The Shifting People Podcast

Leadership in Hospitality: Jennifer Thomas on Rooted Connections & the Power of Five On the Shifting People Podcast, co-hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough interview Jennifer Thomas, founder of Rooted Connections and VP of Sales at John Anthony Wines, about her hospitality-to-wine-sales journey and why she built an online, self-paced leadership development platform for nontraditional schedules. Jennifer outlines the Rooted Leadership Program’s four modules—identifying your leadership style, charting your course through past resilience, tackling fears by reframing worst- vs. best-case outcomes, and the “Power of Five” framework for building a network of comfort-zone, intimidator, dream-job, outlier, and protege relationships. The conversation covers retention and onboarding in hospitality, leadership as a learnable skill at every level, the importance of community and asking better questions, and reflections on women’s emotional attachment to companies and balancing what organizations ask from employees versus what they give back. Jennifer’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferthomas0624/ Rooted Connections LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rooted-connections-consulting/ Rooted Connections website: https://www.rooted-connections.com/ Substack: https://rootedconnections.substack.com/ 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:27 Meet Jennifer Thomas 00:51 Hospitality to Wine Sales 02:19 Why Rooted Connections 03:45 Building the Program 05:46 Charting Your Course 07:59 Tackling Fear Factors 08:57 Power of Five Network 15:03 Pitching It to Leaders 19:39 Community and Midcareer Support 24:03 Success Stories and Wins 27:28 Women Advancing in Hospitality 28:13 Curiosity And Better Questions 29:32 ChatGPT As Networking Aid 30:16 Accountability Over Complaints 32:06 Stop Saving The Company 35:30 Protect Your Energy First 37:03 Finding A 50 50 Culture 38:40 Company Introspection And Balance 40:01 Where To Find Jennifer 42:14 Hosts Debrief And Takeaways 45:00 Shifting Questions Wrap Up 49:56 Final Sign Off

Communication, Cohorts, and the Myth of Burnout with Matt Heller | Shifting People Podcast Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough welcome Matt Heller, founder of Performance Optimism Consulting and co-host of Attraction Pros, who shares his nearly 40-year journey from ride operator at Canobie Lake Park to leadership development at Universal Orlando and launching his consulting firm in 2011. Heller explains that most leadership challenges come down to communication and fear, and describes his cohort-based mastermind programs that help leaders build confidence and vulnerability with peers outside their organizations. He outlines philosophies from his books, including aligning recruiting, hiring, training, recognition, and termination around company values, and argues burnout’s “myth” is the assumed cause, emphasizing lost purpose and leadership impact. The discussion covers training as a funnel, spaced “breadcrumb” learning, seasonal staffing mindsets, and how Attraction Pros started in 2017. Matt Heller's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattheller/ Matt's Consulting Business, Performance Optimist Consulting: https://www.performanceoptimist.com/ Attraction Pros Podcast: https://attractionpros.com/ Matt's Books All Clear: A Practical Guide for First Time Leaders and the People who Support Them: https://www.amazon.com/All-Clear-Practical-Leaders-Support/dp/1614935513 The Myth of Employee Burnout, What it is. Why it happens. What to do about it: https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Employee-Burnout-happens-about-ebook/dp/B00G9GPT8M?ref_=ast_author_mpb 00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:03 Matt Heller Journey 03:19 Consulting Focus Areas 06:12 Coaching As Therapy 07:24 Mastermind Cohorts 12:16 Attractions Industry Pull 15:04 People First Leadership 18:23 Employee Lifecycle Wheel 21:49 Recognition And Repetition 24:29 Training Funnel Approach 27:52 Breadcrumbing Hospitality 29:43 Seasonal Training Discipline 31:07 Year Round Seasonal Mindset 32:36 Planning Next Years Leaders 33:50 Getting Staff To Return 36:59 Burnout Purpose And Leadership 41:55 Attraction Pros Podcast Origin 44:53 Best Episodes To Start 47:03 Wrap Up And Takeaways

