Damola Adamolekun
Red Lobster, CEO
Show the path to success
Can Red Lobster pull off the greatest comeback in restaurant history? After filing for bankruptcy, shedding value, and losing relevance, it won’t be easy.
But it’s the kind of challenge that Damola Adamolekun thrives in. After returning P.F. Chang’s to profitability, he is now making waves as Red Lobster’s youngest-ever CEO.
In this episode, he shares what it’s like to lead at a young age, the strategies that work in a turnaround, and how to show your team a clear path to success without sugarcoating the truth.
You’ll also learn:
- The #1 reason companies falter after longstanding success
- Practical tips for anyone leading in a struggling business
- A mindset shift to help you better at accepting criticism
- Why your energy around the office matters more than you think
More from Damola Adamolekun
People follow leaders they respect, regardless of age
You can earn people’s respect, even if you’re young. Show them sound judgment and a commitment to self improvement, and your age becomes irrelevant.
Don’t guarantee success, but show a path toward it
People don’t need false certainty. They need clarity, honesty, and a plan to move forward (even when the road is uncertain).
Create a steady emotional tone for your team
Your team takes emotional cues from you. Show up consistently, stay grounded, and be honest about challenges without overreacting.
You can't make an impact without facing challenges
Anything worth doing in life won’t come easy. When you face tough moments, embrace them as your chance to do something meaningful.
Plan for the downside, then push to beat it
Strong leaders prepare for tough outcomes, not just best-case scenarios. Then they rally the team around a plan to beat expectations.
Clips
| Clip | Leader | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| No one’s the perfect candidate | Damola Adamolekun | 0:40 |
| Pressure will affect your decision making (if you let it) | Damola Adamolekun | 0:50 |
| People follow leaders they respect, regardless of age | Damola Adamolekun | 0:57 |
| Create a steady emotional tone for your team | Damola Adamolekun | 0:41 |
| Don’t guarantee success, but show a path toward it | Damola Adamolekun | 0:53 |
| You can't make an impact without facing challenges | Damola Adamolekun | 0:37 |
| Plan for the downside, then push to beat it | Damola Adamolekun | 0:56 |
| Leadership is self-improvement | Damola Adamolekun | 0:13 |