News & Insights
A Journey of Growth | Vanessa Potul’s Story
20/09/2024
News & Insights
20/09/2024
Vanessa Potul’s journey with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) is a story of growth, perseverance, and commitment. Joining the CCEP business on 14th July 2011, Vanessa has advanced through various roles, demonstrating the company’s focus in developing young talent and fostering a nurturing environment.
"When I joined CCEP immediately after high school, I started as a Merchandiser. After two years, I transitioned into a customer service role. Over the next seven years, I occupied three roles and from there, I progressed to the Activation Coordinator position. Today, I’m proud to say I’ve worked my way up to my current role as the Regional Activation Manager - Southern," Vanessa shares. Her progression reflects the company’s dedication to promoting leadership development at all levels.
Leadership and Learning
One of Vanessa’s proudest moments at CCEP was her participation in the Women’s Leadership Program in Sydney. "That was a milestone for me," she reflects. "It showed how much the company invests in developing its female leaders." Vanessa credits her early success to the constructive feedback she received, that has helped her grow to become a confident manager.
She acknowledges that starting fresh required learning from others, especially the female leaders who paved the way for her. "If they could do it, so could I," she recalls thinking. The growth opportunities she was exposed to allowed her to flourish and take on new challenges.
Leading with Respect and Trust
Now managing a team of eight, Vanessa focuses on building trust and respect within her team. "I lead a team of eight staff, four of which are casuals. Weekly catch-ups and open communication keeps the team aligned and focused on our targets," she says. Vanessa’s leadership qualities have paid off, as she proudly points out the development of her team.
Working in a male-dominated environment hasn’t been without its challenges, but Vanessa’s upbringing in an all-boys family gave her the confidence to navigate this space. "Respect is key, and my team has embraced that culture, allowing us to work seamlessly together," she shares.
Finding Balance at Work
Vanessa’s drive to come to work everyday flows from a passion for being challenged and the growth opportunities that lie ahead. "What gets me out of bed is the chance to tackle challenges and continue progressing in my career," she explains. Over the years, she has learned to balance work and family life. "In the beginning, I worked six or seven days a week, but I realised that family is just as important. The focus on well-being at work has helped me manage my time better and helped me to balance my work and family life better."
Looking Ahead
As Vanessa looks to the future, she envisions herself stepping into a more senior role. "In the next five years, I see myself as a senior manager, adding more value to the business," she says.
Her advice to others, especially those just starting, is simple: "Take every opportunity and work hard. It’s not the end of the world after high school if you don’t progress to tertiary or college institutions—you can grow from anywhere."
Vanessa’s journey is a testament of CCEP’s focus to promote diversity and inclusion, echoing the message that there are no gender barriers working at CCEP, where hard work, opportunity, and team support leads to success.