MILLEN, GA - It’s no secret that the people are what makes this industry so special. That is why we will take any opportunity we can get to climb inside the minds of our fellow peers. The Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) Southern Roots Committee is allowing us to do just that, presenting Jen Wiklandour, Regional Merchant at H-E-B, as the Member Spotlight for February 2024.

“I think at its core, great leadership comes from those that are willing to serve their teams and advocate for them,” Wiklandour stated when asked how she defines leadership. “I think this requires intense listening for what is (and isn’t) said and that ultimately you have to help people get where THEY WANT to go.”

In the Southern Roots Member Spotlight, SEPC asked Wiklandour many other questions, allowing us to get a glimpse at what makes this buy-side savant tick. She said that her favorite quote is, “Plans are useless, but planning is indispensable,” by Dwight Eisenhower.

“It’s always rung true to me. I know we’re never going to plan perfectly, but I think the more planning work we put into something, the more familiar we are and the easier it is to adapt quickly and well,” she went on to explain.

To ensure she continues to grow, Wiklandour added that she constantly seeks feedback from her team. After recently transitioning to a new role, she aims to make her team feel supported, and acting based on the feedback she receives is the most important part of the equation.

Wiklandour shared many more insights into her brain in Southern Roots’ Member Spotlight, so be sure to check them out here.

And keep reading ANUK as we follow along with the industry’s latest.