The 2022 SL Lead program was PetSmart's second-ever virtual cohort! This experience is offered to PetSmart store leaders and is created and facilitated through a partnership of PetSmart's Development, Field, HR, and Leadership teams. It included 51 Store Leaders from across all regions participating in two cohort groups from April to June, allowing for smaller sessions while still expanding Store Leaders' network to leaders in other districts and regions.
Store Leader LEAD is just one of the many leadership development offerings available to our Store and Field-based associates and we're excited to see us bring even more development opportunities in the future!
The group participated in development activities that focused on:
Enhancing relationships and coaching conversations through Situational and Behavior-Based Leadership.
Expanding organizational knowledge and business acumen through conversations with members of the SLT.
Recognizing the value of collaborating and sharing best practices with their peers.
Building strong teams through a focus on talent development and succession planning.
Effectively leading and communicating through change to drive positive results in their stores.
Building confidence and ability to influence through group presentations and peer feedback.
We're sending CONGRATULATIONS to each of our 2022 Store Leaders who completed the program - and THANK YOU for investing in your own development journey.
Check out all of the amazing Store Leaders who completed the program!
➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️
A few more highlights...
Sessions were co-facilitated by HR Business Partners and District Leaders, allowing them to also focus on their development in facilitating this content as well.
Cohorts participated in monthly development sessions, group projects/presentations to apply learnings, and guest speaker sessions.
Store Leaders heard from many senior leaders across varying areas of the organization, including Store Operations, Merchandising, Customer Experience, Human Resources, and Belonging.
This year Peer Mentors were added to help our Store Leaders continue to grow their network and share experiences and best practices for applying learnings from the program with past SL Lead graduates.
Store Leaders focused on developing or enhancing skills and behaviors around many competencies, including Active Listening, Presentation Skills, Influence, Relationship Building, Talent Development, and Change Agility.
Let's meet some of our 2022 PetSmart Peer Mentors! 🥳
Kristina
486 Store Leader, Pet Parent to 🐶 Boswell, 🐶 Stella, &
🐱 Blackie
I joined #LifeAtPetSmart because... I was referred!
My advice for making the most of the SL LEAD Experience:
Take the time and network. These relationships are important and aid in our success!
Jesse
605 Store Leader
I joined #LifeAtPetSmart because... I was impressed with the culture. 😊
My advice for making the most of the SL LEAD Experience:
We covered different leadership tactics, such as situational leadership. It's important to not just think of your associates, but the other leaders who could benefit from what you learned as well.
K
Christie
421 Store Leader, Pet Parent to Marsha, Ham, & Kitty
I joined #LifeAtPetSmart because... 17 years ago I needed a job... and here I still am! ❤️
My advice for making the most of the SL LEAD Experience:
Build relationships with other leaders in the program. It's valuable in the future to vent, collaborate, get advice, and see you're not alone if you are ever struggling. You also get great ideas to implement in your stores!
tader 48
Melissa
3147 Store Leader, Pet Parent to 🐶 Striker, 🐶 Carolina, 🐶 Lucie, & 🦎 Max
I joined #LifeAtPetSmart because... my mom was a Store Leader in another state!
My advice for making the most of the SL LEAD Experience:
Build relationships and share your learnings with your team and district!
Tina
3147 Store Leader, Pet Parent to 🐶 Maddie, 🐶 Rita, & 🐶 CC
I joined #LifeAtPetSmart because... I love pets!
My advice for making the most of the SL LEAD Experience:
Create relationships, these are valuable!
Lyndsay
2214 Store Leader, Pet Parent to 🐱 Princess Pickles, 🐱 Lady Brownie, 🐢 Tim, & 🐢 Tom
I joined #LifeAtPetSmart because... I wanted to work where I could make a difference!
My advice for making the most of the SL LEAD Experience:
Keep the connections you make—as someone else's perspective is invaluable when working through change. Don't forget to share what you learn, sharing is caring! 😁
Jaime
131 Store Leader, Pet Parent to 🐶 Hunter, 🐶 Rosebud,
🐶 Stanley, 🐶 Willow, 🐱 Clyde, & 🐱 Abby
I joined #LifeAtPetSmart because... The values that we hold align with my own.
My advice for making the most of the SL LEAD Experience:
Take the time to work in the SL LEAD Program. Allow yourself the time to better yourself.
