Tag: 3BL

As soon as the catastrophic flooding began in southern Brazil, our FedEx Latin America team reached out to the FedEx global citizenship team to see how FedEx could help with relief efforts.

With heartfelt concern for our team members and the communities impacted by the flood, within 24 hours we identified a relief agency at work in the region. We were able to provide them with a grant to provide food and clean water, hygiene kits, cleaning supplies and clothing to families affected by the floods.

FedEx Brazil has been a supporter of The Salvation Army Brazil for many years. Seen in the photo accompanying this update is an emergency response canteen truck they are using to help with relief efforts. FedEx had previously donated the relief vehicle to the organization. It’s been used to respond to all kinds of emergencies from distributing food during the Covid pandemic, to feeding the homeless, and now, it’s being used to support flood survivors.

If you would like to contribute to the relief efforts, you may volunteer or donate cash directly to an organization of your choice. We ask FedEx team members to refrain from collecting donated items, as FedEx does not provide charitable shipping for collection drives and donated items.

Learn more about our support for The Salvation Army Brazil’s flood relief efforts here, and about other FedEx Humanitarian Relief efforts here.

Will Americans return to the office? It may depend on where it is and what it offers.

The office market is widely viewed as the problem child in commercial real estate. There’s no doubt the sector has been disrupted and is in transition. But does this mean that working in an office is a thing of the past? We don’t think so. The current environment, which began with a pandemic and was followed by higher interest rates, has simply shined a brighter light on problems that have been building for decades—and what it may take to solve them. 

A lot has happened in the last few years to change the way people work and what they want from their workplaces. Remote work arrangements have lifted office vacancy rates while high borrowing costs are depressing property prices and making it harder to refinance loans. A large share of commercial real estate debt in general—and office space debt in particular—will mature in coming years and likely need to be repriced at lower levels.

US Offices: More (Modern) Space Needed

In the US, the issue is often framed solely as a problem of tenant demand. Or, perhaps more precisely, a lack of demand from some employees who are clinging to hybrid or remote work arrangements that were normalized during the pandemic. 

These changes in demand patterns are still evolving. But we also think the US is grappling with insufficient supply. There are too few recently built, environmentally friendly buildings near transit and with amenities that appeal to employees and can entice them back to the office. There are also too many older ones with inflexible super-structures, environmentally unfriendly systems and floor plates that can’t easily—or cost-effectively—be adapted to suit tenants’ current needs.

The Regional Mall Storyline Redux?

In some ways, the supply-demand mismatch echoes one that shook up regional American malls a decade ago. Many malls didn’t survive the transformational shifts that e-commerce triggered in the retail sector. But those that were well located and owned by landlords willing to commit capital to support the changing needs of the customers in their area evolved—and are stronger for it today. 

US office space, with some regional variations, appears to be facing a similar “adapt or die” situation. Data shows that the top-tier office buildings, which tend to be newer and more adaptable to changing needs, account for a disproportionate share of leasing activity. 

And the pandemic didn’t change tenant preference for newer office space. Since the first quarter of 2020, when the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic, there have been more than 127 million square feet of positive net absorption—the total amount of space leased minus the amount of space vacated—in US office buildings that were built or completely renovated in the last 10 years (Display). 

Older buildings—spaces built more than 10 years ago—had negative net absorption over the same period to the tune of 236 million square feet. In other words, tenants vacated more space than they occupied. In our view, finding an alternative use for some of these buildings, which won’t be easy for many buildings and in many jurisdictions, might nonetheless be the most promising solution.

Even among the newer buildings, there has been dispersion. Fourth-quarter vacancy rates last year were lower in the newest, most modern properties than in just slightly more dated ones. 

These top-tier offices are attractive to tenants who need their employees to be physically back at work on a full-time basis. They are typically aesthetically pleasing buildings with floor plate designs that allow for collaborative work and include plenty of meeting rooms, quiet rooms and social areas. They also offer best-in-class technology and audio-visual infrastructure; sustainable, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems; and proximity to transit, retail and a range of restaurants, from takeout to fine dining. 

We expect the allure of these centrally located buildings with modern amenities to help companies not only draw workers back to the office but also retain their best employees.

