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 learnings that by the end of the episode, you'll have something simple that you can apply as you develop into a better leader.

That's what this podcast is all about.

Today's guest is Niren Shottery, CEO of Panera. Let me ask you, have you ever been absolutely overwhelmed by a

challenge? Maybe it was a crisis or a huge turnaround effort or just a complex problem

you just didn't really know how to fix. Boy, those are moments that define us as

leaders. And believe me, my friend Niren Shotterrey can teach us so much about how to turn those

challenges moments into defining wins. When he took over Panera in 2019, Niren had an uphill

challenge to revitalize the fading brand. He made some big shifts and got the company

back on track. And then, wham, the COVID crisis hits and they lost 50% of their business in a week.

Now that's a big challenge. And in moments like this, Neiren says, we have to begin with the end in mind.

What does reality look like once we get through that challenge? That big vision is what's going to

give our teams the hope and optimism and clarity they need to move through it. When it comes to

tough situations, few people have more wisdom than

Niren. I'm telling you, this is going to get you so fired up and inspired to tackle your next

big challenge. So here's my conversation with my good friend and soon to be yours, Niren Shotter.

Neeran, thanks so much for taking the time to have this conversation with us.

Thank you, David.

You know, Niren, I want to focus this conversation on your business and your approach to leading others. But first, tell me, tell me what makes Panera so unique.

I think, firstly, our purpose, you know, our purpose is to have a healthier and a happier

world, and that's why we exist.

And I think our mission is very simple, just to make sure that good food is accessible to everyone, those who can afford us,

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