S2 #12 How a Chemical Engineer Became a Business Leader with Zinnia Rivera
08/29/24 • 26 min
How does a chemical engineer become a top business leader? In this episode, we sit down with Zinnia Rivera, a seasoned business executive and former president of Johnson & Johnson Philippines and Red Ribbon Bakeshop (Jollibee Foods Corp). Zinnia shares her inspiring journey from R&D to the boardroom, revealing how she embraced unexpected opportunities and overcame challenges in the FMCG and food retail industries. Now a freelance management consultant, Zinnia discusses the importance of leadership, continuous learning, and the balance between personal and professional life. Tune in for insights into navigating a dynamic career path and building a lasting legacy!
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) How did Zinnia Rivera transition from R&D to business leadership?
(03:00) What challenges did Zinnia face when offered a leadership role?
(04:30) How does mindset impact career shifts?
(06:00) What is the importance of being authentic in leadership?
(11:00) Why is it essential to seize opportunities outside your job description?
(12:00) How did Zinnia maintain work-life balance while leading a company?
(18:30) How does networking and visibility impact career success?
(23:00) What advice would Zinnia give her younger self?
Our Guest: Zinnia Rivera
Zinnia Rivera is a management consultant, executive coach, and independent director with credentials from Stanford GSB, FICD, and ICF. She is the former president of Johnson & Johnson Philippines Inc. and Red Ribbon Bakeshop Inc. (Jollibee Foods Corp). Zinnia is passionate about strategic planning, business leadership, people development, and organizational transformation. With a strong foundation in product development, consumer insighting, and innovation processes, she is eager to share her experience, knowledge, and insights through consultancy, coaching, or corporate board membership.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zinnia-rivera-80465056/
Your Hosts: Ritu Gupta Mehrish
Ritu Gupta Mehrish is a speaker, executive coach and author, with 20 years of corporate experience working in companies such as P&G, GE Capital and GE spin-off Genpact. In her last role, Ritu ran a multimillion-dollar business vertical with 1000 people across eight countries and five continents. Throughout her extensive career, Ritu has had the opportunity to work, coach and converse with leaders across the globe from diverse industries. Her business and leadership experience has enabled her to bring in a pragmatic approach to leadership development. Her client list of Google, PayPal, Swiss Re, JP Morgan, Applied Materials, Intel, Knight Frank, Johnson & Johnson, AIA, Medtronic, Wharton Executive Education highlights the level of expertise she brings to the leadership topic.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritugmehrish/
https://www.ritumehrish.com/
Rajita Saxena is a leader and people manager with over 20 years of business experience in sales, sales support, strategic operations, and learning & development. She builds strong, high-performing teams and believes in being a Level 5 leader to unleash the potential and performance of teams. She thrives in an environment that provides an opportunity to problem solve or create impact, whether it is a situation that is full of change and ambiguity or one that requires creating a strategy.
—-—
This podcast is powered by CrazyTok: We help experts become influencers by helping launch, produce and grow your custom-branded audio and video podcast channels. Find us on our Website, LinkedIn and Instagram
How does a chemical engineer become a top business leader? In this episode, we sit down with Zinnia Rivera, a seasoned business executive and former president of Johnson & Johnson Philippines and Red Ribbon Bakeshop (Jollibee Foods Corp). Zinnia shares her inspiring journey from R&D to the boardroom, revealing how she embraced unexpected opportunities and overcame challenges in the FMCG and food retail industries. Now a freelance management consultant, Zinnia discusses the importance of leadership, continuous learning, and the balance between personal and professional life. Tune in for insights into navigating a dynamic career path and building a lasting legacy!
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) How did Zinnia Rivera transition from R&D to business leadership?
(03:00) What challenges did Zinnia face when offered a leadership role?
(04:30) How does mindset impact career shifts?
(06:00) What is the importance of being authentic in leadership?
(11:00) Why is it essential to seize opportunities outside your job description?
(12:00) How did Zinnia maintain work-life balance while leading a company?
(18:30) How does networking and visibility impact career success?
(23:00) What advice would Zinnia give her younger self?
Our Guest: Zinnia Rivera
Zinnia Rivera is a management consultant, executive coach, and independent director with credentials from Stanford GSB, FICD, and ICF. She is the former president of Johnson & Johnson Philippines Inc. and Red Ribbon Bakeshop Inc. (Jollibee Foods Corp). Zinnia is passionate about strategic planning, business leadership, people development, and organizational transformation. With a strong foundation in product development, consumer insighting, and innovation processes, she is eager to share her experience, knowledge, and insights through consultancy, coaching, or corporate board membership.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zinnia-rivera-80465056/
Your Hosts: Ritu Gupta Mehrish
Ritu Gupta Mehrish is a speaker, executive coach and author, with 20 years of corporate experience working in companies such as P&G, GE Capital and GE spin-off Genpact. In her last role, Ritu ran a multimillion-dollar business vertical with 1000 people across eight countries and five continents. Throughout her extensive career, Ritu has had the opportunity to work, coach and converse with leaders across the globe from diverse industries. Her business and leadership experience has enabled her to bring in a pragmatic approach to leadership development. Her client list of Google, PayPal, Swiss Re, JP Morgan, Applied Materials, Intel, Knight Frank, Johnson & Johnson, AIA, Medtronic, Wharton Executive Education highlights the level of expertise she brings to the leadership topic.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritugmehrish/
https://www.ritumehrish.com/
Rajita Saxena is a leader and people manager with over 20 years of business experience in sales, sales support, strategic operations, and learning & development. She builds strong, high-performing teams and believes in being a Level 5 leader to unleash the potential and performance of teams. She thrives in an environment that provides an opportunity to problem solve or create impact, whether it is a situation that is full of change and ambiguity or one that requires creating a strategy.
