Discover insights into marketing and leadership with Christina Clarke, Chief Marketing Officer at BAMarketing Co. The conversation centers around the concept of the impostor phenomenon and its impact on women in leadership, especially in the food service industry. Christina shares her journey from operations at Taco Bell to high-level marketing roles, emphasizing the importance of identifying and nurturing potential in employees. The discussion also covers the essential balance between brand purity and general management in marketing, highlighting strategies for creating impactful and culturally integrated marketing campaigns.
Explore the transformative power of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) within the hospitality industry. In this episode, Pamela Williams, Senior Director of Training at Krystal Restaurants, and Marshell Richards, Director of Franchise Field Operations at Zaxby's, discuss the importance of authentic leadership, the benefits of diverse perspectives, and the role of inclusive practices in creating a thriving workplace culture. Learn about actionable strategies and initiatives that have successfully fostered more equitable and inclusive environments, driving both employee satisfaction and business success.
Learn from Nichole Robillard, Chief Marketing Officer of Smokey Bones, as she shares her strategies for capitalizing on marketing opportunities in the hospitality industry. Nichole discusses her transition from an agency background to leading marketing for Smokey Bones, emphasizing the importance of local engagement, creative partnerships, and testing new ideas. She provides insights into successful campaigns like the Robert Irvine collaboration and a unique event with Red Bull, highlighting the impact of these initiatives on brand visibility and sales. Nichole also underscores the significance of internal collaboration and delivering consistent, high-quality customer experiences.
Dive into the dynamic marketing strategies that have propelled Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe to success. Julie Wade, Head of Marketing, shares insights on leveraging innovative promotions, adapting to consumer trends, and the significance of exceptional customer service. Discover how Taziki's balances tradition with modern culinary demands, the impact of third-party delivery on brand perception, and the unique in-store experience designed to foster customer loyalty and engagement.
Brandy Blackwell, VP of Marketing at Another Broken Egg Cafe, discusses her career journey, highlighting key experiences from her roles at Tijuana Flats, Focus Brands, and Duncan. She emphasizes the importance of cross-functional collaboration, seizing marketing opportunities, and understanding customer needs. Brandy shares insights on successful campaigns, the impact of digital transformation, and strategies for balancing work-life dynamics. She also talks about fostering a supportive workplace culture and the significance of mentorship in advancing women's leadership in the industry.
In this enlightening episode, Lauren Selman and Cristal Ghitman dive into the critical issues surrounding leadership within the hospitality industry. They discuss the structural biases that persist, the impact of microaggressions, and the importance of authentic initiatives for promoting diversity and inclusion. The conversation also highlights successful strategies and programs that support professionals in hospitality, the role of male allies, and the positive changes seen from deliberate efforts to elevate diverse voices to executive roles. Join us as we explore how the industry can continue to evolve and support inclusive leadership.
In this enlightening podcast episode, Lauren Fernandez, CEO and Founder of Full Course, delves into the transformative strategies reshaping the restaurant industry. With a rich background as an attorney specializing in product commercialization and a seasoned restaurant operator, Lauren offers a unique perspective on nurturing early-stage restaurant brands. She discusses the significant challenges these brands face, such as securing capital and making strategic growth decisions, and highlights the educational gaps in the industry. Lauren's approach through Full Course—not only as an incubator and investor but also as an educator—aims to empower a diverse new generation of restaurant leaders by fostering an inclusive environment that prioritizes comprehensive training and equitable opportunities.
Join us as Farrah Scott, the CEO of Trapper's Sushi, shares her inspiring journey from starting as a server to ascending to the CEO role within 11.5 years. Her story highlights the transformative power of hard work, dedication, and seizing opportunities within the hospitality industry. Farrah discusses the significance of internal talent development, emphasizing Trapper's Sushi's commitment to nurturing leaders through their innovative Wingfield program. This initiative has successfully promoted over 30 employees from hourly positions to management roles, demonstrating the company's investment in employee growth and engagement. Through her leadership, Farrah champions the idea that hospitality careers offer profound opportunities for personal and professional development, challenging the perception of industry limitations and showcasing the potential for remarkable career trajectories.
In this insightful discussion, Kara Ramirez, Vice President of Operations at Diversified Restaurant Group, delves into the evolving landscape of the fast casual dining sector. She highlights the importance of valuing customers' time and the industry's shift towards quick, efficient service models. Ramirez discusses the challenges and strategies for managing a successful restaurant in today's economy, emphasizing innovation and adaptation to consumer demands. She also addresses the critical role of culture within restaurant management, advocating for empowering leadership that nurtures talent and promotes growth. Join us as we explore the dynamics of the fast casual industry and the keys to thriving in a rapidly changing market.
In this enlightening episode, Lisa Lombardo, President of ARK Holdings Group, unveils the strategic journey and cultural ethos behind the rapid growth and success of ARK Hospitality and ARK Development. Lombardo delves into how intentional culture, defined values, and genuine engagement have propelled ARK from a regional concept to a national presence, managing over 5,000 rooms in just under a year. She emphasizes the transformative power of aligning team members' capacity with their passion, ensuring that every individual feels invested in and proud of their work. Lombardo shares insights into ARK's unique approach to scaling without sacrificing culture, highlighting the importance of defining, programming, and measuring shared beliefs across the organization. Through practical examples and personal anecdotes, Lombardo demonstrates how ARK is redefining relationships, reputation, and returns in the hospitality industry, one meaningful interaction at a time.
