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Five Guys CEO: How we built a burger empire WITHOUT ANY Marketing: John Eckbert | E168
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John Eckbert is the CEO of Five Guys in Europe. By far the most successful ‘posh burger’ chain in Britain, John tells us how he took a classic concept to a whole new content by inventing a unique business model. 00:00 Intro 01:26 What shaped your business mentality? 08:20 Five Guy’s journey 20:14 Building a successful business without marketing 29:52 How to stop employees becoming compliant 33:06 Installing company values 39:27 Hiring the best people 46:42 Attention to detail 50:43 How do you keep calm? 55:18 Hardest moments & how to handle them 01:09:38 Critical feedback, standards & customer service 01:14:53 Business decisions and their impact 01:18:46 What’s the biggest threat to Five Guys? 01:20:01 What makes you happy? 01:26:00 Self-awareness 01:32:13 What’s are the foundations of your future? 01:37:37 Our last guest’s question Are you ready to think like a CEO? Gain access to the 100 CEOs newsletter here: https://bit.ly/100-ceos-newsletter Five Guys: https://fiveguys.co.uk/ Listen on: Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-diary-of-a-ceo-by-steven-bartlett/id1291423644 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7iQXmUT7XGuZSzAMjoNWlX FOLLOW ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SteveBartlettSC Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-bartlett-56986834/ Sponsors: Huel - https://my.huel.com/Steven BlueJeans - https://www.bluejeans.com/ Carpets gifted from Tapi - https://bit.ly/3P10anj Chandelier & Lights gifted from Tom Kirk Lighting - https://bit.ly/3Q6vJxd
Segments Timeline
The Five Guys Phenomenon
John Eckbert, CEO of Five Guys Europe, shares the unique appeal of Five Guys, highlighted by a memorable moment when Barack Obama chose to pick up their burgers. He emphasizes the brand's reliance on word-of-mouth rather than traditional advertising, showcasing the success of their Covent Garden location, which became the highest-grossing Five Guys in the world.
"you know when barack obama left the white house to go pick up five guys we're gonna go get some burgers 41. that's what makes five guys a treat and special john eckford the ceo of five guys europe fiv..."
Shaping a Business Mentality
Eckbert reflects on his upbringing in a counter-cultural family that eschewed mainstream celebrations and media. He discusses how this unique background shaped his perspective on business, instilling a sense of belonging and the belief that entrepreneurship can be a noble pursuit, ultimately influencing his approach to leadership and business ethics.
"bartlett and this is the diary of a ceo i hope nobody's listening but if you are then please keep this yourself [Music] john i've i've read quite extensively through your story and um i guess my first..."
The Search for the Right Business
Eckbert recounts his journey back to the UK in 2010 and his partnership with Sir Charles Dunstone to explore new business opportunities. They sought a food and beverage concept that could thrive in a market less threatened by online competition, leading them to discover Five Guys and its potential for success in Europe.
"do you think you've been searching for that sense of belonging more so than the average person um i think so you know i i think if you have something in abundance you take it for granted maybe um and ..."
Why Five Guys Stands Out
Eckbert explains the simplicity and quality of Five Guys' menu, focusing solely on burgers and fries. He highlights the brand's commitment to freshness and quality ingredients, which sets it apart from competitors. This focus on a limited menu and high standards has been a key factor in their success.
"morel family there actually are five brothers and their mom and dad so there's seven in the family but five brothers who are the five guys who founded the business and they were looking to go global h..."
Timing and Trends in Food
Discussing the macro changes in public perception around food, Eckbert emphasizes how Five Guys capitalized on the growing demand for fresh, high-quality ingredients. He notes the importance of customization in their offerings, catering to a consumer base that increasingly desires personalized dining experiences.
"the business in 1986 because there's literally not a freezer in the five guys equipment infrastructure everything is obsessively fresh and right before the we we signed the joint venture to bring them..."