Focusing on Growth

The “return to the office” push might explain why the number of tenants looking for office space increased nearly 6% in the first quarter of 2024 and is up more than 28% since the start of 2023, according to Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), a global real estate services company. The focus for many employers will be on US metropolitan areas with a favorable ratio of high-quality office inventory, population growth, high education levels, low living and business costs, and concentration of office-using industries. 

Major urban and suburban areas that cracked the top 20 in a recent research report by JLL scored highly on all of those metrics. Most locations were in the southern and western United States, dominated by tech-centric industries that have come to expect modern offices with premium amenities. 

Again, though, the problem is one of demand exceeding supply: JLL reports that direct available space in offices less than 10 years old has fallen by more than 14% since the end of 2022.

Shades of Green: Sustainability Matters

We believe that sustainability considerations are also starting to influence office decisions, though the lack of a uniform federal mandate for environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting can complicate the issue. 

Even so, lack of ESG qualifications could hasten the demise of older US buildings that can’t or won’t adopt greener technology. For many commercial real estate investors, a thorough examination of local and regional climate-hazard risks and potential future regulations is already part of their required diligence.

Punching In…to Opportunity

The way the US office market works has changed—and will continue to evolve. We think it’s time for investors to start looking through the doom and gloom that enveloped the office sector after the pandemic. In reality, office dynamics vary. The challenges facing a Class B office building in Manhattan won’t necessarily tell us much about modern workspaces in Dallas. 

The road ahead won’t be smooth, particularly for borrowers and lenders who face upcoming loan maturities. The cash-flow and occupancy challenges many offices face are real, and navigating the landscape requires regional knowledge and underwriting expertise. But a changing landscape begets opportunity, and for investors who have turned away from office, it may be time to punch back in.

The views expressed herein do not constitute research, investment advice or trade recommendations and do not necessarily represent the views of all AB portfolio-management teams. Views are subject to change over time.

Learn more about AB’s approach to responsibility here.

Sustainability has evolved from a boardroom buzzword to a critical driver of business success and strategic differentiation. To thrive, companies are going to need to understand how to operate in a modern, low-carbon, circular economy. SAP solutions will support them by embedding sustainability into every aspect of their operations.

At our customer flagship event, SAP Sapphire, we’re discussing how we support customers with their biggest challenges, looking at future trends, and unveiling the latest product innovations.

This makes the event the perfect opportunity to highlight how we are redefining the way companies manage sustainability through our ERP-centric, cloud-based, AI-enabled approach.

ERP-Centric

For true business model transformation, sustainability needs to be at the core of how companies operate. At SAP, we integrate sustainability data into cloud ERP business processes, which helps companies connect financial and non-financial information and thus treat carbon like money. This makes all decisions financially and environmentally sound while enabling customers to record real impacts and report audit-ready environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics seamlessly.

Cloud-Based

Instant access to fast-evolving innovations is only possible through the cloud. Our modern cloud-based solutions ensure that businesses can quickly adopt new functionality and stay ahead in a rapidly changing environment.

AI-Enabled

Business AI is revolutionizing the way we approach sustainability. At SAP, AI takes complex sustainability tasks reliant on sustainability data and ERP data and makes them automated and auditable. It enables companies to improve operational efficiency, foster greater transparency around supply chain emissions, design and plan more effectively, and automate time-consuming tasks. SAP Business AI is built on the data and processes that run the business world, including sustainability related information from both inside and outside the company’s walls, making our solutions smarter, faster, and more effective.

With SAP Business AI, we support our customers’ efforts to optimize for sustainable impact. This year at SAP Sapphire, we are thrilled to announce two new AI-driven sustainability use cases:

Emission Factor Mapping with AI: Available in SAP Sustainability Footprint Management, this feature enhances the accuracy and speed of carbon footprint calculations through automated, intelligent suggestions. By reducing the manual effort involved in mapping emission factors, businesses can achieve more precise measurements and make informed decisions faster.ESG Report Generation with AI: This capability allows for the automatic generation of ESG reports based on the data within SAP Sustainability Control Tower. This not only streamlines the reporting process but also helps ensure that the data is reliable and actionable, providing a clear picture of a company’s sustainability performance.

