Take Calculated Chances: Interview with Carl Howard, Former CEO of Fazoli’s

Several years ago, I interviewed Carl Howard in an interview originally published in Thrive Global. Carl was the CEO of Fazoli’s at the time and has since retired. Here is an excerpt from our interview:

Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts on leadership. First things first, though I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. What is something about you that would surprise people?

Carl: To my knowledge, I am proud to say that I am one of a few CEOs that has successfully worked their way up from busboy to CEO and everything in between. It has been a journey of hard work and one that has taught me the value of continued learning and staying positive that has helped me achieve my goals.

Adam: How did you get here? What failures, setbacks, or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?

Carl: I have had my share of failures and everyone can directly be tied back to not having the proper guest data or moving forward on an idea without seeing the consumer’s demand for a certain initiative. Hopefully, the learnings from these mistakes will continue to keep me focused on our true north star “the consumer”.

Adam: In your experience, what are the defining qualities of an effective leader? How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level?

Carl: Great leaders are normally great listeners. They understand that they do not have to be the smartest person in the room and they surround themselves with great people. Great leaders are also kind to their team members and remember that the people who interact with the consumer are the most important people in your organization.

Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives, and civic leaders?

Carl: Don’t take your fortunate position for granted. Do not let people “outwork” you or slow down because you are in charge. I am not suggesting to not have a work/life balance, but I am saying one of the best things you can do for your career is always make yourself available to your teams.

Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?

Carl: Wow, that is a tough question as I have had so many great mentors. So I will share what I tell young college seniors or people entering the workplace or team members starting to get serious about their careers:

1. Always have a great attitude. Executives will not promote people they don’t enjoy working with who have a negative or cocky attitude. If someone asks how you are doing say “great or fantastic”. No one really cares. If you say “terrible” or “oh I am so tired,” it works against you. PMA goes a long way!

2. Go anywhere when you are young. Take the toughest job, move to a new city, go on the road, and roll up your sleeves. Do it when you are young so you do not have to when you get older in life.

3. Dress for the part, and I am not just talking about your wardrobe. Yes, it helps if you look pressed and sharp but also your work product should be buttoned up and impressive. Put time into any presentation you are a part of as this is normally your time to audition in front of people who will help you in your career.

4. Keep learning and find some mentors. Know or look up to two or three people in your organization or industry and study them. They got there for a reason!

Adam: How can anyone pay it forward?

Carl: It seems like a canned answer but help others. Help the young people in your organization. Coach them; it is ok to speak directly to help people regardless of where they are in the organization. Make yourselves available and help people grow in their careers. Also, since most CEOs are truly privileged, start or support a cause. Giving back to people in need is beneficial for your community and your soul.

Adam: Is there anything else you would like to share?

Carl: I believe that anyone can be successful in life, regardless of talent or the environment within which we once lived. I grew up without, or as a “have not,” and it did not stop me nor did it ever become an excuse for why I did not win. Go out on the limb! That is where the fruit is, so take calculated chances.

Finally, know you will not always win, you will suffer losses and you need to take the time to deal with them or study them so you learn something from the experience. If you are always pushing yourself for excellence, then you can look in the mirror and the losses don’t look so ugly!


Adam Mendler is an entrepreneur, writer, speaker, educator, and nationally recognized authority on leadership. Adam is the creator and host of the business and leadership podcast Thirty Minute Mentors, where he goes one-on-one with America's most successful people - Fortune 500 CEOs, founders of household name companies, Hall of Fame and Olympic gold medal-winning athletes, political and military leaders - for intimate half-hour conversations each week. A top leadership speaker, Adam draws upon his insights building and leading businesses and interviewing hundreds of America's top leaders as a top keynote speaker to businesses, universities, and non-profit organizations. Adam has written extensively on leadership and related topics, having authored over 70 articles published in major media outlets including Forbes, Inc. and HuffPost, and has conducted more than 500 one on one interviews with America’s top leaders through his collective media projects. Adam teaches graduate-level courses on leadership at UCLA and is an advisor to numerous companies and leaders. A Los Angeles native, Adam is a lifelong Angels fan and an avid backgammon player.

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