In part one of this two-part episode of The Right Kind of Uncomfortable, Dr. James Pogue sits down with Paul Carolan, a former C-suite executive and current consultant and adjunct professor at Virginia Tech. From humble beginnings sweeping floors to leading companies like Wolf and Genghis Grill, Paul shares his journey through the highs and lows of leadership.
Paul opens up about navigating cultural divides, building trust across diverse teams, and the importance of authentic relationships in fostering meaningful change. He also reflects on lessons learned from his mentors, his approach to active leadership, and his philosophy of giving back through teaching and charity.
This episode offers valuable insights into overcoming bias, leading with empathy, and embracing discomfort to grow as a leader. Join us for Part 1 of this compelling conversation!
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Meet Paul Carolan
In 2021 Paul completed the last of many career endeavors where he lead the team at Mongolian Concepts as CEO & President of Genghis Grill. He formed Paul has over 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry with a proven track record of creating sustainable financial and unit growth, with the last 10 years in various C-Suite positions including Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, & Chief Development Officer. His tenure spans multiple segments in hospitality, including branded chains with 300+ locations (company-owned and franchised,) airport and managed services concessions. Paul’s multi-faceted experience along with the strong financial acumen as a CPA makes him uniquely qualified to help companies unleash growth potential.
