A Testament to Curiosity, Courage, and Leadership

- A Testament to Curiosity, Courage, and People-Centered Leadership Sandie T., VP, Human Resources, Corporate Functions Sandie’s HR journey spans industries and leadership roles, shaped by curiosity, courage, and a commitment to servant leadership. Her diverse experience fuels how she connects people to purpose and leads with empathy. We sat down with Sandie to learn more about her unique career journey, the lessons that shaped her leadership style, and her advice for navigating change. Here’s what she shared:​​​​​​​ Can you share a brief overview of your career path? My career path has been anything but linear, and that’s what makes it exciting. I’ve had the good fortune to work across a variety of industries, company types, and locations—global, national, and regional. Along the way, I’ve held roles in multiple Centers of Excellence (COEs) and as an HR Business Partner, with my two most recent positions supporting executive leadership teams in both public and private organizations. These experiences have given me a diverse toolkit for problem solving. I wouldn’t claim there’s no problem I can’t solve, but the breadth of exposure has certainly helped me approach challenges with confidence and creativity. How did your role in the business help you be more successful in HR? One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that working in the business, not just HR, helps connect the dots. It’s not about creating programs for the sake of programs; it’s about designing initiatives that make the business run more efficiently. When you understand the day-to-day challenges managers face, you create solutions that truly matter. Working closer to the consumer also changes your perspective. You see firsthand how behaviors and engagement impact outcomes. And being embedded in the business gives you access to leaders, which is critical when thinking about talent development and mobility. You gain insight into the people who make the organization work. How did you decide when it was the right time to move or try something new in your career? Trying something new can be intimidating. Career shifts require courage and thoughtfulness. I’m incredibly thankful for the leaders who guided me through transitions, helping me identify strengths, areas for growth, and encouraging my natural curiosity. That curiosity, combined with a pay-it-forward mindset, has shaped my career. When I felt I had mastered a role, I raised my hand for new challenges. For example, I started at CVS Health as a supply chain logistics HR Business Partner leader. Today, I not only support supply chain from an HR perspective but also partner across corporate functions at the enterprise level. What key leadership lessons have shaped your approach, and how do you apply them to your role? There are so many leadership lessons I’ve experienced and witnessed over the years, but a few truly stand out. One that resonates deeply with me is the servant leadership approach, leading with humility and empathy. I’ve seen leaders model this across the organization, and it doesn’t matter whether it’s in a large facility or within a small, nimble project team. The ability to listen well, show empathy, and know how to prioritize is incredibly important. What really stays with me are those moments when a leader takes the time to pull a colleague aside and have the right conversation, whether it’s to inspire them to do better or to provide coaching in the moment. Those interactions matter. They show that leadership is about serving others, especially the colleagues who work so hard to support our consumers, whether in a pharmacy, a store, or a distribution center. Taking the time to say thank you, to lift someone up, to invest in their development, that’s what true leadership looks like. Those examples have shaped how I want to lead. I strive to emulate those leaders, not only by modeling kindness, respect, and a commitment to developing talent, but by doing it in a way that feels authentic to me and benefits the teams I serve. If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go? When I’m not focused on HR strategy, you’ll likely find me on a beach vacation with my family. Anywhere with water, sunshine, and 80-degree weather is our happy place. Every member of #TeamCVS contributes to a greater sense of purpose. If you're looking for a workplace that values patient care, embraces mentorship, and champions your professional development, then CVS Health may be the right place for you. You Also Might Like Blog category: Corporate From Cashier to HR Operations Leader Dana’s path, from cashier to discovering her passion in HR, shows the power of staying open and curious. Blog category: Corporate How Keli builds homes and hope Homelessness is a crisis that impacts health. 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