The Business of Joy

The Business of Joy

di Lisa W. Miller
AmministrazioneMarketing
Stagione 5

From the Short Stack to the Long Game: Julia Stewart on Strategic Grit and the Power of Staying Curious

From flipping pancakes to flipping strategy—this episode goes where most interviews don’t. 🎙️ Today on The Business of Joy, I’m joined by Julia Stewart, CEO and Founder of Alurx. You may know the highlights: starting as a 16-year-old server at IHOP, leading one of the largest restaurant acquisitions in history, and launching a bold second act in health tech. But in this episode, we go deeper. Julia shares untold moments from her journey: what it really takes to reinvent, take risks, and lead with relentless curiosity. Just a few of the many highlight moments: 🍽️ Read the table. What she learned at IHOP when she was 16 years old still applies in boardrooms today—it starts with reading the table, trust, and connection. 🛣️ Don’t stay in your lane. Julia didn’t wait for permission to pivot. She chased the experience she knew she needed. 🔄 Reinvention doesn’t have a retirement age. Her second act isn’t a side project, it’s bold, future-facing, and deeply personal. 🌟 Leadership is about giving people hope. Because you never know when your words will be the ones they remember. 🎁 BONUS: 1️⃣ After the official interview, we kept talking, then decided to hit record again. Don’t miss the 8 extra minutes of never-before-shared stories. 2️⃣ And yes… we’re posting the full video for this one and the full episode! Remember..... 💛 Joy is a choice we make—and a business we build. Keep investing in joy.
S5 · E6
28 mag 2025
54:33

From Professional Rugby Fields to Reinvention Playbooks: How Aidan McCullen Helps Business Leaders Stay in Motion Before the Crisis Hits

What if the biggest risk to your business... is your mindset? Many of you know, I just returned from The Reinvention Summit in Dublin, what some are now calling the “Davos for Doers.” My guest this week is straight from Dublin, Aidan McCullen, a former international rugby player, global keynote speaker, and one of the masterminds behind the Reinvention Summit. Let me tell you, after hearing Aidan at the conference, I had to have him on this show to share his wisdom with all of you! From selling strawberries as a kid on the side of an Irish highway, to helping big brands navigate constant change, Aidan lives and breathes reinvention. He has insatiable curiosity. His frameworks are grounded by his love of literary classics and nature. We talked about: 🌀 Why the “S-curve” of growth is broken—and what to replace it with 🌳 What stress wood, butterflies, and murmurations teach us about leading through change ♾️ How to build a mindset of permanent reinvention as a leader and as a company I hope this episode helps you reframe how you think about transformation, resilience, and what it really takes to grow something that lasts. LINKS: Murmurations: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/murmuration-organisations-flying-haier-aidan-mccullen-xds8e Infinity Curve https://thethursdaythought.substack.com/p/organisational-and-personal-autophagy-the-innovation-show-3d7d5e91f327 https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/avoiding-burden-curve-gift-from-your-younger-self-aidan-mccullen-rbepf/ We Are All Astronauts: https://youtu.be/Boywptyj4xk?si=-ET2vC3lj6tlFIaT The Book Aidan is currently reading: https://a.co/d/9zaxiPr
S5 · E5
13 mag 2025
46:06

From Paper Routes to $9M AUVs: Portillo’s CFO Michelle Hook on Culture, Confidence, and Craveability

CFO Michelle Hook of Portillo’s joins me to talk about the ingredients behind one of the most craveable brands in the business! From her first paper route at 13 to overseeing finance, IT, and supply chain for a $9M-AUV powerhouse, Michelle shares so many great insights and leadership lessons. In this episode: 📰 How coin rolls, customer notes, and rainy-day tips shaped her leadership style 🍕 What Domino’s taught her about technology, timing, and transformation 🎓 Why she went back for her MBA, and what changed because of it 🥤 Chocolate cake shakes and all the moments that make up Portillo’s crave-worthy culture 📈 How Portillo’s is growing fast, even though just 1% of revenue is spent on marketing The big takeaway from the episode? You don’t need a big budget to create big moments that matter! John Summit x Portillo's: https://www.instagram.com/johnsummit/p/DA8l6r0uzCB/?hl=en&img_index=1 #Portillos #BusinessOfJoy #Technology #Finance #LeadershipLessons
S5 · E4
6 mag 2025
43:05

