Claim OwnershipThe Business of Joy
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© Lisa W. Miller 2024
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Consumer researcher Lisa W. Miller is an expert at telling the story behind the data. The Business of Joy is 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.
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THIS podcast conversation is one you won’t forget!I met Arshay in 2019 through my rowing team. He is an entrepreneur and speaker who shares his message around the world. His full-length documentary, A Most Beautiful Thing, tells the story of growing up on the West Side of Chicago and how rowing and an entrepreneurship class changed his life. Since it debuted in March of 2020, it’s been a joy to watch all his success!5 years later, he has a second book titled Let Me Be Real with You, which hit #1 on the USA Today best seller list, and he founded a non-profit organization to introduce rowing to youth!We dove deep into stories he doesn’t often share - the gift of his entrepreneur class, how his culinary degree shaped his future, and the power of hope. Rowing introduced him to teamwork, peace, belonging, and the chance to reinvent his future. This is a story about resilience, leadership, and the hope we give and receive.
For Toni Ronayne, her journey started as a 13-year-old coat check girl… staying up late, learning the value of tips, hospitality, and connection long before she ever stepped into the C-suite.Today, Toni is the Founder & CEO of The C Society, and her story is one of courage, reinvention, and leading with authenticity in an industry that’s changing faster than ever.A few of my favorite insights about Toni’s story: 💡Her superpower: being an “accidental executive” 💡Why restaurants are her true calling 💡The loneliness no one talks about when the title goes away (that is so real!)💡How to scale without losing your soul💡The win/win opportunity for fractional leadersOne of my favorite moments was when Toni said: “At the end of the day, I want people to say I lived my life true to who I am.”Authenticity as a legacy! WOW! It is so fitting!If you’re a leader navigating change, a brand builder, or an executive rethinking what’s next in your career… you’ll want to dive into this one 🔥
“I’m going to need some tissues. It’s a difficult story… but a beautiful one… because we can turn darkness into light.” -NASA’s Michael CiannilliSeason 7 launches today! 🎙 Big news coming tomorrow too! Hint: It’s a space (pun intended 😉) to spotlight every guest, every story, and every spark of joy we uncover together.This premiere is one of the most meaningful conversations I’ve ever had. It’s a journey from heartbreak to hope with a 30-year NASA veteran who helped lead the recovery of Columbia and turned tragedy into purpose.After we recorded, Mike said something that reminded me why I love doing these: “I really enjoyed our discussion, Lisa. I must say once again, you’re a fantastic host who really brings out the person in the interview.”Michael’s career took him from engineering and test directing rockets to leading NASA’s Apollo, Challenger, Columbia Lessons Learned program.Here are some of the stories you’ll hear in this episode:
🚀 How 10-year-old Mike’s make-ready weekends shaped a lifetime of agility and craftsmanship
🚀 The 5½-year detour before joining NASA, and the perseverance that defined him
🚀 What it means to teach the “why” behind failure, not just the “what”
🚀 How the same human lessons apply whether you’re launching rockets, running a business, or leading teamsThat’s the heart of The Business of Joy: getting to the human side of every story. Behind every title, every mission, every milestone, there’s a person finding light after darkness.
🎧 Now streaming! Get the tissues ready!
From growing up in her family’s Black-owned grocery store in Memphis to leading major brands across CPG, nonprofits, and higher ed… this is a story of grace, grit, and growth!This was fun to sit down with my good friend, Dorothy Jones, Chief Marketing Office, to talk about the moments and lessons that shaped her life and career!We talked about: 🛒 Early jobs that build confidence 💪 Resilience learned from her trailblazing mom Service and Community Are Foundational (FIX SPACING) 🧘♀️The power of being still 💡 and how Curiosity Is a Superpower!
Joy, soul, and hospitality aren’t soft words… they're a growth strategy!That’s the message from Brett Schulman, CEO & Co-Founder of CAVA, who joined me on The Business of Joy podcast this week.Before leading one of the fastest-growing restaurant brands in America, his early jobs of washing cars and chopping firewood built his work ethic: discipline, pride, and the power of showing up!A few gems in this episode: 🌱 Manual work builds character, while human connection builds culture. His early jobs taught him attention to detail, perseverance, and the pride of finishing well.🧡 Small wins build big discipline. Making your bed. Showing up. Doing the small things consistently… that’s how momentum and resilience are built.🔥 Hospitality is a competitive edge. As technology removes friction, people crave warmth. The dining room isn’t dead - bad experiences are.📈 Lead for decades, not quarters. Show up on the bad days. Invest through headwinds. Build for the long game.Brett is a testament that when leaders choose humanity over fear, the brand doesn’t just survive… it thrives.
🎙️ We’re Baaaack! The Business of Joy Podcast 🔥 What if the biggest myth in leadership is the idea of the superhero CEO?My guest, John Blakey, is one of the UK’s leading CEO executive coaches and the author of four books. He’s worked with FTSE 100 CEOs, entrepreneurs, and even coached gold-medal Team GB rowing squads. But what struck me most in our talk wasn’t his client list, it was his humanity.John shared how a paper round at 12 taught him reliability and appreciation, how moving and changing schools often built his “resilience superpower,” and why mentors matter more than we think. We dug into how even CEO’s have imposter syndrome and his Up, In & Out model, a practical way to align purpose, inner resilience, and follower engagement.And then came his newest idea: the Thrival Kit. Not just a survival kit for leaders, but 19 real-world tools to help you thrive - a first-aid kit for purpose-driven leadership.Leadership isn’t about being flawless. It’s about being human and equipping yourself to shine and help others shine.
At 13 years old, Joe Davis wrote a list of life goals. Fast forward decades later… it turned out to be the blueprint for his life!For this episode of the Business of Joy, I had the pleasure of interviewing Joe Davis, Former Head of BCG North America and author of The Generous Leader!We talked about the kind of leadership that actually moves people (and the needle): humble, curious, and human.Some of the highlights from this episode:📰 How a 6-year paper route taught accountability at 6am (and why showing up matters)🔑 Why saying “I don’t know” can unlock creativity instead of stalling it💞 What the pandemic taught him about empathy, perspective, and leadership at scale👂 How properly listening to feedback from employees and teammates can help shape decisions and shift both morale and performanceIf you lead teams (or aspire to) you’ll love this one.📘 Joe’s book: The Generous LeaderAMAZON: https://a.co/d/95KT4xFAUDIBLE: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Generous-Leader-Audiobook/B0D6WM3FJ5?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp#BusinessOfJoy #Leadership #GenerousLeadership #EmpathyInAction #HumanConnection
Imagine working 16 hours a day… and paying yourself in quarters from a jukebox!That’s how Bruce Dean’s journey began.In this episode, Bruce, co-founder of Black Bear Diner, shares stories (and leadership lessons) I’ll never forget: 🍳 Why staying true to who you are matters more than ever 🥓 How double-smoked bacon became a signature of quality 🐻 The roadside woodcarver who helped shape Black Bear’s identity ⭐ Why “good” is actually the enemy of “great” 💡 And how taking a chance on someone can change the course of their lifeWhat stuck with me most? Hospitality isn’t just about feeding stomachs. It’s about feeding our souls.
There’s a difference between reporting sports... and sharing the stories of sports.That’s what makes Newy Scruggs, the 15-time Emmy-winning Sports Director at NBC DFW, stand out. For over 30 years, he hasn’t just covered games, he uncovers the human lessons inside them. Lessons we can carry into work, leadership, and life. From sit-downs with former TCU head coach Gary Patterson and UT Athletic Director Chris Del Conte to everyday athletes, Newy gets to the heart of it.If you’re in Dallas, Newy is a household name. If you’re not, trust me, you’re missing out.In our Business of Joy conversation, Newy shared:💡 Why vulnerability isn’t weakness, it’s the bridge to real connection⛰️ The Mount Everest principle of success and how complacency kills momentum🌱 How cutting lawns at 11 on military bases taught him work ethic, grit, and perspective🎤 A 5th-grade mock newscast that revealed his calling in broadcasting🙏 How faith, perspective, and a daily choice for joy keep him groundedThe game ends. The highlights fade. The headlines change. But the lessons and stories Newy shares will stick with you.Newy's Interview with Chris del Conte: https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/meet-chris-del-conte-ut-longhorns-athletics/3764827/Newy's Website: newyscruggs.com#BusinessOfJoy #NewyScruggs #Storytelling #Leadership #NBCDFW
While most brands are chasing tomorrow’s sales, Chris Hoyle, Chief Marketing Officer of Simple Modern, focuses on driving brand connections and loyalty through generosity.If you don’t know this brand, you should:>Their purpose in the crowded drink-ware and consumer goods space is clear: “We exist to give generously.” >On their website it even says “generous prices” - meaning affordability>Chris even shares a story about “generous laughter” – LOVE IT, never heard those two words together beforeIn this episode, we cover the difference between growing the brand and growing the business.💥 What a 40oz tumbler taught Chris about agility, timing, trends, and trust 🧠 Why “users” and “ROAS” don’t tell the whole story 👏 The power of giving credit and recognition to employees🎯 Why in a tie, you win on brand
“Everyone wants to just ‘let the data speak.’ But data without a question is just noise.”Right?AI seems to be taking over a lot of our “mind share” these days. So I decided to sit down with an expert, Mike Lukianoff, CEO of Signal Flare AI, to get down to the brass tacts.I could have talked with Mike for hours about this stuff! Here are just a few of my favorite quotables from this episode:📊 “Letting the data ‘tell you’ is like asking a calculator to write your business plan.”🧠 “Nobody knows you’re doing your job until you’re not.” (Describing his offensive lineman mindset and leadership behind the scenes.)💡 “I got the right answer to the wrong question. That’s a type three error in statistics, and it’s happening everywhere with AI.”From offensive lineman to entrepreneur, Mike shares what it means to do the work no one sees and why asking better questions might just be the most human thing we can do.
What if the right jacket didn’t just fit, but helped you own your seat at the table?In this week’s episode of The Business of Joy, I sat down IN PERSON 🎥 in New York City with fashion icon and entrepreneur Nina McLemore, founder of the brand worn by senators, CEOs, and powerhouse women across America.Her mission?
To design clothing for professional women that commands respect, radiates confidence, and helps level the playing field, without sacrificing color, comfort, or quality.We talked about:
✔️ Growing up in Mississippi with a legacy of strong Southern women
✔️ Taking the leap from department store buyer to founder
✔️ Building a brand for women who belong at the table
✔️ Why color isn’t just aesthetic, it’s power
And before you ask, YES, I’m proudly wearing one of her jackets in this episode 💙 Plus, I have many, many more that I wear ALL THE TIME! Check out her site here: ninamclemore.com#BusinessOfJoy #NinaMcLemore #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #ApparelIndustry #Leadership #LevelThePlayingField
“You’re not burned out because of your job. You’re burned out because you’re doing someone else’s job.”That line stood out to me when I sat down with Monica Rothgery, former COO of KFC and one of the most joyful, no-BS leaders I know. Monica was the first woman in the US to hold that position and the first member of the LBGTQ community to get to the C-suite at YUM!For the fiftieth episode of the Business of Joy, we talked about:✨ What the Army didn’t prepare her for at Taco Bell🎧 Why she wears a headset during her keynotes and what it says about who she leads for🌏 How she led a turnaround in Thailand, despite no global ops background nor language skills⚠️ What “compressed productivity” is, and how it’s quietly suffocating innovation in your org🔥 The radical clarity that comes from asking: “What’s mine to do?”Whether you’re running a business, mentoring new talent, or working the frontlines yourself, Monica’s perspective and insights will change how you think.#BusinessOfJoy #LeadershipDevelopment #FrontlineLeaders #Restaurants #WomenInLeadership
🧠 “I knew right away I wasn’t going to be happy just executing someone else’s plan.” -Mark BrezinskiThat mindset shaped decades of restaurant innovation, from the King Solomon Burger at age 16, to concepting Velvet Taco, Pei Wei, Tin Star, EatZi’s, and more.This week’s episode of the Business of Joy features Mark Brezinski, restaurant conceptor, consultant, & author of Food Fight!
In our conversation on The Business of Joy, we talk about:
🍴 His surprising first jobs (and first off menu item)
🧭 The equation he teaches young leaders: 1/3 of your time controls the other 2/3⭐️ Why BBQ is the perfect fast casual North Star
📉 The personal bankruptcy that taught him more than any success ever did
📚 What his book revealed to friends who thought they knew him
🔥 Why “authentically good” matters more than “authentic” or “good” aloneCheck out Oak'd BBQ: https://www.instagram.com/oakdbbq/?hl=en#businessofjoy #RestaurantIndustry #HospitalityLeadership #BrandBuilding #RestaurantInnovation
What’s the mistake too many young leaders make?🚫 Skipping steps. 🚫 Skipping the struggle.This week’s episode of The Business of Joy podcast features Andrew K. Smith, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Savory Fund!From cleaning kennels at 14 to co-founding a $500M fund, his story is a playbook for gritty, joyful leadership.We talked about:💸 The truth about today’s fundraising climate—and where opportunity still lives🔄 What legacy brands can learn from emerging ones🌟 “Don’t be a know-it-all. Be a learn-it-all.”🌱 How restaurants (and leaders) can be the light others lean toward💡 Why he believes positivity breeds successWhat struck me most? His ability to dream big and stay grounded.🎧 One of my favorite conversations yet. Packed with perspective, wisdom, and unforgettable one-liners.And BTW—we even talk favorite bands and music. So cool.Here were two of the bands that Andrew mentioned:Zola Blood: https://www.youtube.com/@ZOLABLOOD/videosWashed Out: https://www.youtube.com/@realwashedout/videos
❌ Innovation by committee.❌ Waiting for approval.
❌ Endless alignment meetings.It’s not working. And Rita McGrath, C-suite strategist, professor at Columbia Business School and Founder of Valize, says it’s time to stop pretending it is!In our latest Business of Joy episode, she breaks down what happens when teams go permissionless—and why it leads to:✅ 75% faster execution
✅ Smarter, more motivated teams
✅ Strategy that actually keeps up with realityWe also dug into Gen Z, leadership blind spots, and how small changes (just 2% better!) lead to big reinvention.If you're clinging to hierarchy, you’re already behind!Rita's Website: https://www.ritamcgrath.com/Her Thought Sparks Podcast: https://www.ritamcgrath.com/podcast/Velize: https://velize.com/Rita's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/rgmcgrathHer Current Bedside Book: https://www.amazon.com/Wiring-Winning-Organization-Slowification-Simplification/dp/1950508420
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.
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 companyI 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-xds8eInfinity Curvehttps://thethursdaythought.substack.com/p/organisational-and-personal-autophagy-the-innovation-show-3d7d5e91f327https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/avoiding-burden-curve-gift-from-your-younger-self-aidan-mccullen-rbepf/We Are All Astronauts:https://youtu.be/Boywptyj4xk?si=-ET2vC3lj6tlFIaTThe Book Aidan is currently reading:https://a.co/d/9zaxiPr
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 marketingThe 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
🌟 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 onThe 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
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