Stephanie Crimmins, Senior Vice President, Panera at Home and Harvard Business School Graduate   

Stephanie Crimmins is someone who changed careers a while back from the watch-the-ticker hubbub of high finance — working as a junk bond analyst and then in private equity – to overseeing the emerging Consumer Packaged Goods division of Panera (the delicious, fast casual chain that every hungry working female looks at with relief as she slides into a parking space and turns off the ignition).

And now, along with, say, a steak and arugula sandwich, bear claw pastry, and foamy caffé mocha that a busy woman can scoop up before heading back to the office or to the carpool, she (or her spouse) can also pick up the product line that Crimmins is responsible for shepherding into the marketplace: Panera’s “At Home” goods (whose tagline is “Rethink Homemade”) — packaged items for the dinner table such as baked potato soup, mac ‘n’ cheese, and fresh, roasted meats. Crimmins takes this responsibility seriously, saying, “We’re innovating and delivering food for people just like ourselves. There’s a real tangibility to what I do…it’s inspiring to know that what we are doing will make it a little easier and a little more joyful for folks to make dinner at home.”

For commercial savvy in managing this mission, she draws upon her education at Harvard Business School (right in the heart of the Boston area where she grew up), and to bolster her strong feminist beliefs, she can refer back to her time at Mount Holyoke, the all-women’s college she attended, and memories of a working mom who  seemed to be able to handle career and family with ease. Read more below about how Crimmins has followed in those footsteps – enjoying both her job and skiing (or the beach) with her husband and kids – while making breakfast, lunch and dinner healthy and handy for working people everywhere.

What does a day in your shoes typically look like? 
Every day is different. While Panera is a national restaurant chain, our Consumer Packaged Goods business is more like a start-up within that larger company.  And like the head of any start up, I wear many hats. I spend my days developing the vision and business strategy for growth. I manage the P&L.  I sell into large retailers.   I meet with my team on everything from new product development processes to negotiating agreements and strategic alliances to examining new packaging alternatives and marketing campaigns.  And of course I taste a lot of food! 

What 2-3 things do you do to prepare yourself before work, and is there anything you try to accomplish every day?  
I try to meditate and work out in the mornings. I write out my top priorities on a daily basis.  I also focus on gratitude. My kids are I discuss what we are most grateful for every night before they go to bed.

What is your breakfast of choice?
Scrambled or hard boiled eggs and nuts. Or the Panera Power Breakfast Sandwich – I need protein to start the day!

What are your rituals or tips for staying energized and motivated? 
I try to meditate every day, even if only for a few minutes.  I also attend a boot camp several times a week with a bunch of fabulous and motivating women.  Several years ago, I began to write out visioning statements for five, 10, and 25 years out. In other words, “It is now 2045 and what have I done.”  I also do this annually to keep myself moving in the right direction, and ensuring that I don’t lose focus on what’s really important. 

What is the favorite part of your job? 
Working with incredibly bright and capable women and seeing the business that we’ve launched take off.  

Do you have a “Power Outfit” that you wear for a big meeting or important work event? 
No usual power outfit, but I do find that I tend to wear Stuart Weitzman heels on days I want to feel powerful.

What is your favorite leisure activity after a stressful work week?
I like to hang out with my husband and two children.  We live outside of Boston and try to take advantage of all the seasons by skiing in the winter and going to the beach in the summer.

How many times have you changed your career direction?  
Several. The fun and success of any career come as it evolves. My early jobs were in finance. I was a junk bond analyst and then worked in private equity.  But I always found the concept of running a business compelling, particularly after my time at Harvard Business School. When I was offered the chance to join Panera in a business development role, I jumped. And even that role has changed. When I first came to the company, I was exploring opportunities for international expansion. Years later, I was tapped to lead our entry into consumer packaged goods. Today, I’m managing that rapidly growing business.

What has been your biggest obstacle in your career, and how did you overcome it?
For years I struggled with my desire to run a business. I was on an established path in finance that was lucrative and I was good at it.  I had a lot of fear of the unknown standing in the way of what I knew was my truer calling. It took a little bit of serendipity and faith to make the leap. A former colleague from my finance years joined Panera and offered me the opportunity to join in a business development role.  I trusted him, but most importantly – I decided to trust myself. I haven’t looked back. 

What are your most steadfast ‘don’ts’ rules regarding work and the workplace, and what are your most cherished ‘do’s’? 

• Don’t  work yourself to death – have a life outside of work.
• Don’t aim or expect for perfection… it doesn’t exist!  Don’t be afraid to speak your mind- get your viewpoint out there!
• Do:  Laugh, smile, praise, and make decisions quickly! 

What are the most important qualities of a good leader? 
Be authentic, transparent and vulnerable.  Admit mistakes and areas of weakness.  Listen to others and seek input from a variety of people.  Encourage and support your team.  

What are the unforgettable traits of role models who have inspired you most?

• Oprah:  I love her authenticity and vulnerability. It gives her the ability to connect with all people and to give back to them. In particular, I’m in awe of the school she helped build in South Africa (she even moved some of her young women into Mt. Holyoke dorms last year!).
• Arianna Huffington:  She is on a mission to get people to think differently about the meaning of success.  I try to live her messages: be joyful, be more present, take time to reflect, engage, connect with others. And sleep.
• Elizabeth Warren:  I admire her for tirelessly fighting for what I believe are important political causes.  She handles pressure with grace and humility.
• My mother:  As a working mother, she impressed upon us the importance of being self-sufficient.  She taught my sisters and me the rewards of finding a calling.  I saw in her example as wonderful mother and hard worker, the opportunity to build a career that gives you immense satisfaction.
• Ron Shaich, Founder and CEO of Panera:  He is an unbelievable leader and visionary.  His storytelling inspires.  And he is driven to make a difference in the world, through commitments like our Panera Cares cafés and our Food Policy.

How have mentors impacted your personal and professional development? 
Mentors have played an enormous role in my life.   Early in my career I was hesitant about seeking advice and guidance; now it is a critical part of my life.  I have realized people like to help others, and there is something really powerful about calling up a former or existing colleague and saying you really need their advice.

What are three questions you like to ask during an interview to know if the candidate (or job) is the right fit?
Assuming they have the right resume of related experience, I look for the cultural fit.  How will they be to work with on a daily basis?  How will they problem solve within a team? Will they speak up when they need direction and contribute when they have expertise?  I find that these three questions help me get there:

• “Tell me about a time you failed.”
• “Provide me with an example of a situation where you influenced without authority.”
• “Who has been your favorite / least favorite boss?”

What advice would you give to women starting their careers? 
Oh, where to begin?  I have lots of advice, because I’ve made every mistake in the book. And still make them every day.

• Work hard early in your career so you will be in a more senior positon and have some flexibility later on.
• Leave jobs gracefully and stay in touch with your friends and colleagues.
• Send short notes to people to let them know you are thinking of them.
• Think about going back to school and have fun while you are there.
• Don’t be afraid to fail.
• Have fun! Find a role that brings you joy and satisfaction.

What book would you recommend for women just starting their career? 
I love the book Daring Greatly by Brené Brown and would recommend it to anyone at any point in their career or lives in general.  I finally read Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg, and think it is a great book for women just starting out in the workforce.  

What is your favorite quote you try and live by? 
“So find your place to stand—your place of wisdom and peace and strength.  And from that place, lead the third women’s revolution and remake the world in your own image, according to your own definition of success, so that all of us—women and men—can live our lives with more grace, more joy, more empathy, more gratitude, and yes, more love.”  Arianna Huffington