Shannon Collins: General Manager, Kaliste Saloom

My Journey into Leadership….

“The key to successful leadership is influence, not authority.”

10 years ago, I would have never imagined being selected to elaborate on my journey into leadership. 10 years ago, I would have never imagined being the growing leader that I am today. I never imagined being surrounded by such great leaders that are helping to mold me into the leader I am becoming. I never imagined working for any employer who is so invested in me and my training or that I would be sent to Hamburger University (yes, it’s a real place) and only have to worry about taking classes for a week to sharpen my leadership skills, nothing else. Lastly, if you would have told me that I would be running a restaurant that would make over 3 million in sales in a year, I would have laughed and said, “yeah right.”  I was just like you, visiting my local McDonald’s restaurant and intrigued by a “Now Hiring Sign.” Taking a chance, I applied, then took the job until I could find something better. I never imagined that my job as a crew member would later turn into a career.

I’m originally from Detroit, Michigan. I lived there all my life, up until 2009. I moved to Lafayette, meeting up with my mom and sister who were already here. Now, if you know anything about being up North compared to being down South, can we say, “Culture Shock.” It took a while for me to adjust but Louisiana grew on me. Well, after living with my mom for about a year, I was eager to move out and get on my own. My personality is this, I love people and being in direct contact, so I automatically assumed “retail” would be the perfect job for me. I’ve experienced working at places such as Victoria Secret, Payless and Walmart, but I quickly noticed that I was moving from job to job. Why? There was no opportunity for growth, no training, and I was more of a number than being treated as an asset to the company. Well, fast forward, one day I found myself in the drive-thru of the McDonald’s located on Ambassador. I saw they were hiring, so when I got home, I applied. I have always been the person that said “I would never work for Fast Food” but little did I know that my journey would take off quickly. All in the same day, I applied, received a call for an interview, was offered the position and went to orientation and then started the next day. At the time, the only thing on my agenda, was moving out of my mom’s apartment. So, I went to work and applied myself until I could find something better. I worked hard and wanted to become valuable so that more hours would be offered to me.  Little did I know, I was opening doors. My journey moved quickly. I worked at multiple locations. After 3 months of being at the Ambassador location, I was asked to transfer to Youngsville and help with the opening. I did, and later was promoted to a swing manager, then asked to transfer to Carencro where I would become a 2nd assistant, and then transferred to North University where I would sharpen my skills and become a Department Manager. With most of my time spent there, I was preparing for my new role that at the time didn’t seem reachable. After being sent to some of the best training classes and being groomed by some of the best leaders in the company, all my hard work paid off. I was asked to run and become the General Manager of the restaurant where it all started, #1 on Evangeline Thruway, the companies stomping grounds. I was told “You’re Ready.”

This amazing company has allowed me to enhance my leadership skills and flourish. They have taught me to invest in and celebrate my people. I’ve had the ability to create and sell a vision, motivate, and encourage others through my own words and actions, build a high level of confidence, learn how to communicate, have the ability to adapt to change, and renovate the culture of my restaurant. I’ve learned to become a communicator and a teacher to ensure my team has all the necessary information that is available. I’ve gained so much knowledge through my family here and without them and my people, I wouldn’t be the leader I am today.

So, I say all of that to say this. I started my journey off just like you, a crew member, making fries and drinks, taking orders, bagging food, having the role of delivering a guest experience, but my greatest accomplishment has been MacLaff giving me the opportunity to lead, influence and touch thousands of people. I was not born a leader. I surrounded myself with great leaders that had tough conversations with me to help me get where I am today. Individuals that told me to think outside the box, that leadership could be in my future. Once I believed in myself, I took off running. I challenge you to never become complacent, surround yourself with good people, and understand that it’s all about people and if you find yourself doubting your ability to grow, ask yourself….