BioKat Cole is the former Chief Operating Officer and president of Focus Brands. Her journey began as a Hooters hostess at age 17, and within 2 years she was traveling around the world launching new locations for the company becoming a Vice President at 26. In 2010 she became the president of Cinnabon, turning the company around during the recession. That was part of Focus Brands — the parent company of Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, Moe’s Southwest Grill, McAlister’s Deli, and Schlotzsky’s. For 10 years at Focus she was a turnaround artist of its franchise businesses and grew global, multi-channel retail offerings to more than $1 billion in branded sales. Times1:00 - Into to Kat3:15 - How did her career accelerate so fast?7:30 - What is brand?9:30 - What goes into brand?12:45 - Interactions & brand16:00 - Is brand centralized or decentralized in the org chart?19:00 - Who are the brands that impress Kat?20:30 - How to think about distribution26:00 - Store in store concept28:30 - Grocery store distribution32:30 - Future of the restaurant industry34:45 - Thoughts on ghost kitchens and virtual brands39:30 - How has travel impacted Kat professionally?47:30 - How to become a better leader?49:15 - Where to find Kat LinksKat's substackKat's twitterJeff's twitternarrativemonopoly.com