Kat Cole Quotes

Businesswoman
1983

Kat Cole is an American businesswoman and entrepreneur best known for her work as the President and COO of Focus Brands, the parent company of Cinnabon, Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, and other popular food franchises. She is also the founder of the non-profit organization, The Kat Cole Foundation, which focuses on providing education and resources to underserved communities. Cole is a highly sought-after speaker and has been featured in publications such as Forbes, Fortune, and The Wall Street Journal. She is also the author of the book, “Unfinished Business: The Unexpected Path to Making a Difference,” which provides insight into her journey as a leader and entrepreneur.Read Less

Focus on things that are small enough to change, but big enough to matter Feraz Zeid, January 12, 2024, Kat Cole, Enough, Focus, 0

- Kat Cole

Businesswoman

Enough
Focus

If you don’t use your voice, there’s someone waiting behind you who will. Feraz Zeid, January 12, 2024, Kat Cole, Voice, Waiting, 0

- Kat Cole

Businesswoman

Have empathy, gratitude and respect for every position in the company. Feraz Zeid, January 12, 2024, Kat Cole, Company, Empathy, Gratitude, 0

- Kat Cole

Businesswoman

I’ve learned to question success a lot more than failure. Feraz Zeid, July 28, 2023, Kat Cole, Fight, 0

- Kat Cole

Businesswoman

Fight

Kat Cole Career Highlights

Cole began her career at Hooters at the age of 17, working as a hostess and quickly moving up the ranks to become a waitress, bartender, and eventually a corporate trainer.
In 2003, she was promoted to Vice President of Training and Development at Hooters, where she oversaw the training of over 25,000 employees worldwide.
In 2010, Cole joined Cinnabon as President, where she led the company to record sales and expanded its global presence.
Under her leadership, Cinnabon opened its first international location in Libya and expanded to over 50 countries.
In 2015, Cole became Group President of FOCUS Brands, the parent company of Cinnabon, Auntie Anne’s, and other popular food brands.
She has been recognized as one of Fortune’s “40 Under 40” and Forbes’ “Most Powerful Women in Business.”

Key Contributions by Kat Cole

Cole is known for her strategic thinking and ability to turn struggling companies around. During her time at Cinnabon, she implemented a new business model that focused on expanding the brand’s presence in non-traditional locations, such as airports and military bases.
She also spearheaded the development of new products, such as Cinnabon’s line of frozen treats, which helped increase sales and attract new customers.
Cole is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Under her leadership, Cinnabon’s executive team became majority female, and the company received recognition for its inclusive culture.
She is also a vocal supporter of women in leadership and has spoken at numerous conferences and events on the topic.

What Sets Kat Cole Apart

Cole’s rise to success is a testament to her hard work, determination, and resilience. She started her career at a young age and worked her way up through various roles, demonstrating her strong work ethic and ability to adapt to new challenges.
She is known for her hands-on approach to leadership and is not afraid to roll up her sleeves and work alongside her team. This has earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues and employees.
Cole’s background in the food and beverage industry, combined with her business acumen, has allowed her to bring a unique perspective to her roles. She is able to balance creativity and innovation with a strong focus on financial performance, making her a well-rounded and effective leader.

Takeaways

Kat Cole’s career highlights and key contributions serve as an inspiration to aspiring business leaders, particularly women. She has shown that with hard work, determination, and a strategic mindset, one can achieve great success.
Her emphasis on diversity and inclusion in the workplace is a reminder of the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive environment for employees to thrive.
Cole’s ability to turn struggling companies around and drive growth through innovation and strategic thinking is a valuable lesson for any business leader. She has proven that taking risks and thinking outside the box can lead to great success.

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