Women in Restaurant Leadership: Execs from Shake Shake, 7 Brew, & Popeyes Share Key Insights for Growth & Representation

Women account for more than 50% of those employed throughout the restaurant and food service industry, yet their representation in executive leadership remains disproportionately low. 

At Crunchtime’s 2024 Ops Summit, executives Diane Neville (Chief People Officer, Shake Shack), Danyel Bischof-Forsyth (Chief Technology Officer, 7 Brew), and Devin Games (Vice President of Ops Services, Popeyes) participated in a compelling panel discussion on how to create opportunities to support the advancement of women in leadership positions across the industry. 

While sharing their journeys and insights, each panelist highlighted the importance of taking a multifaceted approach that combines structured programs, intentional mentorship, and active male allyship. Let’s explore each of those important takeaways.

The Power of Structured Development Programs

Diane Neville highlighted Shake Shack's innovative 16-week development program, which is specifically designed for women and individuals from diverse backgrounds. The program has achieved remarkable success, with a 78% promotion rate among participants. "We learned that confidence was the barrier, not childcare or home life as we initially assumed," Neville explained. This revelation led to a focused approach on building confidence through practical skill development in areas such as Excel proficiency, P&L management, and handling difficult conversations.

Mentorship: A Critical Path to Leadership

Danyel Bischof-Forsyth of 7 Brew emphasized the transformative power of mentorship, sharing her personal mantra: "Empowered women empower women." She stressed that mentorship doesn't require formal programs to be effective. "Anyone can empower another woman in your organization," she noted, highlighting how simple actions like encouraging someone to take on new challenges or making introductions can create ripple effects. Devin Gaines of Popeye’s shared how a mentor early in her career gave her the chance to express interest in new roles and advocated for her growth. 

Male Allyship and Breaking Barriers

The panelists addressed the challenge of navigating careers in male-dominated leadership environments. With women comprising just 18% of Fortune 500 CIOs and decreasing representation at each organizational level, the leaders emphasized the crucial role of male allies. They encouraged women to be proactive in seeking mentorship, noting that many male leaders are willing to serve as strong allies when approached.

Gaines also shared how stepping out of your comfort zone and taking on challenging assignments can accelerate your growth. Taking on international roles and overseeing multiple countries' operations helped her develop new skills and showcase her potential. To take on challenging assignments, she recommended volunteering for projects outside your usual scope, seeking opportunities to lead initiatives or teams, and embracing learning opportunities in unfamiliar areas. 

Key Takeaways

• Structured development programs with clear objectives and accountability drive measurable results in advancing women's leadership.
• Informal mentorship can be as effective as formal programs when there's a clear commitment from both parties.
• Male allyship is crucial for advancing workplace equity, and being proactive in seeking these relationships is encouraged.

Although gender representation at the C-level in restaurant organizations remains uneven, there is clear evidence that proactive programs can make a big impact.  Through initiatives like development programs and the emphasis on both formal and informal mentorship opportunities, organizations are making meaningful progress in creating pathways for women to advance into leadership roles. The key lies in addressing confidence barriers, providing structured development opportunities, and fostering a supportive environment where both men and women actively participate in advancing workplace equity.

Watch the full sessions here: