Welcome to A Student of Leadership MICRO podcast, powered by UniPro Foodservice and our Leadership Development Program.
I'm Robert Adams, your host and guide on this journey into the habits, routines, and behaviors that define exceptional leadership.
Whether you're stepping into your first food industry leadership role or refining your craft as a seasoned senior leader, this MICRO podcast is designed for you. Leadership is not a destination. It's a practice, a daily commitment to growth, learning, and service to those you lead.
Over 30+ years of food industry leadership experience, I've led teams through transformation, crisis, growth, and change. I've managed multi-unit operations, built leadership pipelines, coached hundreds of managers, and made plenty of mistakes along the way. Those mistakes taught me something invaluable: the best leaders never stop being students. They stay curious, humble, and hungry to grow.
Leadership is continually evolving, challenging yourself, and adopting small, deliberate actions that inspire trust, loyalty, and extraordinary results. It's about showing up with intention every day, even when you're tired, even when the challenges feel overwhelming.
The food industry presents unique leadership challenges. Fast-paced environments, tight margins, diverse teams, demanding customers, and constant pressure to perform. Labor shortages, turnover, supply chain disruptions, these aren't just buzzwords. They're our daily reality.
This is an industry where leadership isn't theoretical; it's tested every single day on the floor, in the kitchen, at the table, and in the boardroom. Your team watches how you handle stress, how you treat people when things go wrong, how you celebrate wins, and how you respond when someone needs help. This is where real leadership is forged.
My passion for leadership development has led me to behavioral science and evidence-based approaches to leadership. Leadership excellence isn't built on charisma or natural talent alone, it's built on intentional behaviors that anyone can learn, practice, and master.
Small shifts in how we communicate, recognize effort, handle conflict, build accountability, and show up for our teams create massive, lasting impact. These aren't complicated strategies requiring expensive consultants. They're practical, proven behaviors you can implement immediately.
In each episode, we'll break down one specific leadership behavior, habit, or mindset. These aren't hour-long lectures, they're focused, actionable micro-lessons you can absorb during your commute, before a shift, or over morning coffee. Leadership development shouldn't feel like another overwhelming task.
This podcast is for the district manager juggling multiple locations, the restaurant GM navigating staffing challenges, the corporate leader driving culture change, the emerging supervisor finding their voice, and every food service professional committed to leading with intention and impact.
I'm not here pretending to have all the answers. I'm here as a fellow student, someone who believes the moment we stop learning is the moment we stop leading effectively. Together, we'll explore what works, what doesn't, and how we can all get better at this challenging, rewarding work of leadership.
Join us on this journey. If you find value, share it with five other people who could benefit. Leadership grows when we invest in each other.
A Student of Leadership - Real Leaders. Real Growth. One Table.
Welcome to A Student of Leadership MICRO podcast, powered by UniPro Foodservice and our Leadership Development Program.
I'm Robert Adams, your host and guide on this journey into the habits, routines, and behaviors that define exceptional leadership.
Whether you're stepping into your first food industry leadership role or refining your craft as a seasoned senior leader, this MICRO podcast is designed for you. Leadership is not a destination. It's a practice, a daily commitment to growth, learning, and service to those you lead.
Over 30+ years of food industry leadership experience, I've led teams through transformation, crisis, growth, and change. I've managed multi-unit operations, built leadership pipelines, coached hundreds of managers, and made plenty of mistakes along the way. Those mistakes taught me something invaluable: the best leaders never stop being students. They stay curious, humble, and hungry to grow.
Leadership is continually evolving, challenging yourself, and adopting small, deliberate actions that inspire trust, loyalty, and extraordinary results. It's about showing up with intention every day, even when you're tired, even when the challenges feel overwhelming.
The food industry presents unique leadership challenges. Fast-paced environments, tight margins, diverse teams, demanding customers, and constant pressure to perform. Labor shortages, turnover, supply chain disruptions, these aren't just buzzwords. They're our daily reality.
This is an industry where leadership isn't theoretical; it's tested every single day on the floor, in the kitchen, at the table, and in the boardroom. Your team watches how you handle stress, how you treat people when things go wrong, how you celebrate wins, and how you respond when someone needs help. This is where real leadership is forged.
My passion for leadership development has led me to behavioral science and evidence-based approaches to leadership. Leadership excellence isn't built on charisma or natural talent alone, it's built on intentional behaviors that anyone can learn, practice, and master.
Small shifts in how we communicate, recognize effort, handle conflict, build accountability, and show up for our teams create massive, lasting impact. These aren't complicated strategies requiring expensive consultants. They're practical, proven behaviors you can implement immediately.
