Restaurant Leadership Podcast: Overcome Burnout, Embrace Freedom, and Drive Growth

Christin Marvin
  • 5.0 (23)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the Restaurant Leadership Podcast, the show that teaches you how to overcome burnout, embrace freedom, and drive growthYour host, Christin Marvin, of Solutions by Christin.With over two decades of extensive experience in hospitality leadership, Christin Marvin has successfully managed a diverse range of concepts, encompassing fine dining and high-volume brunch. She has now established her own coaching and consulting firm, collaborating with organizations to accelerate internal leadership development to increase retention and thrive.Each week, Christin brings you content and conversation to make you a more effective leader.  This includes tips, tricks and REAL stories from REAL people that have inspired her-discussing their successes, challenges and personal transformation. This podcast is a community of support to inspire YOU on YOUR unique leadership journey. This podcast will help you answer the following questions:1. How do I increase my confidence?2. How do I accelerate my leadership?3. How do I lower my stress as a leader?4. How do I prevent burnout?5. How do I improve my mental health? So join the conversation and listen in each week on spotify and apple podcasts and follow Christin on LinkedIn.Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits: L. Connor Voice - LConnorvoice@gmail.com Lconnorvoice.com Artwork by Solstice Photography, Tucson, AZ. https://solsticephotography70.pixieset.com/

  1. 1D AGO

    110: The $75,000 Mistake You’re Making

    Ever wonder why “Everything’s fine” keeps blowing up into last-minute fires? We dig into the uncomfortable truth: avoiding one-on-ones quietly drains profit, trust, and talent—and we put a real number on it with a $75,000 turnover case. As restaurant operators scale, hallway chats and line-side banter feel productive, but they miss the root causes. We walk through a simple, repeatable one-on-one system that reveals what’s actually happening across locations, builds psychological safety, and keeps your best people from walking when the kitchen gets hot. You’ll also hear a client case study: six months after adopting this approach, manager turnover dropped to zero while clarity, accountability, and morale rose. We tie insights back to the three pillars—people, process, and profit—so you can see how small weekly conversations lead to cleaner training, better scheduling, smarter pricing decisions, and stronger guest experiences across units. If you’re ready to stop firefighting and start leading like a CEO, this is your playbook for retention, performance, and scale. P.S. Ready to take your restaurant to the next level? Get the Independent Restaurant Framework that's helped countless owners build thriving multi-location brands. Grab your copy at https://www.IRFbook.com Here is my calendar link so you can book time with me: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/christin-marvin-personal-calendar-r1jjarmnw Podcast Production: https://www.lconnorvoice.com/

    31 min

  2. MAR 2

    109: Breaking The Bottleneck

    Ever felt that uneasy pull that says there’s more growth on the table, but you don’t have the energy or structure to reach it? We’ve been there. This week we share a pivotal shift: Solutions by Christin is now Columbine Hospitality, and we’re pairing a clear visionary role with a proven integrator to scale the impact of our coaching for independent multi-unit restaurant operators. We break down what actually changes when a founder stops being the bottleneck. That starts with the visionary–integrator model: Christin owns relationships, content, and long-term direction while Andrew, our new COO and longtime collaborator, drives systems, accountability, and execution. Together we rebuilt the mission and core values, mapped a 1, 5, and 10-year vision, and set concrete financial targets that align people, process, and profit. You’ll hear how a weekly leadership cadence and quarterly resets create the consistency multi-unit brands need to reduce chaos, elevate managers, and deliver a guest experience that sticks. If you feel stuck between firefighting and strategy, this conversation gives you a path: name your unique ability, hire to your gaps, and install a cadence that keeps everyone moving in the same direction. Subscribe, share this with a fellow operator, and leave a review to help more restaurant leaders scale with confidence. P.S. Ready to take your restaurant to the next level? Get the Independent Restaurant Framework that's helped countless owners build thriving multi-location brands. Grab your copy at https://www.IRFbook.com Here is my calendar link so you can book time with me: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/christin-marvin-personal-calendar-r1jjarmnw Podcast Production: https://www.lconnorvoice.com/

