20 Questions With Ann Ehnert, Director of Marketing Technologies, Schnuck Markets

Ann Ehnert is the director of marketing technologies at Schnuck Markets, which operates 115 grocery stores in four states. She’s also a Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) member! In this member spotlight, we asked Ehnert a series of questions about both her professional role and personal life, including the woman that inspires her, her leadership style, her advice for the next generation of female leaders, and much more.

1. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
   “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert. For me, it’s earned repeat status. The book fuels the desire to lead and live a creative life, even if you feel your current path doesn’t have access or allowance for creativity. Give yourself permission to define and be your creative self.
2. What’s a tip you have for productively leading a remote or hybrid team?
   Take the time to understand the team’s communication styles and allow this to help determine things like team meetings or lunches. For example, if we know Tuesdays are fueled by heads-down work, we won’t schedule a recurring team meeting on this day.
3. What’s a mistake you made early on in your career?
   Not asking questions about a bigger picture or vision. If you’re unclear of the future vision or the next fiscal year’s strategy, ask questions. No questions are silly questions, especially if it benefits you, your production, and the organization.
4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
   Trusting decisions. But I remember at the end of the day, my work and skills have led me to where I am today, and I can quickly pep myself up (or steal the ear of a more seasoned leader) to get myself back on track and keep the train moving.
5. What’s the best way you motivate team members?
   For me, it’s letting them understand my passion and goals. I love what I do, and when I sit along others that love what they do — and we can collaborate, brainstorm, and get excited about a project — we have a lot of fun and create magic.
6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
   All of the women at Schnucks inspire me. We’re dedicated to nourishing people’s lives and learning new ways to serve our customers. We’re doing the hard stuff while truly loving what we do.
7. What are you looking forward to the most for the industry over the next year?
   I’m looking forward to learning how our customer evolves and adopts new ways to engage in the overall retail experience. Lots of exciting technology on the horizon!
8. What is one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
   Curiosity and passion. I want to work with someone that enjoys the work they produce while still eager to learn more and stretch beyond what’s possible.
9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
   I’m capable of more than I ever imagined!
10. What’s your favorite podcast?
    Second Life with Hillary Kerr; close second would be 9 to 5ish with theSkimm
11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    Accountability, authenticity, passion and collaboration
12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
    I’m perpetually curious and enjoy digging into the hard stuff. Get ready for those questions! We’re finding solutions.
13. What practices or boundaries have you implemented in your personal life to create more work/life balance?
    I’ve started to give myself an immense amount of grace. If I can’t get to something as quickly as I would like, I remind myself that I will get to it as soon as I can. Sometimes that means an email after my daughters are in bed or a phone call on the way into the office.
14. How would you describe yourself in a single sentence?
    I’m a woman leader in tech who absolutely loves to cook for her family.
15. What’s your favorite app?
    Schnucks Rewards, of course!
16. What do you do to recharge?
    Spending time with my family and friends, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. If I’m solo, it’s definitely a cup of coffee and a great book.
17. What’s your biggest accomplishment?
    My biggest accomplishment at work is the ability to keep learning and challenging myself, allowing my role to take twists and turns and trusting the process.
18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
    Be curious. Share knowledge. Collaborate. And learn your leadership style.
19. What gets you up in the morning?
    The desire to continue improving customer experiences across the entire life cycle.
20. What do you like most about being a member of Women in Retail Leadership Circle?
    The collaboration during our peer group calls and the ability to connect with so many amazing women from various verticals!