Charette is also responsible Fortune’s oyster program, and her dedication to the seafood industry has led to her acceptance as the National Fisheries Institute Future Leader member.
IntraFish: How did you begin working in the seafood industry?
Danielle Charette: I was raised with an interest in food and it was a natural step after spending time in a gourmet foods environment. I grabbed an opportunity in Chicago and started right out of college.
IF: What attracted you about the seafood industry?
DC: The fast paced environment. Everything is constantly changing and it’s a challenge every day, you never get bored!
IF: What obstacles have you faced in your career a man might not have encountered?
DC: Honestly, I have always felt it’s been an advantage to be a woman in this industry. When I started there were so few.
Of course there are always instances where you have to prove yourself, but that’s true for everyone.
IF: Would you encourage other women to seek a career in this industry? Why?
DC: Absolutely! Multitaskers excel in this industry. I think women tend to be good at doing several things at once and that’s definitely an advantage.
IF: What advice would you give aspiring female seafood executives?
DC: That’s a difficult question as the seafood industry can be so different depending on which part you are involved in. I think confidence and drive is very important as well as getting involved in the industry associations.
I was lucky enough to be in NFI’s Future Leaders program. In this program you get to meet people from all over the country across many different areas of the industry. It was incredibly interesting and builds long-term relationships.
IF: What are the biggest challenges facing female seafood executives in the industry?
DC: Balancing family and work can be a bit of a challenge. The work never ends so unless you can be organized enough to step away for the evening it follows you home.
IF: How can the industry recruit more women into the sector?
DC: I think it’s far off the radar for most people. And it’s a small industry with lots of family businesses, so it’s not going to be easy.
I think the seafood industry is going to play a major role in the future of eating healthier in the United States. The demand is going to grow and maybe that will help turn some heads our way.
IF: Why are there so few women in executive roles in seafood?
DC: I think a lot of seafood companies grew out of guys who fished for a living. They became the experts. Also, it’s not very glamorous. It can be dirty and sometimes smelly and not so appealing.
IF: If there were one thing you could change about the industry to make it a better place for women workers, what would it be?
DC: I think the more flexibility the better. Anything that allows for someone to be able to bend the job a little to accommodate for being a parent I think goes a long way.
IF: What was the dumbest advice a man in the seafood industry has ever given you?
DC: Luckily I never asked and they never offered.
