#174: Aylwin Lewis, former CEO of Potbelly and Sears – Results are paramount
Feb 15, 2024
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Former CEO of Potbelly and Sears, Aylwin Lewis, shares insights on creating happy teams and cultures while achieving results. Topics include strong cultures driving efficient operations, lowering turnover rate, listening to frontline employees, and practical tips for better public speaking.
Listening to frontline employees improves leadership.
Better public speaking can be achieved with 3 practical tips.
Deep dives
The Importance of Delivering Results
Delivering results is a key trait shared by all successful leaders. Results are essential for driving growth, achieving goals, and ensuring the success of the organization. It is the ultimate measure of success and serves as a currency for recognition, promotions, and professional advancement.
The Power of Culture and People in Leadership
Creating a positive work culture and valuing people are crucial for effective leadership. All One Lewis, former CEO of organizations like Potbelly Sandwich Works and Sears Holdings, emphasizes the importance of keeping culture and people at the heart of leadership. A strong culture promotes collaboration, high performance, and employee satisfaction, leading to better results and success.
The Impact of Personal Values and Upbringing on Leadership
All One Lewis shares personal stories about his upbringing and the values instilled in him by his parents. His mother emphasized the importance of doing the right thing and taking the straight and narrow path in life. His father's dedication to hard work and pride influenced All One's commitment to honoring his parents' sacrifices and proving what is possible. These experiences shaped All One's leadership style and contributed to his focus on values-based leadership.
The Importance of Openness, Pride, and Love in Overcoming Challenges
As a minority leader, All One Lewis faced challenges and learned to navigate the complexities of identity, inclusion, and discrimination. His father taught him the power of being open to receiving help and demonstrating his worth. He learned to channel his pride and love for his heritage and not let anger consume him. By embracing openness, pride, and love, he created a path for success and earned the trust of others.
The Value of Results-Driven Leadership and Accountability
All One Lewis emphasizes the importance of delivering results as a leader. He highlights that leaders must focus on making money, serving customers, and achieving goals while upholding high standards and professionalism. The ability to prioritize results, maintain accountability, and create a sense of urgency drives success in businesses. Results-driven leadership requires clear goals, effective communication, and working with a sense of purpose.
You want to take care of your people. But you also gotta take care of business.
If you want to create happy teams and cultures without compromising on the results, don’t miss this conversation with Alywin Lewis, the former Chairman and CEO of Potbelly Sandwich Works and the former CEO of Sears Holdings.
You’ll also learn:
Why strong cultures drive more efficient operations
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