How Leaders Lead with David Novak
#213: Erika Ayers Badan, CEO of Food52 and former CEO of Barstool Sports – Acknowledge the tough stuff
Nov 14, 2024
In this insightful discussion, Erika Ayers Badan, the CEO of Food52 and former head of Barstool Sports, shares her journey from leading a struggling brand to building a media empire worth over $550 million. She emphasizes the importance of honest leadership to foster trust and collaboration. Erika reveals strategies for upstart brands to outmaneuver giants and offers advice for women navigating male-dominated industries. Her experiences highlight the value of creativity, transparency, and adaptability in today’s dynamic business landscape.
56:18
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Quick takeaways
- Erika Ayers Badan emphasizes the importance of transparency and direct communication in building trust and solving organizational issues.
- Her transition to Food52 highlights the necessity of adapting leadership styles to align with company culture and foster employee engagement.
Deep dives
Embracing Challenges as Motivators
Taking the Barstool Sports job was a significant risk that fueled determination due to the widespread skepticism surrounding her decision. The speaker found motivation in the belief that many underestimated both her capabilities and the potential of the company. Understanding that there was no option for failure allowed her to channel this pressure into driving success. Discussing the importance of addressing organizational issues candidly with one's team also came forth, indicating that transparency is vital for effective problem-solving.
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