Have you ever had someone believe in you before you even believed in yourself?
In this episode of Navigating No, I sit down with Bert Thornton—former President and COO of Waffle House, author, and career mentor—whose journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, mentorship, and embracing every opportunity to grow.
From his early days as a college football player at Georgia Tech to leading one of America’s most beloved restaurant chains, Bert’s story is packed with lessons on adaptability, leadership, and the importance of investing in people. He shares invaluable insights on how to navigate rejection, turn obstacles into opportunities, and build lasting success—not just for yourself, but for those around you.
Bert’s philosophy proves that success isn’t just about personal achievements—it’s about lifting others up along the way. His wisdom on mentorship and resilience will change the way you approach setbacks, showing that a “no” is never the end of the road, but a chance to pivot and come back even stronger.
00:00 – Intro on
00:44 – Meet Bert Thornton: A Journey of Perseverance
02:46 – The Power of Mentorship
04:17 – Bert’s Book Success and Mentorship Insights
10:51 – Challenges and Strategies in Business
16:44 – The Importance of Relationships in Business
28:30 – Waffle House Leadership Insights
30:07 – Handling Employee Concerns
31:19 – Positive Feedback and Recognition
35:01 – Navigating Challenges and Mentorship
37:36 – The Power of Persistence
45:24 – Impact of Mentoring and Writing
53:36 – Thoughts and Reflections
