Wise Tales

Wise Tales

Welcome to Wise Tales, the podcast where we sit down with industry experts and thought leaders to discover how to enhance brand value, increase revenue and drive great organizational culture through employees, customers and partners. Tune in, with host Evan Melick, as we unlock the transformative potential and power of optimized learning, development and operations — one wise tale at a time!

  1. Future-Proofing Work With AI and Smarter Tech

    03/09/2025

    Future-Proofing Work With AI and Smarter Tech

    Donna Herbel, Founder of Blue Phoenix Learning and Co-Founder and COO at Savii, joins us to share how technology and AI empower frontline teams, preserve institutional knowledge and shape confident leaders. Drawing on decades of experience in hospitality training and leadership development, Donna highlights how organizations can turn chaos into clarity through practical strategies, people-first leadership and the right tech. Key Takeaways: (01:43) Understand where opportunities exist but remain untapped, focusing on improvements that can drive better outcomes. (03:16) Use technology to manage repetitive and administrative tasks, allowing people to concentrate on work that creates a deeper impact. (05:33) Technology delivers timely, accessible information at the point of need, enabling confident decisions and reducing reliance on memory or guesswork. (08:10) Build confidence for employees by offering tools and systems that allow them to learn, adapt and perform without unnecessary pressure. (10:12) Prevent the loss of valuable talent by ensuring technology supports operational processes, enabling people to focus on leadership and relationship-building skills. (14:23) Provide leaders with just-in-time guidance and proven approaches to handle complex conversations and challenges with greater confidence. (20:17) Capture and preserve organizational knowledge by using modern tools to document, repurpose and share the expertise of experienced individuals. (25:51) Regularly evaluate established practices to determine what remains effective and where new approaches can drive improved efficiency and outcomes. Resources Mentioned: Donna Herbel https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnaherbel/ Savii | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/saviico/ Savii | Website https://savii.ai/lets-talk/ Wisetail | Website https://wisetail.com?utm_source=podcastplatforms&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=wise-tales-podcast Descript https://web.descript.com/ Thanks for listening to the “Wise Tales” podcast. Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode! #LearningAndDevelopment #OrganizationalCulture #AIInnovation #DisruptiveInnovation #DigitalTransformation #DigitalInnovation

    31 min
  2. Ditch the Scripts: How Play, Failure and Improv Are Revolutionizing Hospitality Training

    12/08/2025

    Ditch the Scripts: How Play, Failure and Improv Are Revolutionizing Hospitality Training

    Audrey Benet, Director of Training at GuestCounts Hospitality, shares insights into how modern training techniques can transform learning in the hospitality space. With two decades of experience leading operations, culture and training for global brands, Audrey brings a human-centered perspective to scaling systems while prioritizing team well-being. Audrey outlines how humor, improv and technology help make learning more effective and inclusive. She emphasizes the importance of creating safe environments where team members can fail forward, build soft skills and grow into confident leaders through practical experience and collaborative feedback. Key Takeaways: (02:18) Introducing game-based learning makes training more approachable and removes traditional barriers to participation. (07:35) Interpersonal dynamics are at the core of service industries, making flexibility and human connection central to effective learning. (09:39) Technology can support a learner-first approach by allowing individuals to absorb foundational material independently before applying it on the job. (11:40) Simulated practice and early exposure to decision-making roles can accelerate leadership development and readiness. (14:20) Communication skills, especially the ability to give and receive feedback, are best developed through frequent, low-stakes repetition. (16:02) Embedding structured feedback into everyday routines helps build emotional resilience and fosters stronger workplace relationships. (18:19) Collaborative group training formats can make even sensitive topics, like interview conduct, more memorable and participatory. (22:03) When organizations create environments that support experimentation and recovery from mistakes, they build deeper trust among teams and strengthen cultural alignment. Resources Mentioned: Audrey Benet https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreyabenet/ GuestCounts Hospitality | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/guestcounts-hospitality/ GuestCounts Hospitality | Website https://www.guestcounts.com Wisetail | Website https://wisetail.com?utm_source=podcastplatforms&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=wise-tales-podcast Chart https://www.chart.org/ Walt Disney World College of Hospitality and Culinary Arts https://valenciacollege.edu/locations/downtown/walt-disney-world-center-for-culinary-arts-and-hospitality.php Jeff Wirth – Interactive PlayLab https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-wirth-54028032/ Thanks for listening to the “Wise Tales” podcast. Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode! #LearningAndDevelopment #OrganizationalCulture #AIInnovation #DisruptiveInnovation #DigitalTransformation #DigitalInnovation

