🎙 From CMO to CEO (Twice) | Franchise Growth, Brand Strategy & The Future of IRL Experiences
In this episode of Leadership Lens with Taylor Robinson, we sit down with Leigh Feldman, CEO of Youth Franchise Brands, to talk about scaling franchise systems, moving from marketing leadership into the CEO seat (twice), and why engagement — not just experience — is the future of business.
Lee shares insights on:
- How CMOs can position themselves for CEO roles
- What makes a successful franchise owner
- Why self-awareness beats experience
- The future of in-person events post-COVID
- The loneliness epidemic & experience-driven brands
- And even… speed wrestling as dating 😅
If you’re an entrepreneur, executive, recruiter, or future franchise owner — this episode is packed with practical insight.
⏱ Chapters
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Lee Feldman
01:42 – Lee’s Career Journey: From Music to CEO
03:35 – How a Marketing Executive Becomes CEO (Twice)
06:44 – Youth Franchise Brands Explained
08:34 – 3 MasterChef Junior Winners?!
09:59 – Acquiring & Scaling Established Brands
11:29 – Franchise Model & Expansion Strategy
12:29 – How Franchising Has Changed
14:32 – What Makes a Great Franchisee
17:53 – Hiring Beyond the Resume
19:58 – Building Replaceable, Scalable Systems
21:27 – Post-COVID Events & Experience Trends
23:20 – The Loneliness Epidemic & IRL Engagement
24:19 – Speed Wrestling Instead of Speed Dating?!
26:08 – The Business Model of Dating Events
27:40 – AI, Recruiting & Getting Found on LinkedIn
30:34 – Entrepreneurship vs Employment
30:49 – Final Thoughts