Building a Brand Without Advertising
Eckbert shares insights into how Five Guys built its brand through customer experience rather than traditional marketing. He reflects on the significance of an open kitchen and the role of customer recommendations in driving the brand's growth, illustrating how the company has thrived on authenticity and quality.
"really ready for that the whole machine is like um uh i liken it to putting a a ferrari engine on top of an ox cart and then racing it around a track so we're very old school very analog in our produc..."
The Speakeasy Strategy
Eckbert shares the story of Five Guys' first location outside the U.S. in Covent Garden, emphasizing the initial uncertainty and the 'speakeasy' allure that helped create buzz. He highlights how word-of-mouth recommendations fueled the brand's growth without traditional advertising.
"guys built its business was one recommendation at a time and i can remember covent garden was the very first five guys outside of the u.s and we'd spent a lot of money paying for the bar that was ther..."
Community and Burger Culture
John Eckbert reflects on the passionate burger blogger community that contributes to Five Guys' reputation. He explains how this community helps maintain the brand's presence in discussions about the best burgers, showcasing the importance of customer engagement and feedback.
"because people had tried it in america including me i tried it and i think i tried it in america before i tried it here i'm 99 sure that i tried on my way to coachella one year or something but and th..."
Strategic Location Choices
Eckbert discusses the strategic decision to place Five Guys in aspirational locations, enhancing the brand's image. He explains how this approach compensates for the lack of advertising, relying on foot traffic and word-of-mouth to attract customers.
"it was positioned from a property perspective and you know mostly in strip centers and in kind of b locations in america and we thought let's give it the property presence that it deserves and i think..."
The No-Advertising Philosophy
John Eckbert elaborates on Five Guys' commitment to not using traditional advertising. He discusses the challenges and temptations of this approach, especially during the pandemic, and how it forces the company to focus on product quality and customer experience.
"know you have this you have this rule where you don't do advertising has there ever been a time where you thought [ __ ] i just want to just run a little facebook ad you know the pandemic comes around..."
Passion for Food
Eckbert emphasizes the importance of passion in the food industry. He explains how the dedication of Five Guys employees to creating high-quality burgers and fries is crucial for customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
"such a difference um you know food fundamentally is about passion we all have you know you you're you remember the great food experiences that you've had you talk about them and it becomes part of you..."
The Psychology of Sharing Good Food
John Eckbert explores why customers feel compelled to share their positive dining experiences. He discusses the emotional connection people have with food and how it drives them to recommend Five Guys to friends and family.
"know that that sort of psychological device that's making people want to tell their friends do you spend much time thinking about exactly why that is like what is the why would i care if i've had a gr..."
Adapting to Change
Eckbert talks about the necessity of adapting to changing market conditions while maintaining core values. He shares how Five Guys embraced delivery services during the pandemic, balancing innovation with their commitment to quality.
"actually really high quality food and more and more people were actually looking for really good food delivered if you could come and try it here yeah yeah from delivery yeah yeah absolutely before it..."
Maintaining Quality Amid Growth
John Eckbert addresses the challenge of maintaining quality as Five Guys expands. He shares insights on hiring passionate professionals and fostering a culture of excellence to ensure every location delivers the same high standards.
"of that i guess that's important because the world is changing so like stubborn values are really good to some extent but in a changing world um it's almost a bit like the bible you have to be able to..."
The Enduring Appeal of Freshness
Eckbert discusses the enduring consumer expectation for fresh food and how Five Guys meets this demand. He contrasts their approach with competitors who may compromise on quality as they scale.
"bit well you mean you have a customer who wants a great burger and they happen to be watching the football match and they're like i am not leaving my chair right i'm watching the football match and bu..."
The Treat Factor
John Eckbert explains why Five Guys is perceived as a treat rather than a daily meal option. He discusses the brand's positioning and how it influences customer frequency and loyalty.
