Kat Cole is a prominent American businesswoman and investor, renowned for her influential leadership in the food and beverage industry. With a career that began humbly as a waitress at Hooters, Katrina's journey to becoming the President of Focus Brands is a testament to her tenacity and strategic acumen. At Focus Brands, she oversaw well-known chains such as Cinnabon and Auntie Anne's, driving growth and innovation across these beloved brands. Katrina's leadership style is often described as dynamic and forward-thinking, qualities that have made her a sought-after speaker on topics including leadership, innovation, and brand development. Her insights are grounded in real-world experience, having navigated the complexities of the corporate world from the ground up. This unique perspective allows her to connect with audiences, offering practical advice and strategies for success in business. Throughout her career, Katrina has faced and overcome numerous challenges, each contributing to her depth of knowledge and expertise. Her ability to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing industry underscores her resilience and commitment to excellence. These experiences have shaped her professional journey and equipped her with the tools to inspire others to pursue their own paths with confidence and determination. In addition to her professional achievements, Katrina's contributions to the industry have been recognised with various accolades. Her story is one of perseverance and vision, making her an inspiring figure for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs. Whether discussing the intricacies of brand development or the nuances of effective leadership, Kat Cole offers valuable insights that resonate with a wide range of audiences, making her a compelling speaker and thought leader in her field.
Kat Cole draws from her personal and professional experiences to illustrate how they shaped her as a leader and woman. In this inspiring presentation, she recounts her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a powerful global executive. Cole emphasizes that her most valuable leadership lessons were learned as a child with a single mother. Whether doing humanitarian work in Africa or running a billion-dollar brand, she believes in the power of empathy, hustle, and heart. Attendees will learn how to build lasting companies that stand for something meaningful and make a positive impact, while also supporting women in business and leadership.
During her four-year tenure as president of Cinnabon, Kat Cole transformed the struggling company into a global brand with over 1,200 stores in 56 countries, surpassing $1 billion in sales. Cole believes that innovation and success come from being observant and immersed in the action. She emphasizes the importance of hustle, heart, grit, and resilience in following through after taking risks. In her presentation, Cole shares key leadership and innovation lessons, including her "hotshot rule" and "hustle muscle." Attendees will learn how to identify meaningful patterns, essential qualities for new hires, and manage tough decisions for long-term success.
Kat Cole offers unparalleled insight into the grit and resilience needed to build or revitalize a brand. She addresses why a brand matters, the role of employees at all levels in upholding it, and how to build a brand culture. Cole also explores integrating new brands or repositioning old ones, and redefining oneself, a team, or a company. While acknowledging the risks of a brand being in many hands, she highlights the opportunities. Drawing from her extensive experience and success, Cole provides answers to crucial questions and shares career stories to help organizations navigate complex branding challenges. Attendees will learn practical strategies for effective brand management.
Kat's journey from a hostess to an executive is not just inspiring but also packed with invaluable lessons. Throughout her career, she has championed a unique business philosophy that prioritizes connection, creativity, and community. These core values have been instrumental in her success and can be applied across various fields to achieve similar outcomes. Attendees will gain insights into how embracing these principles can drive success in their own careers and ventures, learning directly from Kat's extensive experience and achievements.