Building Restaurant Culture That Scales: Jeffrey Boland Sr. on Love, Dignity, Respect & Hiring for Growth On the Shifting People Podcast, co-hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough interview Jeffrey Boland Sr., Area Director of Operations at Postino Wine Cafe (Upward Projects), about his journey into hospitality after being fired from construction work amid substance abuse, and how the industry shaped his life and 17 years of sobriety. Boland describes leading Postino’s North Carolina and Georgia locations amid rapid expansion and shares how he evaluates cultural alignment, spots burnout signs, and advocates respectfully when strategies differ. He outlines leadership principles of love, dignity, and respect, plus non-negotiables of punctuality, proper uniform, and attitude, and discusses culture as intentional standards. The episode covers hiring and development, internal transfers, onboarding trips to Arizona, “real talk” sessions with hourly teams, mental health support ideas, and doing the right thing during opening delays by paying employees. Jeffrey's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-boland-sr-18960a166/ Postino WineCafe Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/postino-winecafe/ Email Postino: [email protected] 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:42 Jeffrey Origin Story 03:41 Postino Role Overview 07:51 Values Fit Red Flags 12:04 Love Dignity Respect 17:10 Culture Fence Framework 21:00 Future Resume Hiring 28:33 Building Employment Waitlists 31:43 Benefits Mental Health Support 34:22 Hourly Team Feedback Loop 34:50 Reframing Benefits Conversations 37:04 Growth Without Losing Culture 39:27 Scaling Culture Through Transfers 41:21 Pre-Opening Communication Habits 43:44 Do The Right Thing Story 47:30 Where To Follow Jeffrey 48:37 Hosts Debrief Key Takeaways 51:59 Shifting Question Culture Evidence 56:57 Shifting Question Compete On Benefits 59:18 Creative Perks And Employee Input 01:01:54 Wrap Up And Next Steps

How Data, Coaching, and Culture Drive Restaurant Performance | Oscar Castillo (Rise Up Restaurants: Pizza Patron + Wingstop) On the Shifting People Podcast, co-hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough interview Oscar Castillo, Manager of Operational Performance at Rise Up Restaurants (Wingstop franchisee and Pizza Patron franchisor), about using data to improve restaurant operations while keeping people and coaching at the center. Oscar shares his career path from McDonald’s cashier to recruiting, HR, training, and operations, including lessons from knowledge hoarding and the importance of training replacements. He explains how Rise Up aligns two different brands through shared operational fundamentals, friendly competitions, and pep rallies, and how his role focuses on analytics, special projects, and frontline decision support. Key themes include guest satisfaction as a core metric, leaders performing better when they know their numbers, using scoreboards to drive engagement, prioritizing food and labor costs, avoiding assumptions through questions, strengthening training with role play, promoting from within, and leveraging learning resources like Audible and leadership books. He also previews Rise Up’s “Area Coach Games,” a competitive, metrics-driven leadership program. 00:00 Podcast Introduction 00:46 Oscar Career Journey 02:47 RiseUp Brands Overview 05:26 Balancing Two Cultures 08:01 Data Driven Leadership 14:15 Scoreboards And Engagement 15:53 Key Restaurant Metrics 18:04 Hiring Versus Training Leaders 22:37 Promotions And Motivation 26:18 Challenging Assumptions 27:20 Turning Interest Into Promotion 27:45 Teaching Food Cost Basics 29:10 Restaurant Work As Career 31:10 Orientation Assumptions Lesson 34:11 Role Play For Confidence 36:23 Crucial Conversations Mindset 38:26 Learning Resources And Books 41:24 Area Coach Games Preview 43:56 Host Debrief And Takeaways 45:34 Shifting Questions Wrap Up 51:34 Final Sign Off

We Built a Free Reverse Recruiting Tool: AI Job Search Organizer Walkthrough (Part 2) Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough continue their discussion on “reverse recruiting,” where job seekers pay services to apply and follow up on their behalf, often costing over $1,000/month plus a percentage of salary. They explain why they believe job seekers shouldn’t be charged and walk through a free tool they built to streamline the job search. The tool combines a dashboard with a daily habit tracker, automated suggestions, and job-application tracking in both card (drag-and-drop) and table views. It includes an AI assistant that uses an uploaded resume and a job posting link to generate customized cover letters, LinkedIn outreach, and next-step recommendations, plus notes, contact tracking, and basic analytics to monitor progress. They invite feedback for future features and wish job seekers luck in a tough labor market. 00:00 Podcast Intro 00:27 Reverse Recruiting Recap 01:13 Why Build It Free 02:20 Job Search Pain Points 03:20 Core Features Overview 03:50 Getting Into The Tool 04:20 Dashboard And Habit Tracker 05:14 Job Tracker Views 05:50 AI Assistant For Outreach 07:01 Notes Contacts And Analytics 08:18 Free Signup And Feedback 09:11 Final Encouragement Outro

