Prosper Forum: A Journey to Ignite Leadership, Diversity, and Inclusion

WOW!! What an awesome experience to close out the summer months!!

I had the great opportunity when it came to my professional journey and I'm thrilled to share my incredible experience working on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion inaugural Prosper Forum event!

The setting, a picturesque Amelia Island, the reason, simply to make "#ABetterTable" for all in the restaurant and hospitality industry.

It was an absolute pleasure to collaborate with my client, Prosper Forum, and I specifically want to give a thank you and shout out to James Rogers, Luke Kircher, Hattie Hill, and David Jobe. They simply get it; they are truly committed into making the conversation inclusive, and creating thought provoking discussions that will help get this industry, that we as a nation so desperately depend on, moving forward!

The opportunity to work behind the scenes and get back to my roots as a Marketing Consultant was refreshing, but it was a double-bonus for me to be able to work and and meet with some of the most influential leaders in the food and hospitality industry.

Amelia Island served as the perfect backdrop for this meaningful event. On the first day of the event, I woke up early, ran the beach for 3 miles, and took in the sunrise. From that moment on, it was as if the pace of the week was set for me after that one run. From then on I knew it was going to be a beautiful, hard working, fast paced, but productive experience. I couldn't wait to get started!

The beautiful coastal setting combined with the promise of transformative discussions made for an unforgettable experience. But what truly made this trip remarkable was the opportunity to engage with the thought leaders of tomorrow and witness the CEOs who are shaping the future of the industry at work.

One of the highlights of my time on Amelia Island was the chance to connect with industry titans like Chip Wade of Union Square Hospitality Group, Kelli Valade of Denny's, Chris Tomasso of First Watch Restaurants, Inc., Rudy Sugeti, President of Tocaya Modern Mexican, Dan Simons, founder and Co-Owner of Farmers Restaurant Group, Dr. James Pogue CEO of JP Enterprises, and Nicholas Perkins, CEO of Perkins Management and Fuddruckers. These leaders are not just successful at what they do; but they are visionaries who understand the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the business world.

Meeting Michael Osanloo, CEO of Portillo's, Stefanie Miller, President of Kellogg's, Perry Miele, President and CEO of Nestle Professional, and Robert Lynch, President and CEO of Papa John's, was an enlightening experience. Seeing their commitment on-stage talking about how they are creating inclusive workplaces and communities was truly inspiring, and I hope sets a focus for other companies to follow suit.

Aylwin Lewis, a Board of Directors Member at Marriott International, Emily Williams Knight, President and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association, and Michelle Korsmo, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, brought invaluable insights to the table with their keynotes and discussions, which was on display to an audience of over 500 people. A packed Hotel Conference with tons of leaders, but you could hear a pin drop when these speakers were on stage. It just provides another example of how their dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion in the restaurant and hospitality industry is paving the way for positive change. It was impressive to observe how they managed to captivate the audience, leaving them in a state of wonderment, actively jotting down notes, and prompting introspection on how each person could personally contribute to this mission.

Kevin King, President of Donatos Pizza, Kate Jaspon, CFO of Inspire Brands, and Sara Jamshidi, Director at Share Our Strength No Kid Hungry, shared their perspectives on how businesses can drive social impact and drive change for the better. Their passion for making a difference was evident in every conversation.

Roy Jackson, a Board Of Director Member at J&J Snack Foods Corp, G.J. Hart, CEO of Red Robin International, David Gibbs, CEO at Yum! Brands, Inc., and Mitesh Gala, CEO and Founder at Altametrics, offered invaluable insights into the intersection of business and the importance of social responsibility, something that I myself would be interested in signing up for classes to learn more about what they had to offer. These individuals not only shared valuable perspectives on these crucial aspects of social and organizational responsibility but also demonstrated a strong commitment to actively promoting and advancing them in their respective roles and industries. Their actions and words served as an inspiration to others, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive environments and striving for equal opportunities for all.

James Fripp, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at Yum Brands, Inc., Carol Dover, President and CEO of Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, Pinky Cole, Founder and Owner of Slutty Vegan, Davie Cantu, CEO of GuestXM by Black Box Intelligence, and Peter Cancro, Founder and CEO of Jersey Mike's Franchise Systems, all showcased their unwavering dedication to fostering a more inclusive world. They did so by participating in various speaking engagements that laid the groundwork for why events like this should occur more frequently, featuring individuals who are actively driving positive change within the industry, and within their own communities.

Paul Brown, Co-Founder and CEO of Inspire Brands; Mac Brand, Founding Partner of Bellwether Food Group Inc.; Gus Bozzo, EVP at Breakthru Beverage Group; Selim Bassoul, CEO of Six Flags; Louis Basile, Founder and President of Wildflower; Candace Barnes, VP Global Head of DEI and Culture at Papa John's; and Frances Allen, CEO of Checkers and Rally's Restaurants, each brought a wealth of knowledge and passion to the Prosper Forum. Their deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion resonated in their words, as they shared the wisdom and experience they've gained throughout their careers with the room, deserving genuine praise.

