WOWCast Ep6 "Be Encouraging" (Jeanne Stuart)

John Stewart, the director of franchise integration and compliance at Walk-Ons, shares her journey with the company. She explains how she met the founders, Jack and Brandon, and became involved in their restaurant idea. John emphasizes the importance of encouragement and how it can make a difference in people's lives. She discusses the need to understand individuals and their unique needs when it comes to providing support. John also mentions the significance of self-encouragement and maintaining a positive mindset. She credits God, her family, and her friends for providing her with the support and encouragement she needed throughout her life. You know you do have to take the time to get to know people in life to know how How you can best support them and encourage them? How's it going out there today walk-ons welcome back to episode 6 of the wild cast today We are talking about be encouraging and Charlie Kelly Lexi Gibbs and myself have a very special guest here today miss John Stewart Gotta hit the blue every time so John's got a couple of different things that that are very very unique that she owns all to herself and First is that she has the longest title here at walk-ons She is the director of franchise integration and compliance corporate human resource manager and office manager John also is our longest standing teammate as a walk-on So with that being said John did you want to ask you you know? Where you started where you come from how your journey with walk-ons began and just kind of share with our audience You know what it is to know about you John Stewart, and I'll pass it right over to you Thanks. Thanks Chris and Lexi and Charlie. It's so great to be here and Share a little bit with y'all today and all the walk-ons crew out there So I was about 22 23 years ago. I actually met Jack first in In a local restaurant that I used to frequent and knowing the owners or got to know the owners of that restaurant and which would kind of talk shop while I would was in the restaurant and Jack would overhear and he was working at that restaurant. He would overhear conversations and After a few times of visiting he said, you know Hey, I've got this idea and I'd like for you to meet my business partner and I was like, you know, okay sure He said we've got this restaurant idea we're gonna open right down the block, you know Right outside the gates of LSU and I looked at him and like thinking this 21 22 year old guy is crazy. Okay. Sure. You're gonna open this Restaurant down the street, okay Long story short a few months later. I went in Was invited to go to have dinner at another restaurant in town Hey come come meet Brandon his family's parents and and I did and it just intrigued me like what restaurant idea to these guys have and Sure enough, you know met Brandon and his parents and it was it was like, okay Maybe there could be some realism to this idea that they have Because I just didn't know anybody really their age that would be opening a restaurant of the magnitude that they were describing to me. So Now look I started managing restaurants when I was 19 and this was several years into that so I Get there's young entrepreneurs out there and young people that have ideas and can and we'll go for it and we'll and we'll You know put their all into it. So I was open to the idea and thought well, hey, this is a great idea Once they kind of laid out walk-ons to me. I was like, this is a great idea Batteries really need something like this and I said, okay. Well, this is very early stages of your Project, you know, they hadn't they had just broken ground. I think or maybe hadn't quite broken ground yet It was going to be a long ways away I said just keep it keep in touch with me and we'll see where things go Well fast forward a couple years and sure enough. They said yeah, you know things are moving along we've got final final touches on the building and What do you need to leave your job and come over here? How much time do you need? You know month's notice or whatever and Where I was at the time at the time and fast forward a few months later and they said, okay It's time. We need you to come on board and I said, oh my gosh, what did I do? So, yeah, we about five weeks before we opened the very first walk-ons I joined Jack and Brandon as a Only front of house manager We had two kitchen managers who were running the kitchen back at that time We hired all 180 team members in the work trailer at outside the restaurant wrote all you know Employee documents and onboarding documents and training programs and all the things Yeah did that about five weeks before we opened and then opening day came September of 2003 that's the start So just to clarify if I'm understanding this correctly you Needed to meet Brandon's parents before you were giving any sort of validity to Jack and Brandon I mean, I saw it was really funny actually because they were going through the banking process when I met Jack and initially and so they they had their original business plan and we still have that and They actually had my name in it as their as their general manager front of house manager And I'm like, I haven't even said yes to this opportunity. So that was kind of flattering, right? I guess but I'm like, oh my gosh, like Yeah, that's even our real. I don't know. It was kind of crazy, but no So I knew they were they're moving along like they were they they were legit because they were legitimately doing you know architects in place and everything but I think obviously just Meeting Brandon's parents in the initial meeting just kind of solidified that like there was