HR Leaders How Wingstop Turns Hourly Workers into 70% of Its Leaders
Sep 22, 2025
Donnie Upshaw, Chief People Officer at Wingstop, shares insights on transforming hourly workers into leaders, revealing that 70% of GMs originated from those roles. He highlights the importance of the GM position in the company's culture and success. Upshaw discusses innovative learning methods like micro-learning and gamification, and how storytelling fosters connection among over 47,000 employees. He emphasizes community giving and a visible career ladder as keys to growth and engagement within the organization.
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People As The Competitive Moat
- Wingstop's people-first strategy creates a competitive moat as the company scales globally.
- Leaders must prioritize culture, accountability, and extendability to preserve brand identity.
Culture Shows Up As Collaboration
- Collaboration and leaving egos at the door are core operational behaviors on the restaurant floor.
- High accountability and teamwork convert culture into consistent customer experience.
From Hourly To General Manager
- Seventy percent of Wingstop general managers began as hourly front- or back-of-house team members.
- Promotion paths and visible growth opportunities drove many to leadership and larger roles.