Visitors to 7-Eleven might be surprised to encounter Marissa Jarratt, the brand’s executive VP and chief marketing officer, stocking the shelves or talking to customers. She visits the brand’s convenience stores at least once a month to stay close to what shoppers are looking for and how product is resonating in real time.

“In marketing, we can have the greatest creative idea but if it can’t be operationalized all the way down to the point of purchase in the stores with associates and franchisees, then we won’t be able to realize the full potential of the idea,” said Jarratt, a native Texan who joined the Dallas-based chain in 2019.

Fortunately for her, creative ideas such as last year’s “Take It to Eleven” campaign, which marked the brand’s return to TV, and a partnership with Philly girl band Froggy are panning out by growing the business.

Later this year, Jarratt and her team of 100 will tap into car culture by giving away a custom vehicle the chain built by crowdsourcing ideas from brand fans on Instagram.

“You’re seeing us now dig in and really explore for our customers what the brand relationship can be,” Jarratt said.

What advice would you give your younger self?  

I would urge her to adopt a long-term career growth mindset and take risks with roles she might not have considered, especially when there is an opportunity for growth and development.  Additionally, I’d stress the importance of figuring out “keystone habits” to help manage stress and build resilience. I’ve learned that my keystone habits are exercising in the morning, spending time outside on the weekends, and eating dinner with my family at least twice a week. 

What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken? 

I left a high-powered global role at a Fortune 100 company to build a marketing team at an unproven, smaller company. The opportunity forced me out of my comfort zone as I had to utilize my experience in a completely different world.   

If you weren’t doing your current job, what would you be doing and why?  

I enjoy working in fields where business and creativity intersect, which is why marketing is such a great fit for me. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I’d go to interior design school in London and start my own company. 

What should the industry do to encourage more women and people of color into its ranks? 

Actively mentoring and developing underrepresented populations—while also holding leadership accountable to diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) goals in areas like recruiting, retention and succession—not only brings more diversity to the leadership ranks but also helps fuel innovation and customer success. 

What is the biggest lesson you have taken away from the pandemic? 

I’m constantly amazed at how quickly consumer behavior can change, and just how resilient we are.  I’ve learned to be more flexible and forgiving (of myself and others), and to take each day one at a time.