Our comprehensive approach to carbon management is becoming a reality as we introduce new sustainability tracking, monitoring, and reporting features within the SAP cloud ERP portfolio as well as a new solution that will help customers manage sustainability commitments and comply with global regulations.

Advanced Carbon Calculator Engine: This powerful tool featured in SAP Sustainability Control Tower and SAP Sustainability Footprint Management integrates ERP data from SAP S/4HANA Cloud and other sources and embeds results back into business processes for informed decision-making. As such, it allows customers to meet Greenhouse Gas Protocol reporting standards, offering advanced, granular calculations of both product and corporate carbon footprints.SAP Green Ledger will be released at the end of 2024. The solution will help customers connect their emissions data and financial data, allowing customers to easily understand the correlation between emissions and finances, model sustainable business scenarios, and then act with decisions that are both financially and environmentally.

At SAP, we believe that the future of business is inextricably linked to sustainability. This is why sustainability is a key pillar of our growth strategy. Businesses must recognize that sustainable practices are not just ethical choices, but strategic financial decisions that drive innovation, reduce costs, and mitigate risks.

Moreover, sustainable transformation opens up significant economic opportunities. By transforming their operations around sustainability, businesses can create a modern, low-carbon, circular economy that benefits both the environment and their bottom line, enhancing overall resilience.

This transformation aligns business success with global sustainability goals, paving the way for a more sustainable, valuable, and prosperous future.

Sophia Mendelsohn is chief sustainability and commercial officer at SAP.

Get the latest news and coverage from SAP Sapphire in 2024

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Abigail was one of the first films to participate in Universal Filmed Entertainment Group’s recently launched GreenerLight Program, an initiative that aims to incorporate sustainability across the entire filmmaking process through development, production and distribution.

While filming in Dublin, Ireland in the summer of 2023, sustainability for Abigail was an all-hands-on-deck initiative. Universal Pictures leadership, the Universal Monsters team, the Radio Silence directing team, producers, and on-screen talent all acknowledged the importance of sustainability across the production.

They also had the support of Screen Ireland, which engages the local film industry to provide the tools and resources needed to reduce fuel, energy, and waste. Part of the Screen Ireland partnership included a sustainability case study, in hopes of inspiring other productions in Ireland to follow suit.

The team intentionally chose to film in fewer locations to reduce emissions associated with transportation and fuel. With one primary location for filming at the Glenmaroon House in Dublin, the film crew consolidated production and utilized sustainable technologies like hybrid generators. The film also donated leftover meals, costumes, and set materials to the local community.

The Abigail team also opted in for a sustainability script review to identify on-screen opportunities to encourage sustainable behaviors. For example, the production participated in the “Lights, Camera, Plastic?” campaign organized by Habits of Waste, which aims to reduce the portrayal of single-use plastics in film and television. By replacing plastic props with reusable alternatives, Abigail sought to change norms around the use of single-use plastics.

To further support sustainable behavior change, the production team captured behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with talent and crew to tell their story and help inspire others across the film and TV industry. Abigail was also the first film to feature the new GreenerLight logo and messaging in the end credits.

It was great to work with a studio that is putting serious resources into sustainability efforts. Universal allowed us to work with new vendors, trial new technologies to reduce carbon emissions, and work with different suppliers to reduce waste.

DARAGH GOAN

‘Abigail’ Sustainability Advisor

Launched in 2023, the GreenerLight Program is an initiative focused on embedding sustainability across the entire filmmaking process through development, production and distribution. Every greenlight package includes a film’s sustainability plan, ensuring that sustainability is considered from the beginning, including script development, locations and set needs, as well as on-screen behaviors.

Our Kohler Mira Ltd. team celebrated Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK, focusing on the importance of mental wellbeing, and sharing their favorite ways to stay healthy.

From fun sing-a-longs and lunchtime walks to breathing exercises and information on our global Employee Assistance Program, the teams enjoyed camaraderie, collaboration and open discussions about mental health, stress management, and self-care.

