Kreatures Of Habit Podcast: "Walk The Walk of a CEO with Michael Chernow | Monday Moments"

Release Date: March 24, 2025

Introduction

In the latest solo episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, host and founder Michael Chernow delves deep into his personal journey as a CEO and founder. Unlike the traditional format where Michael engages with guests, this episode focuses entirely on his own experiences, lessons, and insights garnered over more than a decade of leading businesses in the restaurant industry and now steering the digital brand Creatures of Habit. Titled "Walk The Walk of a CEO with Michael Chernow | Monday Moments," this episode serves as a treasure trove of wisdom for current and aspiring CEOs, founders, and entrepreneurs seeking to refine their leadership and operational strategies.

Embracing Patience in Business Launches

Michael begins the episode by emphasizing the critical importance of patience post-launch. Reflecting on his early tendencies to react swiftly to underperforming ventures, he shares a transformative lesson:

"Don't try to fix something that is not working as soon as you launch it." [00:XX]

He recounts how, initially, his impulse as an operator was to address issues immediately. Over time, however, he recognized that giving a project time to mature allows for natural growth and the identification of genuine traction points. This shift in mindset was pivotal in fostering sustainable business development and avoiding premature interventions that might stifle potential success.

Delegating Responsibilities to Avoid Bottlenecks

One of the standout points Michael discusses is the necessity of delegation, particularly concerning vendor interactions:

"Don't make yourself the point person at the company to these vendors... being the point person will, I promise you, be a bottleneck in your business." [03:15]

He advises CEOs to appoint dedicated points of contact within their organizations to handle vendor communications. By doing so, leaders can focus on scaling and evolving the business without getting bogged down by operational minutiae. Michael shares his own experiences of initially handling these interactions personally, only to realize the inefficiency it introduced, thereby reinforcing the value of empowering team members to manage specific domains.

Optimizing Time by Limiting Meeting Attendance

Michael tackles the common pitfall of overcommitting to meetings, which can significantly drain a CEO's time and energy:

"Don't join every single meeting... you should be focusing your time on thinking about how the company is going to grow." [05:45]

He highlights how excessive meeting attendance can disrupt a CEO's ability to engage in strategic thinking and business development. By strategically choosing which meetings to attend and delegating others, leaders can ensure that their focus remains on driving the company's growth rather than getting entangled in routine discussions. This approach also empowers department heads to take ownership and make decisions independently.

The Power of Listening: "Speak Last"

One of the most impactful lessons Michael shares is the art of listening over speaking, particularly in leadership settings:

"Speak last... you put much more progress in listening than hearing your own voice." [09:30]

He narrates a pivotal moment from his early career when a seasoned restaurateur advised him bluntly:

"In the next board meeting, shut your fucking mouth. You feel the need to hear your own voice way too much."

This candid advice was a wake-up call for Michael, illustrating that incessant self-expression can hinder effective leadership. By prioritizing listening, CEOs can glean valuable insights, foster better team collaboration, and make more informed decisions. Michael acknowledges that while expressing passion is essential, restraint often leads to greater organizational harmony and progress.

Accepting that Not Everyone Will Like You

Transitioning from personal reflection, Michael touches on the challenging yet liberating realization that universal likability is unattainable:

"Not everybody is going to like you... don't sacrifice other people liking you for what needs to get done." [14:10]

As someone who thrives on building relationships, this was a significant mindset shift for Michael. He underscores the importance of prioritizing business objectives and ethical decision-making over seeking approval from every individual. By accepting that not everyone will favor his leadership, he can make more objective and effective decisions that benefit the company as a whole.

Seeking Solutions Over Possessing All Answers

A hallmark of exceptional leadership, according to Michael, is the ability to find answers rather than having all answers upfront:

"Great CEOs don't know all the answers, but they figure them out." [17:05]

He elaborates on the importance of surrounding oneself with knowledgeable team members and fostering a culture of collaboration. Michael credits his success to his willingness to ask for help and leverage the expertise of others, ensuring that no challenge remains insurmountable simply because he didn’t have the immediate solution.

The Centrality of Relationship Development

Concluding his series of lessons, Michael emphasizes that relationships are the bedrock of successful business operations:

"Building relationships that are long term make doing business a lot easier and a lot more successful." [20:50]

He reflects on his extensive experience hiring and firing over a thousand individuals, maintaining that nearly a hundred percent of those he had to let go would choose to return if given the chance. This is a testament to his ability to cultivate respectful and enduring professional relationships, even in challenging circumstances. Michael believes that delivering difficult news without burning bridges preserves one's reputation and paves the way for future collaborations.

Conclusions

Michael Chernow's solo episode of Kreatures of Habit offers a comprehensive roadmap for effective leadership and entrepreneurial success. By advocating for patience, strategic delegation, active listening, acceptance of imperfection, relentless problem-solving, and strong relationship-building, he provides actionable insights that resonate deeply with both seasoned and emerging business leaders. These lessons underscore the nuanced balance between personal growth and organizational development, highlighting that successful CEOs are those who continuously learn, adapt, and prioritize the collective well-being of their teams and ventures.

For listeners seeking to enhance their leadership skills and cultivate productive business habits, this episode serves as an invaluable resource, blending personal anecdotes with practical advice that can be seamlessly integrated into their professional lives.

Notable Quotes

• "Don't try to fix something that is not working as soon as you launch it." [00:32]
• "Don't make yourself the point person at the company to these vendors... being the point person will, I promise you, be a bottleneck in your business." [03:15]
• "Don't join every single meeting... you should be focusing your time on thinking about how the company is going to grow." [05:45]
• "Speak last... you put much more progress in listening than hearing your own voice." [09:30]
• "Not everybody is going to like you... don't sacrifice other people liking you for what needs to get done." [14:10]
• "Great CEOs don't know all the answers, but they figure them out." [17:05]
• "Building relationships that are long term make doing business a lot easier and a lot more successful." [20:50]

This summary encapsulates the essence of Michael Chernow's insights on leadership and entrepreneurial success, offering readers a thorough understanding of the episode's key themes and lessons.