"you know yes i know there are restaurant concepts where you walk into their kitchen and there's little like a bank of of microwaves and they like kind of pull this stuff out and you pop them in the mi..."
Guarding Against Complacency
Eckbert shares his strategies for preventing complacency as Five Guys grows. He emphasizes the importance of hiring passionate staff and maintaining operational excellence to ensure consistent quality across all locations.
"guys frequency is much lower than that and and you know it's five guys is a treat you know it's not something um you know like a competitor of mine that i think very highly of you know prett's done an..."
The Passion Behind Five Guys
John Eckbert discusses the driving force behind Five Guys' rapid growth and success. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining passion and energy in every restaurant, highlighting the exceptional performance of the Covent Garden location, which exceeded expectations by paying back its investment in just two years.
"part of it in my the the kind of thing that keeps you up is okay we're gonna grow this business you know as fast as we can because we know we have something how are we going to keep the intensity and ..."
Hiring for Passion and Talent
Eckbert shares insights on hiring passionate individuals who genuinely care about burgers and customer service. He explains his hands-off management style and the significance of hiring talented professionals who can operate effectively and maintain the brand's values across all locations.
"years i mean it was just a phenomenal uh success um but yeah i mean the thing that kept me up at night was you know how can we make sure that you know we open up in milton keynes we open up in um you ..."
Building a Strong Company Culture
John Eckbert reflects on the importance of instilling strong values and culture within Five Guys. He draws parallels with successful sports teams, emphasizing that a strong culture allows for autonomy and reduces the need for constant oversight from management.
"who are really good at identifying and qualifying those people who can run a store and bring that passion into a store that's been the the secret of the of the the growth of the business um because ha..."
The Right Fit: Hiring Challenges
Eckbert discusses the challenges of hiring the right people for Five Guys, particularly in the early days when they had to convince individuals to join a new brand. He explains the importance of finding individuals who align with the company's values and the negative selling approach they adopted to attract the right talent.
"i'm starting at five guys in a management position today what are you saying to me to turn me into a five guys disciple well i mean i guess the we do actually have values that we identify with inside ..."
Core Values of Five Guys
Eckbert outlines the five core values that guide Five Guys: integrity, competitiveness, enthusiasm, family orientation, and results-oriented focus. He explains how these values were crucial during the pandemic and how they help maintain a consistent culture across all locations.
"right fit is um and so i remember it was a really important decision we made where we're essentially going to invert the equation and we said you know five guys is a really hard job and it is probably..."
Communication and Development During Crisis
John Eckbert highlights the importance of communication during the pandemic, detailing how Five Guys launched an employee-oriented app to keep staff informed and connected. He emphasizes the company's commitment to internal development and promoting from within to foster leadership.
"then when you know you had to be agile and nimble and flexible you knew what what the what the objective of the business was and all the managers just beautifully adjusted their business to reflect th..."
Investing in Talent and Leadership
Eckbert discusses the significance of investing in talent and leadership development at Five Guys. He shares how 75% of their managers are promoted internally and the importance of providing training to help new leaders grow within the company.
"the crew and and the customers in this environment and being able to have that direct line of communication to the whole company was really powerful kind of cut through a lot of the the fear and um an..."
The Importance of Hiring the Right People
Eckbert reflects on the lessons learned about hiring the right people for Five Guys. He emphasizes the need for a different caliber of talent as the company grows and the importance of cultural fit in ensuring long-term success.
"into prada met and other guys that you can be the head of our account it was just that kind of whoever was willing right right great people exactly probably who i needed at that phase but for the next..."
Navigating Difficult Decisions
John Eckbert shares his philosophy on making tough decisions regarding employee retention and termination. He stresses the importance of acting quickly when someone is not the right fit for the company, both for the business and the individual.
"it's probably an urban myth but the shackleton story about you know putting an ad in the paper for his you know south uh south pole expedition you know it's gonna be dangerous and risky we'll probably..."
