This is Quick: Chipotle and Kernel Foods founder Steve Ells on keeping a regimented routine while making room for “spontaneity and chaos”

On this week’s rapid fire Q&A, Steve Ells talks about his journey from studying art history to founding Chipotle Mexican Grill and how being open to the unexpected paved the way for his success. Ells also shares his secret to staying productive — keeping a highly structured morning routine and allowing for “spontaneity and chaos” as the day progresses — and he discusses the importance of bringing a solutions-oriented mindset to meetings. Have questions you want to hear on This is Quick? Share a post or comment on LinkedIn using the hashtag #ThisisWorking. Follow Kernel Foods, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Dan Roth and LinkedIn News on LinkedIn, and subscribe to the newsletter here.

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Join LinkedIn’s Editor-in-Chief Dan Roth as he pulls back the curtain on how the world’s most dynamic leaders think, lead, and build. Going beyond titles and buzzwords, This Is Working uncovers the human stories behind high-impact leadership. These are the thoughtleaders and changemakers who are reshaping industries: from tacos to tech, AI to alcohol-free beer, fashion to finance. You’ll hear from guests like Jamie Dimon on rethinking talent, Chuck Robbins on leading through transformation, and Dr. Fei-Fei Li on the human side of AI. Tune in every other week for candid conversations on what’s working at work, and what’s yet to come.