Diversity and inclusion are of paramount importance to the food and hospitality industry for a multitude of reasons. These sectors are inherently intertwined with human experiences, culture, and traditions, and thus, the ability to embrace diversity and foster inclusivity is not just a matter of ethical responsibility but a fundamental business imperative. The Prosper Forum event served as a shining example of how these conversations should be properly handled, setting the stage for meaningful change in the industry.

The Amelia Island setting, with its serene beauty and tranquil ambiance, provided the perfect backdrop for these discussions, and It created an atmosphere that encouraged open dialogue and introspection. The wisdom and commitment of the incredible individuals who gathered at Prosper Forum amplified the impact of these conversations. Leaders from various backgrounds came together, fostering an environment of welcoming collaboration. This is something you don't really see in other industries or verticals, so it came to me as a surprise to see this type of forward thinking and conversation to occur. I mean, some of these discussions were uncomfortable for some I am sure, but we need more discussions like this so we can get a better understanding on how we move forward as a group.

Prosper Forum demonstrated that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but tangible forces that can reshape an industry. The event showcased the power of diverse perspectives, experiences, and voices coming together to drive change. It was a privilege to be part of this project, and the experience was nothing short of inspiring.

The ripple effect of Prosper Forum's discussions and collaborations will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the food and hospitality industry. The insights gained and the commitments made during the event will lead to concrete actions that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. These actions will enhance the industry's ability to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of its customers, resulting in better service, greater innovation, and increased profitability.

I am now more committed than ever to being a catalyst for change in the food and hospitality industry. The connections and encouragement received from fellow attendees and speakers at Prosper Forum have reinforced my belief in the transformative power of diversity and inclusion. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for us all.

Events like this aren't just up for grabs, this was truly the first and only experience that I have ever witnessed where the collective group was really dedicated to focusing on uplifting the workforce itself. Providing a transformation as companies actively seek and nurture talent from underrepresented communities, fostering a more diverse and inclusive employee base that fuels innovation.

You can feel it in the air, a cultural shift will occur, with businesses prioritizing inclusive environments that encourage employees to bring their authentic selves to work. This, in turn, will lead to a customer-centric approach, as companies better understand and cater to the diverse needs and preferences of their customers, enhancing loyalty.

The industry will also experience a surge in creativity and innovation due to the diversity of thought and perspective. Ultimately, the commitment to DE&I will not only boost reputations but also increase profitability, as companies tap into broader customer bases and foster innovation.

Taking the words from Co-Founder and CEO of the Prosper Forum, David Jobe, in his interview with Nation's Restaurant News, "Prosper Forum's discussions and actions simply help trigger a transformative journey, resulting in a more inclusive, innovative, and economically vibrant food and hospitality industry. Prosper Forum's commitment to effecting tangible, enduring change. With a purposeful dedication to the noble cause of 'A Better Table', Bridging the Gap Between Today's Leaders and the Next Generation of Diverse Visionaries,".

Behind that statement from David lies a profound truth: diversity is a potent force. It unites an array of viewpoints, cultivating creativity and innovation, and nurturing empathy and mutual comprehension within individuals and communities. Diversity also enhances the quality of decision-making and contributes to superior solutions for intricate challenges. Despite recognizing these facts, we continue to face difficulties in fully integrating diversity as a fundamental aspect of policy and a standard practice within Corporate America.

In the words of David Jobe, the Co-founder and Chair of Prosper Company, "When we conceived the Prosper Forum, we envisioned an unprecedented opportunity to address the glaring need for greater diversity at the helm of the foodservice and hospitality industry. This is about uplifting the entire industry. We reached out to several influential leaders, and their response has been nothing short of phenomenal. We are immensely proud, deeply grateful, and absolutely thrilled to launch this event in August."

I think it was Hattie Hill, Prosper Company Board Member and a global expert in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion who said it best, "The time is ripe, and the moment is now to adopt a more deliberate approach to bringing senior executives into direct contact with diverse talent. Much of the challenge in diversifying executive leadership has been the visibility—or rather, the lack thereof—of diverse leaders. Prosper Forum Accelerators, personally selected by their respective CEOs to participate, will not only foster deeper connections with their senior leaders but also serve as role models for the future of the foodservice and hospitality industry. This is the legacy that David, Luke, and I are committed to advancing through Prosper Forum and Prosper Community."

I wish to see more companies actively support initiatives like this, not only to highlight their own efforts in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) but also to engage their leaders and employees. Let's encourage them to collaborate across industry lines, even with their competitors, and unite as a collective force for driving change. Because the only effective approach is to tackle this challenge together!

Thank you, Prosper Forum, for the opportunity to be a part of something truly special. Amelia Island and Prosper Forum will forever hold a special place in my heart, as will the incredible leaders I had the privilege to meet. Here's to a brighter, more inclusive future for us all.