The Role of Attention to Detail
Eckbert discusses the critical role of attention to detail in the success of Five Guys. He explains how operational focus and adherence to cooking standards are essential for maintaining quality and consistency across all locations.
"right and in the interview for culture you know but when when an interview finally gets to my level i am 100 focused on culture i mean the the whole qualification of their professional skills has been..."
The Importance of Quick Decisions
John Eckbert discusses the necessity of making swift decisions regarding employee fit within Five Guys. He emphasizes that if there's doubt about an employee's suitability, it's often best for both the individual and the organization to part ways quickly, allowing for better opportunities elsewhere.
"business here then we took it to america and i'm like what two week notice period everyone has a two week notes but what the hell is this yeah and it's really just a box and you know please you probab..."
Sweating the Small Stuff
Eckbert shares his philosophy on the significance of attention to detail in the Five Guys business model. He argues that operational focus and high standards in cooking and service are crucial, contrasting this with other businesses that overlook the importance of small details.
"how important have you realized it to be in the five guys business and for the success of a five guys brand to have a real high attention to detail and to sweat the small stuff because a lot of busine..."
Mystery Shopping for Quality Assurance
John explains Five Guys' approach to maintaining high standards through mystery shopping. He details how the company invests in employee incentives based on performance metrics from these evaluations, ensuring that every location meets the brand's quality expectations.
"now from a detailed perspective i don't want to get into the details of my i.t guy or my marketing team or the property team you know i've hired people who are fantastic at that and i don't want to be..."
Navigating Leadership Challenges
Eckbert discusses the challenges of leadership during chaotic times, such as the pandemic. He highlights the importance of assessing store leadership and ensuring that managers are equipped to maintain high standards and customer service.
"is a is a fantastic way of ensuring that we're all focused on the same thing and if you find a location is continually ranking at the bottom of that mystery shopping scoreboard what what are the next ..."
Finding Calm Amidst Chaos
John shares his strategies for maintaining personal calm as a CEO during turbulent times. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on controllable factors and simplifying priorities to navigate the complexities of running a business.
"that's gone through such chaos how do you maintain your own personal calm within all of that chaos because it is just never ending we were talking before we start recording you've gone from a pandemic..."
The Human Connection in Leadership
Eckbert reflects on the human aspects of leadership, emphasizing the importance of understanding employees' personal challenges. He believes that supporting team members during difficult times fosters a healthier work environment and enhances overall business performance.
"that that loss and and those human connection points are um are and actually that kind of feeds back into our family value um you know where we and as a ceo i have my a smaller direct report community..."
Overcoming Personal Struggles
John opens up about his personal challenges, including a painful divorce and the impact it had on his life and leadership. He shares how Five Guys provided stability during this tumultuous period and the importance of maintaining relationships with his children.
"what i see is that that approach carrying out throughout the business so that style of leadership um is you know is is contagious as a value in the business so you know if if someone's in distress um ..."
Balancing Professional and Personal Life
Eckbert discusses the complexities of balancing his responsibilities as a CEO with personal challenges, particularly during his divorce. He highlights the importance of focusing on work as a means of providing for his family while managing emotional turmoil.
"have um you know accepted that they that we have had a more adult relationship prematurely but now that they're both at university it feels more normal now and those are hard fought hard-won recast re..."
Controlling What You Can
John emphasizes the importance of focusing on controllable aspects of life and work. He shares insights on managing anxiety by distinguishing between what can and cannot be controlled, advocating for a mindset that prioritizes actionable items.
"was good at um that made a difference for them um and that um was it the the anxiety of of being separated i i could set aside for a few you know for those hours in a day and that was really helpful u..."
Embracing the Present
Eckbert concludes with reflections on the significance of living in the moment and focusing on present challenges. He shares advice on maintaining mental health during chaotic times by concentrating on immediate, actionable tasks.