On the Shifting People Podcast, co-hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough interview Fern Chan, TEDx/keynote speaker, communication coach, and author, about practical communication frameworks for the hospitality and service industry. Drawing on her experience training New York law enforcement in de-escalation, Fern explains how leaders should first diagnose the real problem, connect with the intended audience by focusing on “W-I-I-F-M” (what’s in it for me), and translate corporate jargon into actionable, plain-language expectations. She shares tactics for managing up (metrics plus reputation and stories), coaching new managers to speak with confidence (avoid hedging and upward inflection), giving constructive feedback privately using neutral, fact-based paraphrasing, and handling guest conflicts by validating feelings without excusing behavior. The episode closes with how Fern works with organizations and her book, “How to Not Suck At Presentations.” Follow Fern on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernchan/ Reach out to fern here: [email protected] Fern’s book for FREE: https://fernchan.com/free-book/ 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:27 Meet Fern Chan 00:48 From Training to Deescalation 01:46 Why Hospitality Needs Soft Skills 04:15 Start With the Real Problem 05:09 WIFM Audience Connection 08:04 Frontline Guest Language 09:26 Managing Up With Metrics 11:26 Stories Make Numbers Stick 13:57 New Manager Confidence 19:44 Vulnerability Builds Trust 22:39 Constructive Feedback Framework 25:59 Coaching Guest Conflict Deescalation 29:51 Active Listening Empathy 32:19 Sharing Your Story Wisely 33:45 Give Them Agency Options 36:47 Handbooks HR Support 40:49 Ditch Jargon Plain Speak 43:51 Custom Training Approach 48:18 Book Title Pattern Interrupt 50:12 Host Takeaways Shifting Questions 57:39 Final Wrap Up (edited) Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernchan/ https://fernchan.com/free-book/

It’s probably time to introduce ourselves: Welcome to The Shifting People Podcast! We’re on a mission to have conversations with the great minds in people operations and leadership in service-based businesses because it’s much harder to lead folks on the restaurant floor - and in my humble opinion, the service industry is where the best people are. We chat with everyone from general managers to area representatives and district managers, HR and operations, talent development and trainers, chief people officers and CHROs to franchisees and small business owners. We get into culture, employee engagement, hiring, training, retention, leadership, communication, data, mentorship, AI and lots of other topics - all with a focus on people. We try to balance bringing stories with actionable tips and insights you can really use in your business. At the end of each episode, your hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough, have a short “Shifting Questions” segment where they each give a task or question to listeners to apply something from the episode to their business right away. You can look at all our episodes here and filter by brand, job title, topics, etc of our guests: https://evercruiting.com/the-shifting-people-podcast And please do us a favor and subscribe so you get notified when new episodes come out. #podcast #employeemanagement #restaurantleadership #restaurantculture #peopleops #franchisees #recruitmentexperts #ats #funny #hiring #employeeengagement #employeemanagement #teammembers #crewmembers #gms #generalmanager #hr #humanresources #operations #restaurantoperations #franchise #franchisee #franchisor

From Sandwich Line to CEO: Ric Gruber on Scaling Billy Bricks with Real People, Real Food, Real Fast On the Shifting People Podcast, co-hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough interview Ric Gruber, CEO of Billy Brick’s Restaurant Group (Billy Brick’s Wood-Fired Pizza and Moo Joe’s ice cream), about joining the family business during college, taking “pit stops” while pursuing law school and other careers, and eventually returning to scale the company amid an aging founder’s succession timeline. Ric discusses earning credibility after working every role from dishwasher to CEO, handling transitions with long-tenured employees, and focusing manager development on the business fundamentals of scheduling, labor, and hitting targets. He explains challenges of maintaining culture across locations by simplifying values into “real people, real food, real fast,” using a decision filter to reduce menu clutter, and sharing transparent operating principles publicly to attract candidates, support AI-driven search visibility, and strengthen relationships with customers and vendors. Follow along with Ric & Billy Bricks here: https://www.billybrickshq.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricgruber/ https://www.pizzaric.com/ 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:27 Meet Ric Gruber 00:48 College Job Origins 02:14 Law School Pit Stops 03:41 Choosing the Family Business 05:23 Succession and Founder Clock 07:26 Earning Respect as Leader 12:06 Draw the Line in Leadership 12:57 From Dishwasher to CEO 15:06 Leading by Doing 18:05 Manager Development Focus 21:26 Culture at Scale 23:21 Core Values and Tagline 26:44 Menu Simplification Filter 28:10 New Operating System Rollout 29:47 Core Values in Public 31:04 Polling the Audience 31:40 Service Fee Math 34:15 Transparent Pricing Rollout 35:47 Podcasts for Hiring 36:52 AI Search and AIO 41:22 Vendor Relationships Filter 42:24 Profit and Performance 43:43 Where to Find Billy Bricks 44:41 Post Show Reflections 47:10 Living Careers Page 49:44 Values Reality Check 53:27 Final Wrap Up

