Finding Community, Confidence, and Growth in Category Management
A WISE Spotlight on Angela Bruno
Building a career in retail and consumer packaged goods often requires navigating multiple categories, evolving industry dynamics, and complex relationships. For Angela Bruno, those experiences have been a defining part of her growth as a category management professional- and a key driver of her leadership style!
Angela’s career has spanned categories ranging from dairy, to candy and cereal. Working across such different spaces has strengthened her confidence and sharpened her ability to approach challenges from multiple perspectives.
“Every category has its own nuances and a new set of problems to solve,” she explains. “The more situations you put yourself in, the more opportunities you give yourself to learn a new skill, develop a new process, or see things in a different way.”
She believes the lessons learned (as well as the setbacks) in one category can often be applied to another. That cross-functional perspective has helped her continually refine her approach to category strategy and decision-making.
Building Trust Through Communication and Accountability
Strong supplier and retailer relationships are essential in the private label and retail ecosystem. For Angela, two qualities have proven especially critical: proactive communication and accountability.
Working with Topco’s member network, she emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of conversations and providing updates, even when challenges aren’t fully solved yet.
“An update to a problem or a big initiative, even if it’s not completely packaged up yet, goes a long way,” Angela says. “It shows people you’re engaged and working toward a solution.”
Equally important is accountability. By consistently following through on commitments, Angela has built trust with members, suppliers, and internal partners alike - giving them confidence that she will deliver on what she promises.
Advice for Women Early in Their Careers
For women starting their careers in retail or CPG, Angela encourages curiosity and courage.
“Try everything and talk to everyone,” she says. “Some of the fastest growth in my career came from raising my hand to lead something I had never done before.”
Stepping outside of one’s comfort zone is an important part of becoming a well-rounded professional. At the same time, Angela emphasizes that no one succeeds alone.
“Use your network. When you’re stuck, having a sounding board or learning from someone who is an expert in an area you’re not can make a huge difference.”
Finding Community Through WISE
Angela’s connection to WISE began with a simple nomination to join a Mentor Circle in 2021.
At the time, she was early in her career and looking for ways to connect with others in the industry, especially as many professionals were still working remotely.
That first experience quickly became a meaningful part of her professional journey.
“Each year I met a new group of women with different life and career experiences, and I continued to grow my network,” she shares.
After participating in multiple Mentor Circles, Angela wanted to give back. She joined the WISE recruitment committee and recently stepped into a new role on the WISE Junior Board for 2026.
Her goal is simple but powerful: help continue growing the network and support systems that make WISE so impactful.
The Power of Community
For Angela, community is something she actively seeks in every part of her life.
“Community is my home when I’m away from home,” she says.
Whether at work, coaching CrossFit classes, traveling, or participating in WISE programs, she believes strong connections create the foundation for both personal and professional growth.
Through events, Mentor Circles, webinars, and committee involvement, WISE provides numerous opportunities for women in the industry to build those connections.
“There are so many ways to meet others at different stages of their careers,” Angela says. “WISE makes it easier to find your people.”
Growth Beyond the Office
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Angela balances a full and active life that includes CrossFit coaching, travel, and recently -- sourdough baking.
Maintaining clear boundaries between work and personal time is an intentional choice for her.
“I’m proud to say I almost never open my laptop on weekends or when I get home from work,” she explains. “Setting those boundaries now is important, especially as our family grows in the future.”
Stepping away from work allows her to return with renewed energy and perspective.
“Disconnecting helps me come back the next day feeling fresh and excited. The work will always be there.”
Angela’s journey is a reminder that growth in this industry is built through experience, relationships, and community. By stepping outside of her comfort zone, staying accountable to her partners, and investing in the networks that support women across the store brand industry, she continues to expand her impact both professionally and personally. Through her work and her involvement with WISE, Angela is helping create the kind of community that empowers the next generation of women leaders to grow, connect, and lead with confidence.