charlotte Langley
Co-Founder of Langley Foods
Carpe Diem Men Interview Series
Toronto Business Success Stories
About Me
What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry?
Growing up in Prince Edward Island, I was immersed in a deep appreciation for the natural world and the value of sustainable food systems. This foundation inspired my journey as a chef and entrepreneur. I recognized a gap in the market for ethical, high-quality, and flavorful food products that truly honor their origins. Langley Foods is the culmination of this passion—bridging culinary creativity with sustainability to create brands that not only taste good but do good.
How did you overcome the biggest challenge you faced in building your business/advancing your career?
One of the greatest challenges was navigating the complexity of scaling a business while staying true to core values. For Langley Foods, balancing sustainability with profitability required innovative problem-solving and strategic partnerships. By surrounding myself with trusted collaborators who shared my vision and expertise, I was able to build a framework that prioritizes both ethical practices and growth. Listening, learning, and adapting have been crucial to overcoming obstacles.
What is one key factor behind your company’s success?
The key to Langley Foods' success lies in our authenticity. Every decision, from sourcing to branding, is rooted in integrity. Consumers today crave transparency and meaningful connections to the products they buy, and Langley Foods delivers that by ensuring every brand we develop is sustainable, innovative, and delicious. Our commitment to collaboration and building community around food amplifies our impact and drives loyalty.
How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?
I’m driven by the belief that food can be a force for change—environmentally, socially, and culturally. Seeing the positive impact of our products on consumers and communities is incredibly motivating. Additionally, setting clear, measurable goals and celebrating small wins keeps me focused. Surrounding myself with a team that shares the same passion and drive is a constant source of energy and inspiration.
What advice would you give to young professionals starting out in their careers or entrepreneurial endeavors?
Stay curious and adaptable. The path to success is rarely linear, and being open to learning from others—whether peers, mentors, or customers—can make all the difference. Prioritize authenticity and align your work with your values; passion and purpose will fuel you through challenges. Lastly, don’t be afraid to take risks, but always be prepared to learn from every experience.
“Our economy is the source of our climate problems, so it makes far more sense to be focused on corporate climate action rather than individual climate action. ”
How do you handle setbacks or failures in business?
Setbacks are inevitable, but they’re also opportunities to grow. At Langley Foods, we approach failures with curiosity and a problem-solving mindset. By analyzing what went wrong and why, we uncover valuable lessons that shape our future decisions. I’ve learned to view challenges as stepping stones rather than roadblocks, and I encourage my team to do the same.
What do you think makes a great leader?
A great leader is someone who inspires trust and empowers their team. For me, leadership is about active listening, clear communication, and creating an environment where people feel valued and supported. Leading with integrity and a shared sense of purpose helps align everyone toward common goals. Additionally, a great leader isn’t afraid to be vulnerable or admit mistakes—it builds authenticity and resilience.
How do you maintain a work-life balance while leading a company or team?
Balance is a constant pursuit, not a fixed state. I prioritize self-care and ensure I carve out time for activities that recharge me, whether it’s cooking for joy, spending time outdoors, or connecting with loved ones. Delegation and trusting my team are also key. Creating a strong support system at work and at home allows me to lead effectively without sacrificing personal well-being.
The food industry has undergone a remarkable transformation since I began, with growing emphasis on sustainability, transparency, and health-consciousness. Consumers now demand more from brands—not just quality and flavor, but ethical accountability, socio-economic growth, and fair trade practices. This shift has called for a holistic approach to food production that not only prioritizes environmental stewardship but also uplifts communities and ensures equity throughout the supply chain.
At Langley Foods, we’ve adapted by embracing regenerative practices, fostering partnerships with local producers, and committing to fair trade principles that ensure every stakeholder benefits equitably. Supporting socio-economic growth has been a cornerstone of our mission; we work to create opportunities for small-scale producers and advocate for practices that build resilient local economies. By aligning our values with consumer expectations and continually innovating, Langley Foods creates brands that are not only transparent and delicious but also catalysts for positive change in the industry.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
“Build relationships, not transactions.” This advice has shaped how I approach business and life. True success comes from meaningful collaborations and trust. It’s not just about the products we create but the connections we foster—with our partners, our customers, and our communities. By focusing on relationships, we’ve built a foundation for lasting impact and growth.
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