Tracey Luel’s Post

The timeless ethic of mutuality already resides in our hearts. Our collective challenge is strengthening that ethic and helping it make the journey from our hearts to our brains and on to our hands and feet. From time to time we’ve all experienced our ethic of mutuality in our personal and professional lives, usually when we’ve cooperated with others to achieve a mutually beneficial goal. So, this ethic isn’t foreign to us. Creating the better world we all want to see will have to include integrating the ethic of mutuality into the DNA our business efforts, just as it already is in our hearts. This integration can be done and it is regularly done by some. You are capable of this integration. Part of the work of Better Capitalism is to provide examples of this integration into the DNA of successful and profitable businesses and business models, such as this story about food co-ops. We trust you find these stories encouraging and motivating enough that you’re willing to strengthen your ethic of mutuality and help it make the journey from your heart to your business. Hendersonville Community Co-Op | National Grocers Association | National Co+op Grocers | Wipf and Stock Publishers #professionaldevelopment #personaldevelopment #leadership

As James Watt stepped down from his role as CEO of BrewDog and into a Non-Executive Director role, I was asked by The Scotsman for my thoughts on the company’s leadership transition. Too many companies leave succession planning until it’s too late. However, by giving an internal candidate, in this case, new CEO, James Arrow, the chance to develop over the years and use all the knowledge he’s gathered, Brewdog is in a position to navigate this transition better than most. You can read my Op Ed below – let me know what you think! https://lnkd.in/eNuYv6ys #ceosuccession #executivesearch #strategicplanning

How well do you think you pivoted your business during the Covid lockdown? How important is setting standards to your contribution as a business leader? Two questions I really enjoyed exploring with Jordan Hassall founder of Jordy's Pizza, a wood fired pizza creation business catering for private parties, business events and launching a new restaurant in Nanwich soon! Key reflections on his journey include not overthinking, celebrating progress and going with your gut instinct - wise advice in a food business! Find out more and watch the full video at the links in the comments.. #businessowner #learning #results

The way in which companies handle succession planning and transitions of leadership can predict their future success. With last week’s announcement that BrewDog CEO James Watt was stepping down, our Chairman and CEO, Jamie Livingston, penned an Op Ed for The Scotsman on how companies like BrewDog can navigate major transitions of power within their organisations. Read more by clicking the link below: https://lnkd.in/eQwVVNQK #executiverecruitment #successionplanning

As a self-proclaimed barbecue connoisseur, my culinary quests have led me to many smoky pits, but none have captured my heart quite like Bludso's BBQ. This haven of smoked meats is more than just my favorite barbecue spot in the world; it's a journey into the very soul of barbecue, all thanks to Kevin Bludso's masterful touch. From the vibrant streets of La Brea to the distant shores of Australia, Kevin's barbecue has become a beacon of culinary excellence and a testament to the resilience and creativity of Black entrepreneurship. Kevin's journey, from a childhood steeped in the rich barbecue traditions of Corsicana, Texas under the tutelage of his beloved Granny, to becoming a celebrated chef in Los Angeles, is nothing short of inspiring. His initial reluctance to join the food industry, overshadowed by a vow never to enter the restaurant business, transformed into a passionate pursuit fueled by his deep-rooted love for the craft he learned in his Granny's backyard. Kevin's story is woven with threads of heritage, hard work, and the heartwarming aromas of smoked meats and homemade sauces. However, Kevin's path was fraught with hurdles. Facing racial discrimination and overcoming professional obstacles, including an unjust termination from his position at the Department of Corrections, his resilience in the face of adversity fuels my entrepreneurial journey. Kevin's ability to turn challenges into stepping stones has not only elevated Bludso's Bar & Que to widespread global acclaim, making him an author, James Beard Award winner, and television personality but has also cemented his status as a beacon of inspiration and a symbol of triumph against the odds. His journey, intertwined with the essence of Black History Month, showcases the enduring spirit of those who strive to carve out their dreams amidst adversity. Kevin's narrative, rich with passion, perseverance, and a dash of Granny's barbecue wisdom, affirms that the essence of success is indeed boundless. #blackhistorymonth #leadership #inspiration #entrepeneurship

