Carolyn Walker has curated an esteemed and well rounded career having worked for the likes of Fritos Lays and Saatchi & Saatchi advertising. Now at Response Marketing, Carolyn started as a freelance consultant but quickly advanced to her current position as CEO and Managing Partner. Carolyn has an eye for internal and external development and has proven her ability to help small brands punch above their weight.

Here are a few highlights from this episode:

Who are the forgotten ones in the industry?

“When we talk about the forgotten ones, we are speaking in relation to the staff. When restauranteurs think about their brand, they think about the logo, tagline, purpose, and what the website looks like. They forget about the people who should be the real stewards of the brand. The people who are making and prepping the food, and are on the front lines with the guests. The staff needs to know the why. What are we trying to do? What’s our mission and vision? How how do we make unforgettable experiences for our guests? If you’re not doing that, you’re missing out on an opportunity to build a relationship and trust with your guests . . .

. . .Make the staff the stewards and give them the autonomy and the power. Empower them with your brand message so they can do the right things when it comes to being hospitable to your guests.”

Who deserves an Ovation in the industry?

PLANTA

“They’re doing an exceptional job at making Vegan foods more accessible and and it’s a really incredible fine dining experience. They do a great job on their site.”

First Watch

“They’re doing a killer job owning that day time cafe space, and they’re building an incredibly strong brand with purpose, distinction, and relevance. They’re doing the hard work and building the brand kind of day in and day out, and being true to who they are and what their core is.”