Leadership Series: Exploring the Powerful Culture of Dissatisfaction with Blaine Hurst

Retired CEO of Panera Bread

Welcome to another insightful installment of our Leadership Series, where we delve into enlightening conversations from our Savor.fm podcasts that feature esteemed leaders in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Today, we turn the spotlight onto visionary, trailblazer, and innovator - Blaine Hurst.

Blaine Hurst, the retired CEO of Panera Bread and Fast Casual Hall of Famer, joined host Kathleen Wood, a nationally recognized growth strategist on a riveting episode of Turning Tables Podcast. His current endeavors see him serving as an active Executive Board Member of a company specializing in ultra-low net carb bread products. But, it's Hurst's passion for people with intellectual disabilities that truly resonates in the discourse of leadership and innovation.

Known as one of the highest-impact restaurant leaders of our times, Hurst is also a recognized author with 8 patents under his belt. His experience and innovative strategies have sculpted the future of the restaurant industry, making his insights invaluable.

Hurst and our host explore the intriguing concept of a "culture of dissatisfaction" during the podcast. In Hurst's perspective, this is far from a negative attribute; instead, he views it as a powerful tool for growth and continual improvement. He emphasizes that operators should prioritize changes to enhance their businesses, with people being the underlying foundation of any operation's success.

"There's really no debate about that in my head because people are the underlying foundation of great operations," he says. His people-first philosophy, along with his commitment to inclusivity and opportunity, is truly reflected in his efforts outside the boardroom.

Hurst's passion for people with intellectual disabilities doesn't stop at advocacy. He'll be a featured speaker at the Franchising and Innovation Summit in March, where he will highlight this often-overlooked yet highly dedicated talent pool. He believes these individuals bring an unmatched joy into the workplace, presenting an untapped opportunity for the restaurant and hospitality industry.

He is also actively involved with Learning Is For Everyone (LIFE), a post-secondary education program committed to assisting young adults with intellectual disabilities. In addition, Hurst invests and advises the Delish Sisters restaurant in downtown Clemson, where 40% of the staff are people with intellectual disabilities.

Join us to listen to Hurst's empowering tagline: "running the race with joy." Learn about its significance and impact, and how he's weaving his passion and people-first philosophy into the fabric of the restaurant industry in this episode of the Turning Tables Podcast.

Our Leadership Series continues to highlight individuals like Blaine Hurst, who redefine leadership and challenge the status quo, fostering growth, inclusivity, and innovation. Stay tuned for more inspiring tales from the leaders shaping our industry's future.

You may also like Fast Casual Nation. Fast Casual Nation is the longest-running podcast in the Fast Casual sector. It continues to be the darling of the food industry and is destined to redefine what restaurants and food can be for the consumer of the future.