Jennifer Goschke

Unwavering Commitment to Excellence

Jennifer Goschke

VP & Country Leader, Global Solution Center - India,

7-Eleven

I nnovation has become the beating heart of the retail industry, transforming the way businesses engage with consumers and stay ahead in a fast-paced market. Amidst this ever-evolving landscape, Jennifer Goschke, VP & Country Leader, Global Solution Center India, 7-Eleven, stands out as a catalyst of change. With a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to driving progress, Jennifer is reshaping the retail ecosystem and propelling it towards a brighter, more customer-centric future.
Jennifer’s journey, having joined 7-Eleven as Vice President of Internal Audit in 2018, is a testament to her trailblazing spirit. Before this, she held the role of Chief Audit Executive at three publicly traded companies, including Office Depot, Conn’s Inc., and IDEXX Laboratories. Today, she spearheads the Global Solution Center of 7-Eleven in Bangalore, where her vision and expertise fuel a dynamic retail landscape that embraces process improvement, innovation, and e-Commerce.
Jennifer’s career is a testament to seizing opportunities, embracing challenges, and pushing the boundaries of her capabilities. From her early days as an Audit Intern at EY to her current position, her journey has been marked by growth and transformation in the realm of retail. Her unwavering dedication, resilience, and innovative thinking have cultivated a stronger retail ecosystem that prioritises customercentricity and progress.
In this interview, we explore the defining moments that have shaped Jennifer’s career and uncover the guiding principles that fuel her ambition.

Could you share the key milestones of your journey from Audit Intern at EY to VP & Country Leader at 7-Eleven?

Upon introspection of my career, I must acknowledge that my achievements stem from a combination of diligent effort, fortuitous circumstances, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. There were instances where I found myself in opportune moments and seized them to move forward in my career. Additionally, I actively sought diverse roles, including in Operations and my current international assignment, which allowed me to explore beyond my technical expertise. I am grateful for the support of leaders who encouraged me to venture into uncharted territories and broaden my horizons.

How do you define success in your personal life, and what steps do you take to achieve it?

Finding balance is a deeply individual pursuit, holding unique significance for each person. Success in my personal life revolves around indulging in activities that bring joy and fulfilment. Spending quality time with my family, exploring new destinations through travel, and expressing my creativity—whether through playing the piano or engaging in architectural and interior design—all contribute to my sense of achievement. Even amidst busy work schedules, I always have my next adventure on the horizon, providing anticipation that keeps life exciting.

How do you define your leadership traits?

My guiding principles revolve around empathy, accountability, and passion. I strongly believe in the importance of listening to diverse perspectives, acknowledging that I don’t have all the answers, while maintaining the confidence to chart a path forward. Taking extreme ownership is a key aspect of my leadership approach; if something goes wrong, I take responsibility and learn from my mistakes, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. To inspire others, I ensure that I am personally inspired and driven to excel. My team witnesses my genuine care for their well-being, the quality of our work, and our unwavering commitment to 7-Eleven. I strive to foster a collaborative and supportive work environment, where everyone’s contributions are valued, and collective success is celebrated.

Can you highlight the strategies you incorporate to enhance the performance of your organisation?

We are a people-first organisation. We have a culture of caring. My team knows that I’m here to help remove roadblocks and that they can come talk to me anytime. I invest in their development because I want them to be successful, whether it’s at 7-Eleven or another organisation. My goal is to provide an exceptional life experience for my employees. And if I do that, they will provide exemplary service to our stakeholders.

How do you inspire your team and the fraternity at large? What difference are you making to society?

At 7-Eleven Global Solution Center, our shared purpose is to Make Lives Better— for our team members, stakeholders, and the community we serve. Our employees who embody our Values and Leadership Principles are recognised, and we celebrate various occasions, including team successes, birthdays, work anniversaries, and holidays. Additionally, we take joy in inventing our own festivities, such as Mango Mania, Bring Your Parents to Work Day, and Employee Experience Day, fostering a vibrant and engaged work environment. Through our CSR activities, we actively participate in various social causes through a dedicated committee that identifies opportunities to make a positive impact in Bengaluru. For example, in December, we partnered with United Way to plant 400 trees at a local school, contributing to environmental sustainability. In June, we donated 200 backpacks, desks/benches for three classrooms, a computer, and a printer to a deserving local government college, empowering education and providing access to resources for students.