"can't control that's really hard but it's hugely important yeah i i was at this festival this weekend and there was a i did one-on-one meetings with lots of people that were in the audience for three ..."
The Essence of Human Connection
Eckbert articulates his belief that human connection is central to our purpose in life. He shares a personal story about connecting with an employee during a moment of loss, illustrating how empathy and shared experiences can strengthen relationships within a company. This segment emphasizes the value of emotional intelligence in leadership.
"state in total chaos i think that's absolutely right i mean i think the other thing is that realizing that our pr i believe our purpose in life is human connection um i think that's why we're here i t..."
Finding Gratitude in Adversity
John Eckbert reflects on how personal losses have shaped his ability to connect with others. He discusses the importance of being grateful for difficult experiences, as they contribute to personal growth and empathy. This segment highlights how overcoming challenges can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and others.
"making of you in many ways because of what you said at the start of this conversation about that importance of feeling like you belonged and that's so it's so evident that that is um much of the reaso..."
The Highs of Business Success
Eckbert shares the exhilarating feeling of being part of a successful business community, specifically within Five Guys. He discusses the company's rapid growth and the satisfaction derived from working towards a shared mission. This segment captures the excitement and fulfillment that comes from collective achievement in business.
"thing you know we were the we were the eighth fastest growing business uh in 2016 i think in the uk and the fastest growing food and beverage business and even with that we never met a budget that i h..."
Embracing Vulnerability as a Leader
In this segment, Eckbert discusses the importance of acknowledging mistakes as a CEO. He emphasizes the need for leaders to be open about their shortcomings, which fosters a culture of honesty and accountability within the organization. This approach not only enhances team dynamics but also encourages others to admit their own errors.
"are these um you know emperor has no clothes where you know where the where the the most important powerful person in business has blind spots that you know everybody knows about and somehow you you k..."
The Search for Truth Over Ego
Eckbert highlights the significance of prioritizing the right answers over personal validation in leadership. He explains how admitting mistakes and seeking truth can create a culture of humility and openness, allowing for better decision-making and collaboration within the team. This segment underscores the value of integrity in business.
"confession there when i heard when i heard that example what it actually says to me as well is that as a ceo you care more about the correct answer not being right so that might be confusing as becaus..."
Creating a Culture of Feedback
John Eckbert discusses the importance of establishing a feedback culture at Five Guys. He shares insights on how to facilitate open communication and constructive criticism among team members, ensuring that everyone feels safe to express their thoughts. This segment emphasizes the role of feedback in continuous improvement and team cohesion.
"validating your own um your own opinions and yourself which as you say creates that culture of humility where hopefully others around them will go i'm also wrong in this situation exactly business sho..."
Maintaining High Standards in Customer Service
Eckbert elaborates on Five Guys' commitment to exceptional customer service and the role of mystery shoppers in upholding standards. He discusses the nuances of customer service across different markets and the importance of adapting to cultural expectations. This segment highlights the brand's dedication to delivering a consistent and high-quality experience.
"and and really you know i i don't i don't like fill out a form where you know so you did well in this and poorly in that you know we don't i don't do that you know um but i sit and say you know let's ..."
Leveraging Technology for Customer Experience
In this segment, Eckbert explores the integration of technology in enhancing customer service at Five Guys. He shares insights on how technology can streamline communication and improve service efficiency, while also acknowledging the balance between human interaction and technological solutions. This discussion reflects the evolving landscape of customer expectations.
"no i i well well first of all i think you know i'm responsible for germany france spain portugal uk and in each market has a little different national temperament and figuring out what constitutes goo..."
Adapting to Generational Preferences
Eckbert discusses the challenge of catering to diverse customer preferences across generations. He shares personal experiences with different service models and emphasizes the need for Five Guys to adapt to changing expectations. This segment highlights the importance of understanding customer demographics in shaping service strategies.
