Her Story
About Kera
Kera Willoughby serves as a Process Leader at PetSmart, one of the key management roles at the store level within the pet retail industry. With five years of experience in pet retail and three years in management, she oversees a broad range of operational responsibilities, including inventory management, truck processing, shelf counts, and maintaining an organized and efficient sales floor. She also plays an important role in animal care, ensuring that pets receive proper feeding, thorough habitat cleanings, and attentive daily care. Her commitment to animal welfare is central to her approach to leadership and operations.
Willoughby earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Benedictine College in three years, followed by an accelerated Master of Business Administration, which she completed in one year. She draws on her scientific background to provide pet parents with accurate, specialized information and uses her business education to strengthen team performance and engagement. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes collaboration, communication, and empowerment, creating an environment where associates feel heard, respected, and supported rather than simply directed. She attributes her success to remaining authentic to herself while fostering a strong and supportive team culture.
A passionate advocate for animal welfare and environmental conservation, Willoughby believes that animal care should always take priority over corporate timelines, efficiency targets, or quotas, and that shortcuts should never compromise the well-being of live animals. Her achievements include recognition through Chi Alpha Sigma, a national honor society recognizing high levels of athletic and academic achievement, as well as the National Society of High School Scholars. Beyond her professional responsibilities, she supports conservation initiatives by donating to Jungle Keepers and other nonprofit organizations dedicated to protecting the Amazon rainforest and advancing environmental causes. Through her education, leadership, and commitment to animal welfare, Willoughby continues to pursue a meaningful long-term career in the animal care field.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kera
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying true to my core values, particularly my commitment to making animal care the highest priority and never compromising that commitment for corporate timelines, quotas, or expectations. I believe in maintaining authenticity and integrity in everything I do, even within the corporate environment. Staying grounded in who I am and remaining focused on what truly matters has allowed me to build a meaningful and successful career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to stay true to my core values and never compromise them for efficiency, quotas, or corporate expectations. In my career, that means consistently putting animal care first and making decisions that reflect my commitment to their well-being. Staying grounded in my values has helped me remain authentic, make thoughtful decisions, and build a career I can be proud of.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to be a strong team player and support one another, especially during challenging or uncertain times. Change can be intimidating, but approaching it with collaboration, empathy, and open communication can make the process more manageable. Rather than feeling that you have to take on everything alone or that others are simply directing you, work together, share responsibilities, and encourage one another. When we support each other, we can navigate challenges with greater confidence and accomplish more as a team.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is balancing corporate efficiency and time constraints with the need to provide the highest standard of care for live animals. It is essential to meet operational goals without allowing deadlines, quotas, or efficiency measures to compromise the well-being and safety of the pets in our care. I believe the opportunity lies in finding thoughtful, sustainable ways to improve efficiency while maintaining the quality of care that every animal deserves.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are knowledge, integrity, collaboration, and compassion. My background in biology and business has taught me the importance of using knowledge and facts to make informed decisions and provide pet parents with accurate, thoughtful guidance. I also believe in empowering my team by creating an environment where everyone feels heard, respected, and valued rather than simply directed. Above all, I remain committed to keeping animal care and well-being at the center of every decision I make.
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