    21 min

  3. FEB 23

    108: Turn No‑Shows Into Reliable Teams

    Peak season is here and the schedule is bleeding. We sit down with leadership and customer service expert Michelle Pascoe to unpack why restaurants are seeing more call‑outs, how assumptions about today’s workforce backfire, and what owners can do right now to stabilize staffing without burning out their best people. From hiring scripts that set crystal‑clear expectations to team norms that harness Gen Z’s group mindset, this conversation is a playbook for calmer Saturday nights and happier crews. Naming flawed assumptions that drive poor staffing decisionsLeveraging AI and social fluency to modernize systemsListening to new ideas and testing them fastAnchoring culture in trust, safety and guest connection If you’re ready to cut call‑outs, protect your managers’ sanity, and build a bench that can actually lead, this one’s for you. Hit play, then share your biggest scheduling headache or the one policy you’ll change this week. And if the show is helping you lead with more confidence, subscribe, share it with a fellow operator, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Michelle's Links:  Website: https://www.michellepascoe.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellepascoe/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichellePascoeVIP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.pascoe/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichellePascoe P.S. Ready to take your restaurant to the next level? Get the Independent Restaurant Framework that's helped countless owners build thriving multi-location brands. Grab your copy at https://www.IRFbook.com Here is my calendar link so you can book time with me: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/christin-marvin-personal-calendar-r1jjarmnw Podcast Production: https://www.lconnorvoice.com/

    43 min

  4. FEB 2

    107: Hire, Coach, and Keep the Right Leaders

    Growth shouldn’t require living at the restaurant or gambling on every new hire. We dig into a clear, repeatable way to hire leaders who fit your multi‑unit reality, coach them with confidence, and keep them long enough to scale without burning out your best people. In this episode, Christin discusses: • how to define core values with observable behaviors • coaching leaders through personal challenges while holding standards • designing 30‑60‑90 onboarding tied to values • building sustainable leadership so owners can step away • reviewing and refining values quarterly as the business evolves Go to www.irfbook.com right now and grab your copy Here is my calendar link so you can book time with me: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/christin-marvin-personal-calendar-r1jjarmnw P.S. Ready to take your restaurant to the next level? Get the Independent Restaurant Framework that's helped countless owners build thriving multi-location brands. Grab your copy at https://www.IRFbook.com Here is my calendar link so you can book time with me: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/christin-marvin-personal-calendar-r1jjarmnw Podcast Production: https://www.lconnorvoice.com/

    19 min

  5. JAN 19

    106: Turn a Callout Crisis into a Profitable Operation

    Here is my calendar link so you can book time with me: Book a Call with Christin We break down how fear of callouts can lead to costly overstaffing and how chronic callouts can wreck service, burn out managers, and drain profit. Two real cases show how cross-training, intentional scheduling, and a clear callout protocol restore accountability and margin. • Cross-training servers and bartenders to de-risk shifts • Publishing schedules early and honoring aces in places • Tying roles to guest impact to build buy-in • Reducing burnout by protecting the plan If you've been loving the content I'm providing, please take a moment to leave a rating and review wherever you listen to your podcasts.  Head to https://www.christinmarvin.com/contact for a complimentary coaching session and let’s talk about what’s possible for your restaurant group P.S. Ready to take your restaurant to the next level? Get the Independent Restaurant Framework that's helped countless owners build thriving multi-location brands. Grab your copy at https://www.IRFbook.com Here is my calendar link so you can book time with me: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/christin-marvin-personal-calendar-r1jjarmnw Podcast Production: https://www.lconnorvoice.com/

    21 min

  6. JAN 5

    105: From Chaos To Choice: Lead With Presence

    We coach Brandon Sharp, owner of three restaurants in Chapel Hill, through the tension between being everywhere at once and showing up with presence that develops his leaders. He realizes he must let go of covering shifts, codify decision rights, and model vulnerability to retain and grow his managers. • using presence as respect and a path to flow • inverted pyramid leadership and decision rights • outsourcing low-leverage tasks to regain focus • vulnerability that invites ownership and honesty • raising standards for long-tenured managers Go to irfbook.com within 24 hours to get the entire book absolutely free Head to www.christinmarvin.com/contact for a complimentary coaching session Please leave a rating and review wherever you listen to your podcast Please share this episode with anyone in the industry that you know who could benefit P.S. Ready to take your restaurant to the next level? Get the Independent Restaurant Framework that's helped countless owners build thriving multi-location brands. Grab your copy at https://www.IRFbook.com Here is my calendar link so you can book time with me: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/christin-marvin-personal-calendar-r1jjarmnw Podcast Production: https://www.lconnorvoice.com/

