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Are you trapped in execution instead of leading? Christina Lang (VP of Global Marketing) reveals how to escape "The Doer’s Trap" to become the strategic architect your organization actually needs. In this episode, we break down the Unconventional Playbook for navigating the most complex role in the C-suite, winning the war of internal influence, and why the most successful leaders master the Confidence Game.

In an era where foot traffic is down and macroeconomic pressures are mounting, restaurant brands can no longer rely on "better ingredients" alone to win. Jennifer Kern, CMO at Qu, joins Caleb Clark to pull back the curtain on why the modern CMO must bridge the gap between marketing, operations, and technology. From reducing tech debt to leveraging edge computing for "always-on" stability, this episode is a masterclass in building a unified commerce foundation that drives bottom-line profitability

Jessica Pellow breaks down the strategic shift required to enter new markets, the criticality of an ego-free leadership team, and the personal philosophy that forced her to step into the high-stakes world of P&L management to accelerate her career.

CMOS AND EXECUTIVES: PAY ATTENTION. 🚨 Evan Jones, Global CMO of a world-famous brand, is revealing the secret to transformation: STOP treating marketing as a "just a marketing thing". Transformation requires 100% buy-in. Are you willing to give up 10, 15, or 20% of your perfect idea to get the whole company behind you?

Jake Karls, Co-Founder and Chief Rainmaker of Mid-Day Squares, reveals the playbook behind scaling a CPG brand from a family kitchen to 10,000 stores across North America. The secret isn't massive ad spend; it's being "unapologetically authentic" and turning consumers into "sneezers" (powerful brand evangelists).

Avery Akinini, CMO of VaynerMedia, reveals the playbook behind the agency's massive scale and evolution. Avery shares the mantra: "9.8 times out of 10, we will figure it out," emphasizing that you must stretch yourself to unlock big opportunities. Learn the "clouds and the dirt" operational strategy, the necessity of rapidly pivoting your teams (from Web3 to AI) , and the essential skill needed to get the CFO's buy-in. Avery also discusses her personal evolution from a perfectionist to an inspirational leader of 200+ people.

In a market dominated by massive competitors, how does an iconic 60-year-old Canadian brand like Boston Pizza not only survive but achieve its best sales growth in over a decade? James emphazises that programs fail when they can't be operationalized at the restaurant level. He details his leadership philosophy built on truth and trust , explaining why this foundation is non-negotiable for mobilizing teams and 99.9% franchise-owned restaurants.

As a multi-unit franchisee himself (operating 11 stores in addition to the 11 corporate stores), Peter enjoys a unique instant feedback loop that informs every decision. Learn how he balances the fiduciary responsibility to the ad fund against the challenge of clarifying "what works" in different co-ops and markets. Peter’s ultimate lesson: The difference between winning brands and those that fail is the courage to pivot and refuse to "stick your head in the sand" in the face of change

How do you tackle a marketing function that needs fixing and building from the ground up? Carolyn believes that problems are simply opportunities. She was called to her current role because it offered a unique scenario to leverage her extensive leadership history and apply it where things needed to be created or fixed.

Get a masterclass in brand building, leadership, and restaurant marketing strategy from Newton Hoang. Watch the break down on how the revolving sushi brand successfully scales in the ultra-competitive U.S. market by over-indexing on a unique customer experience.

Scaling multi-location restaurant marketing is no easy feat. Ashley Mitchell dives into the real strategies that drive success across national and local levels—balancing brand consistency with personalized customer experiences. From building trust with franchisees to innovating loyalty programs, she shares how to lead marketing teams while staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry.

Learn how to thrive under constraints, build strong customer loyalty, and integrate hospitality into marketing. Discover the journey from operations to marketing leadership, and how a New York-based coffee brand navigates challenges to deliver an exceptional customer experience.

From menu management across fragmented systems to driving AI-powered voice solutions in drive-thrus, Kevin reveals how modern marketing intersects with product, ops, and AI to drive business results.

With her extensive background in sports marketing, Liza shares how she transitioned from the sports world to leading marketing efforts for Impact Kitchen, a brand that not only caters to the wellness needs of its customers but also expands with a strong commitment to quality food. She talks about how Impact Kitchen differentiates itself in the restaurant industry through its focus on premium, health-conscious food, its approach to community engagement, and its ambitious plans for international expansion—particularly into New York.

Madelaine Brewer shares her unique journey from a business student passionate about food to a marketing leader driving growth across Mezza’s expanding footprint from Manhattan to Charlotte, NC. She dives into the challenges of balancing first-party and third-party sales channels in the fast casual dining industry, the importance of strong team leadership, and how digital marketing and loyalty programs play a vital role in their strategy.