An underdog mindset is a powerful tool that can help individuals achieve success in the restaurant business. This approach is rooted in the belief that despite having limited resources, an individual can still emerge victorious by working hard, being creative, and remaining resilient. By adopting this mentality, restaurant owners and staff can approach challenges with a tenacious attitude and the determination to overcome any obstacle that comes their way. The underdog mindset also encourages individuals to take risks and think outside the box, which can lead to innovative ideas and solutions that set them apart from competitors. In a highly competitive industry such as the restaurant business, the underdog mindset can provide the drive and determination needed to succeed.

In the latest episode of Turning Tables, host and growth strategist, Kathleen Wood, and her guest, Scott Taylor, chief executive officer at Walk On’s Bar and Bistreaux discuss the mindset needed to run a successful business today.

Taylor has been named the President and Chief Executive Officer at Walk-On’s Enterprises Operations, LLC, a brand he's been associated with since 2010, having previously served as the President and Chief Operating Officer. During his tenure as President & Chief Operating Officer, Taylor focused on systemization and structure, building a leadership team that manages a best-in-class franchise organization. Walk-On's launched its franchise program in June 2014, and today operates 75 locations across 13 states, with plans to reach 100 locations by the end of 2024.

Wood and Taylor take a deep dive into the underdog mindset and its impact on business. Taylor said, “So I think when you have an underdog mindset, you're not working against unrealistic expectations that are self-imposed right? Because you're always your own worst enemy and so you just work hard to get it done and there's not an expectation other than from yourself and you work harder, you work smarter, you work with humility and you embrace the people around you in a way that everybody wins.” Wood adds, “I can't think of a more perfect time in our industry to have that than right now because I really do think our industry is going through a pronounced and definitive period of change.”

Wood shares, “There's a P&L that's called profit and loss and there's a P&L called people in leadership and I love the fact that you focus on the people in leadership P&L, and when you focus on the people in leadership you get the other financial P&L all profits less loss.”

To learn more about how an underdog mindset can positively impact staff, franchisees and leadership as well as Taylor turn the table on Wood, tune in to this podcast on Spotify.