This month’s Member Spotlight
Christina Taylor
August 2017
Christina Taylor, Global Commercial Talent & Learning Director, Mars & Vice Chair of the LEAD Education Committee
I have a degree in Business Administration and Marketing and studied in the US. In 2001 I applied for a Marketing role in Mars and was offered a role in Procurement which I knew nothing about but I quickly fell in love with the function and spent 7 years in different buying roles for both services and raw materials. Early on in my career I became a trainer in our internal academy and in 2010 I was offered a role to take over the Procurement College as part of our corporate university (Mars U). Through this role I’ve had the opportunity to help shift our organizational capability significantly in a number of areas, for example strategic sourcing and talent development. I’ve been partnering closely with our Global Procurement VPs on our functional strategy and have helped them translate that into training and development programs as well as work with them on raising our game in areas like succession planning, career conversations and graduate recruitment.
Why are you passionate about the mission of the LEAD Network?
I’ve been very fortunate to work in very diverse teams throughout my career and have seen the benefits that it can bring to a team, to a business and to people individually as part of their personal development and growth. However, I of course realize that diversity isn’t appreciated everywhere and that we still have a long way to go in the sector before we have truly diverse boards and management teams. I’m proud to be part of LEAD and to help further that mission help make a difference for future generations.
What would you say is one of the most adventurous or riskiest moves you’ve made professionally?
As a result of a restructuring activity in my area, my role disappeared. I was offered a role but decided to turn it down as it didn’t fit with my development and I needed a change. I didn’t have an alternative option at the time. At the time, it was more important for me to get the right role rather than just any role.
Is there one person you could attribute a big piece of your success to?
Brice, my boss of the last 9 years has played a huge role in my personal development and career progression. He’s always believed in my abilities, has continuously provided me with opportunities to stretch myself, provided me with great exposure in the business and has been a great mentor. Most of all, I always knew he had my back and supported me in everything I did. I’ve also been very fortunate that he’s provided me with the freedom to shape my role and go after activities that I have felt passionate about. Without his support and belief in me I wouldn’t be the leader I am today.
