by Wise Tales
Welcome to Wise Tales, the podcast where we sit down with industry experts and thought leaders to discover how to enhance brand value, increase revenue and drive great organizational culture through employees, customers and partners. Tune in, with host Evan Melick, as we unlock the transformative potential and power of optimized learning, development and operations — one wise tale at a time!
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Publishing Since
8/9/2024
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September 3, 2025
<p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnaherbel/" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Donna Herbel</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">, Founder of Blue Phoenix Learning and Co-Founder and COO at </span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/saviico/" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Savii</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">, joins us to share how technology and AI empower frontline teams, preserve institutional knowledge and shape confident leaders. Drawing on decades of experience in hospitality training and leadership development, Donna highlights how organizations can turn chaos into clarity through practical strategies, people-first leadership and the right tech.</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">Key Takeaways:</strong></p><p><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">(01:43) Understand where opportunities exist but remain untapped, focusing on improvements that can drive better outcomes.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">(03:16) Use technology to manage repetitive and administrative tasks, allowing people to concentrate on work that creates a deeper impact.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">(05:33) Technology delivers timely, accessible information at the point of need, enabling confident decisions and reducing reliance on memory or guesswork.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">(08:10) Build confidence for employees by offering tools and systems that allow them to learn, adapt and perform without unnecessary pressure.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">(10:12) Prevent the loss of valuable talent by ensuring technology supports operational processes, enabling people to focus on leadership and relationship-building skills.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">(14:23) Provide leaders with just-in-time guidance and proven approaches to handle complex conversations and challenges with greater confidence.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">(20:17) Capture and preserve organizational knowledge by using modern tools to document, repurpose and share the expertise of experienced individuals.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">(25:51) Regularly evaluate established practices to determine what remains effective and where new approaches can drive improved efficiency and outcomes.</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">Resources Mentioned:</strong></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnaherbel/" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Donna Herbel</a></p><p>https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnaherbel/</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/saviico/" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Savii</a> | LinkedIn</p><p>https://www.linkedin.com/company/saviico/</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://savii.ai/lets-talk/" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Savii</a> | Website</p><p>https://savii.ai/lets-talk/</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://wisetail.com?utm_source=podcastplatforms&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=wise-tales-podcast" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Wisetail</a> | Website</p><p>https://wisetail.com?utm_source=podcastplatforms&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=wise-tales-podcast</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://web.descript.com/" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Descript</a></p><p>https://web.descript.com/</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);"><span class="ql-cursor"></span>Thanks for listening to the “Wise Tales” podcast. Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode!</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">#LearningAndDevelopment #OrganizationalCulture #AIInnovation #DisruptiveInnovation #DigitalTransformation #DigitalInnovation</span></p>
August 12, 2025
<p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreyabenet/" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Audrey Benet</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">, Director of Training at </span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/guestcounts-hospitality/" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">GuestCounts Hospitality</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">, shares insights into how modern training techniques can transform learning in the hospitality space. With two decades of experience leading operations, culture and training for global brands, Audrey brings a human-centered perspective to scaling systems while prioritizing team well-being.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">Audrey outlines how humor, improv and technology help make learning more effective and inclusive. She emphasizes the importance of creating safe environments where team members can fail forward, build soft skills and grow into confident leaders through practical experience and collaborative feedback.</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">Key Takeaways:</strong></p><p><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">(02:18) Introducing game-based learning makes training more approachable and removes traditional barriers to participation.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">(07:35) Interpersonal dynamics are at the core of service industries, making flexibility and human connection central to effective learning.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">(09:39) Technology can support a learner-first approach by allowing individuals to absorb foundational material independently before applying it on the job.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">(11:40) Simulated practice and early exposure to decision-making roles can accelerate leadership development and readiness.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">(14:20) Communication skills, especially the ability to give and receive feedback, are best developed through frequent, low-stakes repetition.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">(16:02) Embedding structured feedback into everyday routines helps build emotional resilience and fosters stronger workplace relationships.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">(18:19) Collaborative group training formats can make even sensitive topics, like interview conduct, more memorable and participatory.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">(22:03) When organizations create environments that support experimentation and recovery from mistakes, they build deeper trust among teams and strengthen cultural alignment.