Leaders Connect: A Conversation with Pip Thompson

Finding your career path isn’t always about having a perfect plan, sometimes it’s about joining a company where the culture inspires you, the opportunities feel endless, and you’re encouraged to grow in ways you never imagined. At Sodexo, career journeys can take exciting turns, shaped by supportive teams, evolving roles, and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional service. 

Build a meaningful career and explore different opportunities at Sodexo!

Pip Thompson’s journey is proof of what’s possible. Today, she leads client relations in North America with a strong focus on client retention, a role she’s grown into through a dynamic and evolving career. Originally from New Zealand, she has worked at Sodexo in Australia, France, and since 2019, in the United States. Over more than three decades, her career has been defined by curiosity, adaptability, and a passion for people. 

Let’s take a closer look at Pip’s career journey, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and her approach to leadership and building strong, empowered teams. 

 

Can you walk us through your career path? What were some pivotal moments or decisions that shaped your leadership journey?

I started with Sodexo a bit by accident. I took a part-time job at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Australia working for Sodexo as a sandwich technician. Before I knew it, I was making hundreds of sandwiches a day and actually enjoying it. I decided to stick around for a few months to see where it went. That turned into 15 years in food service, managing bigger and bigger sites, and discovering I could grow in ways I never expected.

One of the great things about Sodexo was the flexibility, I could work in food without weekends or late nights, which was huge for me. Eventually, I moved from cooking into managing, then into sales, then back into operations.

An unexpected turning point came when I was invited to France for training in a new role called client relations. Two months later, I was offered a job there. None of it was planned, but I’ve always been passionate about whatever I’m doing, and that’s what opened doors for me. The client relations role is about changing behaviors, so clients consistently see what they expect, building relationships, and really listening, soft skills that are critical to success. Over the years, I’ve been able to work globally, then move to the US, and now I lead a team of about 20 people across all segments.

For me, the beauty of a company like Sodexo is that you can start in one area and before you know it, 25 other paths open up, many you’d never imagined. If you’re curious and willing to move, you can reinvent yourself every few years. That’s been incredibly valuable for me.

 

What’s one lesson you’ve learned that you wish you had known earlier in your career?

Be brave. Don’t say no just because you think you can’t do something. Push yourself to say yes to new opportunities. There have been plenty of roles where I wasn’t sure I could do the job, but I said yes and learned my way into it. Don’t be scared of what you don’t know. Focus on what you do know, bring your whole self to the role, and you might surprise yourself.

In leadership, it’s rarely about the technical side. You don’t have to know how to make the widget or cook the steak, you need to know how to work with people. My biggest learning has been not to hold yourself back, and to jump into opportunities when they appear.

 

How would you describe your leadership style, especially when it comes to building strong teams and culture?

When I came to the US, I had the challenge, and the fun, of building a new team from scratch. For me, a great team isn’t just about shared technical knowledge. It’s about diversity of backgrounds, openness to learning, and curiosity. I look for people who ask questions, listen well, and are willing to learn.

I believe in empowerment. I don’t want to micromanage, I want my team to have the freedom to do the job in the way that works best for them, as long as they bring their best to the table. That trust goes both ways: if they feel I trust them, they trust me more.

Today, I have a positive, empowered team of about 20 people who truly have each other’s backs. I’m proud of that, because when a team works well together, they can achieve anything.

 

What advice would you give to interns or early-career professionals?

Think about your personal brand early, it’s an important part of who you are. Be brave, ask for help, and don’t be afraid to approach senior leaders. Most of us are happy to share advice if you just ask. A 10-minute chat can lead to mentorship, sponsorship, or just a great new perspective.

If you don’t understand something, ask. The most successful people are the ones who keep learning and aren’t afraid to say, ‘Can you explain that?’ There’s no such thing as a stupid question, it’s true.

Pip’s career story shows that growth often comes from unexpected opportunities and that saying “yes” can lead to experiences you never imagined. Her path from making sandwiches to leading a diverse team across North America is a testament to the value of curiosity, resilience, and trust. Her advice to be brave, keep learning, and build strong relationships is a reminder that leadership is as much about people as it is about results. 

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