yogurt Operating Unit), which has $4B+ in annual retail sales across North America.

With over two decades of experience spanning operations, plant management, engineering, and leadership roles in the food, beverage, and consumer goods sectors, Courtney brings a wealth of expertise to her current role. Her responsibilities encompass the development and implementation of end-to-end Supply Chain strategies aimed at driving Morning Foods' business performance, facilitating innovation, enhancing margins, and fostering growth.

Courtney's journey with General Mills commenced in 2005 when she joined the company as an electrical engineer. Since then, she has steadily progressed through a series of roles characterized by increasing responsibility and global scope. Notably, she recently relocated her family from Geneva, Switzerland, where she made history as the first female leader of the General Mills Supply Chain for Europe and Australia.

In anticipation of Courtney's presentation at our 2023 American Food Manufacturing Summit, we had a chance to interview her. During our conversation, we explored her leadership style and guiding principles, as well as gathered valuable industry insights. 

Without further delay, let’s dive into our discussion: 

How do you balance career, personal life and passions? Is there such a thing as balance?

It's quite interesting, I must admit. As a single mom, achieving daily balance can be pretty challenging. My approach has been to prioritize presence in every moment of my life. When I'm home, I make sure I'm fully present for my daughter, my family, and my friends, dedicating myself wholeheartedly to each interaction. Similarly, when I work from home, and my daughter is with me, I strive to maintain focus without multitasking, although there are moments when it's inevitable.

I've realized that I also need to allocate time for myself, pursuing my passions and interests, which ultimately makes me a better worker, a better mother, a better friend. Being well-rounded is essential. While I may not excel at it all the time, I'm honest with myself and allow room for self-compassion.

Furthermore, I'm fortunate to have a strong network of personal and professional friends who share similar experiences and work in the supply chain at General Mills. We're all navigating the same challenges, and being able to support and empathize with each other is invaluable. I firmly believe that having a supportive network of people is crucial for finding balance and receiving the necessary support. My life functions thanks to a comprehensive support system, almost like a board of directors, with everyone playing a vital role. My
daughter is at the heart of this support system.

What's unique about General Mills' corporate culture and internal practices that made you stay with the company for over 18 years now? 

I've remained committed to General Mills for a remarkable 18 years because it has consistently allowed me to fulfill both my personal and professional aspirations. Over this span, I've moved around nine times, which gave me a chance to live in Europe and all over the United States. I've had the opportunity to assume numerous cross-functional roles and embrace diverse leadership responsibilities, all of which have significantly contributed to my professional growth.

Furthermore, I was offered personal accommodations, such as working remotely or considering sabbaticals, even though I haven't personally taken advantage of the latter. Our company culture, which we refer to as 'Work with Heart,' emphasizes flexibility in work arrangements and schedule adjustments. Personally, I've benefited from this flexibility, which has enabled me to continue advancing in my career and tackling new challenges. I've also participated in numerous development programs, all thanks to the unwavering support and advocacy I've received within the organization.

My direct manager, in particular, has consistently championed my success and has been a genuine advocate for my growth. General Mills has allowed me to bring my authentic self to work, even when I'm not always the easiest person to deal with. In fact, I believe I can only be my true self at work because I lack the energy to be anyone else. As a result, I have the privilege of coming to work every day, where I can express my unique qualities and contribute in a way that is truly my own, and I genuinely feel that my contributions are recognized and embraced.

How do you push for systemic change around ideas that are new or not that popular?

I consistently turn to "The First 90 Days" book every time I transition to a new job - it serves as a valuable reminder of how I should approach and contemplate integrating into a new team.

When you consider entering a new role or undergoing personal change, it's essential to maintain clarity about what you already know, what concerns you, and what remains unknown. Ensuring you're posing the right questions and surrounding yourself with the right people is crucial.

Additionally, I highly recommend developing a well-thought-out change management plan and assessing your team's capacity for absorbing change. I've observed instances where employees are bombarded with various changes and need to adapt to ten different systems simultaneously. However, I don't think most leaders consistently adhere to this process and ensure their workers are adequately prepared to navigate the learning curve. It's vital to comprehend the entire change curve, discerning when to seek commitment versus compliance. This understanding is instrumental in guiding my own leadership style.

