Shanila Rashid

I attribute my success to three things: leading by example, embracing change, and never becoming complacent in my own growth. Every step of my career has challenged me to step outside my comfort zone—from starting on the manufacturing floor at McCormick, to designing critical operational processes at the U.S. Postal Service during the COVID-19 response, to now leading standardization, continuous improvement, training, and quality functions at Target. Rather than viewing uncertainty as a barrier, I’ve learned to see it as an opportunity to create structure, solve problems, and help others succeed.

I believe the strongest leaders listen first, remain humble enough to keep learning, and earn trust by being willing to do the work alongside their teams. That philosophy has allowed me to build meaningful relationships, develop future leaders, and navigate complex, fast-paced environments with confidence and composure. I’m also deeply committed to investing in myself—whether through earning my Executive Leadership Certificate from Cornell or continuously seeking feedback and new challenges—because I believe great leadership is a journey of lifelong learning. Ultimately, my success has been driven by a genuine passion for developing people, improving systems, and leaving every organization stronger than I found it.

The best career advice I’ve ever received was, “Don’t be afraid to fail—be afraid of never trying.” That mindset has stayed with me throughout my career and has given me the confidence to take on opportunities before I felt completely ready. Some of my greatest professional growth has come from stepping into ambiguity, thinking differently, and challenging the status quo. I’ve learned that innovation rarely comes from playing it safe, and sometimes the biggest breakthroughs begin with simply asking, “Why not?”

Another lesson that has shaped my leadership is that change isn’t something you push onto people—it’s something you help people believe in. Before introducing a new process or idea, I always try to understand what matters most to those it will impact and answer the question, “What’s in it for them?” When people understand how change makes their work easier, safer, or more meaningful, they’re far more likely to embrace it.

That philosophy has guided me from engineering and process improvement to leading organizational transformation and developing future leaders. I continue to approach every challenge with curiosity, resilience, and the belief that meaningful growth comes from taking thoughtful risks, learning from setbacks, and having the courage to keep moving forward.

My advice is to never let inexperience or fear of failure stop you from pursuing opportunities that challenge you. Some of the biggest milestones in my career came from raising my hand before I felt completely ready and trusting that I could learn along the way. Don’t be afraid to think differently, ask questions, and challenge the status quo—innovation begins when someone is willing to look at a problem from a new perspective.

As you grow into leadership, remember that your role isn’t to have all the answers; it’s to bring out the best ideas in others. Lead by example, set clear expectations, and create an environment where people feel empowered to think creatively and take ownership. I’ve found that asking thoughtful questions is often far more powerful than giving instructions.

Most importantly, listen before you speak, stay curious, and invest in your own development. Technical skills may open the first door, but communication, emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to lead through change are what will sustain long-term success. Believe in your capabilities, even when you’re the only woman in the room, because confidence is built through action—not by waiting until you feel ready.

One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in operations today is leading organizations through constant change. Supply chains are evolving faster than ever, driven by automation, artificial intelligence, shifting customer expectations, and increasingly complex business demands. While technology continues to transform how we work, the greatest challenge isn’t implementing new systems—it’s helping people embrace them.

Successful change happens when leaders build trust, communicate the “why,” and help individuals understand what’s in it for them. I’ve found that the most sustainable transformations occur when employees feel heard, involved, and empowered rather than simply being told what to do.

At the same time, this creates an incredible opportunity for leaders who can balance operational excellence with people development. Organizations need leaders who are comfortable making decisions amid ambiguity, remain calm in fast-paced environments, and can create structure where uncertainty exists. Those who combine strategic thinking, empathy, and continuous improvement will be the ones who shape the future of our industry and build organizations that are both high-performing and people-centered.

The values that guide me, both professionally and personally, are empathy, integrity, continuous growth, and leading by example. I believe some of the best decisions come from taking a step back and looking at a situation through someone else’s perspective before forming your own conclusion. Whether I’m leading a team, managing change, or navigating a difficult conversation, understanding what motivates others helps me build trust and create solutions that work for everyone involved.

I also believe that failure is not something to fear—it’s one of our greatest teachers. I’ve never been afraid to challenge the status quo, think outside the box, or take calculated risks because growth rarely happens inside our comfort zone. Finally, I believe leadership is earned through action. I strive to model the standards I expect from others, remain open to feedback, and create an environment where people feel empowered to learn, contribute, and become the best version of themselves.