On this episode of the WiRL Podcast, I sit down with Rhonda Levene, CEO of Ziosk and a powerhouse leader with more than 30 years of experience across brands like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. Rhonda shares how she navigated male-dominated industries, built confidence in the boardroom, and carved out space as one of the few women leading a tech company in the restaurant space.

We talk about pivotal career moments, the lessons she carries into her role today, and why mentorship and advocacy for women leaders are at the core of her work. From digital transformation to building teams rooted in trust, Rhonda gets candid about the realities of leadership—and what it takes to leave a lasting legacy in both hospitality and tech.

Want to dive even deeper? Check out her recent feature in FSR: Lessons in Leadership from Ziosk CEO Rhonda Levene ✨

Tiana Feghali isn’t your typical franchise visionary—and that’s exactly the point. In this candid, conversational episode, she opens up about swapping a career in film and TV for the food franchise world, and why it’s anything but “cookie-cutter.” We talk about shaking up a male-dominated industry, bringing fresh eyes to her family’s legacy, and leading with empathy instead of ego. From busting myths about franchising to building a culture people actually want to work in, Tiana keeps it real about what it takes to do things your own way.

This week, I’m joined by Curion’s dynamic duo: Keren Novack, President, and Rachel Buss, VP of Strategic Insights. Between the two of them, there’s no shortage of sharp insights, career wisdom, and laugh-out-loud moments. We talk leadership wins (and growing pains), how to blend analytics with intuition, and what restaurant brands get totally wrong about their customers. 

We also get real about climbing the ladder in male-dominated spaces, building cultures that actually support women, and the underrated power of everyday leadership. Spoiler: it’s not always the big moves that matter most. 👀

Step into the heart of leadership with Kyla Hanaway-Quinlan, COO and Head of People at Feast & Fettle. As a mom of two and a senior leader at one of the fastest-growing food brands in the country, Kyla is passionate about creating spaces—at home and at work—where people can truly thrive. 🔥

In this bonus episode of the WiRL podcast, Kyla shares what it means to operationalize empathy in a high-growth environment. From building psychological safety to supporting team members through substance recovery and reentry, her approach to people-first leadership is as powerful as it is practical. That's #WiRLPower in action. 💪

Step into the growth of Protein Bar and Kitchen with ops leader Marie Crawford, as she shares her journey from getting started in hospitality to running operations at a fast-growing brand. 💪

We chat about how she’s grown as a leader, staying true to her values while helping a brand expand through franchising, and what it takes to build your own voice in this industry. Plus, Marie drops some great advice for women stepping into leadership roles and how she uses her platform to make a difference in her community. ✨ Now that's what we call #WiRLPower!

Jennifer Thomas believes leadership isn’t about powering through—it’s about powering down and tuning in. In this episode, the founder of Rooted Connections shares how she stepped away from the hustle and redefined leadership on her own terms. We talk about what it means to lead from the inside out, how to move forward when you’re feeling stuck, and why clarity and self-trust matter more than checking every box.

🎟️ Want more? Join Jennifer live for Rooted to Rise: Wellness, Wisdom & the New Way to Lead—a free WiRL webinar on July 15th. Reserve your spot here.

🌱 WiRL listeners can also access Jennifer’s full Rooted Leadership course using the code WIRLVIP at Rooted Connections.

What if one day in the C-suite could change a young woman’s entire view of what’s possible? In this special episode of the Women in Restaurant Leadership podcast, we explore the transformative power of representation, partnership, and purpose through KFC’s Girls Takeover—a global initiative in collaboration with Plan International that invites young women to step into executive leadership roles, even if just for a day.

You’ll hear from Shirlyn Huang, a student and youth advocate who stepped into the role of Chief People & Culture Officer at KFC as part of the initiative, as well as Laura Willis, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at Plan International, and Nivera Wallani, Global Chief Development Officer at KFC who handed over her seat during the initiative. Together, they reflect on what it means for young women to see themselves in positions of power, and why programs like these are so much more than symbolic.

This conversation gets real about confidence, access, and the ripple effect of putting young women at the center of change. If you’ve ever wondered whether one day can really make a difference, or how brands can move from intention to action when it comes to empowering future leaders—this episode is your answer.

This week on the official #WiRLPod, I'm handing the mic to two women who are leading at the intersection of hospitality and tech—and doing it with boldness, heart, and just the right amount of grit.

Meet Hope Neiman, Chief Marketing Officer, and Judy Chan, VP of B2B Marketing and Demand Generation at Tillster. These two powerhouses are not only driving innovation in restaurant technology, they’re also proving what’s possible when women lead with purpose and confidence in traditionally male-dominated spaces.

In this episode, we talk about what makes women-led teams different (and dare we say, better?), how to build a culture of support instead of competition, and what it really takes to move into leadership when you’re doubting yourself more than anyone else is. Hope and Judy get real about mentorship, impostor syndrome, and why owning your talent isn’t just important—it’s non-negotiable.

If you’ve ever felt isolated in your role or unsure how to take the next step, this one’s for you. Consider it the pep talk your career’s been waiting for. ❤️

In this heartfelt episode of the #WiRLPod, I sat down with Chef Iliana de la Vega—James Beard Award-winning chef, educator, and founder of El Naranjo in Austin, Texas. From her early days exploring the markets of Oaxaca to leading one of the country’s most respected Mexican kitchens, Iliana shares how heritage, memory, and matriarchal influence have shaped her journey.

She opens up about the power of the maternal line in Mexican culinary tradition, the deep cultural identity woven into every dish, and the importance of honoring diversity in both cuisine and leadership. Iliana also reflects on balancing motherhood and professional ambition, and what it means to pass the torch to the next generation.

This is more than a conversation about food—it's a celebration of legacy, place, and the women who keep tradition alive.

Read Chef Iliana's feature in FSR: https://www.fsrmagazine.com/feature/how-chef-iliana-de-la-vega-is-championing-authentic-mexican-cuisine-at-el-naranjo/

In this episode of Women in Restaurant Leadership, I sit down with Cassie Pinckney, Vice President of Marketing at Gastamo Restaurant Group, to explore her dynamic career journey from national brands like Velvet Taco and Pei Wei to leading innovative marketing strategies for a growing portfolio of fast-casual concepts. Cassie shares the key lessons she’s carried across roles, her process for immersing herself in new brand cultures, and the art of balancing creativity with calculated risk.

We dig into how she navigates brand transitions, stays ahead of consumer trends, and drives relevancy in an increasingly digital world. Cassie also opens up about the bold marketing moves that paid off—and the ones that didn’t—offering a refreshing look at resilience, leadership, and the power of pushing boundaries. Plus, she shares advice for fellow women in marketing, how she fosters a fearless team culture, and what’s next in her career and for the future of fast casual. #WiRLPower