In this Leadership Lounge episode, Cindy sits down with Mark Hatch, founder of The Nest, a peer community built “like YPO for restaurant chain executives.” From a post-pandemic promotion to moderating calls with dozens of CMOs, Mark shares how relentless execution, small experiments, and the right room accelerate leadership growth. It’s a candid, fast-moving conversation about creating momentum in your career and building communities that lift everyone.

Guest

Mark Hatch, Founder of The Nest, a private network for restaurant chain executives focused on real-time problem solving, peer learning, and collaborative growth.

Highlights

• 00:00 –00:01 – Cindy’s welcome and the Leadership Lounge ethos: real stories over polished scripts.
• 00:00:54 –00:01:18 – “The Nest” origin story: a support group for restaurant chain leaders.
• 00:02:19 –00:02:42 – Who gets in: C-suite or head-of; skin in the game, no passengers.
• 00:03:03 –00:03:25 – Mark’s leadership inflection point: stepping into VP post-pandemic.
• 00:03:44 –00:03:53 – Hitting stride: moderating calls with ~30 CMOs.
• 00:07:24 –00:08:23 – Advice to your younger self: execute every time, and run smart experiments that drive revenue.
• 00:11:29 –end – Cindy on launching her first book and closing reflections.

Key Takeaways

• Be the executor. “Be that person that executes every single time” credibility compounds.
• Experiment small, aim real. Try low-risk, high-signal tests that move revenue or outcomes, not just activity.
• Choose the room. A curated peer group (like The Nest) multiplies learning and shortens the path to better decisions.
• Own more than your job description. Growth often comes from value you create outside the lines.
• Momentum > perfection. Post-pandemic promotions and new communities happen when you ship, learn, iterate.

Quotable

“Do something outside your job responsibilities and be the person who executes every single time.”

Connect & Support

If today’s episode sparked ideas, follow the show for more candid conversations, and share it with a leader who needs a nudge to start their own “nest.”