—-—
This podcast is powered by CrazyTok: We help experts become influencers by helping launch, produce and grow your custom-branded audio and video podcast channels. Find us on our Website, LinkedIn and Instagram
Previous Episode
S2 #11 - How to be a business partner, not a support function with Gloria Ngooi
Have you ever wondered how an HR director finds her way to the top? In this episode, we speak with Gloria Ngooi, the HR director at Ikano Retail, better known as IKEA. Gloria shares her journey from starting as a recruitment consultant to becoming a key player in HR. She opens up about how she initially wanted to be in sales, how her father's advice to think outside the box-shaped her approach, and the pivotal moments that led her to HR. Gloria's insights on leveraging diverse experiences and the importance of speaking up in a male-dominated boardroom are truly inspiring. Tune in to learn about her unique perspective on success and her advice for young women leaders!
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) How did Gloria Ngooi start her career in HR?
(01:00) Did she always want to be in HR?
(02:30) How does experience in operations benefit a career in HR?
(04:00) What challenges do women leaders face in the boardroom?
(06:00) How did personal loss shape Gloria's professional outlook?
(09:00) How to handle negative feedback?
(10:00) What does success mean to Gloria?
(11:00) What advice would Gloria give to her younger self?
(12:00) Why is speaking up crucial for women in leadership roles?
(13:30) How can organizations support diverse talent?
Our Guest: Gloria Ngooi, Global HR Director, Ikano Retail
With over 20 years of experience in human resource management, Gloria has a track record of building Human Resources function and teams from the ground up. She is a strategic thinker and thought leader who influences and advises leaders as a business partner, fuelling positive organisational development and a high performing culture.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloria-ng...
Your Hosts: Ritu Gupta Mehrish
Ritu Gupta Mehrish is a speaker, executive coach and author, with 20 years of corporate experience working in companies such as P&G, GE Capital and GE spin-off Genpact. In her last role, Ritu ran a multimillion-dollar business vertical with 1000 people across eight countries and five continents. Throughout her extensive career, Ritu has had the opportunity to work, coach and converse with leaders across the globe from diverse industries. Her business and leadership experience has enabled her to bring in a pragmatic approach to leadership development. Her client list of Google, PayPal, Swiss Re, JP Morgan, Applied Materials, Intel, Knight Frank, Johnson & Johnson, AIA, Medtronic, Wharton Executive Education highlights the level of expertise she brings to the leadership topic.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritugmehr...
https://www.ritumehrish.com/
Rajita Saxena is a leader and people manager with over 20 years of business experience in sales, sales support, strategic operations, and learning & development. She builds strong, high-performing teams and believes in being a Level 5 leader to unleash the potential and performance of teams. She thrives in an environment that provides an opportunity to problem solve or create impact, whether it is a situation that is full of change and ambiguity or one that requires creating a strategy.
—-—
This podcast is powered by CrazyTok: We help experts become influencers by helping launch, produce and grow your custom-branded audio and video podcast channels. Connect with us through the Crazytok website, LinkedIn, or Instagram
Next Episode
S2E13 - Leading in a Male-Dominated Industry with Gigi Parco
What defines success in a winding career journey?
In this episode, I sit down with Gigi Parco, who has held C-level roles in companies like Johnson & Johnson, DHL, Unilever, and Coca-Cola. Gigi shares how her journey from engineering to sales taught her valuable leadership lessons, especially as a woman in male-dominated industries. We also explore her transition to entrepreneurship and her passion for balancing work with life, including her recent venture into culinary arts. Tune in to hear Gigi's story and how she navigated the challenges of her diverse career path!
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:30) How do you handle unexpected twists in your career?
(02:30) What does it take to lead a team older than you?
(05:00) How do you build strong client relationships in difficult situations?
(08:00) What is it like to be a trailblazing woman in male-dominated spaces?
(12:00) How can you maintain work-life balance in a demanding career?
(15:30) When is it time to pause or change your career path?
(18:00) How do you transition from corporate life to pursuing a personal passion?
(20:00) What defines growth and success on your own terms?
(22:00) How can mentoring others shape your leadership journey?
(24:30) How do you leave a legacy through collaborative leadership?
Our Guest: Gigi Parco
Happy wife, proud mother, and a doting grandma.
Your Hosts: Ritu Gupta Mehrish
Ritu Gupta Mehrish is a speaker, executive coach and author, with 20 years of corporate experience working in companies such as P&G, GE Capital and GE spin-off Genpact. In her last role, Ritu ran a multimillion-dollar business vertical with 1000 people across eight countries and five continents. Throughout her extensive career, Ritu has had the opportunity to work, coach and converse with leaders across the globe from diverse industries. Her business and leadership experience has enabled her to bring in a pragmatic approach to leadership development. Her client list of Google, PayPal, Swiss Re, JP Morgan, Applied Materials, Intel, Knight Frank, Johnson & Johnson, AIA, Medtronic, Wharton Executive Education highlights the level of expertise she brings to the leadership topic.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritugmehrish/
https://www.ritumehrish.com/
Rajita Saxena is a leader and people manager with over 20 years of business experience in sales, sales support, strategic operations, and learning & development. She builds strong, high-performing teams and believes in being a Level 5 leader to unleash the potential and performance of teams. She thrives in an environment that provides an opportunity to problem solve or create impact, whether it is a situation that is full of change and ambiguity or one that requires creating a strategy.
—-—
This podcast is powered by CrazyTok: We help experts become influencers by helping launch, produce and grow your custom-branded audio and video podcast channels. Find us on our Website, LinkedIn and Instagram
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