A new breed of leader is emerging in the business world characterized by rapid change and relentless competition. These individuals can guide through complexity, inspire teams, and drive tangible results.
One such leader is Carolyn Frey, Chief People Officer at Hungryroot. Notably, her journey to the pinnacle of consumer market leadership was not a linear ascent. Carolyn’s career trajectory is a testament to the power of adaptability and empathy.
“I spent the early years of my career in a professional services environment,” Carolyn recalls. “It was intellectually stimulating, but there was a missing piece—a personal connection to the end product.” This led her to consumer companies, where products are extensions of people’s lives, not just commodities.
Carolyn Frey’s leadership philosophy is refreshingly effective. She favors a collaborative approach built on trust and transparency over the traditional command-and-control model. “The best leaders,” she asserts, “navigate change with agility, prioritize collective success over personal gain, and lead with integrity.”
Cultivating a Healthier Tomorrow
Hungryroot positions itself at the intersection of nutrition, convenience, and personal choice. The company is more than a grocery delivery service—it is a partner in its customers’ journey to healthier living. By understanding individual lifestyles, preferences, and health goals, Hungryroot curates a personalized experience that delivers nutritious, delicious meals right to their doorstep.
The company’s founding principle is simple: healthy living should be accessible, enjoyable, and tailored to each individual. Hungryroot rejects the notion of a one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition. Instead, it celebrates diversity in dietary preferences and empowers its customers to make informed choices.
The Root Standard, Hungryroot’s rigorous quality benchmark, ensures that every product offered is nutritious, convenient, and undeniably delicious. The company believes that healthy eating should be a pleasure, not a chore.
Leading with Purpose
At the saddle of this company is Carolyn Frey, a seasoned business leader with a proven track record in driving innovation and growth. She has emerged as a key force in shaping Hungryroot into an industry-leading company, with a deep-rooted passion for building high-performance teams.
As an executive with a wealth of experience, Carolyn’s knowledge is pivotal to Hungryroot’s success. Her previous stints as CPO and head of legal at Curology, as well as CPO and head of marketing at Philz Coffee, have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and nuances of the business terrain. Before embarking on these leadership roles, Carolyn spent fifteen years at Gartner (formerly CEB) honing her skills in various senior positions, predominantly within the HR Practice and spearheading the West Coast business.
Carolyn Frey’s leadership extends beyond the boardroom. It is rooted in a pragmatic approach to challenges and a deep-seated belief in the power of human potential. When confronted with adversity, Carolyn consistently demonstrates resilience and a strategic mindset. “Challenges are inevitable,” she asserts, “but they also present unparalleled opportunities for growth and innovation.” Her emphasis on learning and adaptation has been instrumental in steering her teams through challenges. Carolyn ensures that setbacks are transformed into stepping stones toward success by creating a culture of continuous improvement.
Empowerment through Innovation and Inclusion
Carolyn views innovation as the lifeblood of any thriving organization. She advocates for organizational structures that empower employees to think creatively and take risks. “I prefer flatter, learner organizations that focus on outcomes,” she explains. By delegating authority and encouraging experimentation, Carolyn cultivates an environment where groundbreaking ideas can flourish.
Central to Carolyn’s leadership style is her dedication to building a positive and inclusive workplace. “Be the person you want to work with,” she quotes. This philosophy underpins her efforts to create a culture where individuals feel valued, supported, and inspired. By cultivating a sense of belonging and encouraging open dialogue, Carolyn has cultivated high-performing teams, capable of achieving extraordinary results.
Decision-making is another critical aspect of her role. When faced with complex challenges, she adopts a methodical and data-driven approach. “Diligence is key,” she emphasizes. Carolyn Frey ensures that her decisions are well-informed and strategic by gathering comprehensive information and seeking insights. Her leadership style is characterized by a unique blend of empathy, intelligence, and determination.
A Catalyst for Transformation
Carolyn has built a distinguished career, committed to mentorship, adaptability, and human-centric leadership.
According to Carolyn, mentorship is the cornerstone of personal and professional growth. “A manager-direct report relationship is important, but it is constrained by a boss-employee dynamic,” she explains. “A mentor has no other incentive than to share their experience, ask key questions, and guide, intending to help.” Carolyn’s emphasis on mentorship reflects her belief in the power of collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
The dynamic nature of the product development landscape necessitates a delicate balance between vision and adaptability. “The last five years have really focused on the need to be adaptable, especially in the people leadership role,” Carolyn asserts. While she has honed her skills in steering change, she also recognizes the value of strategic vision. By partnering with visionary leaders, Carolyn Frey has created a synergistic approach that drives innovation and growth.
A defining moment in Carolyn’s career occurred during her tenure at the Corporate Executive Board. Recognized as the company’s top coach by her peers, she received a humbling affirmation of her people-centric leadership style. “I had no idea how many little things impacted so many!” she recalls. This experience underscored the significance of investing in individuals at every level of an organization.
As Carolyn Frey looks ahead, her aspirations remain focused on leadership and impact. “I aspire to continue to lead teams and be in a high-impact role with a lot of influence,” she states. However, her ultimate goal is to redefine the role of the CPO, creating a new generation of leaders equipped to drive transformative change within organizations and communities.
Carolyn’s legacy is poised to be one of empowerment, innovation, and human-centered leadership. Through her mentorship, adaptability, and commitment to her team, she has established herself as a true catalyst for transformation.
A Pearl of Advice
Carolyn Frey’s leadership philosophy is rooted in a steadfast commitment to integrity and a keen sense of intuition. A guiding principle that has shaped her career is the importance of acting ethically, even in the absence of external scrutiny. “Do the right thing when no one is looking,” she asserts, highlighting the significance of personal values in shaping one’s leadership legacy.
Equally important is Carolyn’s belief in the power of intuition. She advises to trust instincts, particularly when a situation is unfolding as anticipated. “If you see an outcome going the way you wanted it to go, back off and leave your voice quiet,” she explains.