a real backing to And not I'm not just a financial backing but like a back just a support Yeah, well, I believe it. Yeah That's been hey, if they don't do well, we'll do something with this land or something with this building and you know Mr. Landry obviously has you know done well for himself. So there's a businessman and I knew it There was some legitimacy there Very true very true. All right, so Thank you so much for the background now We're going to pass it over to Lexi Gibbs talk about be encouraging which is simply adding value to others through your support So with that being said pass it over to you, Miss Gibbs. Yes This is I love that. We're sitting with John honestly, because this is a Larry Story, I don't even know any of this like of how you actually started with Jackie Jack and Brandon, but I Honestly, and you saying all that just now it really did trigger Like that you coming on to talk about encouragement like it started way back then like and you probably didn't even know it but like you Gave them the encouragement without even really saying anything But you obviously gave them hope that walk-ons would become something because they put your name on those plans for some reason They must have felt like okay We're gonna this is another step another box that we get to check off. Yes becoming something and so I think that's really I kind of get chills from it because I think I really do look at that as They took you as encouragement for them. And I think Without you even really knowing it. Yeah, I've been directly saying that but I think that's also where where you can really see encouragement come to life because it allowed them to Continue to create this concept and look where we are now, you know, we're in with that 80 location So I think that's just a huge thing to point out as we're talking through this conversation But I didn't want to just pinpoint one thing With the background that you did have even before starting with walk-ons. Like you said, you're 19, you know starting imaging restaurants It's crazy. So you have gone through so many experiences with kids and different types of people, you know You managing a 19. I'm sure you're managing people who were also 19, you know So you had a your relationships that you don't work, you know crazy from one end of the second to the next But how do you think? You know, how did you learn that? Encouragement it's not just the same for everybody, you know How did you kind of come to the realization that oh like I need to encourage this person differently than this person? Like did you see that? You know It's a different impact that they get from it or you know What kind of what do you think about that? Like you can't manage everybody the same. Yeah, you you can't and and in Dealing with obviously everyone is different. Everyone is unique and you do have to Kind of Feel like the layers and understand what does make something someone tick what does What inspires them or what what makes them choose to excel or choose to give more effort or because it's not just Well do as I say because this is why we this is this is what you're supposed to do. Yeah And for a long time though, I did lead in them This is the way it is and this is how you do it and you just do it But you do absolutely just in that in the way that people learn differently or they you know from that I do I Learn by doing I learned by seeing or watching and I learned by reading or whatever that that is people ask absolutely respond to Encouragement in different ways and needed in different ways and I can even relate that to my son it was like when he was a Young a young boy and it was like this week taking the Xbox away worked for you know Promoting him to do or the next week it was You know not being able to Play outside or I don't know whatever it was it was just it changed from week to week and it changed what changes like that from person to person and I think You know, you you do have to take the time to get to know people in life to know how How you can best support them and encourage them in whatever it is, whether it's friendships relationships or work work relationships It absolutely is necessary to Understand that person one thing I also think about though is that We as individuals have to recognize that people are going through things that we had no nothing about People have lives outside of work, you know that they could have Personal problems everyone has personal problems that things that that could be so deep that we don't even Have any clue what that what that is and and to just always Recognize that that your support of that person in whatever way Could be the best thing that happens to them all day Yeah, I think that that last thing you just said just now is it's huge Especially I think in the restaurant industry because of one the pace right was insane It's never slow really right and two it's like, you know, just as humans we do get overwhelmed quick It's especially in fast-paced environments. You're trying to make sure everything's perfect and this and that so it's like, you know It goes in the moments where you know as leaders in the restaurant You you need to make sure that your team knows that hey, I'm aware and you know I've put up here for you and I'm going to encourage you still we're not gonna you know I'm not gonna force you to do this or you know Drill down your throat because that's not going to get anywhere But you know, like you said having an understanding of that person right how they react or how they you know, take in communication That's the best way, you know That's where it starts is learning the human and then being able to