Welcome to How Leaders Lead, where every week you get to listen in while I interview some of the very best leaders in the world.

I break down the key learning so that by the end of the episode, you'll have something simple you can apply as you develop into a better leader.

That's what this podcast is all about.

I better warn you up front,

today's episode just might make you hungry because I'm talking to Kevin Hockman, the CEO of Brinker

International, a restaurant group that includes Chili's and Maggiano's. I had the pleasure of

working with Kevin back at Yum, so I know firsthand what a great leader he is.

I got to say, I'm so proud of the turnaround he's leading at Chili's.

He's put the focus back on what he calls the core four items on their menu.

And that's great.

But what a lot of people don't realize is that increasing your focus in one area means that you've got to make

some tough decisions somewhere else. And let me tell you, when you start talking about cutting

and eliminating and simplifying parts of your business, it can feel scary. But as you're about

to hear, that's what you got to do if you want to free up resources for the big things that really drive

big growth. Keep listening and see how it's done. Plus, you'll hear a little factoid about

chilies and tequila that I guarantee you will blow your mind. So here's my conversation with my

good friend and soon to be yours, Kevin Hock.

Kevin is so great to have you on the show.

Well, what an honor it is, David, you know, you had said such a huge impact on so many people.

I'm included in that pool. And I certainly wouldn't be here today in this role if it wasn't the impact that you've had on me and kind of my skill set. So what an honor. And so thank you for having me. Well, I have to tell you, it was one of my highlights in my career at Yom when we hired you from Procter & Gamble. I had such high hopes for you when you came in.

And you met every expectation I had and exceeded them.

And I'm really so happy when I see people at Yom go off and take on bigger roles and become CEOs.

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