The Impact of Early Career Leadership on Corporate Culture and Diversity

Friday, November 8, 2024

How did your career start at Mondelēz International?

I have spent my entire career at Mondelēz International, having started my journey here as a Sales Summer Intern. After a jam-packed Summer filled with great hands-on experiences, I was fortunate enough to be offered a spot in our Sales Leadership Development Program. Once I graduated from college, I relocated to Arkansas to begin my rotations. I spent two years rotating across roles in Retail and Customer Business Management. In one of my final rotations as a Retail Manager, I had the responsibility of interviewing and making hiring decisions for my team, and that process piqued my interest in recruitment. From there, I took on a regional Sales recruitment role where I learned the end-to-end recruitment processes as well as best practices. The experiences accumulated in this role allowed me take on my current role as the Early Careers Program Lead for the US business unit. In this position, I focus on attracting and developing the next generation of talent by refining our early career recruitment strategies and building robust development programs. My journey at Mondelēz International has been immensely rewarding, allowing me to influence corporate culture and diversity from an early stage in my career.

What were some of the challenges you faced when you started as a leader?

One of the biggest challenges I faced as a new leader was navigating impostor syndrome. Being an underrepresented minority in Corporate America, I initially struggled to use my voice assertively, often doubting whether I truly belonged in these spaces. I felt fortunate just to be there, so I tended to keep a low profile, afraid of drawing too much attention or making mistakes. Building a supportive network and finding the right mentors proved invaluable in helping me recognize my skills and grow in confidence. These relationships also helped me increase my visibility, driving my career forward. Mondelēz International's strong sense of community has been instrumental in my journey. Another important aspect was developing an authentic leadership style. Embracing my unique perspectives and experiences enabled me to make meaningful contributions to our corporate culture and actively champion diversity within my team.

What skills do you believe are essential for early career leaders to excel in fostering diversity?

As a leader in the Early Careers space, a spirit of true innovation is essential. This area is constantly evolving, driven by shifting business priorities and the changing needs of emerging talent. Staying ahead of trends and being comfortable navigating uncertainty are crucial to succeeding as an Early Careers leader. Equally important is a commitment to genuine, authentic engagement. With the rise of disruptive technologies, many students feel they are not building meaningful relationships with recruiters, which can lead them to seek opportunities elsewhere. Building authentic connections not only strengthens your company’s brand but also enhances your ability to attract top diverse talent.

In your experience, how does an inclusive workplace impact employee engagement?

A successful organization thrives on an inclusive and engaged culture, where people feel empowered to bring their best selves to work and, in turn, do their best work. It is essential for organizations to genuinely understand their employees’ needs and ensure that organizational priorities align with the cultural values of their talent. When employees feel that their voices are valued and heard, they’re more motivated to drive positive change within the workplace. An inclusive environment also drives collaboration, as diverse teams bring unique perspectives that inspire creative solutions. Additionally, for companies like Mondelēz, an inclusive workforce is crucial—you can’t truly be consumer-centric if your team doesn’t reflect the diversity of those consumers.

How does your company support young leaders in developing their leadership skills?

One of my favorite things about Mondelēz is our strong focus on leadership development and upskilling. From a formal standpoint, we offer a variety of leadership development programs, apprenticeships, and mentorship opportunities designed for high-potential individuals seeking career growth. Our Learning & Capabilities team has curated outstanding learning programs that are accessible to talent across the organization, making skill-building and career progression widely attainable. Additionally, our leaders and managers are incredibly open to mentoring and guiding those who are eager to develop. I’ve found that every leader I’ve approached has shared valuable career advice and insights. This culture of openness and support empowers young leaders to build their skills and gain confidence in their leadership journeys.

What is your favorite MDLZ product?

My favorite product is definitely OREO! I’ve loved OREO since I was a kid growing up in Puerto Rico. One of my earliest and fondest memories is dunking and enjoying OREOs with a glass of milk alongside my grandpa. To this day, OREO remains my favorite brand because it always brings back those cherished family moments.