Kohler’s mission is to help people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives is a purpose shared by our team of 30,000 difference makers across the globe. We’re ambitious, and for good reason. Creating more sustainable products and experiences can’t wait. Bringing safe water and sanitation to underserved communities is a basic human right over three billion people live without. Designing a more equitable and inclusive world unlocks a path to greater levels of innovation and shared success. At Kohler, turning bold vision into reality is work worth doing and for the betterment of all. Learn more here.

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career at GoDaddy.

I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona but currently reside in Tempe and love it! I have a beautiful wife, Kristyn, and an amazing child, Ash, who I spend my days with. We also share our home with four adorable pets: two cats, Smokey and Cyn, a dog, Penny, and a guinea pig, Jack. I went to school for Computer Science and graduated with my Associate of Science in Computer Science and Associate of Arts in December of 2021. In my spare time, I like to work on small projects that challenge my skills and creativity. I have also developed an interest in photography.

I joined GoDaddy in 2021 as a Website Specialist I, working remotely with the Website Design Services department. Since then, I have transitioned to a Customer Support Specialist II role, where I collaborate mainly with WDS and Marketing Services teams. I became a member of our Employee Resource Group (ERG) GD United in 2021. The ERG is dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ community and allied employees. Since joining, I have participated in various virtual events, such as Drag Bingo and online meetups. I also had a blast walking at the Phoenix Pride Parade in 2022 with my GD United family. The following year, we decided to watch the parade from the sidelines with my child, who loved the experience. We can’t wait to join the parade again in 2024! GD United is truly a wonderful community that I am proud to be a part of.

How do you feel that GoDaddy supports you to do things that are important to you?

GoDaddy is a huge voice for small businesses and entrepreneurs. I developed my own website through GoDaddy’s services as I am working to eventually become a freelancer in both software development and photography. Not only do I get to showcase my work at PandaKay.gay but I also get to promote GoDaddy as the leading choice for building a professional and personalized website.

I get to be authentically me every day both at work and at home. I love that I found a place where I can bring my wife and child to events, and no one bats an eye.

What has been one of your proudest moments at GoDaddy?

One of my proudest moments at GoDaddy was the end of 2023 when I won the Rockstar award for the third quarter due to having the best stats in the department! This was something that made me proud not only because I was validated at the progress I had made but also because I love my work and I was able to prove it through my numbers.

What does Pride mean to you?

To me, Pride means not only being your authentic self, but being able to show it as large or as small as you’d like. Whether it means wearing rainbows everyday or holding my wife’s hand, it is being proud of who I am regardless of what the world says. At the end of the day, we are all people, and we all deserve to be exactly who we are.

What advice do you have for allies who want to support the LGBTQIA+ community?

I have been lucky to have many people in my family support me. One of the most impactful people was my best friend who is like a brother to me. When I first came out, he took it a bit hard but quickly realized that it didn’t change who I was. We must learn to let people be who they are and love them as that person. Since then, he has joined me at Pride events and even stood by my side at my wedding, where I married my beautiful wife.

As an ally, you don’t have to jump into the crowd and be a part of everything, simply be open to the people around you and never stop loving those who are close to you. They never become less of who they were. Rather, they simply choose to show you more of who they are because they love you.

What are some resources that you recommend for individuals who want to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community?

I recommend checking out the resources listed on glaad.org. They offer information and guidance on various topics, such as youth, military, and transgender issues. You can also become an ally by joining an ERG within your own company, listening to music made by LGBTQIA+ artists, or reading books about and by LGBTQIA+ authors. These actions can help you broaden your perspective, deepen your empathy, and celebrate diversity.

How do you embrace change or innovation in your work?

I embrace change and innovation in my work every single day. I collaborate with diverse and dynamic teams, adapt to new software and processes, and strive to enhance the quality and efficiency of our services for our customers. Every interaction is a learning experience, every call is a chance to make a difference, and I enjoy working with each person and co-creating innovative solutions with them. We are paving the way for our future each and every day.

What are some things that you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love reading books and can usually get lost in a good book or series. I enjoy watching different TV shows with my family ranging from 9-1-1 to RuPaul’s Drag Race, depending on what we are in the mood for! Additionally, I absolutely love giant pandas and I am a huge Legend of Zelda fan. When I can, I try to get in some photography as not only do I love getting those little life snapshots, but I am also find joy in editing photos to make them pop even more! Make sure to check out some of my work at PandaKay.gay!

Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.

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As we mark Pride Month as both a personal and communal celebration of visibility, perseverance, and dignity, a few of our associates highlighted the importance of our PRIDE @ T. Rowe Price business resource group (BRG) in creating space to share their lived experiences as members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community.

Sean Flaherty, Assistant Vice President, II Client Processing

Pride means building a workplace where anyone and everyone can feel accepted and heard and can excel in their roles at T. Rowe Price. For some associates, that means that on the first day in their new role they see an “Ally or Out” sign on someone’s desk, and they get the sense that they can be their true self at work. For other associates, it is going to a session that broadens their knowledge about an LGBTQIA+ topic. As a leader, it means you can take that step to start a spark of acceptance. As a group, it is marching with my fellow associates in a Pride parade and knowing that my children can feel proud that their dad and his company stood with them.

Jennifer Fox, Supervisor, Select Client Services

I have been with T. Rowe Price for five years, and every day when I come to work, I am amazed at the community I have here and the joy I am able to bring. PRIDE @ T. Rowe Price is a big part of that community, allowing people to feel seen, represented, and respected in their day-to-day lives in a way that doesn’t feel performative or transactional. To me, the meaning of community is that you can bring your full self to every situation without feeling like you’re on display or you must try to prove or be something. You can just exist, as yourself, unapologetically. That’s a special feeling, and it’s one that is found in our PRIDE community here at T. Rowe Price.

Yoko Matsumoto, Senior Relationship Manager, Institutional Business, Japan, and PRIDE @ T. Rowe Price APAC Chapter Lead

At T. Rowe Price, we truly believe in equal opportunity regardless of your gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. You need to present your beliefs by being visible—this is what PRIDE @ T. Rowe Price is about for me. I am an ally. I stand by my beliefs, and I continue to be visible.

Diana Panunzio, Director, Fixed Income Portfolio Investment Analysts, and Chair, PRIDE @ T. Rowe Price

PRIDE @ T. Rowe Price is focused on empowering LGBTQ+ associates to bring their authentic selves to work each day by creating a safe, inclusive community where everyone can belong and flourish. PRIDE offers a platform for people to tell their stories, for others to hear those stories, and to foster empathy through sharing lived experiences. It is through these personal connections that we create an inclusive environment where everyone belongs. We can all help weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into the fabric of T. Rowe Price culture, and as the chair of PRIDE, I am proud to help drive cultural change and build community and belonging for everyone.

Essi Sadeghi, Director, Investment Solutions

I have been at T. Rowe Price for close to seven years and joined our PRIDE BRG when it was incepted shortly after. PRIDE has provided a safe space for me as I’ve navigated my career as a gay woman. Through this BRG, I have found counsel, friendship, advocacy, and opportunity. Certainly, the thoughtful activism the group has demonstrated has set in motion a cultural mind shift that I believe has created greater tolerance, understanding, and empathy. These are all essential ingredients for associates of all walks of life and backgrounds to thrive.

As we recognize Pride Month and other celebrations of diversity, learn more about our DEI initiatives and how our differences bring us together and multiply our impact at troweprice.com/diversity.

As we mark Pride Month as both a personal and communal celebration of visibility, perseverance, and dignity, a few of our associates highlighted the importance of our PRIDE @ T. Rowe Price business resource group (BRG) in creating space to share their lived experiences as members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community.

Sean Flaherty, Assistant Vice President, II Client Processing

Pride means building a workplace where anyone and everyone can feel accepted and heard and can excel in their roles at T. Rowe Price. For some associates, that means that on the first day in their new role they see an “Ally or Out” sign on someone’s desk, and they get the sense that they can be their true self at work. For other associates, it is going to a session that broadens their knowledge about an LGBTQIA+ topic. As a leader, it means you can take that step to start a spark of acceptance. As a group, it is marching with my fellow associates in a Pride parade and knowing that my children can feel proud that their dad and his company stood with them.

