Hala Corral
Vice President Deli/Food Service
Albertsons Cos.
Boise, ID
Q. How has your career evolved over the years?
A. I started in the deli almost 34 years ago part time while I was going to college. I thought it would be fun to work in the deli. About two months into my job, they asked if I wanted to be a deli manager, and I said I would give it a try. I loved it. I have seen so many changes over my 34-year career with Albertsons Cos. as well as other companies, especially how we have evolved and listened to the customers’ needs.
Q. What is your leadership philosophy?
A. I believe everyone wants to do a good job. It’s my job to teach them what a good a job is. I don’t think anyone gets up and says, “I want to do a bad job today.” I think they want to be successful. I always try to lead by example, be positive and find something positive in what they are doing as well as give constructive feedback.
Q. What is the best advice you ever received and why?
A. Be true to yourself and treat people how you want to be treated. I think you can take this approach in work and life. If you are always trying to do what you think other people want you to do, you will never be happy.
Q. How do you balance your work and personal life?
A. This is very hard to do but I believe you have to make time for yourself and your family. My husband and I have raised three very strong, independent daughters who excelled in school and sports. Over my 34 years with the company, I have missed very few school events or sporting events. Working in management, it’s important when your kids have an event that you shut down your computer or phone and go support them. You can come back and pick up where you left off when their event is over.
Q: What deli retail trends have impacted the industry most over the last year?
A. COVID has the biggest impact on deli trends. Full-service bars were closed and sales in the self-service area increased. We had to react and move more product into a self-service state to meet customers’ needs.
Q: What technology or technical tools are indispensable to you in the workplace and why?
A. I would say data in general because it gives you the true picture of where things are. We all think something is great but the numbers will actually tell you if the item is great or not.
Q: What have been the biggest changes in the deli industry over the course of your career?
A. I feel like everything has changed in 34 years but so many things have stayed the same. Customers still want great food at a good price.
Q: What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome on the job?
A. I would say the biggest challenge would be keeping up with technology and how that continues to evolve.
Q: What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
A. I love the outdoors and sports. I coached basketball for over 30 years. I love working with the kids and competing.
Q: Are you married? If so, how long? How many children?
A. I have been married for 34 years, and have three amazing daughters.