It All Starts with Listening - VP Editorial Director Danny Klein (QSR/FSR) Shares the Scoop

🌟 NEW PODCAST EPISODE 🌟 I had the absolute joy of sitting down with Danny Klein, VP Editorial Director at WTWH Media (QSR, FSR Magazines), for a conversation that I can't stop thinking about. We covered so much ground: 💡 How a “breathless” review turned into a rallying cry for differentiation 🤝 Why building a community beats chasing clicks 🛡️ Why authenticity is a business superpower 🎤 And how sometimes, true leadership is handing the mic to others and cheering them on The conversation is a great reminder that leadership isn't about a title. It’s about taking care of the people who put their trust in you. There’s so much wisdom packed into this episode, along with a few heartwarming stories about dogs, dads, and daring to try 🐾💛 #BusinessOfJoy #Leadership #Community #Innovation #Authenticity #Podcast
S5 · E3
29 apr 2025
52:41

Not Just for Kids Anymore: How Build-A-Bear CEO Sharon Price John Sparked a Multi-Generational Brand Reinvention

Brand reinvention is about so much more than products! Sharon Price John is the CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, but she's also a storyteller, an innovator, and an empathetic leader who knows how to build real connection. Sharon’s journey spans Barbie, Mattel, Hasbro, and now Build-A-Bear — but what ties it all together is how she leads: with purpose, clarity, and compassion. In this conversation, we covered: 🧸 How Build-A-Bear evolved into a multigenerational brand with 40% of sales from teens and adults 🎓 What the toy industry can teach all of us about innovation, speed, and reinvention 📦 An amazing “box of love” story that will melt your heart (and change how you think about leadership) 📕 Get Sharon’s book, Stories & Heart: https://www.amazon.com/Stories-Heart-Unlock-Personal-Create/dp/1950863441 #leadership #brandstrategy #innovation #thebusinessofjoy #buildabear #retail
S5 · E2
15 apr 2025
1:00:09

Good Guys Can Come First - Former Yum! Brands CEO Greg Creed Dishes on Leadership

🚨 BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS! 🚨 💡 Each episode now ends with my So What? Now What? to help create the insights to actions! 🎉 We’re rebranding to The Business of Joy Podcast! A business podcast where C-suite leaders and change-makers share real stories and strategies on how joy✨, purpose, and human connection fuel the top line and bottom line. What better way to start Season 5 with the GOAT of the restaurant industry …. Drumroll please… none other than industry legend Greg Creed! 🙌 Greg is the former CEO of Yum Brands, and in this conversation, he shares lessons he’s collected throughout his time working with powerhouse brands like KFC, Taco Bell, and Unilever! We dive into all this and so much more: ✅ How his unconventional way of mowing the grass as a kids was foreshadowing of his work style to come ✅ How the most important assets aren’t on the balance sheet - brand value and human capital ✅ Timeless lessons for leaders and aspiring CEOs – do the jobs that people don’t want to do
S5 · E1
8 apr 2025
41:15
Stagione 4

Episode 40: Bob Dalton

What world do you want to create? For Bob Dalton, it started with one blanket and a mission to change lives. This week’s episode features Bob Dalton, CEO/Founder of Sackcloth + Ashes! Founder stories are everywhere, but Bob Dalton’s stands apart. After seeing his mother experience homelessness firsthand, he identified an issue — that homeless shelters were drastically understocked on blankets — and took it upon himself to make a difference. His company matches each purchase 1:1 and donates blankets directly to shelters across the country. Talk about making an impact! In this episode we talk about everything from his (failed) first attempt at sewing the very first prototype, to his latest project, a game-changing social platform called LOCL. ✅ The Young Life mentor who first told him, "You’re already a leader.” ✅ The boss who almost fired him at his first job? Now runs operations for his company. ✅ He built his brand on Instagram… but now says social media is broken. This was a truly transformational conversation. There is so much to learn from Bob about business, about community, and about truly making the world a better place. https://www.locl.co/ PS: This marks the finale of Season 4! Season 5 is on the horizon, and I can't wait to share what's next!
S4 · E10
11 mar 2025
44:47

