Fuelled By Ambition...Zona Sequerah-Salmon
We caught up with one of our incredible members Zona Sequerah-Salmon, Morning Team Leader, (DTS Peterborough) – Food To Go, Greencore, to get to know more about her career journey and ambitions for the food industry. As part of our campaign 'Fuelled by Ambition' we're sharing the stories of our community and asking them to define ambition in their own terms, as well as give us as insights into their career journeys so far.
Tell us about your current role and how you got there.
I’m currently a team leader at Greencore and my career started accidently. Being a single mum at 17 I was determined that I wouldn’t be another stereotype and that my son wouldn’t be another statistic. After leaving school without many relevant qualifications, and a few very difficult years trying to find my feet, first in the motor trade, then at luxury care home head office, I signed up with an agency where I found my current workplace. I cried regretting every decision I’d made in life for 2 weeks solid before finding ‘my people’.
What I loved was that despite being in a male dominated environment, everyone welcomed me with open arms, didn’t treat me any differently and I was incredibly fortunate enough to experience a wonderful manager who pushed me mentally and who wasn’t afraid for me to see my weaknesses as well as strengths.
From starting out as a temporary admin I transitioned into depot trainer followed on by my current position as a team leader. The sky may be everyone else’s limit but it certainly isn’t mine 😊
What would you say your top strength or superpower is and how has it helped you in your role?
Being the only female has had its challenges particularly where in some cultures, women aren't seen as authorative. My job is to make sure everyone wears their PPE and gets back home to their families safely to see another day. So my superpower is definitely the fluffy one who gets things done! My boss describes me as a unicorn…I on the other hand am sure it’s because I make a good brew!
Tell us about one of the biggest challenges to date in you career and one key learning you took from it?
The hardest thing I’ve ever had to ensure is handling others’ sleep deprivation which can be challenging! I would often tell people to go to sleep early but I appreciate how difficult that is particularly when our daylight can be so limited. Many people suffer from SAD and as a person who has also suffered greatly with this over the years I can sympathise how SAD can affect people. So these days I pay attention to being fuelled by nutrition, the mind, the body and energy.
Who has influenced or inspired you along the way and what impact have they had on you?
I’ve had two fantastic mentors in my careers. My first was from the motor trade. I remember he once said to me ‘treat every person as a new day’. I took this ethos and brought it into every day within my current role.
My first manager at Greencore pushed me and showed me I could do whatever I doubted within myself. We’re still friends despite him moving to a different part of the business but I’m incredibly grateful he pushed me!
Of course, my parents and siblings were a huge influence in how I see things having been from a mixed background I had blend of East and West Grounding and philosophy. (I actually wrote a series of books on it which is now being sold on Amazon)
Being the baby sister of 4 I have 3 wonderful siblings to aspire to be like too. And then of course, my children who inspire every breath I take.
Our ongoing campaign is called Fuelled by Ambition where we celebrate ambitions both big & small. When you think about ambition, what does it look like for you at this stage of your life and career?
Honestly, I’m incredibly thankful to be where I currently am. It’s not where I want to finish but as far as being where I am now, I’ve learned so many skills I hadn’t even contemplated. It’s also inspired me to take up further skills particularly in winter to help me get through the SAD.
Looking ahead, what would you love to see change, improve or grow in the meat/food industry?
I’d love to see food and nutrition be taught in school as a core subject as much as English, Maths, Science and PE from an early age.
Id love for children to be able to see the process of how food starts off and how it grows into a business.
Quickfire questions:
What’s your favourite cuisine?
Kristang cuisine. Malaysian.
Favourite pastime or hobby?
Just one? Running, cycling, writing, cleaning, singing in the car (I sound like Mariah in the car) …My favourite has definitely got to be travelling and experiencing cultures around the world ideally with my family.
If you had to pick your soundtrack song to get you through the working day, what would it be?
I’m a bit of a nerd and love my frequency sounds and binaural beats when I’m alone but when I’m with my colleague Freddy Mercury is always a mutual winner. Gallileo Gallileo, Figaroooooo.
Favourite holiday destination?
I would love to experience training with a Shaolin Monk followed by another trip to soothe the bruises whilst relaxing on a clear water beach followed by a spot of mountain hiking or some random adrenaline junkie activity.