David
1441 Store Leader, Pet Parent to 🐱 Flint, 🐱 Bean, & 🐶 Kingsley
I joined #LifeAtPetSmart because... I needed a job while in college, still here!
My advice for making the most of the SL LEAD Experience:
Embrace your self-objectivity and take advantage of the ability to build relationships with highly talented leaders and business partners and continue to use them as a resource long after the SL LEAD Program ends.
Julian
1477 Store Leader, Pet Parent to 🐶 Bella
I joined #LifeAtPetSmart because... I enjoy working with people and animals!
My advice for making the most of the SL LEAD Experience:
Learn as much as you can with an open mind from the people you with every day!
Kenny
1350 Store Leader, Pet Parent to 🐶 Kobe, 🐠 Blue, 🐠 Sinbad,
🐠 She-bad, & 🐟 Cuppy
I joined #LifeAtPetSmart because... At the time I was but a wee 16-year-old looking for a summer/after-school job. 17 years later, here we are! I have enjoyed my career at PetSmart. No other retail job can offer the reward of seeing your day-to-day benefits live in a more meaningful way.
My advice for making the most of the SL LEAD Experience:
Listen and participate, take your learnings back to the rest of your team and implement them into your everyday behaviors.
Erick
532 Store Leader, Pet Parent to 🐶 Louie, 🐶 Griffin, & 🐰 Blue
I joined #LifeAtPetSmart because... I have had pets my entire life and a retail career approaching 29 years. PetSmart has been a great company culture to be part of and grow with.
My advice for making the most of the SL LEAD Experience:
Participate and utilize the time to build relationships with the company and fellow leadership.
Nicole
1103 Store Leader, Pet Parent to 🐶 Wednesday, 🐩 Azurite, & 🐩 Crimson
I joined #LifeAtPetSmart because... Passion for animals!❤️ (and I was 16 and had to pay for gas and car insurance... the passion grew with the years!)
My advice for making the most of the SL LEAD Experience:
Connect with the other participants, keep an open mind, and share freely. What you put into the experience is equivalent to what you will take away from it.
Mari
1161 Store Leader
I joined #LifeAtPetSmart because... I needed more personal growth and career challenges.
My advice for making the most of the SL LEAD Experience:
Be involved in the conversation, and share experiences whether they are positive or negative. Being vulnerable helps your growth and be the leader you want to be.
Sameer
1071 Store Leader, Pet Parent to 🐶 Maya & 🐶 Hachi
I joined #LifeAtPetSmart because... I love pets and people!
My advice for making the most of the SL LEAD Experience:
Be an active participant!
Brad
634 Store Leader, Pet Parent to 🐶 Lucy, 🐶 Charlie, 🐱 Gamora, 🐱 Groot, & 🐱 Rocket (Gamora is queen!)
I joined #LifeAtPetSmart because... I needed a job between my junior and senior year in high school... 21 years ago!
My advice for making the most of the SL LEAD Experience:
You'll get what you put into it. Make sure you give yourself dedicated time to work on yourself!
Sarah
1522 Store Leader, Pet Parent to 🐶 Sophie, 🐶 Ralph, & 🐶 Levi
I joined #LifeAtPetSmart because... 15 years ago, it was the best option for me and it's the best choice I've ever made!
My advice for making the most of the SL LEAD Experience:
Really take time to build your connections. There's so much I could go into but that is what was most profound for me.
Andrea
1922 Store Leader, Pet Parent to 🐶 Meeko
I joined #LifeAtPetSmart because... I love growing and developing high-performing teams, and PetSmart is the perfect place to foster a culture of development. I also love pets and making a difference in their and their pet parent's life.
My advice for making the most of the SL LEAD Experience:
Prioritize your time for your development. Ensure you have the time to learn and focus on your growth. Never stop being curious!
Scott
576 Store Leader, Pet Parent to 🐶 Falkor, 🐱 Nucky, 🐱 Dax, &
🐍 Moth
I joined #LifeAtPetSmart because... PetSmart has solid business leadership, commitment to development, and of course... I love pets!
My advice for making the most of the SL LEAD Experience:
Take advantage of the opportunity to make partnerships with fellow Store Leaders and share knowledge. Don't be afraid to ask questions or share your ideas!
And a few other things the participants had to say about their experience...
To all of the Store Leaders who participated in this year's program, THANK YOU and we are excited for you to put the new tricks you learned to work into your stores! 🎉
Want to join #LifeAtPetSmart? Check out open opportunities at careers.petsmart.com!