Burton Snowboards’ Talent Development Leader on Miscast Roles, Transitions, and Performance Management | Aaron Raby On the Shifting People Podcast, co-hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough interview Aaron Raby, Director of Talent Development and Performance at Burton Snowboards, about his non-linear career from county government programs to HR and leadership development roles at Gallo Winery, Simpson Strong-Tie, Foster Farms, NuHarbor Security, and then Burton (starting August 2025). Raby explains Burton’s talent development objectives: helping people reach full potential by getting the right people in the right roles and aligning development to company growth, culture, and performance management. He shares ways to spot “miscast” employees through career coaching and the “51/49” fulfillment rule, discusses internal mobility in family-owned businesses, and emphasizes focusing HR impact on employee “transitions.” The conversation also covers bridging executive-frontline experience gaps, change management through communication and decision clarity, Burton’s values-driven community (including the New Rider program), and pride in seeing Burton boards featured during the Winter Olympics. You can learn more about Burton Snowboards here: Working at Burton: https://www.burton.com/us/en/content/working-at-burton.html Burton's Purpose: https://www.burton.com/us/en/content/purpose.html From Burton to the World Collection: https://www.burton.com/us/en/content/from-burton-to-the-world-collection.html 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:38 Aaron Career Journey 05:16 Building Talent Development 08:07 Spotting Miscast Roles 11:06 Internal Mobility Benefits 13:21 Legacy And Values 17:40 Bridging Experience Gaps 23:26 Community And New Riders 28:48 Transitions Focus Strategy 32:30 Applying Transitions Anywhere 34:03 Tell Show Do Training 34:40 Promotion Timelines Myth 35:46 Manager to Director Stall 37:15 Own Your Career Plan 38:47 Career Talks in 90 Days 40:35 Managers Create Options 42:01 Communicate Change Repeatedly 43:12 Change Runway and Readiness 44:19 Decide If You Should Change 46:40 Protect vs Go Get Model 49:11 Olympics Pride at Burton 52:45 Post Interview Debrief 55:50 B Corp Values Breakdown 58:51 Shifting Questions Wrap Up

Description: Why Hiring Feels Broken: AI Job Applications, Job Boards, and the Future of Recruiting In this episode of the Shifting People Podcast, co-hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough discuss what’s happening in the labor market as employers report hundreds of low-quality applicants while job seekers feel forced to apply to massive numbers of roles. They explore how AI is disproportionately easier and cheaper for candidates to use to mass-apply, while employers face legal, ethical, implementation, and cost barriers to using AI for screening—creating mistrust and worsening outcomes. They also examine how job boards like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and LinkedIn have pushed quick-apply features that increase application volume, and argue job boards have little incentive to truly solve the problem because they monetize both employers and applicants. The conversation touches on the platform “value extraction” cycle and questions whether regulators scrutinize job boards enough. They conclude that there’s no easy fix, but suggest the next wave of hiring will require employers—especially larger ones—to build and “own” their talent audience through employer branding and earlier engagement, and discuss the challenge for small and medium-sized businesses to do the same and the need for tools that make it easier. 00:00 Welcome to the Shifting People Podcast (What We Cover) 00:32 What’s Going On in the Labor Market? (Low-Quality Applicants vs. Application Overload) 01:17 AI’s Uneven Impact: Mass Applying Is Easy, Screening Is Risky 02:11 Quick Apply, ATS Myths, and the Application Arms Race 03:19 Job Boards’ Broken Incentives: Monetizing Both Sides 04:12 “Enshittification” & Monopoly Dynamics in Hiring Platforms 05:28 The AI Goldilocks Problem: Too Little Help or Too Much Automation 07:13 The Way Forward: Own Your Talent Audience (Employer Branding) 08:00 SMBs: How to Stand Out Without Big-Budget Recruiting 08:48 Build the Story Early: Attract People Before They Hit Job Boards 10:22 Wrap-Up: Validation, Next Steps, and Closing Thoughts