Episode 38: Becky Johnson

🚀 Stop the Scroll: The Marketing Leadership Playbook for Reinvention, Growth & JOY What separates leaders who stay ahead from those who get left behind? Reinvention. Curiosity. Adaptability. And let’s not forget—JOY. Becky Johnson, Senior Vice President at the American Heart Association knows this better than anyone. From radio station receptionist to global marketing leader, she has constantly evolved, learned, and led with impact. But through it all, she finds JOY in being a continuous learner. 💡 Here are 10 takeaways from this week’s episode of Bring More Joy to the Table: 🔹 Curiosity fuels leadership – The best leaders ask more questions than they answer. 🔹 Reinvention isn’t optional – To stay relevant, you must evolve. 🔹 AI is changing marketing forever – But where’s the line between cool and creepy? 🔹 Insights > Assumptions – Baked Lay’s only succeeded when the real audience was understood. 🔹 Communication is a superpower – Leaders don’t just execute; they communicate and connect 🔹 Marketing is about solving problems – Applebee’s Veterans Day campaign started as a local idea and became a national movement….copied by all today 🔹 Purpose-driven work changes everything – When Becky’s husband had heart surgery, her work at the AHA became deeply personal. 🔹 From student to mentor – At some point, we all shift from learning to leading. 🔹 Know your worth – How do you want to be remembered? 🔹 Legacy isn’t just business impact—it’s the people you lift up along the way. So what? Now what? In a world changing faster than ever, reinvention is a necessity, not a luxury. And at the heart of reinvention? Finding JOY. Leaders: Are you embracing curiosity and adapting to change? Marketers: Are you building relationships or just optimizing algorithms? Mentors: Who are you helping to grow?
S4 · E8
25 feb 2025
36:48

Episode 37: Stacey Ryan

If you think School of Rock just teaches music lessons, think again! 🎸✨ In this episode, I spoke with Stacey Ryan, President of School of Rock! We just met, yet I absolutely love her passion for leadership, education, and paying it forward! School of Rock is the WORLDS LARGEST music education brand! 📍 Just under 400 locations open and operating in 17 countries, with 6 more in development 🎸 Approaching 80,000 students worldwide Students are not just showing up to perform, they are learning how to show up in life!! 🎹The life-changing power of belonging creates a space where kids thrive, build confidence, and find their people. 🥁 The ultimate leadership training from being in a band is about accountability, teamwork, and showing up for others on and off the stage. She shares so many great insights and perspectives that she's learned throughout her journey. This is one you don't want to miss! Thanks again Stacey! Congratulations on 10 years at School of Rock! What business are you really in? #education #genz #music #inspiration #bringmorejoy
S4 · E7
11 feb 2025
42:40

Episode 36: Sam Oches

Sam's Band Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Wkp6yWAqvf6Hvga07alzT?si=ca99ccfad1ac4f08 Live life loudly! Couldn’t agree more! This was a blast! Thanks Sam Oches, Editorial Director at Informa and the mastermind behind Nation’s Restaurant News. We dove into everything in this podcast from his passion for drumming (yes, drumming!) to our shared childhood obsession with Little Debbie Nutty Buddy Bars—trust me, there were plenty of laughs along the way. Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll hear: >>>Sam’s journey from being a bona fide “news junkie” as a kid (credit to his parents) to using his killer writing skills, and even a free education, to break into journalism. >>>A look at the standout mentors who’ve shaped his path, inspiring him to pay it forward to the next generation of storytellers. >>And the common thread among the industry’s greatest leaders? A blend of longevity and a real commitment to keeping the true meaning of culture alive - it’s all about balancing quality and quantity!
S4 · E6
4 feb 2025
43:18
4 di 8