When I joined Sodexo Marriott nine years ago, I was taking a gamble on whether or not it was a wise career move. It had nothing to do with the company’s reputation, which my research revealed was stellar.
I was at a career crossroads. I have always been a writer, first and foremost. After an early successful career in retail advertising and as an ad agency account executive, my husband and I decided to open a country inn in New Hampshire. One of our motivations was that it appeared we would not be able to have children. They say “Man plans, God laughs.” We were delighted to welcome our daughter just six weeks before we opened the inn. Over the next 10 years, my focus changed from creating successful ad campaigns to raising our child and creating a successful small business – including the advertising. Along the way, I took charge of the inn’s kitchen and discovered an aptitude and affinity for cooking and restaurant management that opened up additional opportunities and a whole new career.
When we decided to leave NH and inn keeping behind, I spent the next 10 years working in various capacities for a culinary institute in Connecticut, but somewhere along the way, I knew it was time for a change. I had wandered too far from my passion – writing and communications.
The problem was that I was now typecast as a “foodie.” My daughter was heading off to college and as the empty nest loomed, I was willing to think out of the box and take a gamble. So, I answered an ad for an Administrative Assistant to Sodexo Marriott’s SVP of Marketing, Communications, Strategy and Planning for the Health Care Division, Tucker Schuldt. I thought perhaps the job would provide an opportunity to move into the Marketing or Communications department if I proved myself.
The first person I met was Daria Mauro, the HRD who interviewed me. She was visibly enthusiastic about me, which I remember with gratitude to this day. And, as soon as I met Tucker, I thought, “This could definitely work.” As we talked about the position and reviewed my portfolio, I learned that I would be responsible for Health Care’s internal communications. Clearly, my “gamble” had an excellent chance of paying off.
The planets had aligned; I had found a company that could use all of my skills and experience in communications, foodservice and management. Within six months I was promoted to Communications Manager and today I am the Senior Director of Communications for the Health Care Market, reporting to Patrick Connolly, our COO and Market President.
My Sodexo career may not be typical, but I believe that it is just one example of what is possible within this company. My experience has been that passion, hard work and dedication are recognized and rewarded. My job is never routine and frequently challenging, but it has allowed me to grow and bring everything that I am and all of my skills and experience into my work, which is my definition of a perfect employee experience. It is also frequently exhilarating, especially since our division began its Patient and Resident Experience journey. We are finding new ways to make a difference in the quality of daily life for all those we serve.
Who wouldn’t love a job and a company like that?
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Lynne Adame
Senior Director of Communications
Health Care Market
Co-Chair, Women’s Network Group
Lynne joined Sodexo in 2001 and is currently the Senior Director of Communications for the Health Care Market. Her resume includes retail advertising, ad agency account management, 10 years as the chef/owner of a small business named in Best Restaurants of New England, and teaching at the Culinary Institute of Southern New Hampshire. She is the Co-Chair of Sodexo’s Women’s Network Group (WiNG) and the Communications Advisor for the Sodexo Organization for disAbilities Resources (SOAR) network group. Lynne holds a B.A. in English from Drew University, Madison, NJ.
3 comments:
“Man plans, God laughs.” - that's a great quote and story Lynne.
Your story is also a great example of advancement in our company. It's sometimes challenging to explain the "typical" career path in Sodexo because there are many opportunities to pursue a path that builds on a core competency while applying it in another discipline. My background in clinical nutrition has helped me land promotions in food service management and now recruitment. I wonder what's next?!
By the way, Daria was also my first interview. I bet she is responsible for bringing many of us onto the team :)
This is a very inspirational story. You never know where your path will lead you. Lynne's post was a great read. This blog is really good! Keep it up.
"The planets had aligned; I had found a company that could use all of my skills and experience in communications, foodservice and management."
I felt the same way after my one year anniversary with Sodexo. As a new manager I am so thrilled with the endless posibilities that my future holds with Sodexo.
Great inspirational story.
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