"about because i had that exact problem recently was i was in a restaurant it was very busy and i feel like i spent 15 minutes like trying to get someone's attention to try and get some ketchup yes um ..."
The Impact of Business Structure on Success
Eckbert reflects on how Five Guys' joint venture structure influences its business decisions and long-term strategy. He contrasts this with franchise models, emphasizing the benefits of alignment among stakeholders. This segment provides insights into how business structure can shape operational choices and brand positioning.
"this communication tool that you already have in your hand hooked up to an effective way inside the restaurant now more and more young people expect technology to be part of their journey um and they'..."
Building for the Long Term
In this final segment, Eckbert discusses the advantages of having an indefinite time horizon in business. He explains how this perspective allows for more thoughtful decision-making and sustainable growth, contrasting it with short-term profit-driven approaches. This segment encapsulates the philosophy of building a resilient and enduring business.
"part of that interaction going forward somewhat caught between two generations i imagine because i was in nando's the other day and the first time they've told me oh you can just order from the qr cod..."
The Power of Long-Term Vision
John Eckbert discusses the advantages of having a long-term vision in business, emphasizing that the lack of a time horizon allows for better decision-making. He contrasts this with the pressures of private equity, advocating for a focus on sustainable growth rather than short-term gains. This segment highlights the importance of aligning business strategies with core values and the benefits of a family-oriented approach.
"been fantastic for me as a chief exec because i knew that my shareholders were completely aligned um and we would never have made the decisions that we did particularly from a property perspective wit..."
Staying True to Burgers and Fries
Eckbert identifies the biggest threat to Five Guys as losing focus on their core offering: burgers and fries. He stresses the importance of maintaining a laser focus on quality and treating employees like family. This segment underscores the significance of simplicity and dedication to the product in building a successful brand.
"i'm kind of getting at because there'll be business owners listening to this that are maybe thinking oh i'll build for two years then i'll sell it or i'll build for three years and i'll sell it but wh..."
The Importance of Vulnerability
In this segment, Eckbert shares his personal journey towards embracing vulnerability and emotional honesty. He reflects on the value of being the person his children can turn to in difficult times, emphasizing the importance of authentic connections. This discussion highlights how vulnerability can strengthen relationships and foster deeper connections.
"i think losing focus on the the basics of burgers and fries thinking that we're something other than being burgers and fries um you know that laser focused on making the best burger you could for your..."
Navigating Emotions as a CEO
Eckbert explores the challenges of managing emotions as a CEO, discussing the misconceptions of needing to appear perfect and strong. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and expressing a full range of emotions, including anger. This segment provides insights into the human side of leadership and the necessity of emotional intelligence in business.
"on a personal level then what is what makes you happy outside of the professional stuff outside of five guys what what is it what are the ingredients that make you happy um it's the connection stuff u..."
Self-Awareness and Personal Growth
Eckbert delves into the journey of self-awareness and personal growth, sharing how painful experiences prompted him to reevaluate his identity and relationships. He discusses the importance of recognizing unconscious motivations and the impact they have on personal and professional life. This segment highlights the transformative power of self-reflection and the pursuit of authenticity.
"it's there's somewhat of a pun in it i guess in this case um if your if your happiness is a recipe consisting of a series of ingredients and different quantities like you know the five guys fries just..."
The Ingredients of Happiness
In this reflective segment, Eckbert shares his thoughts on happiness and the ingredients that contribute to it. He emphasizes the significance of vulnerability and emotional expression in fostering meaningful connections. This discussion encourages listeners to embrace their emotions and recognize the value of authentic relationships.
"say it's okay that's part of me um and you know that's really um that's been the hardest bit for me in the past couple years but um i think probably the most um the most valuable what did you find in ..."
Lessons from Family and Relationships
Eckbert reflects on the lessons learned from his family and relationships, particularly regarding emotional expression and connection. He discusses the importance of teaching future generations about the value of expressing emotions and maintaining healthy relationships. This segment underscores the intergenerational impact of emotional awareness and connection.
