Christo Demetriades, Managing Partner at Conscious Capital Growth

“As a franchisor, you’re entrusting your franchisees to continue the growth of your brand, and putting the essence of the brand in their hands.”A proven entrepreneur, visionary and leader, Christo Demetriades has spent 3 decades as a CEO, CFO, and COO for franchising, restaurant, entertainment, and self-care brands. His superpower: Building and nurturing strong, loyal management teams that drive both culture and goal achievement. He’s also no slouch as a dealmaker — among his exits was selling a fitness venture to Sir Richard Branson’ Virgin Active. Today he (along with Episode 20 guest Heather Elrod) invests in and counsels ‘zors, helping them accelerate the growth of their brands while avoiding the landmines. Listen as Christo discusses with Ab and Vini the ways that ‘zees and ‘zors can seize opportunity — if they’re in sync with the pace of change in their market. How to anticipate the “curveballs” that can disrupt (and sometimes derail) a business. The combined threat and opportunity of technology for food businesses. His four bits of advice to young potential ‘zees. And the only two things better than starting and growing your own business!Listen to the archive episode with star Heather Elrod.