Red Lobster’s CEO Talks Leadership, Risk, and Making Big Moves
We’re excited to officially launch CEO Unscripted, a brand-new speaker series from the SCLA team, and we couldn’t have asked for a stronger first guest. In Episode 1, we sit down with Damola Adamolekun, CEO of Red Lobster, for an unfiltered conversation about what leadership really looks like, especially when the stakes are high.
This series is all about giving students and early career professionals a behind-the-scenes look at how real leaders think, make decisions, and grow through challenges. Damola’s story hits all of that and more. From stepping into the CEO role at one of the country’s biggest restaurant chains to leading a full-scale turnaround, his path is full of lessons for anyone looking to lead with confidence and clarity.
Watch or listen to the episode now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.
Meet the Leader
Damola is one of the youngest CEOs in the restaurant industry, and he’s not afraid to talk about what it really takes to earn that kind of role. After graduating from Brown and earning his MBA at Harvard Business School, he built his career at Goldman Sachs and Paulson & Co. before stepping into the leadership spotlight at Red Lobster.
He became CEO in his early 30s and has led the company through some of its most challenging moments, including a major financial restructuring. Now he’s back again, guiding Red Lobster through a $60 million revitalization effort focused on improving customer experience, refreshing the menu, and bringing back some of the brand’s most-loved items.
Inside the Episode: Risk, Resilience, and the Real Story of Leadership
This first episode is packed with insights, but it’s also grounded in real, personal stories. Damola talks about:
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Why taking risks while you’re young can open the door to huge opportunities
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What it means to “stay ready” for moments that might only come once
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How to lead with boldness, especially when things feel uncertain
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His own journey to the top, and what helped him stay grounded along the way
We created CEO Unscripted to be more than just another speaker series. Our goal is to bring you honest, relatable conversations with people who’ve been where you are and who remember what it took to grow from student to leader. Damola brings that energy in a big way. He doesn’t just talk about success. He breaks down the work and the mindset behind it.
More Than a Leadership Talk
If you’re a student figuring out your next move, a new grad exploring career paths, or someone curious about what strong leadership really looks like, this episode is for you. Damola’s story is inspiring, but it’s also practical. He talks about leadership as something you build over time through real experiences, small wins, and the decision to step up before you feel completely ready.
He also shares advice that’s easy to act on: find something you care about, join it, and lead it. Whether it’s a club, a project, or an internship, the best way to grow is to start doing.
Watch It, Stream It, Share It
Watch or listen on your favorite platform:
This is just the beginning of the CEO Unscripted series. We’re excited to bring you more stories, insights, and advice from leaders across industries. If you’re ready to think bigger about your future, this is where it starts.
