We’ve all been watching the success of Chili’s lately - even during these crazy challenging times! Want to know Brinker President/CEO Kevin Hochman’s secret sauce? It’s pretty simple… literally!

“Ruthless simplification” is Kevin’s mantra that runs through all aspects of the business –

· Menu reduction (cutting the menu by 25% in the last 2 years)

· Training procedures (did they really need to be counting all the shrimp? - a great story)

· Communication (sharing the why’s of key decisions)

All while supporting each other and the guest… brilliant!

He shares countless back-to-basic stories that lead to a better Guest experience, and it all adds up to a business that’s on fire!

“How can we do this better?” This one simple, but powerful question sparks endless innovation.

Today’s podcast features the one and only, Lauren Fernandez, Founder & CEO of Full Course! As I’ve gotten to know Lauren over the last year or so, I realized that I had to get her on the podcast to share her incredible stories and unique insights into the restaurant industry!

You will learn that Full Course is more than an investment firm, they are category disruptors!

Here are some my favorite highlights:

Serving the Underserved: Lauren has a mission to break barriers and give entrepreneurs the shot they need and deserve. Her firm goes beyond just investing, they elevate brands with the support they need to succeed!

Reframing Risk: “Most lawyers” might be risk adverse. Not Lauren! Sure, her legal background gave her a strong foundation for understanding risk, but it’s her forward-thinking approach and willingness to try new things that has turned her into a category disruptor.

People-First Leadership: Lauren believes that the foundation of any thriving restaurant is its people. Her focus on investing in employee education and career development isn’t just about retention, it’s about building a better, more sustainable future for the industry.

Lauren’s perspective on innovation and leadership is exactly what the restaurant industry needs right now: fresh ideas and an overwhelming commitment to people.

Education is freedom! Take it from Jim Keyes, the former CEO of 7-Eleven & Blockbuster.

In this episode of Bring More Joy to the Table, Jim shares his incredible journey—from flipping burgers at McDonald's to leading Fortune 500 companies.

He has worked with LEGENDS from Nelson Mandela to Jimmy Donaldson (Mr. Beast) to advocate for the power of knowledge in overcoming fear and unlocking true freedom in life.

Here are some key takeaways from the episode:

1. Education Is Freedom: Through his foundation and his book, Jim’s mission to make education accessible is enabling the next generation to reach new heights.

2. Relentless Positivity: Just like I always say, joy is a choice. Despite early life adversity, Jim focused on staying relentlessly positive and even earned the nickname "smiley."

3. Change Equals Opportunity: Jim shares a perfect acronym that embodies what the role of a CEO should be. Rather than see change as a threat, see it as an opportunity.

This interview is a perfect parallel to my when joy is greater than fear thesis!

What if I told you that in today's fast-paced world, certainty is the real risk, not uncertainty?

For the latest episode of Bring More Joy to the Table, I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva, a global expert on reinvention and innovation. Nadya challenges the conventional wisdom about change, and explains why the companies, and people, who truly embrace uncertainty are the ones who thrive.

Here are just a few of the many takeaways from this episode:

1. Humans Are Built for Change: Forget the myth that we’re resistant to change. Dr. Nadya shares how babies learn and adapt without fear—and reminds us that we are born to be reinventors.

2. Reinvention is a Process, Not a Project: Reinvention is ongoing. Just like brushing your teeth, it has to be consistent and habitual—especially in a world where business cycles are rapidly shrinking!

3. Certainty Can Be a Killer: In a world full of disruptions, waiting for certainty before acting is actually a liability. Nadya shares how experimentation and agility are the keys to success in business and life.

Are you prepared to future-proof your business, consulting practice, and everyday life for the ever-accelerating pace of change?

Do you know which data, tools, and approaches will help you not just stay relevant but truly stand out?

Are you clear on what really matters to your clients today – and how to meet those needs?

In this episode, we also talk about Nadya’s FREE Easy Reinvention Lab. TBH – I attended this about a month ago, it was phenomenal! I highly recommend that you guys register for this!

The last lab of the year runs Oct 2nd-4th! Here’s what you’ll gain:

• Three 1-hour sessions, available live or via replay
• 3 incredible field-tested tools you can use right away to elevate your skills, unlock breakthrough success, and stay ahead of the curve
• Workbook to practice the tools - and get tangible results

And here’s the best part: exclusively for the ‘Bring More Joy to the Table’ community, the Lab Bonus Pass—packed with tons of valuable bonuses, including immediate access to the session on Personal Reinvention—is absolutely free! Click here to claim your free pass, or use the code JOY2024 at registration for a 100% discount.

After losing his first Olympic trial by just 33 hundredths of a second, Aquil Abdullah had a choice – quit or keep rowing. Not only did he keep rowing, but he also won gold at the Royal Henley shortly after! Then 4 years later, he became first African American male rower to row with Team USA in the Olympics! This episode is PACKED with incredible stories of resilience, service and generosity of spirit!

We're kicking off Season 3 with Trina Roffino, CEO of TMA and Founder of Project Unbroken. From raising horses to leading sports marketing campaigns to navigating through a devastating personal tragedy Trina's journey is a testament to passion, hard work, and the value of staying true to what grounds you. Get involved at projectunbroken.org!

Meredith Sandland, CEO of Empower Delivery. Meredith has truly mastered the trifecta: tech, logistics, and joy! She shares her unlikely journey to the restaurant industry, her passion for solving complex problems, her unique perspective towards technology and its role in the restaurant experience, and so much more. Restaurants have always been one of my favorite topics, and Meredith is of the top voices in the industry. Let's dig in.

Host Lisa W. Miller is joined by Emily Knight, President and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association. In this episode, you'll hear how Emily's early experiences, from mucking stables to excelling in sports, shaped her into the fearless advocate she is today, giving her the grit and love of teamwork to make a real difference.

Discover Emily's plans to continue fighting for the industry through key legislative initiatives. This conversation is a testament to the power of passion, integrity, and a relentless commitment to serving others, even in the face of adversity.