Embracing Humility: Lessons from Denny’s CEO
So, there’s this saying that we should never stop learning, right? Kelli Valade, the CEO of Denny’s, is a living testament to this. She’s straight-up honest about constantly working on becoming better at what she does. That kind of humility? It’s pretty rare. In fact, she’s on the lookout for that same kind of self-awareness from job candidates. If you can acknowledge your weaknesses and ask the right questions during an interview, you might just stand out from the rest of the crowd.
When Valade was interviewed, she shared some nuggets of wisdom that echo what Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, experienced in his early days as a dishwasher at Denny’s. That gig taught him the true meaning of hard work and humility. It’s like nothing can prepare you for those tough lessons in life, right?
Navigating the Job Market Maze
Ah, the job hunt! Feels like searching for a needle in a haystack, doesn’t it? You’ve got to find something that sparks joy, shows off your skills, plus craft a resume that intrigues not only humans but AI too. But once you’ve snagged that elusive interview, the real pressure kicks in. You might as well be on a tightrope, trying not to fall.
And let’s be real—nowadays, even AI is getting involved in interviews. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to shine through. Valade has a keen eye for spotting potential hires, and she relies on a few key questions to gauge a candidate’s true colors.
What Questions Do You Have for Me?
Here’s a little tip: when Valade wraps up an interview, she often tosses the question back at her candidates: “What questions do you have for me?” The response, of course, gives her a peek into how prepared you are. Hint: have one or two thoughtful questions ready to go!
She cautions against going overboard, though. “If you ask too many, it’s just too much,” Valade shares. It doesn’t even matter what the questions are, really. What matters is that you cared enough to dig deeper and come prepared. You did your homework, right?
FAQ: Job Interview Questions
1. What kind of questions should I ask in an interview?
Think along the lines of company culture, growth opportunities, or what the interviewer loves most about the company. Just make sure they sound genuine!
2. Are AI interviews a real concern?
Absolutely! They’re becoming more common, but remember, the human touch is still vital.
3. What should I avoid asking?
Avoid anything that sounds negative or overly critical about the company. Nobody wants to hear doubt right off the bat!
Understanding Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Okay, let’s be honest here. Not everyone’s great at talking about their weaknesses, and Valade has seen it all. One of her go-to questions is about what makes candidates effective in their roles. Then, she follows up with, “What could make you even more effective?” It’s like she’s holding up a mirror and asking them to take a good long look.
Surprisingly, many folks come unprepared when asked about their areas for improvement. Valade has noticed that people might fumble, saying things like, “I never really thought about it.” Whoa! That basically screams, “I’m not introspective.” To her, that’s a major red flag.
From Dishwasher to Billionaire
Speaking of introspection, let’s talk about Jensen Huang again. This guy started his journey as a dishwasher at Denny’s when he was just a kid at 15. Can you even imagine? He credits that experience for instilling values like hard work and humility in him. I mean, he washed dishes like his life depended on it!
“I was organized. I planned my work,” Huang recalled. He also joked about cleaning more toilets than most people can even stomach. That’s a life lesson if I’ve ever heard one. Not every job is glamorous, but they all teach us something, right?
Making Your First Restaurant Job Count
Starting in the restaurant industry has its perks. Huang definitely believes in that, and he’s all about those foundational lessons. He encouraged students recently to take that first step into the food biz. “It teaches you humility, hard work, and hospitality,” he said. Those skills? They go a long way in any career.
I remember my first job at a local cafe; I was just a shy teen trying to figure life out. I learned how to deal with difficult customers, multitask, and even make a mean latte. All those experiences helped shape who I am today. You never know how much your first job will influence the trajectory of your career!
From Hostess to CEO: Valade’s Journey
Valade’s path to the top wasn’t just a straight shot. She kick-started her career at just 16 as a hostess at TJ’s Big Boy. Can you imagine that? Fast forward a few decades later, and she’s clambering up the corporate ladder in HR, aiming to be a chief people officer one day. You know how some people have lifetime dreams? Hers was just one component, but she was never quite sure if she would become a CEO.
So, when the opportunity came to go from head of HR to chief operations officer at Chili’s, she was hit with some serious self-doubt. “You might have the wrong person here,” she thought. Pretty relatable, don’t you think?
Pushing Through Self-Doubt
Self-doubt is like this sneaky little gremlin that creeps in at the most inconvenient times. Valade encourages leaders—especially women—to take a hard look at why they might hesitate. “Challenge yourself! Push yourself!” she urges. I mean, that’s solid advice, especially when you consider how many of us hold back our potential because of that nagging self-doubt.
Even after she took on roles such as brand president at Chili’s and then CEO of Red Lobster, Valade continued to push through with tenacity. Now she’s steering the ship at Denny’s, doing what she loves most: focusing on people and pancakes. Sounds like a sweet deal to me.
This story originally appeared on Fortune.com, and if there’s one takeaway, it’s that whether you’re washing dishes, holding a hostess position, or running a multi-million dollar company, every step matters and every lesson counts!
