In this episode of the Best Boss Ever podcast, host Carl Thomas welcomes Janet Zuccarini, founder of Gusto 54, a restaurant group with locations in Toronto and Los Angeles. Janet shares her journey in the restaurant industry, starting with her first restaurant in 1996 and the challenges she faced along the way, including difficult partnerships and the impact of COVID-19 on her business. She discusses her father's influence on her entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic, highlighting how his pioneering efforts in the restaurant industry shaped her approach to business.Janet delves into the current state of the restaurant industry, expressing concerns about the challenges restaurateurs face, particularly in California. She emphasizes the need for labor law reform and the financial pressures that have made it increasingly difficult to operate profitably. Despite the hurdles, Janet maintains a positive outlook, focusing on creating unique dining experiences and fostering a supportive work environment for her team. The conversation concludes with Janet's reflections on finding peace and balance in her life amidst the chaos of the restaurant business.

In this conversation, Carl Thomas and Dave Klewan discuss the future of sports in Los Angeles, highlighting major upcoming events like the World Cup and the Olympics. Dave shares his journey in sports management, the importance of leadership, and his role as chairman of the LA Sports Council. They also delve into the Ready Set Gold program, which aims to inspire youth through sports, and touch on the significance of work-life balance and personal values in the sports industry.

DP and McGhee are competent, experienced, and hilarious. Learn while you're laughing. AB Inbev, ATT, McDonald's, and MoneyGram are just a few clients in their repertoire. This is a "must listen". And check out their podcast. Wait. What? Sports Biz Chat with DP and McGhee.

In this episode, Dan Mannix shares his journey from his early career in sports marketing to founding his own agency, Lead Dog Marketing, and eventually transitioning to CSM and starting Underdog. He emphasizes the importance of professional persistence, building connections, and the value of workplace diversity. Dan reflects on his experiences in the NBA and the Olympics, highlighting the significance of teamwork and trust in achieving success. He also discusses the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, particularly in the fast-paced world of sports marketing.

In this episode of the Best Boss Ever podcast, Carl Thomas interviews Michelle Kajawara, Senior Vice President for Premium Seating Sales and Service at Crypto.com Arena. Michelle shares her inspiring career journey, starting from her early days as an executive assistant to her current leadership role. She discusses the importance of mentorship, navigating challenges, and the lessons learned from her experiences in the live events industry. The conversation highlights the significance of attitude, integrity, and enthusiasm in leadership, as well as memorable moments from her time at the arena.

In this episode, Professor John Cairney shares his unique journey from Canada to Australia, highlighting the influence of mentorship in his academic pursuits. He emphasizes the importance of research impact on real-world issues and navigates the complexities of sports marketing. He reflects on his leadership experience during COVID-19 and the preparations for the upcoming 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, advocating for innovative university-industry collaborations and the role of disruption in leadership.

Frank Vuono is one of a kind. In this session, he shares his extensive career journey in the sports business, highlighting the importance of mentorship, relationships, and leadership. He reflects on his experiences at Young and Rubicam, NFL Properties, and his own agency, discussing the lessons learned from both good and bad bosses. Frank also delves into the creation of the NFL Quarterback Club, emphasizing the significance of honesty and integrity in business.

Carlos Padilla shares his journey in sports marketing, emphasizing the importance of relationships, vulnerability, and continuous learning. He discusses his career path, the transition from selling to buying sponsorships, and the role of strategy and AI in marketing. Carlos highlights the significance of transparency in sponsorships and the science behind sports marketing, ultimately advocating for accountability and personal growth in both professional and personal life.