In this thoughtful and grounded conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Brandon Coleman, a leader in the hospitality industry, to talk about navigating leadership through crisis while staying deeply committed to family and personal values.

Brandon shares his journey through the fast-paced world of hospitality, reflecting on pivotal career moments—including leading through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. He opens up about the lessons learned from failure, the importance of culture in business turnarounds, and why empowering teams through ownership leads to stronger accountability and results.

Together, Kevin and Brandon explore what it means to balance an ambitious career with family life, the role of emotional presence in parenting, and how a balanced stakeholder approach can shape sustainable business growth. Brandon reflects on the leadership insights he hopes to pass on, both to his teams and to his children, highlighting that the legacy he wants to leave is one of love and support.

Whether you’re an executive in the middle of a career transformation, a leader striving to empower your team, or a parent working to show up more fully at home, this episode offers lessons in leadership, humility, and heart.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why a balanced stakeholder approach leads to healthier businesses
• How empowering teams creates accountability and ownership
• The leadership lessons that only failure can teach
• Why culture is the foundation for successful turnarounds
• How communication supports balance between work and family life
• The difference between being physically present and emotionally engaged as a parent
• Why humility and adaptability are critical in leadership
• How personal values shape long-term career decisions
• The legacy Brandon hopes to leave for his children
• Why leadership is a lifelong learning process

Top Takeaways:
• Balanced leadership means considering guests, team members, and shareholders equally • Empowerment builds stronger, more accountable teams
• Failure is an essential teacher in leadership growth
• Culture is the heartbeat of any successful transformation
• True presence in parenting goes beyond time—it’s about emotional engagement
• Humility and adaptability define sustainable leadership
• Communication is the bridge between family and career balance
• Legacy is not built on accolades, but on love and values passed on

About Brandon Coleman III:
Brandon Coleman III is the CEO of Cotton Patch Cafe, where he is leading the 48-unit Texas comfort-food brand through a bold growth plan to become the state’s largest by 2030. Previously, Brandon served as CEO of TGI Fridays, and held senior leadership roles at Dave & Buster’s, Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group, and Romano’s Macaroni Grill. An Ad Age “40 Under 40” honoree, Brandon is recognized for driving brand turnarounds, operational growth, and people-first cultures. Passionate about community impact, he has led Cotton Patch initiatives donating to Giving Kitchen and Kerr Country Relief Fund. A devoted husband and father, Brandon believes leadership is measured as much at home as it is in the boardroom.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction and Career Lessons
• (00:00:39) - Balancing Family and Work Life
• (00:03:43) - Passions and Outdoor Adventures
• (00:05:27) - Leadership Lessons from Failure
• (00:11:26) - Balanced Stakeholder Approach in Leadership
• (00:17:54) - From Competition to Contribution
• (00:20:52) - Navigating Change in Leadership
• (00:22:47) - Transformations and Turnarounds
• (00:26:42) - Balancing Ambitious Careers
• (00:32:35) - The Dance of Family and Work
• (00:41:17) - Legacy of Leadership and Love