Unlocking Career Potential: Inspiring Success Stories from Pet Food Mentorship Leaders

The journey to the top in the pet food industry can be challenging, but mentorship can make a big difference. Recently, two inspiring women, Leah Lambrakis and Leigh Ann Sayen, shared their experiences during a panel discussion hosted by Petfood Industry. Their stories highlight how mentorship has shaped their careers and leadership styles.

Finding Your Voice

Leah Lambrakis, Vice President at Simmons Pet Food, talked about how mentorship helped her learn the importance of purposeful communication. At first, she thought she always had to speak up. But she soon realized it was more about conveying her value clearly. One mentor helped her organize her thoughts so she could share them effectively instead of just jumping in. This shift helped her “claim her seat at the table.”

She introduced a helpful method called the three C’s—clear, concise, and compelling. “Start with the punchline,” she advised. This approach ensures that the audience stays engaged.

Making Big Moves

Leigh Ann Sayen, CEO of The Peterson Company, leveraged mentorship when she decided to buy the company where she worked. She sought guidance from various mentors who offered not just financial advice but also the confidence she needed to make the leap. “They helped me align my values with my goals,” Sayen said.

She emphasized that stepping into new roles can be frightening, but with the right support, it becomes manageable. “Lean into the fear,” she suggested.

Keys to Successful Mentorship

Both women agreed that for mentorships to thrive, there needs to be intent and mutual growth. Sayen noted that effective mentorship should challenge both parties to think differently. Lambrakis added that accountability is vital. She learned to set clear expectations with her mentors, transforming casual chats into meaningful discussions.

Mentors don’t have to be from the same industry. Lambrakis once sought advice from a bank executive she admired for his leadership, proving that great insights can come from unexpected places.

Overcoming Self-Doubt

Self-doubt, or imposter syndrome, is common, even among successful leaders. Sayen reflected on her early years in the family business, where she often felt questioned about her capabilities. Mentorship became a space for her to share her challenges and learn to view setbacks as growth opportunities.

Lambrakis approaches mentoring others by first listening. She recalls her own struggles and focuses on grounding mentees in their skills and achievements. “Highlight their wins, and remind them of the impact they bring,” she says.

Building Connections

Both women emphasized the importance of networking. Lambrakis believes in being intentional about building relationships, suggesting that professionals connect not only with higher-ups but also with suppliers and customers. Personal touches, like handwritten notes, can leave a lasting impact.

They also encourage thinking strategically beyond daily tasks. Lambrakis reminds her team to not only consider their immediate work but to see how it fits into larger business goals. Active listening in meetings can spark creativity and collaboration.

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on their careers, Lambrakis wishes she had learned earlier the importance of setting boundaries. “Knowing when to say ‘no’ was a tough lesson for me,” she shared. Sayen underscores the need to identify blind spots and suggests asking mentors questions like, “What don’t I know?” to prepare for future challenges.

Mentorship is an evolving relationship, and both leaders agree it’s essential to regularly check in about its effectiveness. If it’s no longer beneficial, it might be time to shift or move on, but always with gratitude.

Conclusion

Mentorship has the power to transform careers, especially in complex fields like the pet food industry. It fosters growth, supports confidence, and builds invaluable connections. As Lambrakis and Sayen demonstrate, great mentorship thrives on intentionality, accountability, and open conversations about challenges and successes.

For more insights on mentoring and the pet food industry, check out Women in Pet Food Leadership.

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