In each episode, we'll break down one specific leadership behavior, habit, or mindset. These aren't hour-long lectures, they're focused, actionable micro-lessons you can absorb during your commute, before a shift, or over morning coffee. Leadership development shouldn't feel like another overwhelming task.
This podcast is for the district manager juggling multiple locations, the restaurant GM navigating staffing challenges, the corporate leader driving culture change, the emerging supervisor finding their voice, and every food service professional committed to leading with intention and impact.
I'm not here pretending to have all the answers. I'm here as a fellow student, someone who believes the moment we stop learning is the moment we stop leading effectively. Together, we'll explore what works, what doesn't, and how we can all get better at this challenging, rewarding work of leadership.
Join us on this journey. If you find value, share it with five other people who could benefit. Leadership grows when we invest in each other.
A Student of Leadership - Real Leaders. Real Growth. One Table.
In this episode, Robert Adams discusses the importance of energy over time in leadership. He emphasizes the need to manage emotional energy and provides a leadership challenge to replenish energy through consistent habits. Additionally, he shares ways to practice leadership throughout the week.
Takeaways
Chapters
In this episode, Robert Adams discusses the concept of leading through complexity and the importance of absorbing pressure as a leader. He shares a real-life story of calm leadership in a high-stakes situation and emphasizes the role of leaders in absorbing pressure and choosing clarity over emotion. The episode concludes with an invitation to stay connected beyond the podcast and a preview of the upcoming topic on energy management.
Takeaways
Chapters
In this episode, Robert Adams discusses the profound impact of purpose in leadership. He emphasizes that purpose is not just a tagline but the driving force behind decisions, relationships, and overall impact. Through the story of chef Jose Andres and his humanitarian efforts, Adams illustrates how purpose can transform leadership from a heavy burden into a meaningful journey. He challenges listeners to reflect on their own purpose and its significance in their leadership journey, encouraging them to articulate why they lead and to share this insight with others.
Takeaways
Titles
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00The Essence of Leadership and Purpose
02:55The Impact of Purpose on Leadership
AI show notes are experimental. Did you find them useful?
In this episode, Robert Adams discusses the importance of fostering a feedback culture within teams. He emphasizes that feedback should be viewed as a tool for growth rather than a source of fear. Through the example of Jessica Alba's leadership during a crisis, he illustrates how transparency and open communication can rebuild trust and encourage honest feedback. The conversation encourages leaders to reflect on their communication style and to deliver feedback in a constructive manner that empowers team members.
Takeaways
Feedback culture is essential for team growth.
Transparency in leadership fosters trust and openness.
Feedback should be seen as a gift, not a judgment.
Real leaders create an environment where feedback is welcomed.
The mindset shift from past to future in feedback is crucial.
Honest feedback can change the dynamics of a team.
Leaders should encourage clarity and specificity in feedback.
One meaningful conversation can significantly impact someone's week.
Leadership is a continuous practice, not a one-time lesson.
Building a community around leadership enhances learning and connection.
Titles
Transforming Feedback into Fuel for Growth
The Art of Honest Feedback in Leadership
Sound bites
"Real leaders, real growth, one table."
"Feedback isn't a weapon. It's a leadership tool."
"Leadership is not a solo act. It's a shared table."
Chapters
00:00 Creating a Feedback Culture
01:56 The Power of Transparency in Leadership
03:24 Transforming Feedback into Growth
In this episode, Robert Adams discusses the importance of fostering a feedback culture within teams. He emphasizes that feedback should be viewed as a tool for growth rather than a source of fear. Through the example of Jessica Alba's leadership during a crisis, he illustrates how transparency and open communication can rebuild trust and encourage honest feedback. The conversation encourages leaders to reflect on their communication style and to deliver feedback in a constructive manner that empowers team members.
Takeaways
Feedback culture is essential for team growth.
Transparency in leadership fosters trust and openness.
Feedback should be seen as a gift, not a judgment.
Real leaders create an environment where feedback is welcomed.
The mindset shift from past to future in feedback is crucial.
Honest feedback can change the dynamics of a team.
Leaders should encourage clarity and specificity in feedback.
One meaningful conversation can significantly impact someone's week.
Leadership is a continuous practice, not a one-time lesson.
Building a community around leadership enhances learning and connection.
Titles
Transforming Feedback into Fuel for Growth
The Art of Honest Feedback in Leadership
Sound bites
"Real leaders, real growth, one table."
"Feedback isn't a weapon. It's a leadership tool."
"Leadership is not a solo act. It's a shared table."
