Meet Aidan Quinn - ACM in training graduate

1. What has been the single biggest thing you have learnt on the ACM in Training program? 

The power of relationships has been the most important part of success in buying. Whether it's learning the strengths of your team, or building trust with a supplier or different parts of the business, the biggest wins are the ones made through working collectively to really refine and execute an idea! Whether it's launching a new product, or creating an exciting new event for our customers, these wins are built on the hard work of so many people - my great pleasure has been learning to listen and value the opinions and inputs of others, and there really is a sense of pride when you see that effort come together.

2. What has been the biggest challenge for you? 

Covid changed everything and reaching out to others is more important than ever. When I joined the buying team, we were all working from home all week and even how we interacted with our suppliers and partners was now all through a screen. Evolving how we think and interact takes mindfulness, as well as the hard step of holding ourselves accountable. My biggest evolutions in mindset were thanks to reaching out to mentors and leaders for advice, and I can't advocate enough for the importance of valuing your mental health!

3. How has this program helped you in your career? 

The program has been invaluable in changing my perspective. Coming from Replenishment, and from Operations prior to that, I'm always surprised at how our divisions/teams shape our views of the world. I think the challenge is to take a moment and understand what the best learnings are from each step in our journey, and take that forward as something you can add as value to your new team!