Latest news with #Valade
Time of India
01-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Denny's CEO reveals top interview questions to spot red flags in candidates
Kelli Valade, the CEO of American restaurant chain Denny's, recently revealed how she identifies red flags during job interviews. In a conversation with Fortune, Valade explained that just a few carefully chosen questions can offer deep insight into a candidate's mindset and preparedness. One of her key tactics comes at the conclusion of the interview. 'What questions do you have for me?' she asks candidates, explaining that this helps her gauge whether the applicant has done their research and is genuinely interested in the role. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Data Science Cybersecurity Degree CXO Healthcare Leadership Technology MCA Data Analytics Finance Data Science Design Thinking Others Artificial Intelligence PGDM Digital Marketing Product Management MBA Public Policy Management healthcare others Project Management Operations Management Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati CERT-IITG Prof Cert in DS & BA with GenAI India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 30 Weeks IIM Kozhikode SEPO - IIMK-AI for Senior Executives India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIT Madras CERT-IITM Advanced Cert Prog in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK DABS India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati CERT-IITG Postgraduate Cert in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details Valade shared that she also begins with straightforward questions but follows them up with more reflective ones to better understand a candidate's strengths and areas for growth. 'What would they say makes you most effective at what you do? Typically, candidates are pretty well equipped to answer that question,' she said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like I'm closing down. 70% off - Clearance sale (final collection) Handmakers Report Read Now She then moves on to a more challenging question: 'Then I ask them, what would make them more effective? Which basically is saying, what are your weaknesses? And there you'd be amazed at how many people can't answer that, or would say, 'I've not thought about it.' And so really what you're saying is, 'I've not thought about my weaknesses,'' she added. The 55-year-old CEO acknowledged that even she continues to evolve professionally. She credits her success to being open about her shortcomings. It's an attitude she values in her employees as well. Live Events Valade's professional journey began at the age of 16, working as a hostess at TJ's Big Boy. She gradually rose through the ranks in human resources, originally aspiring to become a chief people officer. But when offered the role of Chief Operating Officer at Chili's, she admitted feeling unsure. 'I didn't think I could do that at the time. I thought, I think you're looking for the wrong person here. I don't know. My first instinct was, I'm not sure I know how to do that,' she recalled. She also encouraged others, especially women, to challenge those inner doubts. 'Push yourself and challenge yourself on why you may not feel like that,' she said.
Mint
29-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
US millionaire CEO reveals the Red Flag that makes her reject candidates immediately
If you've ever fumbled when asked, 'Do you have any questions for me?' at the end of a job interview, Denny's CEO Kelli Valade says that moment might have revealed more about you than you think. In a recent interview with Fortune, Valade opened up about the subtle but effective ways she evaluates candidates, and how one simple question often helps her spot red flags early in the hiring process. 'It helps me see whether someone has done their homework, whether they're genuinely interested in the role, or just going through the motions,' Valade explained. The 55-year-old CEO of the popular American restaurant chain said she pays close attention not just to what candidates say, but how they reflect on themselves. One of her favourite questions is: 'What would they say makes you most effective at what you do?' Most applicants, she says, are prepared for that one. But then she asks a follow-up: 'What would make you more effective?', in simpler terms, what are your weaknesses? 'You'd be amazed how many people say, 'I've never thought about it,'' she noted. 'Which basically means, you've never thought about your own limitations or how to improve.' Valade's approach to leadership is rooted in her own journey, from starting out as a hostess at 16 to eventually running one of America's most well-known restaurant brands. She admitted to experiencing self-doubt herself, especially when she was offered a top executive role at Chili's. 'My first reaction was,'You've got the wrong person.' I wasn't sure I knew how to do it,' she recalled. But instead of backing out, she leaned in, advice she now gives to others, especially women in leadership. 'Push yourself. Challenge yourself on why you don't feel ready,' she said. Valade's story is a reminder that confidence isn't about having all the answers; it's about being honest, prepared, and self-aware. And sometimes, asking the right question at the end of an interview can be just as powerful as answering one.
