Breadcrumb
Leadership Studies Student Spotlight: Jose Hernandez
Industry/Sector: Grocery Retail Leadership
Cohort 21
Please tell us about yourself.
My name is Jose Hernandez and I am 35 years old. I work for Albertsons Companies as a store director. I have been with the company for over 19 years. Through hard work, the drive to learn, and a strong desire to help those around me, I continued to move up within the company into the position I am blessed to currently be in.
I am also a proud husband. My wife, Natalia, has been one of my biggest supporters throughout my journey. I must admit that balancing family life, full time leadership role, and earning my degree in Leadership Studies at Cal Poly Humboldt has been challenging at times, but it has helped me grow both personally and professionally.
I have a strong passion for building and leading teams where people feel respected, supported, and motivated to do their best. For me leadership isn’t about a title, it’s about helping others succeed.
Can you tell us more about the “Next Gen Award? And what was it like to receive it?
Each year, Progressive Grocer honors exceptional innovators under 40 who are shaping the future of the grocery industry. GenNext honorees are recognized for our unwavering dedication to food retail, our communities, and our ability to lead with innovation. Receiving this award was honestly very humbling. It made me reflect on how far I’ve come and how growth takes time, hard work, and the support from others around me.
What specific accomplishments do you think led to this award?
I don’t think this award came from a specific accomplishment. Instead, I believe this award reflects steady effort in improvement and success over time, while having the support of the team around me. I have also tried to make a positive impact beyond my own store. I serve as a district trainer, mentor, and labor coach, helping other leaders grow and continue improving. Community involvement has also been important to me, giving back to the communities we serve through local partnerships and supporting events. I am grateful that all these efforts, and having the opportunity to help others has led to this recognition.
How has the Leadership Studies program impacted your professional or personal life so far?
The Leadership Studies program has helped me become more thoughtful and aware as a leader. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is the importance of putting people first and focusing on the growth and development of others. I have also learned how important it is to be an approachable leader. When people feel comfortable talking to you, sharing ideas, asking for help, it creates strong teams that trust in my leadership. On a personal level, with the balance of home life, work, and school, it has made me more disciplined and focused. Overall, the program has helped me grow both as a leader and a person.
What is something of value that you have learned within the program and applied in your work life?
One of the most valuable things I’ve learned is to slow down and pause instead of reacting when a problem comes up. I now take the time to really understand the root cause of the problem, before attempting to solve and fix it. I have also learned and applied servant leadership in my daily work. I focus on developing and supporting those around me. I take the time to actively listen, coach, and mentor others. These valuable lessons have helped me make better decisions and build stronger teams.
What do you think are the most important qualities in a leader?
I feel that the most important qualities in a leader are honesty, humility, consistency, and caring about the people they lead. If your team knows you are honest, fair and willing to work with them, it builds strong trust in your leadership. I also feel it’s important for leaders to lead by example. Showing up every day with a positive attitude, staying calm under high pressure, and holding ourselves accountable to the same standards as everyone else on the team is crucial in a leader’s success. To me, leadership is about being a service to others, helping them grow, and supporting them every step of the way.