Exploring HR Strategies with CARC Inc.'s Chris Harris | Shifting People Podcast Welcome to the Shifting People Podcast! Co-hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough dive deep with Chris Harris, Human Resources Director at CARC Inc., about practical HR insights you can apply in your business today. Harris shares his journey from paramedic to HR professional, discusses the diverse services offered by CARC Inc., and elaborates on recruitment, retention strategies, and the importance of a passionate workforce. The conversation also covers innovative ideas like stay interviews, the use of AI in hiring, and opening up learning management systems for employee development. Tune in for valuable insights into people management and creating a more inclusive workplace. You can follow along with Chris on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-harris-sphr/ 00:00 Introduction to the Shifting People Podcast 00:27 Meet Chris Harris: HR Director at CARC Inc. 00:44 Chris Harris' Journey into HR 01:26 Day-to-Day Operations at CARC Inc. 02:17 Understanding CARC Inc. 03:24 Programs and Services at CARC Inc. 06:09 Employee Development and Learning Management 07:43 Veterans in the Workforce 13:57 The Hidden Power of Stay Interviews 18:08 Hiring Philosophy and the Role of AI 22:13 Declining a Candidate Due to Location 22:26 The Role of AI in Recruitment 23:18 Ethics in AI and HR 25:14 Challenges and Limitations of AI 26:16 The Importance of Human Oversight 29:33 Exploring Social Media Engagement 32:58 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

Leveraging Creativity in HR and Elevating Company Culture with Brittany Di Nicolò Pride Welcome to the Shifting People Podcast! In this episode, hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough sit down with Brittany Di Nicolò Pride, HR Manager at KFC, Latin America and Caribbean. Brittany shares insights into her diverse career journey, spanning roles in ed tech, global digital teams, and advertising agencies. She discusses the importance of creativity in HR, promoting internal talent, and fostering a resilient company culture. Learn how to effectively monitor employee engagement and use relationship-building as a foundation for organizational success. Whether you're a leader in the HR field or managing a team, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you elevate your business. You can view and interact with Brittany's LinkedIn post offering help and support for job-seekers here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/brittanycpride_i-helped-my-mom-re-enter-the-job-market-after-activity-7396632713815986177-lOqp?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABg4U-sB8YOLI6sjk_64r3-gwDAxbUG_itw 00:00 Introduction to the Shifting People Podcast 00:27 Meet Brittany Di Nicolò Pride 01:40 Brittany's Background and Career Journey 03:35 The Impact of Sports on Personal and Professional Life 06:47 Marketing and Creativity in HR 09:31 Global HR and Cultural Sensitivity 13:26 Building and Changing Company Culture 17:31 Promotions and Career Pathing 23:02 The Role of Engagement Surveys in Assessing Culture 23:44 Taking Action on Survey Results 26:21 Timing and Objectivity in Surveys 27:22 Bonuses Tied to Engagement Scores 29:27 Personal Goals and Manifestation 31:59 Helping Others in the Job Market 35:18 Final Thoughts on Company Culture and Engagement 00:00 Episode #16: Navigating the Global HR Landscape with Brittany Di Nicolò Pride

Chasing Magic: Empowering Guest Experiences with Ryan Tiffin In this episode of the Shifting People Podcast, hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough dive deep into guest experience and empowerment with Ryan Tiffin, Vice President of Brand Strategy and Guest Experience at Incredible Food and Fun Restaurant. Ryan shares his unconventional journey through various industries, including his transformative time at Disney. He highlights the importance of empowering employees, the impact of small changes in language, and the value of transparency in leadership. Tune in for insightful stories and practical takeaways to apply in your business today. 00:00 Introduction to the Shifting People Podcast 00:32 Meet Ryan Tiffin: An Unconventional Journey 03:03 The Value of Non-Traditional Career Paths 05:52 Lessons from Disney: Transformational Training 11:25 Implementing Disney's Magic in Other Companies 14:24 The Power of Empowerment and Transparency 20:09 Creating Magical Guest Experiences 22:56 Inspiring Employees Through Personal Stories 25:50 Empowering Employees for Success 26:36 Applying Disney Principles Anywhere 26:55 The Importance of Human Interaction 28:12 Empowering the Entire Team 30:12 Hiring for Hospitality: Finding the Spark 34:59 The Journey to Writing a Book 37:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 00:00 Episode #15: Creating Impact: Lessons from Disney and Beyond with Ryan Tiffin

