Stacy Schapira

UK People Director at Caffé Nero

Why we chose Stacy

Stacy is a real people person and has helped many get through both work and personal challenges. This is reflected in the learning and development programme she implemented at her previous organisation, Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group, which lead to a huge reduction in staff turnover.

What’s your ‘why’? How do you balance work and life responsibilities to fulfil it?

I do what I do to help people and businesses thrive. I get a huge kick out of helping people find positive solutions and supporting them to be the best they can be.

I probably don’t balance things as well as I should! But I try to plan my weekends as meticulously as I plan my working week to make the most of them. I also pepper my working week with exercise to take some time out and refresh the mind.

Can you explain an initiative you've implemented that has made an impact in your workplace?

One of the most significant initiatives would be introducing a nationwide learning and development programme at my previous organisation, Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group, which included leadership qualifications and mentoring options. This helped to build our employer brand, aided recruitment, boosted motivation and engagement, and improved retention significantly.

As a female leader, what have been the most significant barriers in your career?

Considering when and how to become a mother and balance a busy career.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Be strong but don’t try to behave like a man to succeed amongst male leaders. Females are equipped with unique skills such as high levels of intuition and emotional intelligence, we shouldn’t try to suppress those to fit in in the boardroom.