Millicent O'Connor was first inspired to enter the world of supermarket retail after hearing about the abundance of opportunities available.
“It seemed like it would be a challenging and stimulating environment to work in and I wasn’t wrong. Everyday I learn new things and feel challenges to deliver awesome results. It is extremely satisfying,” explained O'Connor.
Utilising her barista skills that she had obtained from working in hospitality for a number of years, she first entered the supermarket and FMCG industry at 28 years old, taking on a barista position at her local New World.
Previously, O'Connor had worked in a management role at McDonald’s, before taking a break from work to raise her two young children.
“I struggled to be taken seriously for any management level position as I was perceived to be unreliable due to having little ones at home. But after discussing with my mother, whose career had been boosted after working for Foodstuffs, I decided to give the supermarket industry a go,” added O'Connor.
After working hard in as a barista, and taking every opportunity to advance her career in the supermarket industry, O'Connor was promoted to duty manager in grocery, café manager, deli/seafood manager and then store manager - all in the space of four years. Currently, she is the buyer and data manager for New World Waiuku.
O'Connor is grateful that her mother exposed and encouraged her to join the supermarket industry.
“I learnt from her that you could raise a family and still lead an exciting career. In the supermarket retail environment, everything is fast moving and forever changing. But, if you’re focused and driven, you can achieve anything.”
Her husband and children are huge motivations for O'Connor, who strives to make them proud and is driven to provide the best for her kids.
“I want to demonstrate to my daughters that women can do anything and motivate them, and my son, to be the best they can be.”
Looking ahead, O'Connor hopes to become an owner/operator of a New World. The only regret O'Connor has in regards to her career in the supermarket and FMCG industry is that she wishes she had started earlier.
“If I had known what opportunities I could be given, and the endless possibilities for many exciting careers in the industry, I would’ve signed up to be a trolley kid at 15."
