At the Workforce Management Summit 2024, Gregg Majewski, CEO of Craveworthy Brands, captivated attendees with his fireside chat alongside Sam Stanovich. The discussion centered on the evolving dynamics of leadership, particularly in managing a multigenerational workforce. Majewski’s candid reflections and actionable advice provided a roadmap for modern leaders striving to balance traditional values with contemporary workforce expectations.
Key Takeaways
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WHAT DID YOU LEARN on this episode of the Room for Seconds podcast, sponsored by Craveworthy Brands. Let us know by leaving a comment below!
Embracing Vulnerability in Leadership
Majewski began by highlighting the importance of vulnerability in leadership. He shared that being truthful and leveraging one’s strengths while acknowledging weaknesses is essential.
“Most CEOs are reluctant to appear vulnerable,” he noted, “but showing vulnerability to the team fosters trust and buy-in.”
He underscored that authenticity enhances leadership effectiveness, leading to a more committed and engaged team. According to Majewski, "the more real a leader can be with their team, the more the team will support and engage with the leader's vision and efforts."
Adapting to Generational Changes
Majewski also delved into the complexities of adapting to new generations in the workforce, and how to blend old school values with new mindsets. Majewski emphasized that while the approach to communication and management must evolve, maintaining core values is non-negotiable by connecting with employees on a deeper level, making them feel part of something bigger than themselves.
“You have to know what the new generations are, how they think and learn, and there's some changes that you gotta make to how you talk to them, how you treat them, how you sugarcoat their feelings,” he explained. “You have to find a way to connect with them, that they're helping you do something that's bigger than what they are.”
Building a Cohesive Culture
Majewski’s leadership strategy involves creating a cohesive culture that integrates the aspirations of the workforce with the company’s mission. This approach not only retains talent but also fosters a supportive environment where everyone is motivated to contribute to the collective success.
“Part of what we do that’s so different is that we are honest with them, with what we’re building every day, and we let them in on the story and the struggles that we’re facing and why we’re doing it,” he shared. “Be truthful with who you are and lead into your strengths and surround yourself by people that are better than you in the areas that you're weak in.”
Gregg Majewski’s fireside chat with Sam Stanovich at the Workforce Management Summit was a masterclass in modern leadership. His insights into vulnerability, generational adaptation, and maintaining core values while fostering transparency resonated deeply with the audience. As the workforce landscape continues to evolve, leaders can draw from Majewski’s experiences to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring their teams remain engaged, motivated, and aligned with the company’s vision.
“The more real you can be with your team, the more they're going to buy into what you try to do and who you are.”
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About Gregg Majewski
Gregg Majewski has a vast amount of experience as a corporate executive in the restaurant industry. As the former CEO of Jimmy John’s, he played a major role in expanding the franchise from 33 to 300+ stores in just 5 years by surrounding the company’s marketing strategy around the innovative approach of delivering sandwiches and being “freaky fast”. Majewski has worked to develop restaurant concepts over the last two plus decades, before starting Craveworthy Brands in 2023, which currently includes a growing portfolio of restaurant brands.
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