244: Building a Successful Business Through Faith in People and a Culture of Hospitality

With Author Cameron Mitchell

I was reluctant at first when I became aware of the book I’m featuring on today’s show.

I wasn’t convinced there was much for me to learn about business from someone running a successful restaurant company.

cameron mitchell

Call me narrow-minded, but I had doubts about whether the success traits in what I see as a cutthroat industry could possibly be universal. Boy, was I wrong.

Today, author and restaurant success story, Cameron Mitchell, visits the guest chair to discuss his brand new book Yes is the Answer. What is the Question?: How Faith in People and a Culture of Hospitality Built a Modern American Restaurant Company.

Cameron succeeded against all odds, having dropped out of school and run away from home as a teenager. His story is truly a “dish room to boardroom” tale.

Join in on our chat below

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | RSS

In today’s episode, Cameron and I discuss:

  • How someone with his troubled upbringing managed to turn things around
  • How he maintains excellent employee retention rates in an industry notorious for high turnover
  • His advice on achieving success and longevity in business
  • …and plenty more!

This Episode is Sponsored By Cloud Accounting Software FreshBooks

FreshBooks cloud accounting software is currently offering a month of unrestricted use to all RtLP listeners – totally free right now. And, you don’t need a credit card for the trial.

To claim your free month, click here and be sure and enter ReadToLead in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section.

If your business uses Freshbooks, and you’d like to share your experience with the Read to Lead audience, click the contact tab at the top of this page and let us know. Be sure and include “FreshBooks” in the subject line.


This Episode is Sponsored by Classical Music Streaming Service IDAGIO

idagio logo

IDAGIO is a classical music streaming service offering a catalog of more than 1 million classical tracks, expertly curated playlists, and exclusive content from key concert artists, orchestras, and opera companies.

Right now you can try IDAGIO free for 14 days by clicking here.

If you’re serious about classical music, then you need IDAGIO.


Cameron’s Book

You can order Yes is the Answer. What is the Question?: How Faith in People and a Culture of Hospitality Built a Modern American Restaurant Company right now!

Books Cameron Recommends

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Lead and Others Don’t by Jim Collins

The Books of Pat Lencioni

Dave’s Way by Dave Thomas

The Books of Spencer Johnson

Nuts! Southwest Airlines’ Crazy Recipe for Business and Personal Success by Herb Kelleher

Check Out These Resources

Find out more Cameron and his work at his website.

Be sure and grab your copy of Cameron’s book now.

Find out more about hiring Cameron to speak to your group.

Connect with Cameron on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Click to Tweet

To share the Read to Lead Podcast on Twitter quickly and easily, just click the box below. Your tweet will automatically be populated with this copy:

Leave Us Your Feedback

Comment and Share

Please consider rating the podcast with 5 stars and leaving a one- or two-sentence review in iTunes or on Stitcher.  This helps tremendously in bringing the podcast to the attention of others. I am also mentioning the names of all who rate the podcast with 5 stars in future episodes.

We encourage you to join the Read to Lead Nation on Facebook.  It’s a community of like-minded leaders and leader-to-be, as well as fans of the Read to Lead Podcast.

You can tell your friends on Twitter about your love of reading and our new podcast by simply clicking this link and sharing the tweet you’ll find at the other end.

And, by all means, if you know someone you think would benefit, please spread the word by using the share buttons on this page.

Finally, thanks for listening and remember, “Leaders read and readers lead.”