Prosper Brief

In this episode of Prosper Brief, Rae George, Senior Manager of Supply Chain at ARCOP, shares her compelling journey navigating the complex world of food service supply chain management. From tackling hurricanes' impact on distribution to balancing family life with a demanding career, Rae offers a transparent and empowering look into leadership, resilience, and the importance of work-life balance. Her story, shaped by her time as a Prosper Accelerator, exemplifies finding success without sacrificing what matters most.

In this lively episode of Prosper Brief, Kenny Rose, founder and CEO of FranShares, shares his entrepreneurial journey and insights into transforming the franchise investment landscape. From identifying untapped opportunities in franchising to building a platform that connects investors with franchise operators, Kenny's story is one of grit, innovation, and relentless drive. He also highlights the power of relationships and the pivotal role of events like Prosper Forum in fostering meaningful industry connections.

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In this episode, Alison Davis, Head of Client Development Partnerships at Citi, shares her unique journey through finance, her brief venture into the restaurant industry, and her insights into effective wealth and succession planning for entrepreneurs. Allison describes how her own experience with a restaurant startup allowed her to relate to clients in the food industry. She also highlights Citi's decade-long partnership with No Kid Hungry, a campaign focused on eradicating child hunger in the United States, and explains how the bank supports both clients and communities through financial planning and social responsibility.

In this engaging panel discussion from Prosper Brief, host Luke Kircher moderates a conversation with three influential leaders in the food service and hospitality industry: Cord Mclean from Bloomin' Brands, Emily Austin of Ziosk, and Ray Johnson of ReCee's Leadership Consulting Group. Together, they explore the evolution of leadership, the integration of technology in hospitality, and the enduring importance of human connection. This thoughtful dialogue sheds light on how the industry can innovate while preserving its core values of exceptional service and care.

In this engaging episode of Prosper Brief, Kimberly Smith, the dynamic CEO of Copia, shares her inspiring journey of leading a profit-for-purpose organization aimed at combating food waste. Kimberly delves into the innovative technology behind Copia, the power of connecting surplus food to communities in need, and transformative partnerships with major brands like The Cheesecake Factory. Alongside her insights into leadership and sustainability, Kimberly celebrates impactful collaborations and highlights the profound joy of serving others.

In this inspiring episode of Prosper Brief, Donna Richardson, a trailblazing fitness icon and entrepreneur, shares her incredible journey from fitness advocacy to building a third-generation culinary empire with her mother, Mama Laverne. Donna recounts her breakthrough as the first female fitness trainer to have a Nike shoe, her passion for promoting wellness, and her success in launching Mama Laverne's Chicken and Waffles. Her story is one of perseverance, innovation, and faith, embodying her philosophy of "grit, grace, and gratitude."

In this episode of The Prosper Brief, Paul Barron moderates a vibrant discussion with Robin Schweitzer of Patronix, Andre Vener from Dog Haus, and Geoff Alexander from Wow Bao. Together, they explore the intersection of technology and innovation in the restaurant and hospitality industry, touching on themes such as AI, blockchain, gamification, and the importance of forward-thinking strategies. The conversation weaves through the practical challenges and opportunities of integrating cutting-edge technology into customer loyalty programs, brand identity, and operational efficiency, while maintaining the essence of hospitality.

In this episode, Candace Barnes, a leader in DEI at Papa John's, delves into her journey with the company, how DEI has become a fundamental part of Papa John's culture, and the organization's commitment to developing future leaders through programs like the Prosper Accelerator. She highlights how the intentional integration of DEI and talent functions empowers the team to innovate inclusively, ensuring diverse perspectives contribute to every level of decision-making.

In this conversation, Christopher "CTM" Thomas-Moore and Maria Zhang discuss the evolving role of AI in the food industry, from streamlining operations to enhancing customer experiences. CTM describes Domino's journey to integrate high-impact technology that optimizes both customer satisfaction and internal operations. Maria shares her vision for "high EQ" AI models that could deepen human-like interactions with brands. Both discuss the powerful networking impact of the Prosper Forum, which brings together a diverse range of leaders to shape the industry's future.

Tae Kim, Chief Development Officer at CJ Foodville USA, joins the podcast to discuss her journey from her roots in restaurant training to her current leadership role. Tae explains how her cultural heritage and previous roles in development shape her leadership style and approach to DEI, teamwork, and fostering collaboration across CJ Foodville's American and Korean teams. She reflects on the value of networking and mentorship gained from the Prosper Accelerator program, emphasizing its impact on her professional growth.