Navigating Leadership & Culture: Insights from Ed Janikowski on the Shifting People Podcast Join hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough on the Shifting People Podcast as they sit down with Ed Janikowski, District Manager at a National QSR Brand. Ed shares his extensive journey in the service industry, detailing his experiences and leadership evolution over the years. From discussing the importance of internal recruitment and the nuances of effective leadership to tackling the realities of managing high-volume and struggling locations, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Ed also shares his perspective on fostering a positive work culture, the significance of flexibility in hiring, and the impact of genuine leadership. A must-listen for anyone in people management and the service industry! You can follow along with Ed's inspiring posts on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-janikowski-00445128/ 00:00 Introduction to the Shifting People Podcast 00:27 Meet Ed Janikowski: A Journey to His Current Role 00:37 Ed's Early Career and Military Aspirations 02:53 Transition to the Restaurant Industry 04:41 Leadership and Career Growth 08:31 Personal Life and Family 09:21 Insights on Leadership and Recruitment 22:50 Challenges and Strategies in Managing Locations 27:10 The Importance of Store Culture 28:59 Building a Positive Work Environment 31:48 Challenges in Enforcing New Policies 36:05 Flexibility in Hiring Practices 40:47 The Power of Social Media and Mentorship 42:50 Final Thoughts and Reflections

From Teaching to HR Leadership: Justin Ostrynski's Journey & Insights | Shifting People Podcast In this episode of the Shifting People Podcast, co-hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough interview Justin Ostrynski, Director of People and Culture Development at Hendricks Commercial Group. Hear Justin’s incredible journey from teaching to corporate HR, including his impactful roles at Chick-fil-A and Krispy Kreme. He shares his experiences in navigating career transitions, championing frontline workers, implementing successful training programs, and fostering company culture. Gain actionable insights on listening to employees, executing change management, and measuring the ROI of investing in people. Whether you're in HR, talent acquisition, or business leadership, Justin’s story will inspire and offer practical strategies you can apply in your own organization. 00:00 Introduction to the Shifting People Podcast 00:27 Meet Justin Ostrynski: From Teacher to Director of People and Culture 01:48 Journey into the Restaurant World with Chick-fil-A 02:54 Corporate Experience and Return to Operations 04:58 Navigating COVID and Transitioning to Krispy Kreme 07:13 Joining Hendricks Commercial Properties 08:55 Challenges and Strategies in People Development 11:15 Importance of Frontline Worker Engagement 16:50 Values and Culture in Organizations 20:56 Project Spark: Building an LMS from Scratch 23:36 Collaborative Training Development 24:27 Project Spark: Igniting Learning 24:59 Celebrating Small Wins 26:33 Executive Support and ROI 31:56 Scaling Culture for Growth 33:54 The Value of the Food Service Industry 37:08 Listening to the Frontline 39:31 Calculating Turnover Costs 44:02 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Inside Dunkin's Success: CEO Christopher Angiolillo's Journey & Insights Welcome to the Shifting People Podcast! In this episode, co-hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough delve into the intricacies of people management and the service industry with Christopher Angiolillo, CEO of Dunkin and Signify Ventures. Discover how Christopher's journey from growing up in the family business to leading a major franchise has shaped his unique approach to management. Learn about the value of sports and team environments in leadership, the importance of simplifying processes, and the strategies for retaining long-term employees in a franchise model. This episode is packed with lessons on balancing growth, protecting established processes, and using social media to document and share valuable business insights. If you're involved in or curious about the franchise business, this episode is a must-watch! 00:00 Introduction to the Shifting People Podcast 00:27 Meet Christopher Angiolillo: CEO of Dunkin and Signify Ventures 00:52 Christopher's Journey: From Family Business to CEO 02:39 The Impact of Sports and Construction on Leadership 05:58 Franchisee Challenges and Strategies 10:26 Simplifying Management for Longevity 20:34 The Importance of Information and Exit Interviews 22:55 Creative Solutions for Employee Retention 24:03 The Importance of Conversations and Information 25:58 The Video Series: Concept and Execution 27:59 Balancing Technology and Human Interaction 29:26 Engaging Employees Through Social Media 32:31 Final Thoughts and Future Plans 34:35 Reflecting on the Conversation 00:00 Episode #12: Generational Growth: The Dunkin' Dynasty of Christopher Angiolillo