Jennifer Fox, Supervisor, Select Client Services

I have been with T. Rowe Price for five years, and every day when I come to work, I am amazed at the community I have here and the joy I am able to bring. PRIDE @ T. Rowe Price is a big part of that community, allowing people to feel seen, represented, and respected in their day-to-day lives in a way that doesn’t feel performative or transactional. To me, the meaning of community is that you can bring your full self to every situation without feeling like you’re on display or you must try to prove or be something. You can just exist, as yourself, unapologetically. That’s a special feeling, and it’s one that is found in our PRIDE community here at T. Rowe Price.

Yoko Matsumoto, Senior Relationship Manager, Institutional Business, Japan, and PRIDE @ T. Rowe Price APAC Chapter Lead

At T. Rowe Price, we truly believe in equal opportunity regardless of your gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. You need to present your beliefs by being visible—this is what PRIDE @ T. Rowe Price is about for me. I am an ally. I stand by my beliefs, and I continue to be visible.

Diana Panunzio, Director, Fixed Income Portfolio Investment Analysts, and Chair, PRIDE @ T. Rowe Price

PRIDE @ T. Rowe Price is focused on empowering LGBTQ+ associates to bring their authentic selves to work each day by creating a safe, inclusive community where everyone can belong and flourish. PRIDE offers a platform for people to tell their stories, for others to hear those stories, and to foster empathy through sharing lived experiences. It is through these personal connections that we create an inclusive environment where everyone belongs. We can all help weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into the fabric of T. Rowe Price culture, and as the chair of PRIDE, I am proud to help drive cultural change and build community and belonging for everyone.

Essi Sadeghi, Director, Investment Solutions

I have been at T. Rowe Price for close to seven years and joined our PRIDE BRG when it was incepted shortly after. PRIDE has provided a safe space for me as I’ve navigated my career as a gay woman. Through this BRG, I have found counsel, friendship, advocacy, and opportunity. Certainly, the thoughtful activism the group has demonstrated has set in motion a cultural mind shift that I believe has created greater tolerance, understanding, and empathy. These are all essential ingredients for associates of all walks of life and backgrounds to thrive.

As we recognize Pride Month and other celebrations of diversity, learn more about our DEI initiatives and how our differences bring us together and multiply our impact at troweprice.com/diversity.

In the #HowIGotHere series, you’ll read about the career paths of some of the world-renowned leaders at Yum! Brands. Learn more about Mary Gertz, Chief Food Safety & Quality Assurance Officer at Yum! Brands in this installment.

EDUCATION

Somerset Senior High School
Somerset, Wisconsin, United States
(1990– 1994)University of Wisconsin – River Falls
River Falls, Wisconsin, United States
Bachelor of Science, Food Science & Microbiology
(1994 – 1998)

If we were to interview your teachers, what would they say about you?

Mary was very determined and hard-working but talked a little too much!

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a lawyer and envisioned myself as a star of Law & Order, presenting my winning argument in a courtroom. I wanted to simultaneously solve problems and win.

WORK

First Job: My cousin got me a job at a Mexican restaurant where I worked for seven years through high school and college. I started as a hostess and would walk too fast and lose customers on the way to their table. Then, I waitressed and eventually earned the coveted position of bartender on half-price margarita night. I was Margarita Mary! I don’t drink, but I can still make a mean margarita.

3M Microbiology Products, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
1998 – 1999: Lab TechnicianNSF International, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
1999 – 2002: Technical Manager, Food Safety Lab, FreshCheckNSF International, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
2006 – 2008: Technical Manager, Retail Food Safety ProgramsTarget Corporation, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
2008 – 2009: Program Lead, Food Safety & Quality Assurance
2009 – 2010: Manager, Retail Food Safety & Quality Assurance Standards
2010 – 2014: Senior Group Manager, Food OperationsKFC U.S., Louisville, Kentucky, United States
2014 – 2018: Director, Food Safety & Quality AssuranceYum! Brands, Plano, Texas, United States
2018 – 2020: Senior Director, Food Safety & Quality Assurance
2020 – present: Chief Food Safety & Quality Assurance Officer

Do you believe in work/life balance?

