How a Chemist Became a Business Leader

How does a chemical engineer become a top business leader? In this episode Rewrite The Rules, we sit down with Zinnia Rivera, a seasoned business executive and former president of Johnson & Johnson Philippines and Red Ribbon Bakeshop (Jollibee Foods Corp). Zinnia shares her inspiring journey from R&D to the boardroom, revealing how she embraced unexpected opportunities and overcame challenges in the FMCG and food retail industries. Now a freelance management consultant, Zinnia discusses the importance of leadership, continuous learning, and the balance between personal and professional life. Tune in for insights into navigating a dynamic career path and building a lasting legacy!

Discussion Topics: How a Chemist Became a Business Leader

• How did Zinnia Rivera transition from R&D to business leadership?
• What challenges did Zinnia face when offered a leadership role?
• How does mindset impact career shifts?
• What is the importance of being authentic in leadership?
• Why is it essential to seize opportunities outside your job description?
• How did Zinnia maintain work-life balance while leading a company?
• How does networking and visibility impact career success?
• What advice would Zinnia give her younger self?

Our Guest: Zinnia Rivera

Zinnia Rivera is a management consultant, executive coach, and independent director with credentials from Stanford GSB, FICD, and ICF. She is the former president of Johnson & Johnson Philippines Inc. and Red Ribbon Bakeshop Inc. (Jollibee Foods Corp). Zinnia is passionate about strategic planning, business leadership, people development, and organizational transformation. With a strong foundation in product development, consumer insighting, and innovation processes, she is eager to share her experience, knowledge, and insights through consultancy, coaching, or corporate board membership.

Your Host: Ritu Gupta Mehrish

Ritu Gupta Mehrish is a speaker, executive coach and author, with 20 years of corporate experience working in companies such as P&G, GE Capital and GE spin-off Genpact. In her last role, Ritu ran a multimillion-dollar business vertical with 1000 people across eight countries and five continents. Throughout her extensive career, Ritu has had the opportunity to work, coach and converse with leaders across the globe from diverse industries. Her business and leadership experience has enabled her to bring in a pragmatic approach to leadership development. Her client list of Google, PayPal, Swiss Re, JP Morgan, Applied Materials, Intel, Knight Frank, Johnson & Johnson, AIA, Medtronic, Wharton Executive Education highlights the level of expertise she brings to the leadership topic.

Rajita Saxena is a leader and people manager with over 20 years of business experience in sales, sales support, strategic operations, and learning & development. She builds strong, high-performing teams and believes in being a Level 5 leader to unleash the potential and performance of teams. She thrives in an environment that provides an opportunity to problem solve or create impact, whether it is a situation that is full of change and ambiguity or one that requires creating a strategy.