The Growth Paradox: Why Slowing Down Led to Bigger Success For Us - Jason Himber, MINA Group
Oct 21, 2024
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Jason Himber, CEO of MINA Group, shares his journey leading a hospitality empire founded by celebrity chef Michael Mina. He reveals how a strategic pause in expansion allowed for stronger foundations and long-term success. The discussion dives into balancing operational efficiency with creativity while adapting to workforce changes post-pandemic. Himber emphasizes the importance of letting employees learn from failure and fostering an environment of trust and collaboration to cultivate innovation.
Focusing on strengthening foundational processes rather than rapid expansion can lead to greater long-term success in a business.
Allowing employees to learn from failure nurtures critical thinking skills and adaptability, essential for navigating challenges in the workplace.
Deep dives
The Importance of a Strong Foundation
A significant shift in business strategy occurred when the CEO of the Mina Group convinced its founder to pause restaurant expansion temporarily. This decision was rooted in the belief that a stable foundation is critical for sustained growth. The pandemic highlighted issues in the hospitality industry, leading to the realization that many operations had been running without rigorous assessment or improvement. Restructuring roles and reevaluating processes were seen as essential steps to ensure long-term success and resilience in a challenging environment.
Adapting to a New Workforce
There has been a notable transformation in the values and expectations of today's workforce compared to previous generations. Employees are seeking better work-life balance and a supportive environment, moving away from the harsh conditions of traditional kitchens. Digital transformation became essential for meeting these expectations, with the need to modernize training and operational processes. This shift emphasizes the importance of recognizing and adapting to the evolving needs of employees for organizational success.
Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool
The conversation highlights the necessity of allowing employees to experience failure as a part of their growth process. Leaders are encouraged to step back and give team members the space to navigate challenges on their own. The objective is to prepare employees not just to follow procedures but to think critically and adapt when unexpected situations arise. Ultimately, fostering an environment where making mistakes is acceptable can lead to improved problem-solving abilities and a more resilient workforce.
In this episode, Jason Himber, CEO of MINA Group, shares how he convinced celebrity chef Michael Mina to pause the company's rapid expansion and focus on strengthening its foundation for long-term success.
Listeners will learn:
The importance of listening, learning, and building trust when coming into a new business
How focusing on process, systems, and discipline can help a company create a stable foundation for growth
The need to balance systematization with creativity and innovation to maintain a company's unique qualities
How the pandemic forced the MINA Group to address structural issues and adapt to changes in the workforce
The value of letting employees fail and make mistakes to develop critical thinking skills and adaptability
The significance of encouraging employees to bring their whole selves to work
This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group, the global hospitality technology leader that helps hotels streamline operations and transform guest experiences. Recognized by their clients for their best-in-class solutions and exceptional service and support, Shiji Group is trusted by leading brands worldwide to activate technology faster, increase operational efficiency, and drive better business results.
If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve!