Editor’s note: The following profile is from the 2025 Packer 25, our annual tribute to 25 leaders, innovators and agents of change across the fresh produce supply chain. (You can view all honorees here.) This feature has been edited for length and clarity.
Scott Dray — Senior director of global produce sourcing, Walmart
Scott Dray says it was an unexpected honor to be recognized in The Packer 25.
“I’m genuinely surprised and humbled to be recognized among my peers in the produce industry. It’s an unexpected honor, especially for someone who prefers to fly under the radar,” he says. “As I interact with people in our industry, I’m reminded of what a privilege it is to work alongside such dedicated and passionate individuals. I consider myself fortunate to be part of this team and to learn from your examples, knowledge and perspectives on a daily basis.
“I’m grateful for this recognition but even more thankful for the passion that thrives within the produce industry,” he continues. “This recognition is a testament to our team’s collective efforts and the support we’ve received throughout the years,” Dray says.
Can you describe a defining moment that shaped your leadership style?
On a shelf in front of my desk sits a tongue-in-cheek award given to me because of an early mistake in my career. No one was happy with the results of this failed gamble. However, I had communicated the opportunities and risks about this new product to my leadership, and they understood that giving me room to make choices was part of my development.
Consequently, there was no punishment outside that award, which I now use as a reminder of the lessons I learned. That failure produced more important successes later.
Learning to manage failure while fostering a healthy environment of thoughtful, experience-bolstered risk-taking is the ultimate goal of leadership and something I strive for daily. Pushing people to achieve comes with inherent, calculated risks. I want those around me to know that my own failures-built experience they can lean on and use as a resource. I hope they will view their own successes and failures similarly, using their valuable experience to support those around them.
Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self just starting in the industry?
Avoid wearing new shoes to a potato storage shed, and pace yourself when tasting cherries.
In all seriousness, I would tell myself to prioritize relationships. The connections you build with a team and within the industry are crucial for success. They are the most rewarding aspect of this job. You find your worth in collaborating to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. Push for necessary changes while remaining grounded in making the right call simply because it’s the right thing to do. Integrity is worth every price.
Fun question: If you had to compare your leadership style to a produce item, which one would it be and why?
Surprisingly, even after all these years in the industry, I’ve never been asked to compare myself to produce, but after careful consideration, I’d choose a potato. While not as flashy as some things, a potato is reliable in a crisis, ensuring people are fed. I have eyes everywhere — I try to see the big picture and quickly grasp important aspects of issues. I aim to be consistent and dependable while providing a lot of value with tasty options and variety. Even when things get “fried,” I like to think it just adds to the flavor, brings up the energy level and fun factor in the workplace.