Chapters
00:00 Creating a Feedback Culture
01:56 The Power of Transparency in Leadership
03:24 Transforming Feedback into Growth
In this conversation, Robert Adams discusses the importance of empowering the next generation through leadership that fosters belief and accountability. He highlights the concept of shared accountability practiced by Ben & Jerry's, where every team member is encouraged to contribute ideas and take responsibility, regardless of their title. The discussion emphasizes the transformative power of believing in individuals before they fully believe in themselves, showcasing how this can lead to a more engaged and innovative workforce.
Takeaways
The next generation isn't lacking talent. They're lacking leaders who believe in them early enough.
Shared accountability allows everyone to contribute ideas and lead projects.
Leadership is about taking responsibility, not just holding a title.
Believing in someone can empower them to believe in themselves.
Encouraging improvement ideas can lead to a more engaged workforce.
Every team member has the potential to lead.
Creating an environment of trust fosters innovation.
Leadership should be accessible to all, not just those in power.
Empowerment can come from any level within an organization.
The essence of leadership is responsibility and belief in others.
Titles
Empowering Future Leaders
The Role of Shared Accountability
Sound bites
"The next generation isn't lacking talent."
"Anyone can bring forward improvement ideas."
"You don't need a title to lead."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Next Gen Talent
00:42 Empowering Future Leaders Through Opportunity
In this conversation, Robert Adams discusses the innovative approach taken by Panera Bread to improve communication within their organization through the implementation of listening circles. These circles foster open dialogue between frontline employees and leadership, allowing for genuine feedback and collaboration without the constraints of traditional corporate meetings.
Takeaways
Panera Bread implemented listening circles to enhance communication.
Listening circles involved small groups of employees and leaders.
The focus was on real challenges and ideas, not corporate formalities.
Leadership's role was to listen, not to defend or explain.
Taking notes and making changes fostered a sense of belonging.
Open communication can transform organizational culture.
Listening circles can replace ineffective surveys and training.
Real dialogue leads to actionable insights.
Employees felt valued and part of the mission.
Effective communication is key to team success.
Titles
Revolutionizing Communication at Panera Bread
The Impact of Listening in Leadership
Sound bites
"They created listening circles."
"They just listened. And they followed up."
"I felt like part of the mission."
Chapters
00:00 Building Trust and Culture in Leadership
00:56 The Power of Listening in Leadership
In this conversation, Robert Adams delves into the often-overlooked topic of burnout, particularly in the food service industry. He emphasizes the difference between corporate burnout and the human experience of exhaustion that creeps in slowly. Adams discusses the importance of passion in food service and how it can lead to burnout without proper rest. He advocates for leaders to take proactive measures to prevent burnout by modeling healthy boundaries and normalizing rest, highlighting that tired individuals merely survive rather than thrive.
Takeaways
Burnout is often overlooked in discussions about wellness.
The human experience of burnout is different from corporate narratives.
Passion in food service can lead to exhaustion without rest.
Effective leaders prevent burnout by design.
Modeling healthy boundaries is crucial for preventing burnout.
Normalizing rest is essential in high-pressure environments.
Tired individuals do not grow; they merely survive.
Burnout creeps in slowly, affecting energy levels.
Addressing burnout requires a cultural shift in organizations.
Leaders play a key role in fostering a healthy work environment.
Titles
The Hidden Cost of Passion: Understanding Burnout
Burnout in the Food Service Industry
Sound bites
"I want to talk about something we don't talk about enough."
"They model healthy boundaries, they normalize rest."
"Tired people don't grow, they survive."
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Showing Up
00:23 Sustainable Leadership Practices
00:34 Encouraging Team Wellbeing
In this episode, Rob Adams discusses the concept of sustainable leadership, emphasizing the importance of long-term thinking and decision-making that benefits not just immediate results but also future outcomes. He shares insights from Sweetgreen's approach to sustainability and encourages leaders to model responsible behavior, connect their teams to a greater purpose, and recognize integrity in decision-making. The episode concludes with a challenge for listeners to consider the long-term implications of their decisions.
Takeaways
Leadership starts with what you choose to do right where you are.
Sustainable leadership includes behavioral sustainability for long-term team thriving.
True sustainability involves making decisions that benefit the future.
Sweetgreen integrates sustainability into their culture and leadership training.
Leaders should ask how decisions impact people and community, not just numbers.
Companies leading with purpose outperform others in engagement and trust.
Modeling sustainability begins with asking if decisions make sense long-term.
Connecting people to purpose enhances their understanding of impact.
Recognizing responsible actions fosters integrity and long-term thinking.
Leadership grows when we learn together.
Sound bites
"Sustainability is a mindset."