    47 min

  7. 12/22/2025

    104: Curiosity Creates Hospitality, Connection Beats Checklists

    Guests don’t come to a full‑service restaurant for a transaction; they come hoping to feel something. We dig into how to deliver that feeling on purpose through connected hospitality, turning routine steps into genuine moments of care that guests remember long after the check drops. We start by grounding everything in food, then layer in the human element that differentiates you in a crowded market.  You’ll hear how: We reframed performance reviews into get‑to‑know‑you conversations.Why curiosity is a trained skill not a personality trait, “Ping pong” questions replace scripts to create real dialogue.Growth requires humility, we unpack a one‑star review If you’re ready to coach curiosity, hire for heart, and transform checklists into connections, press play. If the conversation sparks ideas, subscribe, share the episode with your team, and leave a quick review so more operators can find it. What’s the one question you’ll ask at your next table touch? P.S. Ready to take your restaurant to the next level? Get the Independent Restaurant Framework that's helped countless owners build thriving multi-location brands. Grab your copy at https://www.IRFbook.com Here is my calendar link so you can book time with me: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/christin-marvin-personal-calendar-r1jjarmnw Podcast Production: https://www.lconnorvoice.com/

    51 min

  8. 12/08/2025

    103: From Scarcity To Service: Mindset Tools for Restaurant Leaders

    A new executive chef gets thrown into the deep end: understaffed, undertrained, and staring down six tough weeks. We use that moment to unpack a bigger question every operator faces—how do you stay mentally strong and lead with purpose when the room is half full and the pressure won’t let up? We dig into: The gap vs. gain framework from Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy Eight simple questions that snap you out of scarcity and into progress.Eric Cacciatore opens up about imposter syndrome, why service beats ego, and how choosing “impact over reach” changes the way you scale.Six guiding principles for resilient entrepreneurs: prioritize real  If you’re an independent multi‑unit operator aiming to build systems, grow leaders, and protect your mindset, this conversation gives you practical tools, a clearer North Star, and a community-first path forward. Listen, share with your team, and tell us your biggest gain from today. If this helped, subscribe, leave a review, and send it to a fellow operator who could use a lift. P.S. Ready to take your restaurant to the next level? Get the Independent Restaurant Framework that's helped countless owners build thriving multi-location brands. Grab your copy at https://www.IRFbook.com Here is my calendar link so you can book time with me: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/christin-marvin-personal-calendar-r1jjarmnw Podcast Production: https://www.lconnorvoice.com/

    54 min
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5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Restaurant Leadership Podcast, the show that teaches you how to overcome burnout, embrace freedom, and drive growthYour host, Christin Marvin, of Solutions by Christin.With over two decades of extensive experience in hospitality leadership, Christin Marvin has successfully managed a diverse range of concepts, encompassing fine dining and high-volume brunch. She has now established her own coaching and consulting firm, collaborating with organizations to accelerate internal leadership development to increase retention and thrive.Each week, Christin brings you content and conversation to make you a more effective leader.  This includes tips, tricks and REAL stories from REAL people that have inspired her-discussing their successes, challenges and personal transformation. This podcast is a community of support to inspire YOU on YOUR unique leadership journey. This podcast will help you answer the following questions:1. How do I increase my confidence?2. How do I accelerate my leadership?3. How do I lower my stress as a leader?4. How do I prevent burnout?5. How do I improve my mental health? So join the conversation and listen in each week on spotify and apple podcasts and follow Christin on LinkedIn.Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits: L. Connor Voice - LConnorvoice@gmail.com Lconnorvoice.com Artwork by Solstice Photography, Tucson, AZ. https://solsticephotography70.pixieset.com/

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