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S2 E1 - Risk, Potential, and a Classic Chicken Sandwich
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Start-up CEO Mitch Santala talks to Elizabeth Dixon, the Principle Lead of Strategy, Hospitality, and Service Design at Chick-fil-A about her entrepreneurial background and the leadership principles that guide both her career and her personal life.
Gil Moegerle starts Season Two off with a recap of Season One, where financial executive Brett explained the power of “No,” followed by PR practitioner, Jamie, reminding us that, “If your company sucks, PR is not your problem.” We’re also reminded of Kimberly Thompson who loudly proclaimed her desire to bathe in the white queso dip of her very favorite boujie Mexican food restaurant.
Mitch Santala then introduced the audience to entrepreneur and leader, Elizabeth Dixon, diving right into asking her how she defines an entrepreneur. Elizabeth’s thoughtful answer includes a quote from Henry David Thoreau and the importance of working toward something bigger than yourself. She makes a point to mention that we should always add value to others.
Mitch follows up by asking Elizabeth about the first time she realized she was an entrepreneur and Elizabeth gives a great story from her freshman year in college. Billy Blanks’ Tae Bo, some hazardous conditions, and a non-existent wrestling team are all that it took to get her first small business off the ground.
Mitch expands on Elizabeth’s experience by commenting on how she took the initiative to get the project started. She had an idea, she solved the problem…then she asked for help. Elizabeth continues the conversation about taking one step at a time, citing the story of how Netflix was born from a bad experience with late fees.
The topic shifts to branding when Mitch asks Elizabeth about raising kids to create their own brand. Elizabeth quips that kids are sponges and that we shouldn’t be afraid to talk about entrepreneurial concepts with them while they are young. She says that being your own brand is your authenticity and talks about paycheck vs purpose.
Mitch also brings up best practices in innovation and customer loyalty and Elizabeth proudly notes that innovation is decentralized at Chick-Fil-A. She explains that customer expectations are always evolving and likens the lack of innovation in business to the Sports Illustrated effect for athletes. Mitch agrees that hubris should not get in the way, because that’s where innovation dies.
The two discuss the difference between side hustles and side hassles and the struggle that comes with being an entrepreneur – they’re always building or creating something. If you don’t give them something to do…watch out. Mitch and Elizabeth also agree on maintaining the health of your priorities before you start down an additional path.
Anyone who loves Chick-Fil-A, will get a kick out of the “My Pleasure” origin story that Elizabeth shares and, taking inspiration from Kanye West, Elizabeth describes the restaurant’s Number One with a lemonade and the unique, chaste relationship the pickles have.
Finally, Mitch asks our signature question: Where are we going for Mexican food and what are we having. Elizabeth doesn’t hesitate to answer Taqueria del Sol, local Atlanta chain. They have a simple menu of six types of tacos, enchiladas, and sides and Elizabeth orders the pulled pork Carnitas. Mitch says he’ll try one of those, too, with an additional carne asada for the heck of it.
In true Chick-fil-A form, Mitch thanks Elizabeth for being on the show and she responds with, “My pleasure.”
Links:
Chick-Fil-A https://www.chick-fil-a.com/
The Infinite Game by Simon Cynic https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079DWSYYB/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
How the Mighty Fall by Jim Collins https://www.amazon.com/How-Mighty-Fall-Companies-Never-ebook/dp/B0058DRTYY/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=how+the+mighty+fall&qid=1614785306&s=digital-text&sr=1-1
Taqueria del Sol http://www.taqueriadelsol.com/
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