I’m the CEO of Torani, and we've never done layoffs. I believe they're a choice.

Torani CEO Melanie Dulbecco has been in the role for 35 years.

Torani Melanie Dulbecco has been CEO of the syrup company Torani for 35 years.

Dulbecco said layoffs are a choice, and that Torani's decision not to do them has helped with retention.

She said that the company is hiring fewer people than it would be if Torani didn't use automation.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Melanie Dulbecco, the CEO of syrup brand Torani.

She's based in San Leandro, California, where the company is headquartered.

This story has been edited for length and clarity.

I may sound different than most CEOs.

I grew up in a blue-collar neighborhood, and my parents divorced when I was really young.

When I was little, I saw my mom struggle so much, and I noticed that some kids around me didn't have the same opportunities.

I felt this sense of inequity, and that became a motivating and driving force for me.

I tried working in politics, then nonprofits, and eventually went into business.

I wanted to build an opportunity company.

When I met the family from Torani, they liked that idea.