Erin Wade reveals her journey from courtroom to kitchen, building a business around an unlikely centerpiece: mac and cheese. Between surfing sessions that provide sanctuary from the demands of being both CEO and mother, Wade shares how she translated her professional background into creating a restaurant known for its exceptional workplace culture.
Wade introduces us to open book management—a radical approach that invites employees into the company’s financial decisions—resulting in heightened engagement throughout her organization.
The conversation explores her globally-adopted “color code of conduct,” an innovative system for addressing workplace harassment that has transformed the restaurant industry. Wade offers insights on how titles shape both perception and identity, and why managing for impact rather than intent creates truly empowered workplaces.
This episode delivers a masterclass in leadership and creating environments where people thrive.
Available now: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Transcript
Erin Wade is a chef, author, and entrepreneur. She is the Founder and CEO of Homeroom, a restaurant in Oakland, California, known in equal parts for its unique workplace culture and incredible macaroni and cheese. She has a degree in public policy from Princeton University and a law degree from UC Berkeley.