navigate How to encourage them to do the to do something better next time right whatever it may be It's funny and you just brought up a memory into my mind actually when I had a server back early earlier early in like probably oh three or four when we first opened walk-ons and and it was it was a super busy shift a lunch shift and it was just crazy crazy and and I kind of I got a little frustrated with somebody and I was just like, you know kind of real direct in my delivery And he you know me and he says John Why are you so hard on me? And I said, you know what? I am tough on you because I know what you're capable of doing I know that you're capable of so much more and so much better and so to see you not Being you know excelling at at What your role is at this at this point time? It's frustrating It's frustrating to me and and so he was he was receptive to that. Obviously my kind of more direct Didn't it triggered in him a Thought to hey, let me find out why yeah, why is she like why did she have to say say something like this to me? Yeah, and and it was in one of those moments of like busy crazy, you know in the weeds everybody's busy, let's yeah and Anyway, it was it was but it was a learning moment for me too because I said, you know If that that probably wasn't the best way to Deal with him in that situation or to relay a message to him But it but he he received it and then we you know after the shift it was like, okay What why why are you but I bet you heard on me? Yeah, you know, but I also felt like a mom Yeah, you know to everyone To And I'm just like I just I just know you can yeah sell and do and I'm better You know in that situation when he heard that or you know, when they heard that it was kind of like Hard for the light bulb that oh, that's encouraging it So yeah, like they think I'm capable of right doing, you know, something that I'm not doing So I should probably like, you know do better give that effort I think that's really really neat and you know, I think another point to kind of focus on I want to get your feedback is You know when you give encouragement to somebody especially, you know If it's a manager down to team it whatever it may be and you know You give that in the way that they are receptive it and they receive it What are your thoughts on that person then giving it to someone else? Yeah, I feel like you you we have people are pretty Determined I guess to be to go to the negative like we always you know, people don't want to post a Review online unless they're mad and they're in there like, you know it's been a horrible experience and they go to the negative and they go to the negative and I feel like It has to be like a mind shift within us to say Yeah, you know I've got I'm naturally going to have this negative thought but I need to feed the positive I need to I need to feed positivity into my mind and and and From there I can then feed others. Mm-hmm. You can yeah, I fill my own cup. I can fill your cup and But then in my filling your cup, it's like a ripple effect. Yeah, right because then that makes you feel good that makes you Realize like wow, like someone someone, you know believes in me or someone is here to support me and yeah, and it gives you That that feel good to then go and be supportive and uplifting of other people Yeah, I feel like it is like it's almost like a pay it forward kind of thing But it's in more like just a ripple effect. Yeah, you know Yeah, so like it's not gonna affect. Yeah, but it's right, right, but you can start with you and then like and and then Again be that reason that somebody puts a smile on their face today and then and then that person can go and Extend the same to other people. Yeah, and I think something you said That kind of self like you have to be you have to figure out like how can you encourage yourself so that you can go And encourage others right? Definitely think it's something that requires some focus. It does it requires intention? you know coming getting up in the morning and and Some people are just morning people and that's great I'm not always just like a morning person, but I try to try to kind of have a mental shift you know over the years that I'm not that is just a mindset to wake up and and and be in a positive state of mind be Thankful for the day thankful that I woke up thankful for all the blessings in my life thankful for Just You know everything that We want to look and say well, I have to do this. No, I don't have to do this I get to do this. I get to work out work out in the mornings I get to go to work and I get to Have time with my family. So That that That kind of stuck in my head a few years ago With someone who was not who was ill and and it kind of put things in perspective like it's not a have to when I have to Drive all over town take my son to football practice and this practice and and that whatever it is I get to do that and to view it from a standpoint of gratitude and and thankfulness But it again, so it's a mind. It's a mind shift from a negative to a positive. It's It's an intentional focus on whether it's a you know To be a daily devotional. It could be prayer. If you if you're a spiritual person, it could be it could be a Word of affirmation, you know, but you know filling yourself filling your cup to so that you can fill others Yeah, and I already said that but it's no it's true. It is true. It's that ripple effect and it means I feel like it Really does. Yeah, like, you know negativity fees negativity Positivity fees positivity Even yeah, we've touched on a lot of things here that I was gonna pretty much Let me start by saying I've known you for quite a while and