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Why the First Female President of H-E-B Proves Patience Wins Power

Roxanne Orsak - the first female president of H-E-B
Roxanne Orsak - the first female president of H-E-B

Introduction When Roxanne Orsak was announced as the first female president of H-E-B, one of the largest and most beloved grocery chains in America, it wasn’t a moment of luck. It was the result of decades of relentless grit, climbing from the ground level of store operations through procurement, merchandising, and leadership. Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about shortcuts — it’s about patience, mastery, and persistence.


The Problem Too many leaders expect instant recognition. They underestimate how much time and resilience it takes to build credibility inside a legacy institution. True leadership is earned over years of consistent performance, not handed out overnight.


The Lioness Journey for the First Female President of HEB

Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, H-E-B has been a cornerstone of the community since 1905. With more than 400 stores across Texas and Mexico, it’s a company that doesn’t take leadership transitions lightly.


Roxanne joined H-E-B in 1988 as a store management trainee. Over the years, she took on roles across nearly every corner of the business — store operations, merchandising, procurement, and even format innovation. She played a key role in launching H-E-B Plus! in 2004 and Joe V’s Smart Shop in 2010, proving her ability to innovate for very different markets. By 2022, she rose to Chief Operating Officer, and now, in January 2026, she will take the reins as President — breaking a 119-year precedent to become the company’s first woman leader.


What sets Roxanne apart isn’t just her title. It’s her steady, grounded leadership rooted in integrity, community, and a culture of partnership. She is proof that Lionesses don’t just climb ladders — they build legacies.


Five Lioness Ideals


  1. Patience as Power — Stay the course, even when recognition feels far away.

  2. Master the Game — Learn every angle of your business, as Roxanne did across H-E-B.

  3. Own the Firsts — Breaking barriers transforms culture for generations to come.

  4. Lead with Relentless Consistency — Show up and deliver every single time.

  5. Build Legacy, Not Just Leadership — Open doors wider for those who follow.


Five Action Items


  1. Audit your role — what part of your business haven’t you mastered yet?

  2. Create a 3-year growth plan for yourself inside your organization.

  3. Mentor someone behind you — leadership means lifting others.

  4. Define your own “first” — what barrier are you here to break?

  5. Commit to one bold, uncomfortable move this quarter.


Conclusion Roxanne Orsak’s rise is proof that a Lioness doesn’t wait for authority — she builds it. Her story reminds us to keep charging forward, to put in the work across every arena, and to hold the door wide open for the next woman ready to roar.

Books by Rose Odette




📚 Resources & Authority Links

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