    26 min
  3. The Hidden Revenue Stream Most Restaurants Overlook

    21/07/2025

    The Hidden Revenue Stream Most Restaurants Overlook

    In this episode, we speak to Mike Stasko, President at Sunny Street Cafe, a breakfast and lunch restaurant group headquartered in Columbus, Ohio with 22 locations across the US. Mike offers insight into how the brand scales with intention, blending consistency with adaptability to support both franchisee success and long-term growth. Mike shares how a clear but flexible brand framework enables franchisees to remain consistent while still adapting to their local markets. He discusses how the business maintains operational simplicity while creating room for innovation, from regional menu options to evolving service models. He also explains how scalable infrastructure, culture and technology play a central role in ensuring sustainable growth across the franchise network. Key Takeaways: (04:14) Adapting physical formats and configurations creates efficiencies and allows for better alignment with diverse markets and site constraints. (06:21) Prioritizing local involvement as part of early planning helps build stronger community relationships and establishes trust from the outset. (09:20) Exploring off-peak opportunities can reveal adjacent revenue streams aligned with operational strengths. (10:09) Mastering the delivery of complex offerings at scale requires thoughtful process design and operational discipline across all units. (12:55) Long-term resilience is often shaped by decisions made in challenging times, particularly the ability to stay committed to promising initiatives. (14:23) Investing in system-wide technology enables improved performance tracking, streamlined labor processes and enhanced visibility across the brand. (16:33) A centralized training and development platform supports consistent learning, employee engagement and smoother onboarding across a growing network. (17:10) Creating a balanced work environment with predictable hours helps improve employee retention and satisfaction. (18:39) Establishing a culture rooted in bold thinking encourages continuous improvement and reinforces alignment across franchise operators and staff. Resources Mentioned: Mike Stasko https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-stasko-6240411/ Sunny Street Cafe | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/sunnystreetcafe/ Sunny Street Cafe | Website https://sunnystreetcafe.com/ Wisetail | Website https://wisetail.com/ Toast POS https://pos.toasttab.com/ Thanks for listening to the “Wise Tales” podcast. Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode! #LearningAndDevelopment #OrganizationalCulture #AIInnovation #DisruptiveInnovation #DigitalTransformation #DigitalInnovation

    21 min
  4. The Hidden Power of Day One and Why It Determines Everything

    09/07/2025

    The Hidden Power of Day One and Why It Determines Everything

    On this episode we feature Wesley Epstein, Director of Training and Franchise Business Consultant at Eggs Up Grill, who shares how culture and hospitality fuel operational excellence across a growing restaurant franchise. Wesley explains how consistency and connection are built from day one through onboarding, digital training and ongoing franchise support to ensure every guest and team member experiences the same brand DNA at every location. Wesley also highlights the use of Wisetail’s LMS, branded internally as Egg Yolk University, to deliver scalable, personalized training while preserving the human-first values at the core of the brand. Key Takeaways: (02:05) A strong first-day experience helps set expectations, ease uncertainty and introduce new team members to workplace culture. (05:12) Digital platforms enhance traditional training by reinforcing values and standards through consistent, accessible content. (06:59) Adapting training methods to different learning styles supports better knowledge retention and overall employee performance. (09:29) Guest feedback provides valuable insights that can shape coaching conversations and reinforce what’s working well. (11:25) Recognizing all staff roles for their contributions, even when not publicly acknowledged, builds a sense of inclusion and appreciation. (13:16) Welcoming new leaders from outside the industry creates opportunities to shape habits and instill values from the start. (15:30) Clear communication channels and structured peer groups help maintain consistency and alignment as organizations grow. (16:58) Regular forums for knowledge-sharing allow teams to exchange practical strategies and promote operational excellence. (18:00) Feedback loops between leadership and staff can drive innovation and continuous improvement in systems and workflows. Resources Mentioned: Wesley Epstein https://www.linkedin.com/in/waepstein/ Eggs Up Grill | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/eggs-up-grill/ Eggs Up Grill | Website https://www.eggsupgrill.com/ Wisetail | Website https://wisetail.com?utm_source=podcastplatforms&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=wise-tales-podcast Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit https://franchisinginnovation.com/ Thanks for listening to the “Wise Tales” podcast. Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode! #LearningAndDevelopment #OrganizationalCulture #AIInnovation #DisruptiveInnovation #DigitalTransformation #DigitalInnovation

