It starts with you: Cindy’s leadership through Even Better 3

In 2024, we made a significant investment towards strengthening our organization’s culture and inclusion with the Even Better 3 (EB3) workshop. Over the past year, EB3 has reached over 80,000 colleagues and employees across the country, from Management Board to front-line staff, and introduced the concept of "Be an Ally" in addition to our existing b3 concepts. The goal? To foster empathy, understanding, and a more inclusive workplace. 

Sylvia Henriques, Manager, Culture and Inclusion, is on the team that oversaw the rollout of EB3. She collaborated with colleagues in store support and stores to organize the facilitation of these sessions. "The EB3 rollout was HUGE for our organization," explains Sylvia. "When we started, we weren’t sure how it was going to go. We had to figure out how to roll this out to thousands of people without disrupting operations."  

The program has been successfully rolled out to teams across all corporate store banners, franchise locations, Shoppers Drug Mart, Distribution Centers, and store support.

The EB3 workshop was a massive undertaking and needed dedicated individuals to bring it to life. At the Real Canadian Superstore in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Assistant Store Manager Cindy Danchuk is one of those key individuals, working as a facilitator to make EB3 a reality for colleagues in her store.  

Cindy was thrilled to be a part of this program. "Colleagues felt so excited and inspired; they always stuck around after the sessions to talk about what they learned, which really showed me how enthusiastic they were" she recalls. 

The EB3 workshops aim to create a safe space for open dialogue and learning. Cindy emphasizes the importance of curiosity and empathy in achieving this. "It’s so important to be curious and understand that people around you may have things happening in their personal lives” she says. "One of our colleagues, whose pronouns are they/them, was excited to share their identity in front of everyone; it was heartwarming to see. We created a safe environment where people show empathy and really trust each other.” 

Cindy also witnessed personal growth in one of her fellow facilitators. "Being a newer supervisor, I saw her transform in these workshops. She didn’t just get stronger in the sessions, she also got stronger in her role as a coach. It was wonderful to watch her blossom and build her confidence while supporting others.” This highlights the program's positive impact not just on participants, but also on those leading the sessions. 

The impact of EB3 extends beyond the workshops themselves, creating a ripple effect of positive change throughout the store. "I have definitely noticed a change in how colleagues act – I see other people open up more; I see longer term colleagues helping others in different departments. I see them demonstrate more empathy and respect.” 

Cindy's 33-year (and counting!) journey with Loblaw gives her a unique perspective on the company's evolution. "I’ve seen a wonderful shift in our culture over the years. It’s great to see each generation continue to evolve and become more empathetic and accepting of all individuals.” she says. Cindy is a true believer that in order to make a difference, you have to take action. Outside of work, she dedicates a lot of her time to volunteer organizations and helping her community.  

"I very much agree with the concept of b3 – specifically it starting with ‘better me’. I believe it starts with you – as a human.”