The Business of Joy

The Business of Joy

by Lisa W. Miller

Management Marketing

Season 2

Episode 15: Steve Smith

How do you retain creativity in a data-driven world? In this week’s episode, I spoke with Steve Smith, CEO of Firehouse Agency. We talk about the tension between top of funnel brand-building and bottom of funnel performance marketing, and how agency skills have had to evolve to keep up. What does it take to become AdAge's best small advertising agency to work at in the country? As Steve explains, it starts with great people and great culture.

Episode 14: David McKillips

What's it like to lead a company where every day is a joyful celebration? In this episode, host Lisa W. Miller speaks with David McKillips, CEO of Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza. You’ll get to hear about his inspiring journey from an hourly college worker at SeaWorld to leading the largest family entertainment brand in the world! In this conversation, we delve into his fearless navigation of the pandemic, his commitment to being a player's coach for his team, and debunk a few misconceptions about teenage employees.

Episode 13: Cheryl Whiting-Kish

Host Lisa W. Miller is joined by Cheryl Whiting-Kish, the President and Founder of Define Consulting! In this episode, Cheryl shares her journey: starting at Burger King at a young age, working her way up to the C-suite, and her tenure as Chief People Officer at HOA. We discuss into the valuable lessons learned from starting her own business, insights and perspectives on recent industry trends, and so much more.

Episode 12: Doug Willmarth

Host Lisa W. Miller is joined by Doug Willmarth, President of Mooyah. Doug has had an incredible and inspiring journey! After spending the first 10 years of his career as a Navy helicopter pilot, he transitioned into leadership roles at powerhouse brands like Kraft Foods, Pepsico/FritoLay, Pizza Hut, Wingstop, and more. In this episode, you’ll get to hear how his experience as a naval aviator molded his approach to business leadership, how he pushes innovation while maintaining brand authenticity and positioning, and the incredible role joy plays in the guest experience!

Episode 11: Carin Stutz

Host Lisa W. Miller is joined by Carin Stutz, an industry legend who has experience in leadership roles at companies like Cosi, Brinker, Red Robin, McAlisters, Wendy's, Applebees and more. Carin shares both invaluable lessons learned about the industry and insights into what she believes the future may hold.

Season 1

Episode 10: Rose Kaur

Host Lisa W. Miller is joined by Rose Kaur, marketing/brand story guru and managing partner of Jester & Genius. In this episode, Lisa and Rose discuss Rose's backstory growing up in India, how struggles can lead to unintended positive consequences, and how the ideas of "timeless" and "timely" work in conjunction to propel a brand.

Episode 9: Anna Minto

Host Lisa W. Miller is joined by Anna Minto, founder of Transformational Change as well as You Are Possible, which provide customized coaching and executive advisory services, motivational workshops, and inspirational speaking for Fortune 500 companies and professional services firms. Her background includes a Harvard MBA, multiple International Coaching Federation certifications and 17 years with The Boston Consulting Group, including as a Managing Director & Partner. Anna’s passion is to empower senior executive women to thrive in fast-paced environments. She is also the author of Maternity Magic, a tool for empowerment and discovery when planning for and returning

Episode 8: Larry Lavine

Host Lisa W. Miller is joined by Larry Lavine, founder of Chili's. In this episode, Lisa and Larry discuss the importance of culture in the early days of Chili’s, some of the things we are most excited about around the industry, dive into our passions and so much more.

Episode 7: Mike Archer

Host Lisa W. Miller is joined by Mike Archer, CEO of Lou Malnati's. In this conversation, Lisa and Mike discuss differences between selling a product, a concept, and a brand, how relationships and culture can fuel lasting business growth, the benefits of controlling omni-channel and more.

Episode 6: Ricky Richardson

Host Lisa W. Miller is joined by Ricky Richardson, CEO of Eggs Up Grill. In this conversation, Lisa and Ricky discuss Ricky’s pandemic-inspired mantra of survive, sustain, and grow and how it applies today, the value of finding your brand’s north star, the benefits of franchise-driven businesses, and so much more.

7 of 8