Want to understand leadership? Listen to Aly and his approach to leadership. Seriously listen or read what Aly says about how he addresses challenges, leads people, leads his business and now brand. What a great example of what "people first" means. Individuals can talk people first, offer training, provide listening sessions and those are valuable, but Aly's approach is refreshing take on "people first". One could stipulate restaurant and office leadership is different; I disagree. Everything takes people to succeed and how you treat them in private when no-one is looking and in public defines your approach to people. His brand is successful because of his steady hand, perseverance, and most importantly a "people first" approach. He understood what was important during any challenge at THAT TIME, while not losing sight of his vision and goal. Certainly not a one-person success story, his wife and family were a big part of that success. That is putting people first, whether your family, friends, or colleagues. He took the feedback to build a successful brand. Aly shared about his restaurant having a line of customers, credit card machine down and a leaky roof. Listen to how he handled that challenge. What a wonderful story and I am excited to try the meals!

Leadership: The Secret Sauce in any Industry As I was browsing through the list of the largest fast-food restaurant chains in the world (see link), a thought struck me about the pivotal role of leadership in business success. Take, for instance, Culver's Restaurants – home to what I believe is the best fast-food burger. The quality and taste are simply unmatched. Yet, surprisingly, Culver's ranks 72nd on the list. How so? Well, it's not always about having the best product. Leadership plays a crucial role. Without effective leadership, vision, and know-how, even the best can miss the mark. It's not just about the product; it's about how you position, market, and grow. Contrast this with the chain that ranks number 1 (I won't mention names, but let's just say it's not my personal favorite for a burger 😉). This ranking isn't necessarily about having the best burger; it's about having leadership that has, historically, positioned the organization to dominate the market year after year. This is not to say that Culver's lacks good leadership. Rather, it's an observation that sometimes, even with a superior product, reaching the top spot requires more. It requires strategic leadership that can navigate market challenges, understand consumer needs, and adapt innovatively. In business, as in the fast-food industry, or education, leadership is often the difference between a good product and a market-leading brand. It's a reminder that success is multifaceted: it's not just what you serve, but how you serve it. Do you want to learn more about how to position your organization? Contact Jeff Melendez at Zeal Education Group or Seth Pietsek M. Ed Leadership both are putting tools in the hands of leaders to better position their organizations. Note: I have not confirmed that Jeff or Seth share my belief that Culver's has the best fast food burger. #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #FastFoodIndustry #Culvers #MarketLeadership

Why commit your career to a family business? We hear from three rising stars at Palmers Brewery, Bennie and John Good Group | Growing Businesses Together. Thanks to Emily Palmer Ramus, Matthew Ayres and Adam Walsh for talking to us so frankly about the pull factors, as well as some of the challenges. #familybiz #leadership #investment #growth #successionplanning

In this fiercely competitive arena for restaurant market share, where economic challenges loom large, and the stakes have never been higher, it’s critical to remember the timeless wisdom of President Dwight Eisenhower: “What counts is not the size of the dog in the fight—it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” As we navigate turbulent sales and traffic headwinds, this moment is a call to action for restaurant and operational leaders. So, muster your determination and rally your team, for in the battle for market share, it’s not just about the odds—it’s about the will to emerge victorious. #marketshare #profitability #restaurants Read more: https://buff.ly/47Z5KkB

When times get tough and costs go up, business leaders have three choices: First choice: They can bunker. Second choice: They can share the pain. Third choice: They can take inspiration and pursue ingenuity. A lot of business leaders fall into the first two categories. But the ones that are most intriguing are those that follow the third option. Here's a great case study as to why.