What It Takes Podcast
What It Takes Podcast
Podcast Description
On the What It Takes podcast, your host, Jamie Seeker encourages business owners to tell all! They'll share not only their expertise, but their stories and their purpose.
We cover a wide range of topics – the good and exciting, the challenges and sometimes the ugly. Experiences and lessons learned that our guests have faced along the way.
We believe that every person has a unique message which can make a positive impact . We let our guests share on the subjects they’re well-known for. No matter the topic, you’ll be hearing real stories from real people.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a variety of topics relevant to entrepreneurs, including resilience in business, personal experiences shaping professional choices, and strategies for sustainable success. Episodes spotlight specific themes, such as scaling businesses, community involvement, and overcoming adversity, as seen in discussions with guests like Karie Cowden and Matt Remuzzi sharing their unique paths and lessons learned.
On the What It Takes podcast, your host, Jamie Seeker encourages business owners to tell all! They’ll share not only their expertise, but their stories and their purpose.
We cover a wide range of topics – the good and exciting, the challenges and sometimes the ugly. Experiences and lessons learned that our guests have faced along the way.
We believe that every person has a unique message which can make a positive impact . We let our guests share on the subjects they’re well-known for. No matter the topic, you’ll be hearing real stories from real people.
In this episode of What It Takes, host Jamie Seeker interviews Anne Shadle, co-owner of the award-winning Mayan Cafe in Louisville, Kentucky. Anne shares her entrepreneurial journey, starting with the launch of the Mayan Cafe in 2007 alongside her brother-in-law, Chef Bruce Ucán. Together, they’ve expanded the business into catering services and a food truck concept while staying true to their mission of sustainability and exceptional customer experiences.
Anne also discusses her additional ventures—Left Brain Solutions, an operations consulting company, and Lupine Floral Design, a boutique floral business—highlighting her passion for entrepreneurship and innovation. This episode dives into leadership lessons, the challenges and rewards of running multiple businesses, and what it takes to build a lasting legacy in the culinary world.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into balancing growth with quality, fostering a strong team culture, and staying motivated in a competitive industry.
Notes for Host Preparation
- Key Themes to Highlight:
- Sustainability as a core value in business.
- The balance between innovation and maintaining quality.
- Leadership lessons from managing operations, HR, marketing, and finances.
- Scaling a business into new ventures, such as catering and food trucks.
- Personal motivation behind launching additional businesses.
- Guest Background Highlights:
- Co-owner of Mayan Cafe since 2007, known for its sustainability and Mayan-inspired cuisine.
- Expanded into catering and Mayan Street Food, a food truck concept.
- Awarded NAWBO’s thriving business award (2019) and Business First Family Business Award (2020).
- Business consultant at Louisville’s Small Business Development Center (2020–2022).
- Founder of Left Brain Solutions and Lupine Floral Design.
- Potential Questions for Follow-Up:
- How did Anne identify the opportunity to expand into catering and food trucks?
- What advice does she have for maintaining brand consistency during growth?
- How does Anne approach time management across multiple ventures?
- Engagement Tips for Anne’s Audience:
- Share stories that highlight her connection to Louisville and the local community.
- Dive into lessons from her leadership journey, including any specific challenges.
- End on a positive, motivational note about the future of Mayan Cafe and her entrepreneurial vision.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.