Masters of Scale Rapid Response: Inside Panera’s pandemic pivot, with CEO Niren Chaudhary
Apr 30, 2020
Niren Chaudhary, CEO of Panera Bread, shares his inspiring leadership during the pandemic. He reveals how the company pivoted by launching new initiatives like Panera Grocery and contactless delivery. Chaudhary discusses the strategic partnerships formed to provide 500,000 meals to food banks. He emphasizes prioritizing employee welfare and mental health while navigating the challenges of the crisis. The conversation also highlights innovative employee benefits, showcasing how a compassionate culture can enhance customer experiences.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Panera's Initial COVID-19 Response
- Panera saw a huge sales drop within a week of COVID-19 hitting.
- They prioritized associate/customer safety and protecting their brand/business.
Prioritizing People During Crisis
- Prioritize people, even during tough business decisions.
- Consider employee needs like temporary job placement and mental health support during furloughs.
CEO-Level Collaboration
- Niren Chaudhary reached out to CEOs of Walmart and CVS to create temporary job opportunities for furloughed Panera employees.
- CVS even created a dedicated homepage for Panera employees to apply for roles.