Navigating Leadership and Innovation in the Restaurant Industry

In this engaging episode of The Late Night Restaurant Show, Jay sits down with Dr. Jeff Standridge, a renowned authority in leadership, innovation, and coaching. The episode dives into the nuanced differences between coaching and consulting while highlighting the critical role innovation plays in effective leadership. Dr. Standridge shares his inspiring journey from his roots in a small Arkansas town to becoming a global consultant and coach, offering listeners valuable lessons on personalized coaching strategies that cater to the unique needs of each client. A key highlight of the conversation is the introduction of the "GROWER model," a refined version of the traditional coaching framework that Standridge uses to help clients set goals, evaluate current situations, and craft actionable plans. This model underscores the importance of maintaining a balance between structured planning and the agility needed to adapt to new challenges and opportunities. The episode also addresses the complexities of driving innovation within organizations, particularly in sectors like food service and hospitality, where resistance to change can be strong. Dr. Standridge emphasizes that innovation is not just a leadership tool but a necessity for long-term success. Two powerful quotes from Dr. Jeff Standridge in this episode include: "Leadership and innovation are inseparable. If you're leading without innovating, you're not going to be leading for long." "Failure is only failure if you quit; otherwise, it's just feedback that we use to adapt our approach." This episode is packed with practical insights, making it an essential listen for anyone invested in leadership, innovation, and the future of the restaurant industry.