As the corporate world continues to evolve post-pandemic, leaders like Chantal Randolph-Schall are helping redefine what sustainable success looks like for women in demanding industries. Chantal, Vice President of Operations for Sodexo’s Corporate Services segment, will be hosting a workshop on “Enhancing Productivity Without Burnout” at WFA: Americas, taking place on Monday, September 22 at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Chicago.
In this candid interview, she shares how the pandemic reshaped her relationship with time, the small daily rituals that keep her grounded and why putting yourself last is no longer an option. Whether you’re a corporate leader, entrepreneur, or simply craving a healthier way to work, her story is a must-read ahead of her practical and reflective session at WFA: Americas.
[WFA] To start, can you introduce yourself and describe your day-to-day role?
[Chantal Randolph-Schall] I have worked for Sodexo for 14 years, where I am the Vice President of Operations within the Corporate Services segment, supporting the Midwest from my base in Chicago. My role is doing what I love best – creating hospitality experiences for new and current clients and doing that through finance, strategy, and sales.
[WFA] At the WFA: Americas conference you will be running a workshop on enhancing productivity without burnout. Why do you believe we are seeing more people burnout?
[Chantal Randolph-Schall] COVID had a monumental impact on many industries and in the hospitality industry, it altered the way we go to market and how our services are bought and used. As a result, we have become leaner and more efficient in our execution, but this burden of efficiency has caused a ripple impact in the workforce.
I see colleagues and friends – people I’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with in hot kitchens – leave with fatigue etched on their faces and confusion about what to do next. I began to notice burnout setting in when I saw how we all kept relying on the same method we’d used since starting our careers: prioritizing work first, then our families, and putting ourselves last.
There is a theme when speaking to women leaving their fields after 10-20 years. They have no time to care for themselves, workloads that have tripled and demands from their families that are becoming too great to manage.
[WFA] How have you had to rethink your approach to time management?
[Chantal Randolph-Schall] As mentioned, COVID happened and work went from busy to insane. I was dealing with divorce and overwhelmed with life. I could never find the time to pause and felt like was always tired, unable to think, be creative or do anything other than work. Something had to change, or I was going to collapse.
Since then I have taken more time for myself. I have since taken 2 separate courses for 6 months from Cornell and am certified in finance and negotiations. I learned how to embroider from YouTube. I joined a dating for dummies group and have never laughed so much at my own awkwardness. I met a group of women in 2020 online and they have become my bevy of ‘Amazons’ and we vacation alone every year.
[WFA] What does effective time management look like to you in your day-to-day work?
[Chantal Randolph-Schall] I heard from a friend who is incredibly successful in his career and he stops every day, lies on his couch, and closes his eyes for 20 minutes. He said turning it all off, allows for him to let his body slow down, calm his breathing and then go back to the tasks he needed to do.
While I cannot close my eyes for 20 minutes and not be sure I will not sleep, I dramatically changed my schedule during COVID. I start my day at 4:59am. I prioritize time taking care of my dogs and now protect small rituals like unplugged meals, daily movement, and gratitude check-ins with my friends. I’ve never had more balance in my professional life.
[WFA] Without giving anything away what is your number one tip for enhancing productivity?
[Chantal Randolph-Schall] Remembering that you are not perfect – no one asked you to be.
[WFA] Lastly, what are you most looking forward to at the WFA event?
[Chantal Randolph-Schall] Meeting new people and growing my tribe!
Hear more from Chantal and other inspirational leaders from across food and ag at WFA: Americas, taking place at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Chicago on Monday, September 22. Find out more here. (https://www.expanamarkets.com/events/wfa-americas/)