I believe it’s more of a sliding scale throughout your career. There were times when I was building my career that things were out of balance, and the scale tipped towards work. The most difficult time is when you’re building your family and your career at the same time. I was a single mom for 10 years and had very little time to think about balance. However, I think it’s been important for my daughters to see the work it takes to build a career and support a family. As I’ve matured in my career, I’ve been able to be much more disciplined in protecting time for myself and my family.

One thing I tell people early on is decide your non-negotiables and hold to them. For example, I never miss a birthday, anniversary or first day of school…EVER. I block out my calendar a year in advance to ensure I’m there. For myself, fitness has been an important part of balance that I schedule into my day even when I’m traveling. Getting a daily workout helps me feel stronger, mentally clear and positive. It is often the unlock I need when struggling with a particularly challenging issue. As a leader, it is crucial that I set an example for my team that encourages balance and overall wellbeing.

What moments, or who, in your life influenced the way you work?

My Father: He was never afraid to take chances and bet on himself, his ability and his willingness to work hard. With six children, he quit his job and started his own business that is still operating over 45 years and six additional children later. He was an incredible communicator and understood the value of relationships and personal and business integrity. He was also a lifelong learner. He was always reading, studying and mastering new skills.

Learning from Failures: Because there were 12 children in my family, my parents allowed us to fail small as a means of learning. Whenever I made a mistake, like getting my first speeding ticket, I was never berated. My dad would famously say, “I bet you won’t do that again.” From as young as 8 years old, I was given autonomy in tasks like cooking. Once, armed with a chocolate chip cookie recipe and kitchen tools, my first attempt wasn’t perfect. My mom helped me walk through what had gone wrong and how to fix it. After that first time, I didn’t fear the failure and realized it was making me better. This upbringing taught me to embrace failure as a crucial part of growth, building confidence through learning the hard way.

What do people think you do versus what you actually do?

When my daughters were young and I was traveling frequently, people thought I was a flight attendant as they were told, “My mom is gone working on an airplane.” As teenagers, they were convinced I taste-tested food all day and got to eat all the “good stuff.”

My career has always been in food safety, which involves working with great brands to develop and implement strategies around the handling, preparation and storage of food to prevent foodborne illness. In truth, most people have never even heard of food science and don’t often think about how their food is developed, manufactured or kept safe. There’s a lot of opportunity to market food science as an incredible discipline that leads to great careers. People will always eat, and that food will always need to be safe.

What is the best piece of advice that you’ve been given?

Make a decision and then make it work. Don’t look back; that’s not the direction you’re going.

WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?

I used to be driven by solving problems or personal accomplishments. Today, it’s in watching others achieve their breakthroughs, whether it’s my daughters or my team at work.

Most recently, seeing my oldest daughter’s personal growth from her semester abroad has my heart overflowing. I love that she has expanded her view of the world. She’s gained confidence, empathy and great problem-solving skills by being 5,000 miles away from her mom.

HOW DO YOU DO IT?

To be happy or successful at any point in your career, you must not only have passion for what you do but a sincere belief in the importance of the work you are doing. Working hard for something you believe contributes to people’s lives in a positive way makes it much easier when you need to sacrifice or ask your family to sacrifice. There is no room for mediocrity in work that matters to people’s well-being.

In the #HowIGotHere series, you’ll read about the career paths of some of the world-renowned leaders at Yum! Brands. Learn more about Mary Gertz, Chief Food Safety & Quality Assurance Officer at Yum! Brands in this installment.

EDUCATION

Somerset Senior High School
Somerset, Wisconsin, United States
(1990– 1994)University of Wisconsin – River Falls
River Falls, Wisconsin, United States
Bachelor of Science, Food Science & Microbiology
(1994 – 1998)

If we were to interview your teachers, what would they say about you?

Mary was very determined and hard-working but talked a little too much!

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a lawyer and envisioned myself as a star of Law & Order, presenting my winning argument in a courtroom. I wanted to simultaneously solve problems and win.

WORK

First Job: My cousin got me a job at a Mexican restaurant where I worked for seven years through high school and college. I started as a hostess and would walk too fast and lose customers on the way to their table. Then, I waitressed and eventually earned the coveted position of bartender on half-price margarita night. I was Margarita Mary! I don’t drink, but I can still make a mean margarita.

