In this episode, COO and President of Focus Brands, Kat Cole and host Gary Heil discuss her remarkable and improbable journey from hostess to running a billion dollar brand, all before age 30. Cole is now responsible for building revenues and profits for six franchise food brands in 60 countries through global licensing, manufacturing and e-commerce.

Learn how humble beginnings, grit, service and hustle were the foundation for her epic rise to the top, as she shares insights on what it takes to create and lead successful teams, how to drive innovation and growth, the winning personality traits leaders must possess, the importance of culture, how to sustain excellence and much more. No stranger to making tough decisions, Cole reveals the skills and mentality that helped catapult her monumental success.

Important takeaways:

Learn about the Hotshot rule and how it could radically change your leadership style.
Why and how failure is easy to identify: questioning and understanding success should be the goal.
What "being open to feedback" really means, and why it's essential.
“Be your own best coach” - build and strengthen yourself so you are not solely reliant on others.
The two most crucial leadership qualities you should possess.

Learn more about our speakers:

Gary Heil: https://www.wsb.com/speakers/gary-heil/

Kat Cole: https://www.wsb.com/speakers/kat-cole/

About the series:

Presented weekly, Leadership Lessons from the Fast Lane explores some of the most pressing challenges that leaders of today face, with the world’s most respected, creative, and successful thought leaders.

Visit our website: https://www.wsb.com/

Contact us: https://www.wsb.com/contact/

Kat Cole - Driving Innovation for Monumental Success (Ep. 1)