Episode 043 – Michael Osanloo, President and CEO, Portillo's

On this episode of The Executives' Exchange, we have a Chicago favorite! Portillo's CEO, Michael Osanloo joins us along with guest host, Andy Lansing, CEO of Levy, another iconic Chicago restaurant brand. Osanloo and Lansing talk about the importance of servant leadership, taking quintessential eateries to the next level, and, of course, their go-to Portillo's orders. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience.

00:00 – Intro 01:05 – Lansing and Osanloo share their similarities 03:40 – Osanloo's college career choice 05:10 – Osanloo career before Portillo's 07:35 – Why he choose to work for Portillo's 10:10 – Portillo's story 13:20 – Osanloo beginning at Portillo's 14:36 – How Portillo's had lost its way 17:22 – Hospitality and importance of the employees 19:55 – Building up management 24:40 – Opportunities from local to global 28:12 – Message from our sponsor, Shure 28:44 – Osanloo vision for Portillo's 30:22 – Portillos's journey through COVID 34:09 – Servant Leadership 35:24 – How he knew Portillo's strategy was working 39:19 – Portillo's food 42:44 – Lightning round questions 44:37 – Outro

Episode Link: Portillo's

Guest Host: Andy Lansing, CEO, Levy

Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives' Club of Chicago

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