Mastering Restaurant Operations: Insights from Qristen Allen of Doghaus In this episode of the Shifting People Podcast, hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough sit down with Qristen Allen, a seasoned expert in restaurant operations at Doghaus. Qristen shares her extensive journey from starting at her grandparents' restaurant to working at Disneyland, Courtyard Marriott, Shake Shack, and finally Doghaus. She discusses the importance of being adaptable in the constantly changing environment of the restaurant industry, prioritizing guest satisfaction, and effective franchise management. This episode is packed with real-world insights and practical advice that can be applied to improve your business operations. 00:00 Introduction to the Shifting People Podcast 00:27 Meet Qristin Allen: From Childhood to Doghaus 00:50 Qristin's Journey Through Various Roles 03:06 Transitioning to Doghaus: Corporate and Franchise Insights 05:27 Challenges and Learning in Restaurant Operations 09:30 New Restaurant Openings: A Team Sport 12:50 Handling Emergencies and Constant Change 20:31 Generational Differences in the Workforce 23:37 Spotting and Nurturing Talent 25:08 Hiring the Right People 25:58 Evaluating Resumes and Initial Phone Screenings 26:53 Interview Techniques: Dining Experience Stories 28:00 Empowering Employees to Handle Guest Complaints 30:10 The Importance of Apologizing in Customer Service 34:21 Qristen's Career Aspirations and Industry Insights 36:53 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Transforming QSR Industry Leadership with Jolene Clayton of Whataburger In this episode of the Shifting People Podcast, co-hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough dive deep with Jolene Clayton, Operating Partner at Whataburger, to discuss effective people management and leadership in the QSR industry. Jolene reflects on her 17-year journey in food service, transitioning from casual dining to quick service, and the unique perspectives she brought along. Key topics include fostering employee morale, one-on-one coaching, the importance of recognizing team members, and creating a culture where employees feel valued and motivated. Jolene also shares insights into her new leadership blog, 'People Over Patties,' aimed at revolutionizing leadership in the food industry. Visit and subscribe to Jolene's blog, People Over Patties, here: https://www.peopleoverpatties.com/ 00:00 Introduction to the Shifting People Podcast 00:27 Meet Jolene Clayton: A Journey in Food Service 02:07 Transitioning from Full Service to Quick Service 03:37 The Whataburger Experience 10:14 Investing in Team Members 16:56 Creating a Positive Work Environment 24:56 Adapting Coaching with Compassion 25:28 The Shift in Job Priorities 26:17 Generational Changes in Job Seeking 26:53 The Role of Technology in Hiring 29:34 The Importance of Leadership Development 30:27 Finding and Developing the Right Managers 33:31 Launching a Leadership Blog 35:27 The Transferability of Leadership Skills 37:06 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Unlocking Employee Potential: Insights from Connie Beal on Supporting Workforce Stability In this episode of the Shifting People Podcast, co-hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough engage in an in-depth conversation with Connie Beal from United Way's Working Bridges. Connie delves into the intricacies of the Working Bridges program, which collaborates with employers to enhance employee retention, advancement, and financial stability through community resources. She shares real-life examples of how the program addresses critical employee needs like housing, transportation, childcare, and mental health. The discussion also explores barriers to implementing such programs in small businesses, the importance of assessing employee benefits, and the broader systemic issues affecting workers today. This episode underscores the vital role of comprehensive support systems in creating thriving workplaces. You can learn more about United Way's Working Bridges here: https://www.gmunitedway.org/working-bridges 00:00 Introduction to the Shifting People Podcast 00:27 Meet Connie Beal from United Way's Working Bridges 00:39 Understanding Working Bridges 03:54 Real-Life Examples of Employee Support 05:08 Addressing Mental Health in the Workplace 07:11 Navigating Financial Stability and Benefit Cliffs 10:33 The Importance of Mental Models in the Workplace 15:16 Challenges and Opportunities for Small Businesses 19:45 Supporting Small Businesses Through Training and Education 26:05 Assessing and Enhancing Employee Benefits 32:00 Encouragement for Employers to Seek Help 35:09 Employer's Role in Problem-Solving 36:16 Boundary Setting and HR's Role 37:41 Challenges Faced by HR 39:21 Employee Benefits and Community Resources 40:29 Supporting Essential Workers 42:11 The Importance of Trust and Support Systems 44:58 The Privilege of Showing Up for Work 47:50 The Role of Workplace Support in Employee Stability 49:46 Systemic Challenges and Worker Resilience 50:36 Reflecting on the American Worker 54:55 Concluding Thoughts and Future Conversations