What is the next key opportunity you foresee in the food supply chain? 

As I've attended conferences over the past year, two topics have dominated discussions more than anything else: AI and ESG.

If an organization is not actively considering how to harness the potential of these two factors, especially in the context of the supply chain, staying relevant in the evolving landscape could prove challenging.

The impact of AI and its transformative innovations on our work processes and the changing dynamics of talent entering organizations cannot be overstated. Failing to formulate a strategic plan to address these shifts within an organization could result in being left behind in a rapidly changing environment.

The expectation of flexibility and the ability to work remotely has become widespread, extending beyond corporate offices to include roles on manufacturing floors. Inconsistency in employee benefits, such as allowing remote work for office roles but not for those in manufacturing plants, is no longer acceptable. It's essential to recognize the need for new labor force opportunities, as shown by the recent surge in strikes. Meeting the expectations of a diverse workforce, spanning multiple generations, requires tailored approaches rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

As a supply chain leader, how do you motivate your team?  

In the Morning Foods division where I work, particularly with cereals like Cheerios, there's a strong connection between our team and the products we create. Knowing that our work has a meaningful impact is a powerful motivator. To reinforce this, we regularly immerse ourselves in consumer empathy videos, listening to people share their thoughts about our products, what they mean to them, and the significance when we don't meet their expectations. These insights serve as compelling reminders of our mission.

One notable aspect we often discuss is the fact that cereal ranks as the number one breakfast choice, and we take pride in being the largest cereal brand. This means we touch the lives of countless people every single day, which is truly inspiring. To echo the sentiment, I often remind my team using a quote from pop culture: "With great power comes great responsibility." We recognize the significant responsibility we hold, especially as our products are popular among children. Additionally, it's crucial to remember that we create food that people and pets genuinely love. Ensuring consistency and affordability are key factors in fulfilling this mission.

In the supply chain, where demands can be demanding and constant, it's essential to acknowledge the challenges and the hard work our team undertakes. Amidst the daily hustle, we make it a point to celebrate small wins. We foster strong connections within our team, going beyond a mere work relationship. We share both the positive and challenging aspects of our lives, offering mutual support. At the start of our meetings, we incorporate moments to discuss safety or inclusion, allowing us to establish a deeper sense of connection and empathy. Additionally, during our Monday meetings, we take the time to share personal highlights and low points, creating a more vibrant and interconnected work environment. For instance, today, we shared pictures of our children's Halloween costumes, adding a personal touch to our professional interactions.

What is something you were taught at the beginning of your professional journey that shaped your career trajectory? 

One valuable lesson I learned, perhaps a bit later than I should have, was the importance of self-confidence.

Growing up, there was no one in my family who had experience in the corporate world, so I didn't have a natural roadmap to navigate it. Consequently, I didn't take charge of my career as early as I could have. I was fortunate to have excellent mentors and sponsors who offered guidance when I needed it. However, for a significant part of my career, I tended to follow others' suggestions without questioning whether those opportunities aligned with my own needs.

Early in my career, I had a mindset influenced by my upbringing, where I was taught to accept and perform whatever tasks were assigned to me without complaint. I allowed the expectations and opinions of others to impact my career choices, often pursuing roles that others believed I should have.

It took me a while to develop that confidence, clearly identify what didn't resonate with me, and articulate my ambitions without feeling ashamed. That's a challenge many women face: the fear of being perceived as arrogant or facing judgment from others. Fortunately, I no longer harbor these concerns.

I've come to realize that not everyone needs to agree with my decisions, and that's perfectly fine. One of my male allies and sponsors once advised me to stop apologizing and downplaying my achievements or my right to be in my position. His words surprised me because I had never seen myself in that light.

"Sometimes, others see potential in you that you might not yet see yourself - it took me years

to recognize it within myself, but I'm grateful that I eventually did."