Sysco colleague showcase
We asked inspirational female colleagues from across the business what they would say to their 19-year-old self and here is what they said.
Carol O’Donnell: Campbell's Operations Director
While studying for my degree, I worked at McDonald’s, so I’ve been in foodservice from the start of my career. I joined Campbells in 2012 as a Purchasing Assistant, gaining my CIPS qualification, and later moved into project management, leading a new labelling and traceability system. This gave me valuable insight into processes, operations, and the wider business. I was appointed Operations Director in 2021, a role that keeps me busy but brings great satisfaction — especially as the business has continued to perform strongly since Sysco’s acquisition in 2024.
If I could speak to my 19-year-old self, I would say:
“Trust in your ability and don’t be afraid to speak up — growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about working hard, setting the right example, and looking after your team. Be approachable, stay true to yourself, and the results will follow.”
Penny Tomlinson: Managing Director Fairfax Meadow
This August will mark my 25-year work anniversary at Fairfax Meadow.
I somewhat naively entered the meat industry in a sales role, having spent 11 years at Brakes. I had a one-year-old daughter and took on the role with a three-hour commute each day!
I quickly learned that the world of meat was very different from what I had experienced before - male-dominated, with a unique culture.
I was very lucky to have a boss and mentor who believed in me, and, importantly, in the value of balanced gender leadership. In 2008, I was promoted to the FM Board as the first female member, and in 2013 I succeeded him as MD.
What would I tell myself back then - and what I now tell my 26-year-old daughter - is: always believe in yourself, be authentic, stay resilient, and remember that it’s all part of life’s learnings.
Krina Patel: Senior Finance Director
My professional career has predominantly been in the finance space, working my way up from the very bottom - gaining experience, getting qualified, and seizing every promotion opportunity that came my way.
More recently, I have moved into the International Finance function and am excited about the new opportunities this role will bring. Being able to share knowledge, mentor others, and see people grow in their professional careers is motivating in itself.
If I could speak to my 19-year-old self, I would say:
“Embrace failure. From a very young age, I was led to believe that failure was not an option - a sign of incompetence or weakness. However, you learn that failure is not the opposite of success, but a part of it. Use it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve!”
Christine McGrath: Head of Learning & Development
In my role at Sysco Ireland, I focus on colleague development, ensuring everyone has the skills they need for their current role — and for the roles they may take on in the future across the wider organisation.
As a people leader, my goal is to support my team to grow and excel. Some of my proudest moments have been seeing team members successfully deliver projects using new skills, or move into new roles thanks to the development and support they’ve received.
If I could speak to my 19-year-old self, I would say:
“You are far more competent and capable than you give yourself credit for. Don’t doubt yourself, and don’t worry about what your peers think — they’re too busy thinking about themselves!”
Mags Harris: Snr Change Communications Manager
I started at Sysco GB as a Contact Centre Advisor in 1996, so I’ve been here 28 years. Since then, I’ve held various commercial roles, from sales to continuous improvement and technology, partnering across the business to support systems, processes, and communication. In 2022, I moved into my current role managing the HR Transformation Plan and delivering transformational change for HR and our colleagues.
I also chair Spectrum GB, a colleague resource group supporting LGBTQ+ members and allies by fostering a safe, open, and inclusive environment.
Having left school at 16 with a couple of GCSEs, I’m most proud of achieving a Distinction in a Management Apprenticeship while working at Sysco GB.
If I could speak to my 19-year-old self, I would say:
"Don’t be scared of change — grab opportunities when they come your way, you won’t look back!"
Aicha Lahsen: Driver
I got my HGV licence late in life at 45 years old.
I joined Brakes as a brand new driver and I'm still here 6 years later.
Before joining Brakes I was a Professional Kickboxer and I am most proud of my kickboxing title.
If I could speak to my 19-year-old self, I would say:
"Don’t give up training and continuing my dream!"
Holly Kent: Supply Planner Apprentice
I joined Sysco GB in September 2024 and am completing the Level 3 Supply Chain Practitioner apprenticeship. I started as a Supply Planner in the Frozen team in Ashford and now work with the Fresh Direct team. I first discovered the apprenticeship through visits to my sixth form and careers fairs, and chose it to keep learning while earning and build real workplace skills.
Before joining Sysco, I was shy and lacked confidence, but the apprenticeship has helped me grow. I’ve even spoken to school students at careers fairs — something I never imagined when I started.
The support I receive has been invaluable. I meet monthly with my apprentice buddy, and have regular check-ins with the Apprenticeship Lead to review progress and discuss any support I need.
What advice would you give other young people starting out?
"I’d encourage others to explore apprenticeship opportunities and hope to support and mentor new apprentices, just as others have done for me."