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to the Leadership Table
00:50 Understanding Sustainable Leadership
03:12 Implementing Sustainable Practices in Leadership
In this episode, Rob Adams discusses the significance of inclusive leadership in fostering a strong workplace culture, particularly in the food service industry. He emphasizes that leadership is not just about authority but about making every team member feel valued and heard. Through practical examples and actionable steps, he illustrates how inclusive practices can enhance team engagement and performance. The episode concludes with a leadership challenge to encourage listeners to actively seek diverse perspectives in decision-making.
Takeaways
Leadership doesn't begin when the meeting starts.
Inclusive leadership is about everyday habits.
When people feel included, they contribute more.
Panera Bread's initiatives show the power of inclusion.
Inclusion is about who gets heard, not just who's present.
Teams with inclusive leaders perform better.
Ask before you answer to encourage dialogue.
Amplify quieter voices to show their value.
Follow up on input to demonstrate commitment to inclusion.
Invite diverse perspectives to enhance decision-making.
Titles
The Power of Inclusive Leadership
Building Stronger Teams Through Inclusion
Sound bites
"Ask before you answer."
"Real leaders, real growth."
"We're here. We're inclusive."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Inclusion
00:57 The Importance of Inclusive Leadership
02:58 Practical Steps for Inclusive Leadership
03:57 Leadership Challenge and Conclusion
In this episode of A Student of Leadership, Rob Adams discusses the importance of building resilient teams in the food service industry. He highlights the case of Chipotle, which faced a significant crisis in 2015, and how their leadership responded by focusing on recovery and trust-building rather than panic. Adams emphasizes that resilience is a leadership behavior that can be cultivated through structured recovery practices and encourages leaders to create an environment where teams can reset and learn from challenges.
Takeaways
Leadership happens right where you are.
Resilience is about learning how to reset faster.
Chipotle's leadership retrained their teams after a crisis.
Real resilience involves naming the hit and guiding recovery.
Structured recovery behaviors lead to better team performance.
Resilience is a leadership behavior, not just personality.
Creating a reset ritual can help teams recover.
Recognizing team recovery reinforces resilient behaviors.
Leadership spreads through conversation and connection.
Inclusive leadership ensures every voice has a seat.
Sound bites
"Let's do a reset."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Resilience
01:27 The Chipotle Case Study: Learning from Crisis
03:24 Building Resilient Teams: Practical Strategies
In this episode, Rob Adams discusses the critical role of leadership in the digital transformation of the food industry. He emphasizes that technology alone does not drive change; rather, it is the connection and purpose that leaders instill in their teams that fosters successful adoption of new tools. Using Chick-fil-A as a case study, he illustrates how a people-first approach can lead to greater engagement and confidence among employees. The conversation highlights the importance of leading with purpose, creating a supportive culture for change, and recognizing effort over perfection.
Takeaways
Leadership happens right where you are with the people in front of you.
Digital rollouts fail not because of technology, but due to disconnection.
Chick-fil-A's approach emphasizes being in the people business.
Leadership framed the digital shift through the lens of people first.
Employees are more likely to adopt tools when they see their purpose.
Leading with the why before the how is crucial.
Make learning safe and encourage participation.
Recognize effort, not just mastery, to build confidence.
Culture drives adoption more than training sessions.
Invite others to join the conversation to spread leadership movements.
Titles
Leading with Purpose in the Food Industry
Digital Transformation: The People Factor
Sound bites
"Leadership keeps people together."
"Confidence grows when effort is seen."
"Real leaders, real growth, one table."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leadership in the Food Industry
01:44 The Importance of People in Digital Transformation
04:09 Leading with Purpose in Digital Adoption
05:35 Creating a Supportive Culture for Change
06:30 A Student of Leadership Outro.wav
Summary
In this episode of A Student of Leadership, Rob Adams shares his journey from a culinary background to becoming a leader in the food service industry. He emphasizes the importance of community, personal growth, and a people-first mentality in leadership. Rob discusses the challenges he faced and the lessons learned, highlighting the significance of building trust and resilience within teams. He also outlines upcoming topics for future episodes, focusing on digital transformation, inclusive leadership, and wellness in the workplace.
Takeaways
Food is about care, service, and community.
Leadership is a journey focused on personal growth.
Turbulent moments can be great teachers.
Real leadership is about focusing on people.
Building trust is essential for high-performing teams.
Practical insights lead to measurable results.
AI and automation are transforming leadership.
Supporting mental health is critical in demanding industries.
Engaging young talent is vital for the future.
Inspiring followership creates lasting impact.
