EP 09 | The Power of Putting People First with Bill ChilesIn this episode of the Old Dawg Leadership Podcast, Adam Hoots and Mike Chiles step outside the construction industry for a conversation with Bill Chiles, a leader in the quick-service restaurant industry, about the power of putting people first.Bill shares a leadership philosophy centered on supporting the people closest to the work. While the restaurant and construction industries may look very different, both rely on frontline teams to deliver the experience, solve problems, maintain standards, and get the work done.The conversation explores servant leadership, mentorship, accountability, caring for people, sharing knowledge, and developing people beyond their current roles. Throughout the conversation, one message continues to surface: strong performance and strong people don't have to compete. Leaders can hold high standards while creating an environment where people feel supported, valued, and equipped to succeed.Topics include:• Putting people at the center of leadership• What servant leadership looks like in everyday practice• Supporting the people closest to the work• Adding value through small, everyday actionsKEY TAKEAWAYS:• Put People Closest to the Work First — The people doing the work are often the ones creating the customer experience and delivering the result. Leaders should focus on equipping them, removing obstacles, and helping them succeed.• Servant Leadership Shows Up in Small Actions — Leadership becomes real through everyday opportunities to help, serve, listen, and add value for someone else.• Everyone Has a Story — Leaders rarely know everything someone is carrying into an interaction. Approaching people with curiosity, dignity, and respect can change that experience.• Don’t Start With the Work — Before chasing results, understand the team, the existing culture, what came before you, and what people need from you.• Develop People Beyond Their Current Role — Great leaders invest in people knowing they may eventually take what they've learned somewhere else. The opportunity is to help them grow while they're with you.• The People Doing the Work Hold Knowledge — Leaders don't need to be the source of every answer. Creating opportunities for people to learn from one another helps knowledge spread throughout an organization.• Cared For People Care For People — When leaders care for and equip their people, that care can continue through the organization and ultimately reach the customer and community.• Accountability and Care Can Coexist — Bill shares how an early leader held him to high standards while also investing deeply in his growth, ultimately changing the direction of hiscareer.ABOUT OLD DAWG LEADERSHIP PODCAST:The Old Dawg Leadership Podcast features real leaders sharing real lessons learned from the construction industry. Hosted by Adam Hoots and Mike Chiles, the show delivers direct, practical conversations about leadership, people, performance, and building a stronger industry.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:• A River Runs Through It• Lean Construction Institute (LCI)• LCI CongressGUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:Bill Chiles — A leader in the quick-service restaurant industry whose work focuses on supporting local operators and teams, developing people, strengthening culture, and helping frontline teams succeed.Adam Hoots — Co-host of the Old Dawg Leadership Podcast, Lean Builder, educator, and construction leadership advocate.Mike Chiles — Co-host of the Old Dawg Leadership Podcast and construction leader focused on developing people, teams, and industry culture.EPISODE QUOTES:“You can’t start with the work.”“We’re not the holders of all the knowledge.”“Cared for people, care for people.” ...“We may not all be in agreement, but we are in alignment.”PODCAST PRODUCTION: The Old Dawg Leadership Podcast is produced and edited in partnership with Marae Marketing.
