The Frontline Industry Podcast

This is Part 2 of last episode, where Joel talks with Ryan Bond, CPO at Thrive Restaurant Group. In this powerful culmination, Ryan discusses helping Thrive employees flourish both at home and at work, the number one thing frontline associates need, how Thrive recognizes employees differently, his powerful message for struggling leaders, his passion for addressing mental health challenges, and muc...

In this extremely authentic and raw episode, Joel talks with Ryan Bond, Chief People Officer at Thrive Restaurant Group, a company with 103 restaurants and over 5000 team members. Ryan discusses the failure of the traditional Human Resources model and the fundamental distrust that too many companies have in their people, how experiences shape our beliefs, the practical ways Thrive cares for their...

On this incredible episode, Joel speaks with John Alexander, Executive Director of Creative Arts at Eagle Brook Church, one of the largest churches in the country. John shares his perspective on vision casting, stories, and building relationships, he expounds on the one make-or-break meeting his teams do every single weekend, how he tackles the challenge of the omnichannel church experience (inclu...

Joel sits down with Deb Coviello, who helps C-Suite leaders take control of their careers, guiding them to navigate challenges with confidence. Deb discusses her passion for elevating leaders and unleashing their potential, the common challenges that leaders struggle with, harnessing the latent potential of frontline employees, the ignorance of calling them “low skilled” workers, why executives ne...

In this special episode, we look back at the top insights and wisdom shared over the last 16 episodes. The guests and content have been amazing, but you might not have time to listen to every single episode, OR, you have listened but it’s admittedly easy to forget the best parts and takeaways that you loved. So strap in, grab a latte, and let’s highlight my "best of the best." 

On this fast-paced episode, Joel talks to Tope Sadiku, Global Head of Digital Employee Experience for Kraft Heinz, the company that absolutely fills your pantry from top to bottom. Tope describes herself as being a corporate doctor and discusses what that means for her and Kraft Heinz, why work-life balance doesn’t really exist, her passion to solve big problems and have big impact, and her sage a...

Joel unpacks a variety of topics with JJ Cutler, Partner at Heidrick and Struggles, the massive international executive search firm. As an expert in frontline leadership and executive search, J.J. talks about viewing training as an R&D function, an analysis of the role (but also problem) of bias in our decisions, how to understand and navigate the generational differences in the workforce, and...

On this delightful episode, Joel is joined by Stephanie Stuckey, the incredibly charming CEO of Stuckey Corporation, the roadside oasis since 1937 and home of the original pecan log roll. Stephanie discusses the Gary V secret that makes her go viral on Linkedin, how she looks at the future of work, and her "big hairy audacious goal" to get the pecan into its rightful spot in the snack is...

Tom Burns, VP of Training and Development at Conn’s HomePlus, a retail company with over 4000 employees and over 150 locations joins Joel this week. Tom discusses Conn’s unique approach to retail, the importance of what Tom calls “Power Mentors”, how necessary it is to be a leader who truly cares, and much more.

This week Joel is joined by Adam Kroener, Co-founder of Carbliss , maker of hand crafted premium cocktails with none of the bad stuff!  Adam discusses the Carbliss origin story, the importance of asking good questions, the impact of Dale Carnegie on his life, and so much more! Check it out now. 

Joel continues a powerful discussion with Greg Creed, Former CEO of Yum! Brands, including companies we all know and love like KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill. Greg discusses what he calls an “obsession metric” and how it transformed his operations, the key to becoming focused as a leader, how he’s a believer in clarity over being right, and so much more!

On this two-part episode, Joel talks to Greg Creed, Former CEO of Yum! Brands, a monster company with brands including KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill. Greg covers topics like how Yum! Brands use a performance rating and culture rating to measure executive effectiveness, seeing culture through the lens of creating family, and how to go from living the culture to leading the c...

On this episode, Joel talks to Ken Kozielski, VP of Customer Experience at Orlando Health, a not-for-profit healthcare organization founded more than 100 years ago and Florida’s #1 Health Care Employer. Ken describes the two key elements in unlocking trust, the INCREDIBLE story of a housekeeper giving hope and care, saving the life of a patient with Covid, how fun at work makes us human, and much...

On this longer, thought-provoking episode, Joel talks to Kevin Henry, EVP and CHRO of Extended Stay America. Kevin discusses the decisions that led to their ability to THRIVE amidst the pandemic, putting the power of recognition & appreciation in the hands of frontline associates, the key to creating intimacy with your employees, and much more. Check it out now!

On this week's episode of the Frontline Industry Podcast Joel welcomes Andy Shirk, President and 3rd generation leader of BEER NUTS Brand Snacks. Andy talks about family legacy, the challenge of innovation, and so much more!

What's a leadership principle that can be applied at the C-Suite level down to the frontline workers? Andrew Main, former CEO of Aramark UK joins us this week and shares this leadership principle, talks about the technology gap within the industry, and so much more! 

What's a common trait many successful people have? Adam Povlitz, CEO and President of Anago,  joins Joel and shares what he believes it to be! He discusses the unique business model of Anago, making friends with frontline employees, and what he believes would make the world a little bit better, check it out now! 

Joining us is Cory Jensen, COO of Marianna Beauty, a leading developer and manufacturer of hair and beauty products for cosmetology schools, salons, retail, and brand owners. Cory discusses the value of getting frontline employees focused on winning and problem solving every day, reversing his 400% turnover, and the criticality of having great daily huddles with your frontline teams.

Join Joel as he chats with Bob Marshall, SVP of Sales at Brightview, the nation’s leading commercial landscape company. Bob discusses the value of being physically present on the frontlines with his employees 40 weeks a year, the essential skill of listening to remove barriers and build community, enabling peer recognition & learning for frontline associates, and his advice to the next generat...

Mike Hoseus, the author of the Toyota Culture and industry consultant, joins us for our second episode!  Mike works with organizations to develop and implement various transformation initiatives. In this episode, he joins Joel to discuss working for 1000 people at Toyota, emulating Toyota culture and leadership in frontline industries, how his Toyota plant maintained less than 3% annual turnover,...

Join us as Joel sits down with Ari Medoff, CEO of Arosa, to discuss his passion for creating a uniquely flat org structure, working on the frontlines as a CEO, creating a lasting impact on frontline employees, and so much more!

Welcome to The Frontline Industry Podcast! Join our host, Joel, as he shares what to expect coming up this season and a little about his background. He has an invitation waiting for you to join us on the journey of becoming better leaders, together!