Manda Huggins

I believe building a strong, cross-functional network is essential to growth. Connecting with people across different areas of the business creates opportunities to learn from perspectives and experiences beyond your own, accelerating both insight and impact.

A defining part of my journey has been getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. I’ve consistently taken on calculated risks and stepped into challenges before having all the answers—because that’s where the most meaningful growth happens. Stretch experiences have been critical in shaping both my leadership and resilience.

Equally important is cultivating a diverse group of mentors. I’ve deliberately sought out guidance from individuals across a wide range of backgrounds—different levels of experience, genders, functions, and even industries. Each brings a unique lens, and together they’ve expanded my thinking in ways I wouldn’t have achieved alone.

The best career advice I’ve received is simple but powerful: you have a seat at the table for a reason. Believe in yourself as much as others believe in you.

There have been moments throughout my career—especially early on—where I didn’t always feel that confidence, particularly in environments where I was often the only woman in the room. It can be easy to hold back. But that advice continues to ground me: I’m here because I’ve earned it, and my perspective adds value.

It has reinforced the importance of using my voice—speaking up, contributing, and leaning into the impact I can make. What made that moment even more meaningful was that it came from a leader who recognized the value women bring and affirmed that we belong in those spaces.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is not to take things personally. It’s easy to do, but many decisions are rooted in business needs—not individual intent. Maintaining that perspective allows you to stay focused, objective, and resilient.

I also believe in staying relentlessly curious—what I would call “ambitiously curious.” Growth comes from consistently putting yourself out there, seeking new experiences, and learning from a wide range of people and perspectives. The more you challenge yourself, the more you expand both your capability and your impact.

As I mentioned before, a critical part of that journey is building a diverse network of mentors. I’ve intentionally sought out guidance from individuals across different levels, functions, and industries—people who bring distinct experiences and viewpoints. Some of my most valuable insights have come from those earlier in their careers, offering fresh perspectives on how the world is evolving and how today’s challenges differ from when I first started. Surrounding yourself with a broad set of voices not only accelerates your growth, but also keeps you grounded, adaptable, and better equipped to lead in a constantly changing environment.

In today’s landscape, competition is constant and intensifying, which requires a more intentional and innovative approach to consumer engagement. While our organization leads the industry in flavor—a key driver of where consumer demand is heading—maintaining that leadership requires ongoing evolution.

My focus is on continuously identifying new ways to drive performance and sustain growth. That includes strengthening alignment across our internal teams, retailers, and distributor partners, ensuring we are operating with clarity, consistency, and shared purpose.

Success in this environment depends on staying agile—embracing new ideas, challenging traditional approaches, and remaining open to different ways of thinking. By doing so, we not only stay competitive but also build stronger, more meaningful connections with our consumers

The value that has guided me most throughout my career is integrity. It’s the foundation for building trust, strengthening accountability, and establishing credibility—both within a team and beyond. Whether in a professional or personal setting, integrity creates an environment where people feel supported, valued, and able to perform at their best.

I’ve consistently led with honesty and transparency, which has allowed me to build strong, lasting relationships. When people know they can rely on you—to be direct, fair, and supportive—it drives a deeper level of connection and performance across the organization.

Ultimately, integrity shapes culture. It sets the tone for how teams operate, how decisions are made, and how individuals show up every day. It’s a principle that has not only anchored my leadership style, but has also been instrumental in the growth and success I’ve experienced over time.