Climbing the Corporate Ladder: From Entry-Level to VP in Restaurants - Anthony Rodriguez's Story In this episode of the Shifting People Podcast, co-hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough sit down with Anthony Rodriguez, Vice President of Operations at Gratitude Restaurant Group, franchisee of Dunkin' and Baskin Robbins. Anthony shares his inspiring journey from his first job at Bill Miller's Barbecue to becoming a key leader in the restaurant industry. Learn about the importance of homegrown talent, leadership versus talent shortage, and the significance of mentorship. Tune in for real insights on how to grow your career in the restaurant industry! 00:00 Introduction to the Shifting People Podcast 00:27 Anthony Rodriguez's Journey in the Restaurant Industry 07:13 Lessons Learned from TGI Fridays 09:38 Mentorship and Leadership in the Restaurant Business 14:19 The Transition from Doer to Delegator 17:22 Focus Fridays: Innovative Communication 23:02 Addressing Leadership Shortages 24:51 The Power of Gratitude in Leadership 26:21 Opportunities in the Restaurant Industry 30:19 Building a Strong Leadership Team 32:45 Final Thoughts and Takeaways 00:00 The Shifting People Podcast - Episode #8:The Leadership Difference: Anthony Rodriguez on Talent vs. Leadership Shortage

Discovering Stone Acre Hospitality with Nicole Canning: The Queen of Newport In this episode of the Shifting People Podcast, co-hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough interview Nicole Canning, Director of Operations and Marketing at Stone Acre Hospitality Group. Nicole discusses the expansion and success of Stone Acre Hospitality, their unique events, and the team's passion for preserving Newport's historic charm. She highlights their community involvement, social media strategies, and the emphasis on creating a positive work environment. Nicole also shares insights into her personal journey, working alongside her husband, and the vibrant Newport restaurant landscape. 00:00 Introduction to the Shifting People Podcast 00:27 Meet Nicole Canning: The Queen of Newport 00:55 The Stone Acre Hospitality Journey 01:31 Expanding the Stone Acre Empire 03:04 The Impact of Newport's Historic Preservation 08:40 Social Media and Personal Branding 14:14 Exploring Newport's Restaurant Landscape 14:34 Community and Competition Among Restaurants 16:00 Building a Positive Work Environment 18:02 Philanthropy and Community Engagement 20:49 Employee Benefits and Perks 22:27 Maintaining High Morale During Busy Seasons 26:24 Social Media and Brand Identity 27:14 Encouraging Staff Creativity and Engagement 28:24 Conclusion and Future Plans 00:00 The Shifting People Podcast - Episode #6: The Stone Acre Experience: A Hospitality Journey with Nicole Canning

Balancing Act: Humanizing HR with Anya Avinash of Your Friendly HR Girlie In this episode of the Shifting People Podcast, co-hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough dive into an enlightening conversation with Anya Avinash, founder of Your Friendly HR Girlie. Anya discusses her motivation to transform traditional HR practices by incorporating empathy and therapy, ultimately humanizing the experience for employees. The discussion covers the unique approach of offering third-party services, including HR consulting and therapeutic support, to foster better workplace wellness and productivity. Whether you're a startup, large corporation, or individual professional, Anya's insights highlight the importance of creating a supportive and communicative work environment. Tune in to learn how Your Friendly HR Girlie is making waves in the HR industry and how these innovative methods can be applied to improve your business today. 00:00 Introduction to the Shifting People Podcast 00:27 Meet Anya Avinash: Founder of Your Friendly HR Girlie 00:43 The Mission Behind Your Friendly HR Girlie 01:37 Concrete Solutions for HR Challenges 04:09 The Balancing Act: Integrating Therapy and HR 09:14 Building Happier, Healthier Teams 11:54 Services for Individuals and Companies 13:54 The Inspiration and Vision Behind the Business 16:00 Global Perspectives on HR and Mental Health 20:00 How to Get Started with Your Friendly HR Girlie 27:15 Conclusion and Contact Information

Overcoming Job Market Challenges: Insights from a Dynamic Job Seeker Welcome to the Shifting People Podcast with co-hosts Derek Williamson and Kathleen McDonough. In this first job seeker mini-episode, we interview Melissa Besong, a passionate and energetic professional with a diverse work history in special education, restaurant management, and floral design. Melissa shares her experience navigating the tough job market, discusses the importance of company culture and team engagement, and offers invaluable advice for job seekers looking for their next adventure. Don't miss her inspiring story and practical tips for career success! 00:00 Introduction to the Shifting People Podcast 00:27 Exploring the Job Market Challenges 01:23 Meet Melissa Besong 02:08 Melissa's Personal Life and Hobbies 03:58 Melissa's Career Journey and Achievements 10:26 Job Seeking Challenges and Insights 20:37 Melissa's Future Aspirations 27:07 Advice for Job Seekers 29:43 Conclusion and Farewell