"even with that that's really powerful because they need to be able to take that into their adult relationships um and you know else they'll you know they'll struggle they'll struggle those places too ..."
The Challenge of Self-Sabotage
Eckbert candidly discusses the challenges of self-sabotage in personal relationships, particularly in the context of balancing work and emotional availability. He reflects on the tendency to justify neglecting loved ones due to professional commitments. This segment highlights the importance of self-awareness in recognizing and addressing harmful patterns in relationships.
"you're talking about there as well as this process of like becoming more self-aware about yourself because you're completely right i mean a lot of the stuff i've been reading recently about psychology..."
Understanding Love and Connection
In this segment, Eckbert contemplates the nature of love and connection, expressing his desire to understand and provide genuine love to his partner. He discusses the importance of recognizing and meeting the emotional needs of loved ones. This discussion emphasizes the complexity of relationships and the ongoing journey of understanding love.
"connection with everyone that i cared about and to me it was it was it's you know connection is worth it um and my uh i can remember my grandmother who was one of the first ones who taught me to love ..."
The Role of Therapy in Personal Development
Eckbert advocates for the importance of therapy in personal development, sharing his experiences and the benefits of investing in mental health. He emphasizes that understanding oneself is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships. This segment encourages listeners to prioritize their mental well-being as a foundation for personal and professional success.
"up to anybody else to express my anger for me that's up to me um should be up to me um and i should be able to spontaneously experience that in real time and express that in appropriate levels that's ..."
Building a Meaningful Future
Eckbert discusses his vision for the future, focusing on the importance of agility and adaptability in both personal and professional life. He reflects on the joy of being part of a business that aligns with his values and the integrity of its product. This segment highlights the significance of purpose and passion in shaping a fulfilling future.
"where he's talking to his girlfriend janie or the girl he loves and he says you know i'm not a smart man janae but i do know what love is and i feel like i'm the foil for that where i might i might in..."
The Foundations of Future Success
In this segment, John Eckbert shares his thoughts on setting goals and the foundations for a successful future. He expresses skepticism about rigid planning and emphasizes the need for agility in both personal and professional life. Eckbert discusses his passion for his work and the growth he seeks, highlighting the importance of vulnerability and self-awareness in achieving true fulfillment.
"really great one yeah well um i think you know from a business perspective uh i i love what i what i get to do i mean it feels like it doesn't it doesn't you know feel like work um now um i mean it fe..."
The Power of Vulnerability
John Eckbert discusses the transformative power of vulnerability in leadership and personal life. He shares his journey towards being more open about his struggles and how this has positively impacted both himself and others. This segment highlights the importance of acknowledging hard times and the benefits of being authentic, especially in a leadership role.
"and vulnerability being vulnerable i think is one step at a time and it's kind of like opening opening the door a little bit at a time it has been for me anyway i think because i was so scared to be v..."
Making Amends and Acknowledging Mistakes
In this heartfelt segment, John Eckbert reflects on the relationships in his life where he feels he owes apologies. He discusses the importance of recognizing past mistakes and the impact they have had on his loved ones, including his children and ex-wife. This segment emphasizes the significance of accountability and the healing that comes from making amends.
"here um that was a um and and then the feedback that i got to say that that was that that was you know that was a positive thing that was that was amazingly uh um yeah fulfilling i am so excited to an..."
The Value of Authentic Conversations
As the conversation wraps up, John Eckbert and Steven Bartlett discuss the value of authentic dialogue in business and personal relationships. They reflect on the insights gained from sharing vulnerabilities and the importance of connecting on a human level. This segment underscores the idea that true leadership involves being relatable and understanding the human experience.
"thank you thank you for your time today thank you for your wisdom as it relates to business and the story of five guys which is just tremendously inspiring and i it's always such an honor to get to sp..."