What does it truly take to lead at the executive level in grocery retail—and how do you build a career that grows alongside the business?

To launch Season 2 of Candid with Candidates, Jennifer Hahn sits down with Kristin Popp, Executive Vice President of Woodman’s Food Market, Inc., for an in-depth conversation on leadership, career development, and long-term impact in an ever-evolving industry.

With nearly 30 years at Woodman’s, Kristin shares her journey from working in accounting and HR while in college to overseeing company-wide operations, corporate functions, and strategic planning for a 20-store, employee-owned retailer serving communities across Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. She offers candid insight into what the EVP role really entails, how she prepares her organization for the future, and why effective leadership requires both accountability and trust.

In this episode, Kristin discusses:

• What executive leadership looks like beyond the title
  
  
• How to prepare for long-term success without waiting for “the right time”
  
  
• The value of cross-functional experience in career advancement
  
  
• Transitioning from HR into enterprise-wide leadership
  
  
• Building strategic roadmaps while empowering leaders to own their plans
  
  
• Balancing professional growth, industry involvement, and family life
  
  
• Why grocery retail plays a vital role as the heartbeat of local communities
  
  
• Her candid advice for candidates on making strong first impressions
  
  
  

Kristin also reflects on her role as President of Women Grocers of America (WGA) and how she became involved after recognizing a critical opportunity within the industry: to help women build confidence, embrace their talents, and take their place at the table alongside their male peers. Her passion for developing future leaders is rooted in creating access, visibility, and support for navigating leadership paths in grocery retail and ensuring the next generation feels empowered to lead boldly.

Whether you’re an emerging leader, an experienced professional navigating career growth, or someone looking to better understand executive leadership in grocery retail, this Season 2 premiere offers thoughtful perspective and practical guidance from one of the industry’s most respected leaders.

🎧 Listen now to kick off Season 2 of Candid with Candidates and gain insight into leadership, growth, and building a career with lasting impact.

Guest Links:

Connect with Kristin Popp : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-popp/
Explore Woodman's Food Market, Inc.: http://www.woodmans-food.com/

Next Steps:
Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail.

For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn