Dawn:
There is an Ethiopian saying that goes, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." I'd like to go fast and far, so I think going together with the right partners really allows you to do that. We are very careful to make sure we have the right partnerships that will allow us both the speed of execution, but most importantly, to travel a substantial distance.
George:
Well, clearly Dawn with your leadership and vision, the industry is going far and fast, and that's a testament to the dedication you've exhibited in this leadership role at the National Restaurant Association. This takes me to the question we always ask in this Global podcast which is, what are the three key lessons you have learned from the restaurant industry that have the potential to change the world?
Dawn:
When you have a very large constituency, and certainly we do in the restaurant industry, there is enormity of really powerful ideas, and the challenge of leadership is to be able to hear them all, or many of them at least, to synthesize them in a way that pulls the best out of them, and to create a new path. This is much of what I have done in the 10 years that I've been here: listen intently, try to take the best ideas and weave them together into mega good ideas. So, partnerships, being able to listen in a sincere way, and then, thirdly my mantra, if you will, "Work hard, and be kind." I think that's why I've found such a home here in this industry, because this is the how people in this industry approach every single day.
Dawn:
They are willing to work hard at a level that redefines for me what work hard means. There is a commitment that is above and beyond any other industry I have ever seen; an optimistic attitude in the face of any challenge. They are going to scale, they are going to succeed, and they are going to creatively figure out a way to get to the other side. Then, the kindness part for me has always been extremely important.
George:
I have truly been inspired by this interview, and the answer to the three key lessons you have learned from the industry that have the potential to change the world. Truly these are profound answers: to work hard, and be kind, to listen, and the importance of partnerships. Dawn, what is next for you and the National Restaurant Association?
Dawn:
Well, we are extremely excited because next year is the 100th anniversary of our organization.
George:
Simply phenomenal Dawn!
Dawn:
And, it is a big, big moment for our industry. We are trying to focus on celebrating how far the industry has come in these 100 years, which is a magnificent story in and of itself. But primarily, focused on the future, and what the future looks like for the restaurant industry, which is enormously exciting. There is a changing definition of what a restaurant really is and a much larger field on which we can play. We want to be a part of reinventing this industry, and we are excited to do this on the eve of our 100th anniversary.
George:
Well, with your leadership Dawn, there is no doubt it's going to be an exciting lead in into your centennial celebration next year, and we're honored to be part of it. Thank you so much. How can listeners find out more about the National Restaurant Association?
Dawn:
Visit our website Restaurant.org that has a lot of information about our industry and advocacy activities. Our Educational Foundation’s website, ChooseRestaurants.org, has some additional information about workforce opportunities.
George:
Dawn Sweeney, CEO, National Restaurant Association. Changing the world. Thank you Dawn.
Dawn Sweeney:
Always a pleasure George, thank you for your leadership.
George:
Thank you so much.
Ideagen Intersection
9
Interview with Dawn Sweeney, cont.