The Next Generation – Jr. Board Member Interview
Navi Bola | Senior Product Development Manager, Albertsons
WISE: Please give us some background on your experience prior to working in your current role.
Navi: Prior to my tenure at Albertsons Companies, I gained valuable experience working at several food manufacturing companies. My role encompassed the development of an assortment of products including candy and confectionery, pasta, ready-to-eat meals, extruded snacks and seasonings. This journey provided me the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals both in the United States and my home country of India, where I was born and raised.
During my time in India, I had the opportunity to work at Nestle, which provided me with insights into the culture of manufacturing plants and the everyday challenges faced by women in a society that is not always gender balanced. Coming from an Indian household and community where women typically assumed the role of stay-at-home mothers, I encountered resistance in my early career, a response that was not unexpected. However, overcoming these obstacles and gaining visibility in the workplace presented a unique set of challenges.
Reflecting on those early experiences, I am grateful for the challenges they presented, as they contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth. They also fostered a deeper appreciation for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
WISE: Please give us some background on your experience prior to working at your current role.
Navi: In my current role, I manage the product development functions for Own Brands, specifically focusing on dairy, refrigerated and frozen categories. Over the past nearly six years with Albertsons Cos., I have had the pleasure of collaborating with a dedicated team to create numerous innovative products in temperature-controlled space.
At Albertsons Cos., we prioritize authenticity and encourage employees to bring their true selves to work each day. I find fulfillment in working for a company that values aligning personal purpose with professional contributions, allowing individuals to live their purpose through their work and contributions to the community.
WISE: What has been your most challenging part of your time working in your current role?
Navi: I won’t essentially call this a challenge but certainly a good problem to have instead: Sometimes I find it difficult to decide which exciting products our team should focus on. There are so many great ideas and talented people with an unmatched willingness to aim high. It’s amazing to work with a team of enthusiastic people who work well together, continuously striving for more.
WISE: What has been the most rewarding part of your time working in your current role?
Navi: It's incredibly fulfilling to see the products we've developed come to life! Walking through the store aisles and seeing those products reminds me of all the hard work and collaboration that went into making them a reality. It's a great feeling of satisfaction and pride!
WISE: What got you interested in joining the WISE organization?
Navi: I was introduced to the WISE a few years ago by a mentor who had been involved with it for quite some time and was retiring. Initially, I glanced at it briefly, but slowly it fell off my radar. However, about a year later, I found myself at a stage in my professional life where I recognized the importance of learning and connecting with others for my growth and well-being. That's when WISE clicked for me— what better way than connecting with women in private label space who could potentially offer support and insights. I reached out to the point of contact for the WISE at my company and embarked on my journey with the group a couple of years ago. Since then, I have actively participated in WISE mentor circle and DEI Cohort Series - going silver this year! I also proudly earned completion badges for DEI series - individual growth and leadership during its debut year.
WISE: What do you think could be the future of WISE?
Navi: In my perspective, the future of WISE appears vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic. As a woman of color who recently relocated to this country, WISE has become my community. It has provided everything essential, not only for my professional advancement but also for my personal well-being. Just like myself, WISE has the potential to serve as a source of motivation, networking, and inspiration for growth, benefiting not only women but also serving as a platform for men to understand the advantages of gender diversity in the professional sphere. There remains a significant amount of work to be done, from fostering networking opportunities to advancing DEI initiatives and increasing the representation of women in executive leadership roles. I envision WISE playing a central role in these efforts, serving as both a knowledge hub for awareness and a platform for validating the strides made by our partners in promoting women's leadership and empowerment within their respective domains.
WISE: How would you sum up your experience in this industry, and what advice would you give to those considering joining this industry?
Navi: From relocating between countries and companies to immersing myself in new foods, concepts, and cultures, it's been an incredibly interesting journey thus far. While it hasn't always been easy, every experience has contributed to my personal growth and self-awareness.
One piece of advice I would offer to anyone entering this industry is to stay curious and never hesitate to ask questions. Don't let your inner doubts hold you back; instead, empower yourself to seek guidance from mentors and peers when faced with challenges. You never know when your question might provide someone else with a valuable lesson learned from experience.
WISE: What are you most excited about contributing to WISE while on the Junior board?
Navi: I’m thrilled to join the amazing Partner Liaison committee where I’ll get to connect with awesome partners across WISE. I look forward to brainstorming new ways of engaging with partners and elevating interest. As a passionate advocate for DEI, I am deeply committed to supporting partners in integrating DEI principles into their professional domains and leveraging its benefits.
WISE: Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?
Navi: As a family of four with young children, we thoroughly enjoy traveling and exploring new places. However, as someone who adores fashion, we certainly don't travel light! So, if you're seeking tips for traveling light with kids, I may not be your go-to expert. Nevertheless, our love for adventure remains undeterred. In addition to our travels, I cherish my role as a busy mom. From organizing playdates to managing pickups and drop-offs for their classes, and of course, dressing them up in adorable outfits and capturing precious moments in photos, these activities pretty much sum up my life outside of work.