    20 min
  5. From Boring to Blockbuster: Rethinking Frontline Training

    18/06/2025

    From Boring to Blockbuster: Rethinking Frontline Training

    Julius Ridgley, Director of Learning and Development at Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar, joins us to share how he applies a creative, culture-driven approach to workplace training. With a deep-rooted background in hospitality and a passion for pop culture, Julius shares how his role goes beyond designing courses to shaping mindset, motivation and community. He explains how humor, personal connection and cultural relevance drive meaningful learning experiences that resonate across generations. Key Takeaways: (02:33) Embracing titles and themes that reflect both personality and mission can create stronger identification with learning leadership. (05:06) Integrating cultural references into training content can make lessons more accessible and easier to retain. (07:12) Positive reactions from learners can reflect a deeper emotional connection to content and signal cultural impact. (09:25) Increased adoption of learning systems often results from both engaging content and consistent accountability. (11:33) Including personalized elements in training can humanize the learning process and foster stronger engagement. (13:04) Encouraging knowledge-sharing and collaboration helps establish a culture of continuous improvement. (15:11) Designing relevant content requires self-awareness and understanding of the audience's generational preferences. (18:41) A blended learning model can provide flexibility while respecting the operational demands of frontline roles. (22:39) Personal connection, whether virtual or in person, plays a central role in building trust and reinforcing learning outcomes. Resources Mentioned: Julius Ridgley https://www.linkedin.com/in/julius-ridgley-mba-2504b433/ Wisetail | Website https://wisetail.com?utm_source=podcastplatforms&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=wise-tales-podcast Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/primanti-brothers-restaurants/ Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar | Website https://primantibros.com/ Thanks for listening to the “Wise Tales” podcast. Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode! #LearningAndDevelopment #OrganizationalCulture #AIInnovation #DisruptiveInnovation #DigitalTransformation #DigitalInnovation

    28 min
  6. Why Connection Might Be the Most Powerful Business Strategy

    05/05/2025

    Why Connection Might Be the Most Powerful Business Strategy

    We speak with Robin Robison, President at Thrive Restaurant Group, who leads the growth of Modern Market Eatery and HomeGrown. With past leadership roles at Red Robin, Bob Evans and Chili’s, Robin brings decades of experience in brand strategy, operations and people development. In this conversation, she shares how a people-first approach, amplified by the right technology, can elevate both team performance and guest satisfaction. Robin reflects on how technology must not only drive operational efficiency but also support deeper human connection. From using learning platforms to simplify onboarding to ensuring that even takeout orders carry a sense of hospitality, she emphasizes the need for systems that work in harmony with brand values. Robin also explores the importance of developing emerging leaders, encouraging curiosity and building culture through intentional leadership. Key Takeaways: (02:12) Technology should feel invisible in daily operations — when systems are intuitive and seamless, teams stay focused and guests receive better service. (04:00) Microlearning through short, engaging formats gives teams the autonomy to learn on demand, reinforcing skills without disrupting the pace of service. (08:36) Internal culture must align with public messaging. Guests and employees should experience the same values promised across all brand platforms. (09:49) In off-premise channels, hospitality depends on operational accuracy and thoughtful packaging to communicate care when human interaction is absent. (14:19) A mindset of ongoing curiosity helps leaders maximize existing systems, uncover new features and future-proof operations through better integrations. (17:24) Asking about individual goals builds stronger team dynamics and helps leaders tailor growth opportunities to meet people where they are. (19:13) Representation matters. When employees see someone who has navigated the journey before them, it expands their belief in what’s possible. (22:29) Leadership requires emotional presence, courageous honesty and relational investment, especially in today’s socially fragmented, tech-driven world. (24:01) Gratitude fosters perspective and contentment, anchoring both personal fulfillment and a more grounded, resilient organizational culture. Resources Mentioned: Robin Robison https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-robison-b8b7272/ Thrive Restaurant Group https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriverestaurantgroup/ Thrive Restaurant Group website - https://www.thriverestaurantgroup.com/ Wisetail | Website https://wisetail.com LEAD (Leadership, Exploration and Development) - https://leadnetwork.squarespace.com/ Modern Market Eatery - https://modernmarket.com/ HomeGrown - https://homegrownkitchen.com/ Chili’s - https://www.chilis.com/ Brinker International - https://www.brinker.com/ Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF) - https://wff.org/ Thanks for listening to the “Wise Tales” podcast. Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode! #LearningAndDevelopment #OrganizationalCulture #AIInnovation #DisruptiveInnovation #DigitalTransformation #DigitalInnovation

    26 min
  7. The Secret Weapon Great Leaders Use in the First 90 Days

    22/04/2025

    The Secret Weapon Great Leaders Use in the First 90 Days

    Cody Pepper, CEO at Fast Fresh Brands, shares his journey and recent strategic moves in the healthy fast-casual dining space. Cody's career path began with Bee Healthy Cafe, where he transitioned from a customer to a consultant, co-owner and, eventually, CEO. In 2025, he formed Fast Fresh Brands, bringing Bee Healthy Cafe under its umbrella and acquiring Florida-based Nature's Table. Cody discusses his growth strategy, focusing on innovation and customer experience. He highlights the importance of communication during acquisitions and explains how Fast Fresh Brands is integrating Nature's Table into its operations. Key Takeaways: (01:31) Aligning acquired brands with existing models is crucial for identifying opportunities for growth and innovation. This strategic alignment helps leverage synergies and enhance overall performance. (02:56) The initial post-acquisition phase focuses on listening, communicating and implementing shared services. This phase is crucial for building trust and understanding among stakeholders. (05:20) Effective communication with internal stakeholders is vital for building confidence and trust during acquisitions. This involves transparent and timely communication to avoid speculation and fear among employees. (06:59) Personal communication with franchisees and vendors ensures transparency and trust. This personal touch helps build strong relationships and aligns everyone with the new vision. (08:06) Regular town halls update stakeholders on progress toward strategic plans. This ongoing communication keeps everyone informed and engaged throughout the integration process. (09:38) Decisions are guided by their impact on the guest experience, ensuring that centralization does not compromise quality. This customer-centric approach ensures that any changes benefit the end user. (12:35) Adopting successful processes from acquired brands can improve growth. This learning from each other's strengths helps to improve overall franchise sales processes. (14:08) Focusing on people and customer experience is essential during change. This ensures that all stakeholders, including employees and founders, are considered during transitions. Resources Mentioned: Cody Pepper https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-pepper-280200a1/ Fast Fresh Brands https://www.linkedin.com/company/fast-fresh-brands/ Wisetail | Website https://wisetail.com?utm_source=podcastplatforms&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=wise-tales-podcast Thanks for listening to the “Wise Tales” podcast. Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode! #LearningAndDevelopment #OrganizationalCulture #AIInnovation #DisruptiveInnovation #DigitalTransformation #DigitalInnovation

    19 min
  8. Communication Combo Platter: The Secret to Consistency in Seasonal Teams

    07/04/2025

    Communication Combo Platter: The Secret to Consistency in Seasonal Teams

    We are joined by Jamal Rasoully, Founder and CEO at The Halal Shack, a fast-growing brand that brings New York Street food and Afghan flavors to college campuses nationwide. Jamal shares insights into maintaining operational excellence in seasonal business environments and the importance of cultural alignment in leadership. Key Takeaways: (01:26) Continuity and excellence are challenging in seasonal businesses. (03:38) Team connectivity during breaks ensures operational success. (06:27) Employee turnover varies by region, impacting operational strategies. (09:42) Upholding a "made with love" philosophy is an ongoing challenge. (14:28) Root cause analysis aligns operations with core principles. (15:20) Continuous learning and openness to mistakes are essential for business growth. (16:26) Hiring individuals with a growth mindset is critical for team success. (18:15) A clear brand vision helps guide the journey of culinary exploration. Resources Mentioned: Jamal Rasoully https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamal-rasoully-69634946/ The Halal Shack | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehalalshack/ The Halal Shack | Website https://www.thehalalshack.com/ Wisetail Website https://wisetail.com?utm_source=podcastplatforms&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=wise-tales-podcast Thanks for listening to the “Wise Tales” podcast. Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode! #LearningAndDevelopment #OrganizationalCulture #AIInnovation #DisruptiveInnovation #DigitalTransformation #DigitalInnovation

    20 min
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5
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About

Welcome to Wise Tales, the podcast where we sit down with industry experts and thought leaders to discover how to enhance brand value, increase revenue and drive great organizational culture through employees, customers and partners. Tune in, with host Evan Melick, as we unlock the transformative potential and power of optimized learning, development and operations — one wise tale at a time!

Information

  • Creator
    Wise Tales
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024
  • Show Website
    Wise Tales