</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">Resources Mentioned:</strong></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreyabenet/" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Audrey Benet</a></p><p>https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreyabenet/</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/guestcounts-hospitality/" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">GuestCounts Hospitality</a> | LinkedIn</p><p>https://www.linkedin.com/company/guestcounts-hospitality/</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.guestcounts.com" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">GuestCounts Hospitality</a> | Website</p><p>https://www.guestcounts.com</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://wisetail.com?utm_source=podcastplatforms&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=wise-tales-podcast" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Wisetail</a> | Website</p><p>https://wisetail.com?utm_source=podcastplatforms&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=wise-tales-podcast</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.chart.org/" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Chart</a></p><p>https://www.chart.org/</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://valenciacollege.edu/locations/downtown/walt-disney-world-center-for-culinary-arts-and-hospitality.php" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Walt Disney World College of Hospitality and Culinary Arts</a></p><p>https://valenciacollege.edu/locations/downtown/walt-disney-world-center-for-culinary-arts-and-hospitality.php</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-wirth-54028032/" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Jeff Wirth – Interactive PlayLab</a></p><p>https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-wirth-54028032/</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">Thanks for listening to the “Wise Tales” podcast. Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode!</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">#LearningAndDevelopment #OrganizationalCulture #AIInnovation #DisruptiveInnovation #DigitalTransformation #DigitalInnovation</span></p>
July 21, 2025
<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">In this episode, we speak to </span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-stasko-6240411/" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Mike Stasko</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">, President at </span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/sunnystreetcafe/" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Sunny Street Cafe</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">, a breakfast and lunch restaurant group headquartered in Columbus, Ohio with 22 locations across the US. Mike offers insight into how the brand scales with intention, blending consistency with adaptability to support both franchisee success and long-term growth.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">Mike shares how a clear but flexible brand framework enables franchisees to remain consistent while still adapting to their local markets. He discusses how the business maintains operational simplicity while creating room for innovation, from regional menu options to evolving service models. He also explains how scalable infrastructure, culture and technology play a central role in ensuring sustainable growth across the franchise network.</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">Key Takeaways:</strong></p><p><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">(04:14) Adapting physical formats and configurations creates efficiencies and allows for better alignment with diverse markets and site constraints.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">(06:21) Prioritizing local involvement as part of early planning helps build stronger community relationships and establishes trust from the outset.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">(09:20) Exploring off-peak opportunities can reveal adjacent revenue streams aligned with operational strengths.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">(10:09) Mastering the delivery of complex offerings at scale requires thoughtful process design and operational discipline across all units.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">(12:55) Long-term resilience is often shaped by decisions made in challenging times, particularly the ability to stay committed to promising initiatives.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">(14:23) Investing in system-wide technology enables improved performance tracking, streamlined labor processes and enhanced visibility across the brand.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">(16:33) A centralized training and development platform supports consistent learning, employee engagement and smoother onboarding across a growing network.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">(17:10) Creating a balanced work environment with predictable hours helps improve employee retention and satisfaction.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">(18:39) Establishing a culture rooted in bold thinking encourages continuous improvement and reinforces alignment across franchise operators and staff.</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">Resources Mentioned:</strong></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-stasko-6240411/" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Mike Stasko</a></p><p>https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-stasko-6240411/</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/sunnystreetcafe/" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Sunny Street Cafe</a> | LinkedIn</p><p>https://www.linkedin.com/company/sunnystreetcafe/</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://sunnystreetcafe.com/" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Sunny Street Cafe</a> | Website</p><p>https://sunnystreetcafe.com/</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://wisetail.com/" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Wisetail</a> | Website</p><p>https://wisetail.com/</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://pos.toasttab.com/" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Toast POS</a></p><p>https://pos.toasttab.com/</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">Thanks for listening to the “Wise Tales” podcast. Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode!</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(39, 59, 77);">#LearningAndDevelopment #OrganizationalCulture #AIInnovation #DisruptiveInnovation #DigitalTransformation #DigitalInnovation</span></p>
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Julius Ridgley
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Welcome to Wise Tales, the podcast where we sit down with industry experts and thought leaders to discover how to enhance brand value, increase revenue and drive great organizational culture through employees, customers and partners.
Tune in, with host Evan Melick, as we unlock the transformative potential and power of optimized learning, development and operations — one wise tale at a time!
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