NDTV
29-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
US Millionaire CEO Reveals Questions That Help Her Identify Red Flags In Job Candidates
Kelli Valade, CEO of the American restaurant chain Denny's, recently shared the key red flags she watches for during the hiring process, often revealed through just a few critical questions she asks applicants. Speaking to Fortune, Ms Valade shared that one of the signs she looks for comes at the end of the interview, when she asks: "What questions do you have for me?" She explained that this small exercise helps her understand that you did your homework and are seriously interested in the role. The CEO revealed that she also asks easy or expected questions but follows them up with thoughtful queries that help her determine a person's strengths and weaknesses. "What would they say makes you most effective at what you do? Typically, candidates are pretty well equipped to answer that question, she told the outlet. "Then I ask them, what would make them more effective? Which basically is saying, what are your weaknesses? And there you'd be amazed at how many people can't answer that, or would say, 'I've not thought about it.' And so really what you're saying is, 'I've not thought about my weaknesses,'" she continued. The 55-year-old also admitted that she herself is a work in progress. But she said that what's helped her stand out throughout her career is not shying away from admitting her areas of improvement. It is something she hopes to see in her employees, too, she added. According to Fortune, Ms Valade started her career at just age 16 as a hostess at TJ's Big Boy. She climbed the corporate ladder in human resources, dreaming of becoming a chief people officer one day. However, when she was asked to become Chili's chief operations officer, she admitted that she was overcome by self-doubt. "I didn't think I could do that at the time. I thought, I think you're looking for the wrong person here. I don't know. My first instinct was, I'm not sure I know how to do that," she recalled. She also advised those in her position, especially women, to push forward and dispel those doubts. "Push yourself and challenge yourself on why you may not feel like that," she said.
Hindustan Times
28-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Millionaire CEO reveals the questions that help identify red flags in a job interview
CEO of American restaurant chain Denny's, Kelli Valade has revealed the red flags she looks out for during hiring, by asking critical questions to job seekers. A restaurant industry veteran of over 30 years, the millionaire CEO often chooses to ask simple-looking questions to candidates but uses their answers to determine if they would be a good fit or not. The CEO asks simple-looking questions to candidates but uses their answers to determine if they would be a good fit or not.(Representational image/Unsplash) Talking to Fortune, Valade revealed that once the interview is over, she makes sure to ask the candidate what questions they have for her. She recommends that every job seeker prepare one or two thoughtful questions, but not more than that. She explains that this small exercise helps the interviewer understand that you did your homework and are seriously interested in the role. She also poses easy or expected questions but follows them up with thoughtful queries that help her determine a person's strengths and weaknesses. "What would they say makes you most effective at what you do? Typically, candidates are pretty well equipped to answer that question," she said. However, once the candidates have given their explanations, she inquires how they can become more effective at what they do. 'Which basically is saying, what are your weaknesses? And there you'd be amazed at how many people can't answer that, or would say, 'I've not thought about it.' And so really what you're saying is, 'I've not thought about my weaknesses.'' she explained. Valade claims that humility, recognising weaknesses and asking thoughtful questions can set job candidates apart in an interview. Valade, who started her career at 16 as a hostess at TJ's Big Boy, climbed the corporate ladder in human resources, dreaming of becoming a chief people officer one day. However, when she was asked to become Chili's chief operations officer, she admits she was overcome by self-doubt. 'I didn't think I could do that at the time. I thought, I think you're looking for the wrong person here. I don't know. My first instinct was, I'm not sure I know how to do that.' However, she advised those in her position to push forward and dispel those doubts. 'Push yourself and challenge yourself on why you may not feel like that,' she advised. After taking over as COO, she became the brand president at Chili's and later the CEO of Red Lobster. Her journey at Denny's began in 2022.
Bloomberg
07-03-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Denny's Valade on Value, Keke's Strong Growth: Choppin' It Up
Consumers need to be able to count on restaurant brands for a great value proposition, Denny's CEO Kelli Valade tells Bloomberg Intelligence. In this episode of the Choppin' It Up podcast, Valade sits down with BI's senior restaurant and foodservice analyst Michael Halen to discuss the importance of everyday value amid some US consumer weakness to start the year. She also comments on Denny's remodels and loyalty program changes as well as strong growth plans for Keke's Breakfast Café.
