Founder's Mentality: The CEO Sessions

Fall Back in Love with Your Product: Aaron Powell, CEO, Pizza Hut

In this inaugural podcast episode, Bain's Jimmy Allen sits down with Pizza Hut CEO Aaron Powell to discuss the importance of celebrating your product and your people.

Von James Allen und Aaron Powell

Listen to this episode on your preferred podcast platform here. Rather watch the interview? Find us on YouTube.

Pizza may seem simple, but leading one of the world’s most iconic brands is anything but.

In this episode, Jimmy Allen sits down with Aaron Powell, Global CEO of Pizza Hut, to explore how he’s helping the company rediscover its magic in over 20,000 restaurants across 110 countries. From falling back in love with the product to celebrating the heroes of the frontline, Aaron shares how moments of joy, pride, and even a wedding anniversary dinner reveal what truly sets a business apart.

We’re also joined by Archie Henderson, the comedian-musician behind the cult character Jazz Emu, who offers a surprising perspective on the power of “committing to the bit” and designing for fanatics, not the average fan. Together, these conversations offer insights into avoiding the commoditization trap, driving a relentless product focus, and why reconnecting with your people may be the ultimate competitive advantage.

Read what host Jimmy Allen had to say about this episode.