Building Tomorrow’s Leaders: A Look at Our General Manager Development Program

Learn how our General Manager Development Program is transforming careers through the inspiring success of Clinical Nutrition Manager, Christen Butterfield. 

At our company, we are deeply committed to supporting our employees’ growth and career development. We believe in providing training opportunities and resources that empower each team member to reach their full potential and achieve their professional dreams within our organization.

For those aspiring to step into management roles or looking to sharpen their leadership skills, our General Manager (GM) Development Program is a perfect fit. This nine-month program is designed to equip employees with the skills needed to run their units effectively and profitably. Covering essential topics focused on growth and success as a GM, this comprehensive learning experience prepares new and aspiring GMs to lead with purpose and excel in their roles, both in their first year and beyond.

The program includes carefully curated training and tools that enable GMs to enhance service quality, exceed financial targets, and develop a strategic approach to unit management. Additionally, it offers resources for direct managers to support and guide GMs along their learning journey.

Now, let’s hear from our Clinical Nutrition Manager, Christen Butterfield, who successfully completed the program, sharing her experience and the impact it has had on her career.

What motivated you to join the GM Development Program?

I was searching for training specifically tailored to GMs, as I was a new GM at the time. I completed some initial training, but when I discovered this program, I saw there was even more valuable content to explore. My GM at Sodexo assigned me a few programs, so I already covered some basics. However, when I started my career at Sodexo, there wasn’t a program that brought all essential training for GM Development into one comprehensive resource. This program now provides everything a GM needs to succeed, all in one place. Having a single source for all the training and development a GM is looking for is beneficial.

How did this learning program help you in your professional development?

This program gave me a lot more Sodexo-based education and deepened my knowledge of the company’s resources. Through it, I also discovered other learning programs offered by Sodexo. This nine-month program goes through a wide range of resources crucial for general managers, including contracts, finances, and more. It’s an excellent tool for leadership training.

Can you describe a specific moment or experience during the program that was impactful for you?

The in-person training was really impactful. I met other general managers from all across the company. It was fantastic to connect with people with such different experiences and backgrounds, especially since I’ve worked with the same people for most of my career. This experience opened me up to a broader community and allowed me to learn from others outside of my usual circle.

What advice would you offer to colleagues considering this program?

If you have the opportunity, definitely go for it. I just signed up and got started, and it’s very accessible since it’s online. If you want to grow and learn, these resources are amazing to support that.

Our dedication to employee development is fundamental to our company culture. The success of our General Manager Development Program, highlighted by Christen’s inspiring journey, showcases the impact of the training and resources we provide. Participating in this program offers a unique opportunity to enhance leadership skills, drive unit performance, and foster professional growth.

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