I think you're a wonderful person Thanks, Charlie all the way back to My own experience of being encouraged by you prior to ever even showing up with walk-ons. I Remember we'll just reach out if you have any questions in an email and about like 57 emails Like I did and I had them for years that were stored in the John file But man, it's it's funny because I was you know all the way back to the beginning I remember the emails and you were the first person that I met You know other than the Kathleen and Scott I've been inspired by you. You know, I've been encouraged by you. It's been wonderful to To know you and you know again admire you from a distance, but up close when we can you know to study you and understand your walk-ons ways and for me to be able to Reflect those, you know as an example of what I've been able to learn and then give back to the team around us You know, that's kind of my own take on what I've witnessed from you We touched earlier on pace You know, it was just for a second ago touched on maybe a love language, right? Like I am a quality time spent love language number one guy, like I like backscratches, you know School, you know acts of service. I get all that but like more than anything it means a lot to me to be able to spend time In quality time with people and again touching on the word pace earlier as Everyone here knows we live in a very very fast world. The restaurant business hospitality in general is very fast My question to you is obviously To encourage someone is to be encouraged by someone else, right? as a mother, you know Raising Jonathan's awesome to see him, you know as the product of you, you know, I'm huge on the word reflection It's so interesting to see so many people especially, you know Your child be a reflection of someone who's been encouraged and kind and you know, good man Obviously, it's got to come from someplace Which is you? You know as the parent We know that the job doesn't end when you get home. So all day you're at work and you're like, wow There's a lot of encouragement going out about all 180 of these people that we just hired All right, then you get home, you know and a couple years later. It's like, all right Encouragement into the home and into my child which turns into at some point. I'm sure the the gas tanks running on empty right Who's encouraged you over the years to keep doing this? because again the restaurant business being so fast like you've probably had to have a really good source or a sense of Encouragement and support from someone for you to be the way that you are to get the amount of encouragement to others Where does that source of energy come from for you? Well, I absolutely have God first and foremost that and you know that I have to say it's a source the main source for everything that I Live and breathe, but um, but I have and yeah, I was a single mom with my son Raising him and so yeah, you know I had girlfriends, you know, who were also single moms as their kids were growing up I mean, he's almost 24 now since he's not in the house you know, but he went through the years, you know, it was tons of girlfriends who were in kind of a similar situation as me who Just really Were there for me? Supported me fed my soul, you know Of course my family. I mean, there's just no doubt without my parents my step-parents my siblings there My family is like is everything to me as I'm sure to most people But my son my son was probably the biggest fuel to Like you said reflection is a reflection of me and so for for me and There was no the gas tank is empty option really when you and you just you you just find it in you to keep that Level of Energy Yeah, but you need to keep on moving forward, you know, I think with as parents that with with our children we You're constantly wanting to encourage them in ways From their intellect to their abilities, whether it's physical abilities You know in mental abilities, whatever, you know schoolwork athletics art whatever it is that they're in and you're you're wanting to promote positive self-esteem and you're promoting Their their growth and development as Individuals and as young children and then and then young adults and so You know, where does that come from I think that that is in and of itself is from is inherent in being a parent But you don't have to be a parent to be Encouraging of others, you know, you can just having that having a nurturing heart or having a nurturing demeanor is is kind of part of I guess being being encouraging like I said I kind of feel like the mom or in a lot of situations and a lot of people that you know, obviously we work with even here in the office like can be my at least younger siblings, but children maybe if you could need my children, but So, yeah, that's a that's a loaded question Charlie that is a great Charlie question but It's a perfect answer. But yeah, it's but yeah, it's just I guess really where it kind of comes down to but again, I Feel like it really does have to be a focus and an intentional effort to Like put behind how we interact with other people and how we are are encouraging others in our daily lives It doesn't just happen. No, I completely agree. And let me let me add to the top of that I'm thankful that we brought God into this because most people maybe are scared to or hesitant to do so You know for months now as I draw closer and endow myself more with you know teachings and examples I find myself saying more often. We must meet the people where they are And if you look at a great example, you know, whether you're a faith driven person or not You know Jesus hung out with politicians and Jesus hung out rich people, but