Titles
From Culinary Roots to Leadership
The People-First Approach in Leadership
Sound bites
"Food connects us through community."
"Leadership isn't about being perfect."
"Engaging young talent is critical."
Chapters
00:00 Roots in Food and Family
02:48 The Journey of Leadership
05:41 Future Topics and Leadership Insights
Summer Break - Message
In this episode, Rob Adams discusses the importance of habits in leadership, emphasizing that great leaders are defined not by their charisma or intelligence, but by their consistent behaviors. He introduces the concept of the habit loop and shares actionable strategies for developing effective leadership habits, including the significance of tiny wins and daily reflections. The episode concludes with a challenge to adopt micro habits that align with one's leadership identity.
takeaways
titles
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00
The Foundation of Leadership: Habits Matter
03:49
Building Effective Leadership Habits
06:22
Reflection and Growth in Leadership
06:55
A Student of Leadership Outro.wav
In this episode of 'A Student of Leadership', Rob Adams emphasizes the importance of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses in leadership. He shares the story of Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, who successfully built a culture of strength-based leadership. The episode outlines practical strategies for leaders to identify and leverage the strengths of their team members, ultimately leading to increased engagement and productivity.
takeaways
titles
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00
Unlocking Strengths in Leadership
03:38
Practical Strategies for Leading with Strengths
05:32
The Leadership Challenge: Empowering Your Team
05:57
A Student of Leadership Outro.wav
In this episode of 'A Student of Leadership', Rob Adams discusses the importance of recognizing and nurturing potential in team members. He emphasizes the role of belief in fostering growth and innovation, using Satya Nadella's leadership at Microsoft as a key example. The episode outlines practical steps for leaders to help their teams realize their potential, including identifying quiet achievers, providing challenges, and communicating belief in their capabilities. The conversation concludes with a leadership challenge to engage team members in discussions about their growth aspirations.
takeaways
titles
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00
Unlocking Potential: The Invisible Force of Leadership
03:39
The Growth Mindset: Transforming Teams through Belief
06:12
Practical Steps to Lead with Potential
06:31
A Student of Leadership Outro.wav
In this episode, Rob Adams emphasizes the critical role of people development in effective leadership. He discusses how great leaders prioritize the growth of their team members, sharing insights from Rosalind Brewer's leadership journey. The conversation highlights actionable strategies for fostering development, such as creating learning moments and providing real-time feedback. Ultimately, Adams encourages leaders to focus on building a legacy through the empowerment of others.
takeaways
titles
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00
The Importance of People Development in Leadership
03:41
Rosalind Brewer: A Case Study in Leadership Development
06:37
Actionable Tips for Developing Your Team
07:51
A Student of Leadership Outro.wav
In this episode of A Student of Leadership, Rob Adams discusses the critical role of feedback in leadership. He emphasizes that feedback should be constructive and aimed at helping individuals grow rather than pointing out flaws. Using Pixar's Brain Trust as an example, he illustrates how a culture of open and honest feedback can lead to greater creativity and success. Adams provides practical strategies for giving effective feedback, encouraging leaders to be specific, balanced, and to create a safe environment for dialogue. He concludes with a challenge for listeners to practice giving and receiving feedback as a means of continuous learning and development.
takeaways
titles
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00
The Importance of Feedback in Leadership
03:38
Creating a Culture of Trust and Honesty
06:58
Practical Strategies for Effective Feedback
07:03
A Student of Leadership Outro.wav
In this episode, Rob Adams discusses the critical role of sponsorship in leadership, emphasizing its transformative power compared to traditional mentoring. He shares insights on how sponsorship can significantly impact career advancement, particularly for underrepresented groups. The conversation includes actionable steps for leaders to become effective sponsors, highlighting the importance of advocating for hidden talents and creating opportunities for others.
Takeaways
Sponsorship is a crucial leadership behavior that can change careers.
Mentoring is helpful, but sponsorship is transformational.
Performance alone won't lead to promotions; advocacy is essential.
Great leaders create opportunities for others.
Sponsorship requires intentionality and effort from leaders.
People with sponsors are significantly more likely to advance in their careers.
The absence of sponsorship creates systematic barriers in organizations.
Leaders should actively seek out hidden stars in their teams.
Sponsorship involves advocating for others in key situations.
Building a culture of sponsorship fosters collective growth and leadership.
Sound bites
"Sponsorship is transformational."
"Your influence is meant to be used."
"Pick one person you believe in."
Chapters
00:00 The Power of Sponsorship
03:43 Transformational Leadership: Beyond Mentoring
06:21 Practical Steps to Become a Sponsor
06:50 A Student of Leadership Outro.wav