When most people think about leadership, they think about job titles.
Managers. Directors. Executives.
At Americold, we think about it differently.
Leadership is not something you earn when you receive a promotion. It is something you practice every day through the choices you make, the way you support your team, and the example you set for others.
Whether you're starting your very first day in operations or leading a team across one of our global facilities, every associate has the opportunity to make a lasting impact.
To learn more about how leadership comes to life at Americold, we sat down with Christine Eggensperger, Senior Director of Talent & Culture, whose team helps shape leadership development across our global organization.
During our conversation, she shared how Americold is creating opportunities for associates at every level to learn, grow, and lead with purpose.
One of the biggest misconceptions about leadership is that it begins after a promotion.
"Leadership development starts from day one," Christine explains.
Every associate has access to tools, experiences, and learning opportunities to help them grow throughout their career.
As associates continue building their careers, they can deepen their leadership skills through formal development programs, while also gaining experience through everyday opportunities like serving as a safety representative, joining an engagement committee, organizing volunteer events, or becoming a culture ambassador.
"Some of the most meaningful leadership experiences happen in the flow of work," Christine says. "They happen when people volunteer to step up, support others, and make their teams stronger."
"Leading is an action that can be taken by every associate here at Americold," Christine says. "It means aligning the work you do with our strategy and values. It means providing excellence in how we deliver for our customers and communities."
That philosophy creates opportunities to lead long before someone ever manages a team.
Leadership might look like:
Those everyday actions shape our culture just as much as any leadership title ever could.
As associates continue growing, Americold provides leadership development opportunities designed for every stage of a career.
Frontline and functional leaders are nominated to participate in the Value-Centered Leadership Academy, where they strengthen communication and decision-making skills while learning how to lead through Americold's values.
General Managers, Directors and Vice Presidents may be selected to participate in our Enterprise Leadership Excellence Program, an immersive experience where they can enhance cross-functional leadership skills and elevate their strategic contribution to the company’s growth agenda.
LinkedIn Learning provides the opportunity for associates of all levels to choose leadership learning pathways that best suit their development needs.
These programs bring together leaders from across our global network to learn from one another, exchange ideas, and strengthen the skills that help our business and our people continue to grow.
For Christine, these experiences are about much more than developing future managers.
"We want our leaders to leave a legacy of values in action," she says.
"A legacy where people feel respected, included, challenged, and supported to grow. The strongest leaders build trust, develop others, strengthen the business, and create a culture people are proud to be part of long after they move on from a role."
Because at Americold, leadership isn't measured by your title. It's measured by the impact you make, the people you inspire, and the legacy you leave behind.