Debra Sandler and Her Vision on Boards
story by: Elsa cavazos
Debra Sandler, who is one of the most known marketers and executive leaders, started her journey as early as possible. She was born in Venezuela but grew up in Trinidad.
Sandler said both countries have a close relationship because of the oil connection. Because of where she grew up, she studied under the British education system but by the time she had to go to high school and enter college she moved to the U.S.
Sandler majored in International Trade which would allow her to do business and travel. She has now spent 30 plus years working for three different companies.
Sandler joined Mars Chocolate North America in 2009 as Chief Consumer Officer for Mars Chocolate North America and was promoted to President of Mars Chocolate North America in 2012. Prior to joining Mars, Debra was Worldwide President of Johnson & Johnson’s McNeil’s Nutritionals LLC.
Now, as a part of the Dollar General board, Sandler feels excited to provide her knowledge and experience. “I have the opportunity to blend who I am and what I do,” she said. I've always been able to bring who I am to the table to enhance business,” she said.
“I think I grew up in a culture where education is critical, not an option. You have to study, you have to do well and push yourself,” Sandler said about her culture.
She had never heard of the concept of a minority until moving to the U.S but felt she had just what the U.S needed, to find ways all consumers were being considered.“I think that stayed with me to prove myself even further. I am one of those people if you tell me I can't do something I am encouraged to prove it to you I can do it,” she said.
“For marketing, it was like a magnet. I was drawn to it, I have always been an observer of people. I like to understand why people do the things they do. A lot of time it didn't feel like work. It was something I really enjoyed and fortunately happened to be good at,” she said.
For her, the hardest part about being an executive to a director is to go from running a business to governing a business.“ A couple of things helped me, I sat on a cou- ple of nonprofit boards and I had some exposure and how they operate. The first year was the hardest but you need to remind yourself what your role is and it's not to dive deep,” she said.
“It is to stay above and govern and to guide. A good thing is the sense of freedom of not having to prepare the strategic plan and to listen to it, provide advice and to not have to execute,” Sandler added.
She mentioned she has seen and evolution in boards in both diversity and having more transparency.
“One of the things I am doing now is consulting and advising on board diversity. We still hear boards saying they cant find Latino board members and perhaps that is the most frustrating thing for me to hear because from where I sit there are so many,” she said.
In order to improve boards, Sandler stressed you have to have an ongoing relationship with the CEO and speak truthfully to him or her.
Sandler has had to work in a variety of boards and added how the media has been handling the pandemic and being impacted by protests.
“We now do weekly covid updates and analyze how and when to bring back people to work. Transparency and constant communication are the most important factors for success,” she said.
Sandler agrees there is an increase in younger board executives especially in women, which is a good thing. “Many people are uncomfortable with technology and the younger crowd has this advantage.
If they are smart enough, let's consider that. I think it is very exciting, I'd love to see more.”
When it comes to professional advice for others, Sandler said to be intentional and have a plan. “Set a timeline because it doesn't happen overnight, even for the most experienced. Why would the board want you? What is your specific skill?,” she said.
“What is it that you have that would add value to a business that would make them be excited to join the board? Prepare yourself and do networking; truth is most people get on boards through a network, you have to branch out and if you are serious about this, once you get on the first it does get easier.”