Sep 21, 20233 min read

By Kara Adams, Director of Education (eLearning), FMI 

With an employee turnover rate of 65% in 2022 for retailers and suppliers, it is more important than ever to invest in the workforce. One of the best ways to celebrate employees is through programs like the Future Leaders eXperience. Our Food Retailer Leader Certificate recognizes an individual’s achievement in completing an extensive and comprehensive leadership training course, preparing participants to represent their company as a recognized leader in the food industry. This year, the Future Leaders eXperience online course was offered for the fourth consecutive year. Representing 31 companies, 317 of 352 leaders (a 90% completion rate!) successfully completed the coursework and earned their certificate. The three companies with the most leaders in this year’s program were Kroger, Meijer, Inc. and SpartanNash. 

During the Future Leaders eXperience, six unique sessions, including pre- and post-work, are held over the course of four months. The sessions address various leadership styles and areas of personal and professional development. Participants are placed in teams of 15-20, encompassing retailers, suppliers and service providers to foster relevant, cross-collaborative, industry-focused discussions. Teams collaborate during six live, virtual sessions to discuss the need for flexibility in leadership styles, improving communication skills, exploring different approaches to management, practicing self-reflection and learning the impact of recognition and celebration. The eXperience, and its breakout groups, create the opportunity to build lasting relationships with peers at other companies. 

Sixteen leaders also returned this year to serve in the role of Food Industry Coach. Acting as mentors, coaches commit to supporting the next generation of leaders in bridging the gap between a company’s present and future success. While continuing to develop their own leadership styles and skillsets, coaches coordinate check-in calls, guide mentees through exercises and provide encouragement to keep their teams on-track for the duration of the program and beyond. 

As it’s my first year with FMI, I’m looking forward to managing next year’s Future Leaders eXperience with my new colleague, Tina Pedrick, Education Manager. We are already making plans and improvements in preparation for another successful, engaging Future Leaders eXperience in 2024.  

Please join us in celebrating the 2023 class of Food Retail Leaders and Food Industry Coaches, some of whom may work at your own companies. Leaders and coaches received digital versions of their certificates, as well as a digital badge representing their achievement, which you may see shared on LinkedIn or other social outlets. Be sure to give them a “like”! 

The 2024 Future Leaders eXperience will take place April through June 2024. Learn more about the Food Retail Leader Certificate and stay tuned for announcements about the next offering. For more information, please email futureleaders@fmi.org. 

Learn More about the Future Leaders eXperience     See the 2023 Certificate Recipients