where did he do his greatest work, right? with the lame with the diseased with the poor like Such a great example To meet people where they are and I can tell you Sean you've met me right, you know, I was many times Hopefully I've been a good source for you and have met you, you know where you are at times, but to be available You know in first and foremost in a fast-paced environment That's something that a lot of our listeners probably, you know, maybe don't even do to just you know It's okay to have a job and you know, wonderful walking ones is excellent Then every now and then you gotta slow it down and just literally be available and once you're capable of doing that You can bring it even lower if you have to if you slow it down you can go deeper I can meet the people where they are. That's where the true work starts you literally I mean, I have notes just from brainstorming notes that I kind of jotted down Before this this podcast is that and I literally have written here slow down. Yeah, you have to slow it down Recognize the good in others whether it's good work good deeds good attitudes just whatever is You have to you have to be aware and slow it down and just and recognize again, everybody's got something going on in their lives that we we may know nothing about and You know, it's all not it's on each of us individually to To lift others up and not bring them down I think I Didn't want to take over like this has been brought up now but no, I I the You know meeting someone where they're at and that slow down mindset That's where you're also able to see the person for who they are and learn How they need encouragement and where they need it and where they may be Struggling that's kind of where you can be that uplifting spirit for them and where they may need that push You know, so I think that's a huge thing that you know, both of you have the same mindset going into this with you know Encouragement comes with seeing who the person is, you know and knowing how to encourage them and you know When you want to their best effort, you have to be able to show them that you see their effort and know hey I know you can do better here. And this is how I want to help you get to that I mean so that again that ripple effect they can go out do their best work and give it to someone else Yeah, and I would say too that you You know when in your personal life and or just in life in general like when you engage with a loved one a family member and you are aligned kind of with like what is needed to To build each other. I mean, I have a wonderful man in my life. We are You know, we get up every day and we read our daily devotional. There's the words of affirmation that we're constantly, you know Kind of giving each other but also ourselves If one of us says something negative about ourselves, it's like no, give me three things positive. Yeah And It's but when you're aligned to with the people that you that you do life with That also I believe helps you to That overflows into other aspects of your life. Yeah. Yeah I love that. It's a great thing to say like when you're aligned with the people that you do life with. Yeah It's awesome. Yeah Yeah, Chris you there? Yeah, I'm here. I'm just I'm taking it all in. I know I'm like you're like getting carried away. I'm like wait Where's our ATL guy? So many so many great things there I just didn't want to interrupt, um, but I would like to kind of highlight uh, some some key takeaways that I certainly have that I think will definitely add value to To our listeners here and that is you know, first and foremost the uh, you know the faith-based orientation, um that that we're talking about here, I think it's vitally important to orient yourself, uh To your own set of values and we're talking about faith-based values right here But I mean really understanding Yourself as a leader And understanding that it is vitally important that you have that strong orientation to your values Of course, we do have those values here at walk-ons Uh as well listed but I mean to have your own personal value system And to bring that to life for your teams every single day is just so so huge and Yeah, i'm, sorry chris. Oh, I wanted to just mention I think that this part this part of like our guiding guiding principles it it Translates into so many of the other guiding principles that we have in place because when you begin to encourage other people They believe they they you're building a trust you're building a connection with that person. You're building relationships. You're you're And and I I feel like it just really is. Um It's almost the foundation of what becomes What great teams are made of? So, I don't know. I just wanted to throw that out there Yeah, no, that's that's that's a that's a perfect point and you know It's it's one that we circle back to very often all all of these pieces all of these elements whether they be core values guiding principles promises mission vision purpose They're all intentionally interwoven So that we can make those connections and that it does become reality and they're not offset into their own Kind of individual realm. They're they're things that connect. There's there's no doubt about it Um, you know the next thing that that I really took as a key takeaway and something that we've talked about here before is just Becoming that parental type leader for your team and you know Talk about how it's connected to another one of our guiding principles and building relationships is Building that parental type relationship where you do have that level of love and care For your team is so important because that's when you're going to make