Leading with Perspective and Purpose: How Ryan Adams Built a Career from Store Floors to CEO at Gelson’s Markets
Behind every premium grocery experience is a leader aligning strategy, people, and execution. At Gelson’s Markets, that responsibility sits with Ryan Adams.
In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn speaks with Ryan Adams, President & CEO of Gelson’s, about what it truly takes to grow from an entry-level role into executive leadership. His journey spans more than two decades, multiple functional roles, and a consistent willingness to step into the unknown.
Ryan began his career in 1999 in a part-time store role while attending community college. What started as a temporary position quickly evolved into a long-term career in grocery retail. Over time, he progressed through store operations, leadership roles, and cross-functional positions before stepping into national leadership and ultimately the CEO seat.
Throughout the conversation, Ryan emphasizes that career advancement is rarely linear. Instead, it is shaped by a combination of adaptability, curiosity, and a focus on creating value in every role. From navigating organizational change to leading nearly 2,000 employees, he shares how leadership is less about having all the answers and more about connecting teams, aligning priorities, and fostering trust.
This episode offers a practical and grounded perspective for anyone navigating career growth—whether early in their journey or preparing for executive leadership.
Episode Highlights
(01:01) Overview of Gelson’s Markets and its position as a premium grocer
(02:04) What the CEO role actually entails: balancing execution with strategy
(04:20) Transitioning from a national retailer to a regional independent business
(08:05) The CEO interview process and the importance of authenticity
(15:06) Ryan’s career journey from entry-level store roles to leadership
(20:22) Why focusing on value creation matters more than chasing promotions
(23:42) What makes the grocery industry a long-term career choice
(32:00) Lessons learned when stepping into the CEO role for the first time
(34:35) How to evaluate career opportunities beyond surface-level perceptions
(47:25) Candid advice for candidates preparing for interviews
“You’ve got to be okay with being uncomfortable if you expect to grow.”
What You’ll Learn from This Episode
How to approach career growth through continuous learning and adaptability
Why cross-functional experience is critical for leadership development
The role of humility and curiosity in effective leadership
How to prepare for interviews by focusing on authenticity and real experience
Why strong networks are built on genuine relationships, not transactions
How to evaluate new opportunities through a long-term growth lens
The importance of aligning teams and maintaining a broader organizational perspective
Connect with Ryan
Connect with Ryan Adams on LinkedIn
Stay Candid
Candid with Candidates shares real stories from inside major organizations—stories that don’t make it into the slide decks or LinkedIn highlight reels. Follow along for conversations that inform, encourage, and help you navigate your own path to leadership.
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