3M Microbiology Products, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
1998 – 1999: Lab TechnicianNSF International, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
1999 – 2002: Technical Manager, Food Safety Lab, FreshCheckNSF International, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
2006 – 2008: Technical Manager, Retail Food Safety ProgramsTarget Corporation, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
2008 – 2009: Program Lead, Food Safety & Quality Assurance
2009 – 2010: Manager, Retail Food Safety & Quality Assurance Standards
2010 – 2014: Senior Group Manager, Food OperationsKFC U.S., Louisville, Kentucky, United States
2014 – 2018: Director, Food Safety & Quality AssuranceYum! Brands, Plano, Texas, United States
2018 – 2020: Senior Director, Food Safety & Quality Assurance
2020 – present: Chief Food Safety & Quality Assurance Officer

Do you believe in work/life balance?

I believe it’s more of a sliding scale throughout your career. There were times when I was building my career that things were out of balance, and the scale tipped towards work. The most difficult time is when you’re building your family and your career at the same time. I was a single mom for 10 years and had very little time to think about balance. However, I think it’s been important for my daughters to see the work it takes to build a career and support a family. As I’ve matured in my career, I’ve been able to be much more disciplined in protecting time for myself and my family.

One thing I tell people early on is decide your non-negotiables and hold to them. For example, I never miss a birthday, anniversary or first day of school…EVER. I block out my calendar a year in advance to ensure I’m there. For myself, fitness has been an important part of balance that I schedule into my day even when I’m traveling. Getting a daily workout helps me feel stronger, mentally clear and positive. It is often the unlock I need when struggling with a particularly challenging issue. As a leader, it is crucial that I set an example for my team that encourages balance and overall wellbeing.

What moments, or who, in your life influenced the way you work?

My Father: He was never afraid to take chances and bet on himself, his ability and his willingness to work hard. With six children, he quit his job and started his own business that is still operating over 45 years and six additional children later. He was an incredible communicator and understood the value of relationships and personal and business integrity. He was also a lifelong learner. He was always reading, studying and mastering new skills.

Learning from Failures: Because there were 12 children in my family, my parents allowed us to fail small as a means of learning. Whenever I made a mistake, like getting my first speeding ticket, I was never berated. My dad would famously say, “I bet you won’t do that again.” From as young as 8 years old, I was given autonomy in tasks like cooking. Once, armed with a chocolate chip cookie recipe and kitchen tools, my first attempt wasn’t perfect. My mom helped me walk through what had gone wrong and how to fix it. After that first time, I didn’t fear the failure and realized it was making me better. This upbringing taught me to embrace failure as a crucial part of growth, building confidence through learning the hard way.

What do people think you do versus what you actually do?

When my daughters were young and I was traveling frequently, people thought I was a flight attendant as they were told, “My mom is gone working on an airplane.” As teenagers, they were convinced I taste-tested food all day and got to eat all the “good stuff.”

My career has always been in food safety, which involves working with great brands to develop and implement strategies around the handling, preparation and storage of food to prevent foodborne illness. In truth, most people have never even heard of food science and don’t often think about how their food is developed, manufactured or kept safe. There’s a lot of opportunity to market food science as an incredible discipline that leads to great careers. People will always eat, and that food will always need to be safe.

What is the best piece of advice that you’ve been given?

Make a decision and then make it work. Don’t look back; that’s not the direction you’re going.

WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?

I used to be driven by solving problems or personal accomplishments. Today, it’s in watching others achieve their breakthroughs, whether it’s my daughters or my team at work.

Most recently, seeing my oldest daughter’s personal growth from her semester abroad has my heart overflowing. I love that she has expanded her view of the world. She’s gained confidence, empathy and great problem-solving skills by being 5,000 miles away from her mom.

HOW DO YOU DO IT?

To be happy or successful at any point in your career, you must not only have passion for what you do but a sincere belief in the importance of the work you are doing. Working hard for something you believe contributes to people’s lives in a positive way makes it much easier when you need to sacrifice or ask your family to sacrifice. There is no room for mediocrity in work that matters to people’s well-being.