What does it take to build a four-decade leadership career in one of the most complex and competitive industries in retail—without a traditional corporate path?

In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Larree Renda, retired Executive Vice President of Safeway, Inc., to discuss her remarkable career journey—from starting as a grocery bagger at age 16 to ultimately overseeing major corporate functions supporting nearly 4,000 stores across North America.

Larree shares how resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning helped her rise through the ranks of a Fortune 500 company during a time when executive leadership in grocery retail was overwhelmingly male-dominated. Along the way, she led critical areas including retail operations, human resources, manufacturing, distribution, labor relations, and public affairs.

Throughout the conversation, Larree reflects on pivotal leadership moments—from stepping into roles outside her comfort zone to launching the Safeway Foundation, an initiative that ultimately generated hundreds of millions of dollars annually for community causes and cancer research.

With 40 years of executive experience, Larree offers a thoughtful perspective on leadership, career development, and the mindset required to grow into increasingly complex roles.

In this episode, Larree shares insight into:

• Building a career at Safeway that began with a part-time job at age 16
  
  
  
• Leading operations across 4,000+ stores in North America
  
  
  
• Why curiosity and continuous learning are essential leadership traits
  
  
  
• The creation and long-term impact of the Safeway Foundation
  
  
  
• Navigating executive leadership while raising a family
  
  
  
• A practical framework for aligning personal strengths with organizational needs
  
  
  
• Why courage is often the defining trait separating strong leaders from the rest
  
  
  

Whether you are an emerging leader, a retail professional, or someone navigating the transition into more senior roles, this episode provides practical insight into leadership growth, decision-making, and building a meaningful career over time.

🎧 Listen now to hear how resilience, curiosity, and courageous leadership can shape a lasting impact in both business and community.

Guest Links:

Connect with Larree Renda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larree-renda-33998799/
Explore Safeway, Inc.:https://www.safeway.com/ 

Next Steps:
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