In this engaging episode, Dr. Kelly Makino, Vice President of People & Culture at The Wurzak Hotel Group, delves into the nuanced interplay between leadership and organizational culture within the hospitality industry. With a rich background in counseling and a doctorate in leadership development, Dr. Makino emphasizes the critical role of emotional intelligence and relationship management in shaping effective leaders. She discusses practical strategies for fostering a positive workplace culture that aligns with company values and enhances employee satisfaction and retention. The conversation also explores how well-defined leadership behaviors directly influence operational success, providing a roadmap for other leaders aiming to bolster both employee morale and business outcomes.
Gain insights into the journey and strategies behind Ginger Flesher-Sonnier's success in the experiential hospitality industry. Ginger shares how she transitioned from a high school math teacher to the CEO of The Ginger Brands Hospitality Group, creating innovative experiences like escape rooms and ax-throwing bars. Learn about her intuitive approach to identifying market trends, the importance of designing Instagram-worthy spaces, and her focus on female-centric experiences. This episode covers her philosophy on customer-centric marketing, adapting to changing trends, and balancing operational demands with creative ventures.
Dive into the innovative concept of Dink & Dine Pickle Park, co-founded by Monica Challingsworth. This episode explores the rise of pickleball, the creation of inviting third spaces, and the unique loyalty strategies that go beyond discounts. Discover how Dink & Dine aims to offer a versatile, welcoming environment where guests can work, play, and socialize, and hear insights on fostering employee loyalty and building a community-centric brand. Monica shares her journey, the importance of conscious capitalism, and her passion for mentoring young female entrepreneurs.
Explore the critical aspects of employee experience, recruitment, and retention with Sarah Diehl, Founder and Principal of Empowered Hospitality. This episode delves into effective strategies for building a thriving workplace culture, the importance of structured hiring processes, and actionable steps to enhance employee engagement. Sarah shares insights on navigating the complexities of talent acquisition and the pivotal role of listening to employees to create an environment where both the business and its people can flourish.
Join us for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry with veteran journalist Nancy Luna. We explore the rise and impact of third-party delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats, examining both their benefits and challenges for restaurant operators. Nancy sheds light on the growing trend of dynamic pricing, discussing its potential effects on consumer behavior and restaurant profitability. This episode offers valuable insights into how the industry is adapting to new technological advancements and shifting consumer demands, highlighting innovative strategies for success in a rapidly changing market.
In this episode, Jill Chapman, Director of Corporate Partnerships at CORE (Children of Restaurant Employees), discusses the critical support systems needed in the hospitality industry. She highlights the importance of financial assistance during crises, the evolving relationship between staff and management post-COVID, and the pressing need for better childcare solutions for restaurant employees. Jill also shares insights on identifying and nurturing talent, ensuring a positive work culture, and the future initiatives CORE aims to implement to provide comprehensive support for hospitality workers.
Join us in this insightful episode as we delve into the dynamic world of the fast casual sector with Cherryh Cansler, VP of Events at Networld Media Group. Cherryh shares valuable perspectives on the evolution of fast casual dining, the importance of women in leadership roles, and strategies for achieving gender parity in the hospitality industry. Discover how women are making strides, the significance of advocating for oneself, and the impact of intentional inclusion in executive positions. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that highlights progress and future opportunities in the fast casual and hospitality landscape.
Explore the dynamic journey of Amy Hom, COO of Barcelona Wine Bar, as she shares her 30+ years of experience in the hospitality industry. Amy discusses the critical role of mentorship, the importance of confidence, and the evolving expectations of GMs in today's restaurant landscape. Learn how deliberate hiring and investing in training can transform restaurant operations and foster leadership. Amy also introduces the Gleam Network's initiatives to support emerging leaders, emphasizing the importance of nurturing talent to drive long-term success in the industry.
Anna Tauzin, the Head of Marketing for Big Chicken, shares her journey from journalism to leading marketing for a rapidly growing restaurant brand co-founded by Shaquille O'Neal. The discussion dives into the challenges and strategies of marketing in the hospitality industry, the importance of understanding consumer behavior, and the complexities of managing franchisee relationships. Anna also highlights the value of loyalty programs and the role of innovation in driving growth. Her unique background in B2B marketing and trade associations offers fresh perspectives on creating impactful marketing strategies.
Explore the dynamic world of global catering with Jenn Saunders-Haynes, Director of Global Catering at Subway. Discover how Jenn navigates the challenges and opportunities in the industry, emphasizing the importance of relationships, community, and leadership. Learn about her mission-driven approach to fostering diversity and inclusion, her involvement with the Miami-Dade Women's Chamber of Commerce, and her insights on the parallels between food and music. This episode provides valuable perspectives on creating meaningful connections and driving success in the hospitality industry.