From the Ground Up (wsg Anita Klopfenstein)

Exploring Frictionless Experiences: Anita Klopfenstein CIO at Little Caesars, joins host Gregg Garrett for a discussion on innovation in the fast-turn restaurant industry and what is on the horizon for the entertainment industry as COVID restrictions are lifted. She of course shares her Top Three ranging from her aunts and uncles who helped her get on the right path to her high school teacher who helped her find her voice and learn management skills to a former boss who awoke a desire to transform organizations to her husband who helps ground her as they raise 12 children. And don’t miss what she has to say about gathering exactly five pieces of information before you act. About Anita Klopfenstein Anita Klopfenstein is the Chief Information Officer of Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc., where she is responsible for the overall strategic direction, development, deployment, and maintenance of technology across the organization. Prior to Little Caesars, Klopfenstein was vice president, eCommerce and consumer systems at Panera Bread, where she oversaw consumer systems product development and commerce and marketing systems integration. With more than 25 years of successful experience managing profitable information technology departments in highly competitive markets, Klopfenstein is known for her track record of developing software products and leadership in internet, enterprise and manufacturing operations. She holds a B.S. in computer science and radio, TV, and film from Indiana State University and an MBA from Liberty University. In 2017, Klopfenstein was recognized as Top Innovator at the Women in Foodservice Technology Awards. In 2020, she was named a Top CTO by Industry Era. Outside of work, Klopfenstein and her husband Lynn live with their 12 children. For more than 30 years, the couple has provided foster care, and they have been named foster parents of the year several times in Illinois. Klopfenstein plays the clarinet, enjoys martial arts, and has run more than 30 marathons. Show Highlights During this episode: New Experience Modes: Reshaped consumer experiences from COVID [1:13] Frictionless Experiences: Welcome to the Connecting World [2:05] Welcome guest, Anita Klopfenstein [5:15] The “Top Three” Aunts and Uncles: Anita’s family allowed her to get on the right path [13:51] John Meister: Anita’s former boss who awoke a desire to transform organizations [19:57] Mr. Siefert: Anita’s high school speech teacher who helped her find her voice and learn management skills [29:09] Lynn Klopfenstein: Anita’s husband who helps ground her as they raise 12 kids [34:49] Transformation & Disruption The Ilitch Companies: Supporting various types of business in diverse industries [41:33] Safe Measures and Technology: Getting ready to re-open post-pandemic [43:33] Partnership with Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business [46:00] Pizza is innovative [48:00] You have to hear this… Anita’s Hack: Before you act, gather 5 pieces of information [54:25] Additional Information Contact Anita Klopfenstein: Anita’s LinkedIn Anita’s Email Contact Gregg Garrett: Gregg’s LinkedIn Gregg’s Twitter Gregg’s Bio Contact CGS Advisors: Website LinkedIn Twitter

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You, Me, and Your Top Three is a podcast focused on exploring leadership in the connecting world. Specifically, the podcast invites leaders to tell stories, reflect, and discuss their views on: - disruptions in industry and society; - how they are leading transformations considering these disruptions - brave leadership to drive transformation. It is this last point where we focus most of the discussion, asking our guests to share their insights into the relationships they have with their “Top 3” closest advisors. It is our observation and experience that as the world connects, the importance of a diverse set of counselors is increasing in value. For some this may be a formal advisor who has been contracted on behalf of the company. For most this will be deep relationships in which they have been invested and nurtured. Through stories and discussion, we strive to celebrate the art of giving and receiving advice. The stories that are told are heartfelt and real. At the root we are exploring the process of knowledge building, relationship building, and perhaps most importantly, confidence building. After all, it takes a brave leader to battle the inertia that exists in industries, our organizations, and in ourselves. It is our hope that as successful leaders open up about around the subjects and the way in which they interact with their closest confidants, that our listeners will, in turn, reflect on their own “virtual board of advisors.” Over time they will then surround themselves with those who help them stretch toward greatness and lead bravely in the connecting world.