During Petfood Forum 2025, Karen Jones, vice president of learning and partner solutions for NextUp, will provide attendees insights on how making connections with fellow pet food professionals and others can help them grow as leaders, particularly in a hybrid environment. Post-COVID, challenges persist in finding one’s voice, making meaningful connections, and leading teams effectively.
“I believe connectivity among women to be a survival strategy in today’s workplace,” said Jones. “Regardless of how we feel about ourselves personally, there are societal perceptions about women in the workplace that may be sometimes presumptuous and unfavorable. Having each other in a connective community can help us to know that we are not alone in our challenges. We can find strength in each other.”
The Women in Petfood Leadership initiative aims to build a professional community through networking, career planning, leadership development, and professional support. This year, the initiative is expanding at Petfood Forum 2025 to include an educational track focused on career development and additional networking opportunities. Jones will lead the first session, titled Career Development: Connectivity and Leadership, at 1:30 p.m. on April 29.
While the career development track and networking opportunities are powered by the Women in Petfood Leadership, all Petfood Forum participants are welcome to attend.
Three key strategies to develop leadership skills and advance careers
There are many ways for women in the pet food industry to develop leadership skills, noted Jones.
- Mentorship and sponsorship – The pet food industry requires a diverse range of skills, including manufacturing acumen, research and development, and logistics and supply chain expertise. Mentorship helps professionals navigate the industry as a system, making it a vital component of growth and development.
- Increase representation – Female representation at the C-level of the pet food industry is growing, but there is still work to be done, said Jones. “Representation is a sign of what is possible for underrepresented groups,” she explained. “Executive levels in the pet food industry should look to sponsor women so that there is equitable advancement.” Since women are the predominant consumers in the pet food industry, increasing female representation in leadership can lead to better business outcomes.
- Financial fluency upskilling – According to McKinsey, female P&L owners are underrepresented in all aspects of food production. Developing financial acumen, particularly in P&L management and financial statement analysis, is crucial for career advancement.
Leadership development programs and resources
Jones emphasized that professional associations and women’s advocacy groups can help build confidence and capability for women in pet food. “My organization, NextUp, has many strategic partnerships with pet food companies,” she said. “We offer leadership development and hard skills experiences, like P&L and risk management training, to build core capabilities for women in pet food. NextUp is a member organization accessible to leaders at all organizational levels.”
Jones concluded by stressing the importance of connectivity and community in career growth. “Connection and community are essential factors for growth, development, and success in today’s workplace,” she said.
Petfood Forum and Petfood Essentials 2025 will take place April 28-30 in Kansas City, U.S. To stay informed on the latest event developments, go to PetfoodForumEvents.com.
The Women in Petfood Leadership initiative is made possible by several leading women in the pet food manufacturing industry. Thank you to committee members Jennifer Igou with Camlin, Gail Kuhlman with GXK Consulting, Leah Lambrakis with Simmons Pet Food, Leigh Ann Sayen with The Peterson Co., and Laura Moran with LPM Innovate. The program is sponsored by ADM, AFB International, Camlin Fine Sciences, Ecolab, Extru-Tech Inc., Kemin Nutrisurance, Kerry, the Peterson Co., Simmons Animal Nutrition, TC Transcontinental, Trouw Nutrition, Zinpro Corp.