What does it take to build a long-term career in grocery retail—and ultimately step into the President & CEO role?

In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Ryan Adams, President & CEO of Gelson's Markets, to discuss his career journey from entry-level store roles to leading a premium regional grocery organization. With more than 25 years of experience across large national retailers and independent operations, Ryan shares the key decisions, challenges, and leadership principles that shaped his path to the C-suite.

Ryan provides a clear and practical perspective on executive leadership, highlighting the importance of balancing strategic thinking with operational execution, aligning teams around a shared vision, and maintaining focus on enterprise-wide impact.

Throughout the conversation, he shares insights on:

• What the President & CEO role looks like on a day-to-day basis
• Why embracing discomfort is critical to long-term career growth
• How authenticity and storytelling can differentiate candidates in interviews
• The importance of excelling in your current role while preparing for future opportunities
• How cross-functional experience and lateral moves contribute to leadership development
• The value of mentorship, continuous learning, and professional networks
• Why effective leadership requires humility, curiosity, and collaboration

Ryan also reflects on the importance of community in both leadership and business. He shares how his approach extends beyond serving customers to include building strong internal teams and fostering meaningful partnerships across the industry. His commitment to developing people is centered on creating environments where individuals feel supported, encouraged to ask questions, and empowered to grow—ultimately strengthening organizational performance and long-term success.

Whether you're an emerging leader, a retail professional, or someone aspiring to executive leadership, this episode offers practical, experience-based guidance on navigating career growth and leading with purpose.

🎧 Listen now and gain insight into leadership, growth, and building a career with lasting impact.

Guest Links:

Connect with Ryan Adams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-adams-50aa5341/
Explore Gelson's Markets: https://www.gelsons.com/

Next Steps:
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