The Intersection of Humility and Hard Work: Sally Grimes
- Malin Phelan
- Mar 26, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 2, 2021
Author: Malin Phelan '23
“Humility is not the opposite of confidence. It’s the freedom for learning.” - Sally Grimes
Working during a global pandemic is bound to provide a host of challenges for anyone, regardless of their occupation. For Sally Grimes, though, working during the onslaught of COVID-19 meant she had to navigate becoming CEO of renowned snack food company Clif Bar & Co in a time of remote meetings, financial uncertainty, and growing unease in workplaces as a whole.
Demand for Clif’s products of granola bars and other snack foods has been lower due to decreased foot traffic in the convenience stores where they are often purchased, such as in airports and gas stations. This created additional challenges for Grimes - how does one go about marketing the necessity of a quick snack during a time when the vast majority of the population is spending all of their time sitting at home at a desk? Luckily, Grimes had plenty of experience.
Prior to working at Clif, Grimes worked for Kraft, Hillshire Brands, for Sharpie (under Newell Brands), and Tyson Foods, as well as attending Harvard Business School and the University of Chicago Business School. Grimes is a leader in the food preparation industry - she’s on 'Fortune’s Most Powerful Women to Watch,' 'Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business,' and Crain's 'Most Powerful Women in Chicago business' lists. However, none of these accomplishments have detracted from her focus on her team and employee satisfaction, which is what has truly drawn me to her as an inspiration. I am impressed not solely by her accomplishments as a businesswoman, but also by her ability to look beyond herself and accommodate for her entire team. She’s humble yet assertive, and this combination has enabled her immense success.
Her contributions to the employee experience at Clif, widely known as an already fulfilling workplace, have been undeniable. Clif is known for its uplifting atmosphere, with rock climbing and cycling on-site in the company’s offices, as well as its numerous benefits for employees, such as daycare and frequent breaks throughout the workday. The company has long had a commitment to employee satisfaction - something that has been challenged by the necessity of at-home work. Grimes has accounted for this in her leadership, recognizing the importance of fostering strong team relationships despite working remotely. She ensures she always has her camera on during team meetings, as well as continuing to regulate discussion and keep a strong sense of team identity - but her philosophy extends beyond this. The business industry is often seen as being cutthroat and intense, the kind of place where each person is out for themselves and what will benefit their self-interest and aspirations only. Grimes has challenged this notion in her own unique way throughout her career and is a highlight of her personal capabilities. She has described how “Early on in [her] career, [she] had the feeling that [she] had to be the smartest person in the room coming out of business school and that led to some mistakes.” As she developed her own philosophy surrounding work ethic, Grimes has carried it with her to each company she’s spent time working with.
Her emphasis on going beyond self-interest aligns with Clif’s capabilities. Grimes has stated that “Clif is in a unique position to not only innovate but also drive meaningful change in our food system. Their focus on the long game is inspiring and offers endless potential.”
Grimes serves as an inspiration to those looking to achieve great things without sacrificing morality and focuses on human connection to do so. The correlation between fostering strong team relationships and success is ever-present, a concept each individual should keep in mind regardless of their aspirations. In a fast-paced world that seems to wait for no one, Grimes is an advocate for collaboration in order to achieve goals - and in this way, has driven change in her industry.
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