the right decisions that are mutually beneficial not only To you know your business but also to the individual and that each and every person You're caring for as a parent. I mean I I learned so much From from having children and you're absolutely right. It doesn't it's not necessary to have children to learn that lesson it just happens to be when I first learned how to kind of take myself away from being that control and command type of leader to being Someone who who cared for people as family it's a it's such a huge point as well and then the next piece is The influence that you hold you were talking about really coming to the realization that Your words impact people and I think that's such a huge lesson especially for our younger leaders out there that may be listening is that you You don't understand initially when being put in a position of authority Necessarily that your words and your actions carry an extra layer of influence To everybody that is listening. I mean the first time you speak and everybody in the room is attentive and listening to what you're saying is it's a whole nother level of Responsibility and weight that you feel and it's a great thing to feel that but also understand that the power of the influence that you hold and you know and the type of responsibility that means towards your words and your actions and everything that you do because it's It carries well beyond what you have said. It's it's such a huge piece. And then the last Thing that that you guys have gone back and forth over is meeting somewhere where they're meeting someone where they're at and To me, you know a big piece of trying to build stronger teams out in our restaurants is customizing development And really being adaptable to the needs of individuals and helping them grow identifying Potential thresholds within each individual and then just really helping them along that path each step of the way, I think sometimes we try to generalize the way that we Train or develop, you know teams when really it's about knowing the individual again building relationships Knowing what each person needs and then stepping in and being willing to help them along that path I thought that was just such a another just great key point But with that being said i'm going to pass it one more time around for any closing thoughts As we kind of wrap it up here and john will will end with you John will will end with you i'll pass over to lexi and then over to charlie and then If you could offer any last words of encouragement Yeah, I just I really The piece that really got me was the ripple effect, you know And john put it into a great perspective, you know knowing that It starts with yourself and then what you know from there you give it to others and then it just continues and continues and that's you know, ultimately that's kind of What we need what life is all about or what should be all about is, you know that self? Awareness and that you know that self-encouragement and then giving it to the next person so that they can then give it to someone else And I just I that that just really stuck out to me and I really I really like the way you put that into words I would ask Uh Uh There's another 19 year old john out there somewhere, right? And if you could speak to 19 year old john Knowing what you know now, right? There you are you hit fast forward for 20 plus years. We're at restaurant, you know coming up on 80, right? It's been a wonderful life and we're still going there's you know, a lot of miles left on this thing plenty plenty plenty uh What's something that knowing the trajectory that you've you followed and seen the success what's the what's the advice that you give the 19 year old version of yourself again Do this one thing better or maybe don't do this one thing as much To get to the bigger better version as y'all infest Uh, I would say Take things seriously, but maybe not so seriously wonderful I like that Yeah, live a little right like yeah, good. Take it seriously, but don't put so much pressure on yourself Awesome Have a little more fun doing it I like that. Thank you that I'm, like very rigid and trying to do that. I'm Yeah perfectionist and Everything had to fit like in the square box. Yeah And it's like just uh, give yourself some grace Grace And actually I say that really kind of all the time it's like just Nothing is so big That we can't get through it or, uh, you know work around it somehow or there's I mean, there are obviously huge things out there, but We'll find a way Um, but when mistakes happen when when things don't go your way when you Um falter give yourself some grace And learn for next time learn from it. It's great. I'm gonna listen to that on repeat Give yourself some grace But I want to thank y'all today for like charlie. I think you give me way too much credit like you've You know, I mean credit given is credit earned Um, but um, no, thank y'all you you all, you know feed me almost daily with you know, the encouragement luster um Grace But it's um, you know, I hopefully in Reciprocal of the what's given to me and you know reflective of a reflection of what's given so Absolutely love it. Well john anything else you want to add before we call it a call it a show here Um, you know, I really think that's it I I think just the the slow down, you know recognize the good recognize everyone has something going on and in their lives and be kind and and be aware and And be supportive of others I love it. I love it All right. Well, let's call it a wrap. That was episode six being encouraging for john stewart lexi gibbs charlie kelly I'm chris. That was the wow cast. Thank you all so much You