In his powerful keynote “Leading with Hope,” Shake Shack CEO Randy Garutti shares a compelling vision for leadership in uncertain times. Drawing from his journey leading one of the world’s most beloved hospitality brands—from a single hot dog cart in Madison Square Park to over 400 global locations—Garutti unpacks the mindset and strategies that have fueled Shake Shack’s extraordinary culture and growth. This keynote is a call to action for leaders to navigate adversity not with fear, but with courage, optimism, and clarity of purpose.

At the heart of Garutti’s message is the belief that hope is not passive—it’s a leadership discipline. In the face of unprecedented disruption in the hospitality and restaurant industry, Garutti has remained steadfast in his commitment to people-first leadership. He offers firsthand stories from the front lines of business reinvention, crisis management, and culture stewardship. Whether leading Shake Shack through its IPO, expanding globally, or navigating the pandemic’s impact, Garutti demonstrates how empathy, transparency, and accountability are more essential than ever for teams and customers alike.

“Leading with Hope” is not just a story of business success—it’s a framework for how leaders can build trust, inspire teams, and embrace innovation even when the path forward is unclear. Garutti explores the idea of “enlightened hospitality”—a philosophy inherited from his early years with Union Square Hospitality Group—which puts the team experience first, so they in turn can deliver remarkable customer experiences. Through this lens, Garutti reveals how great companies differentiate themselves not only by what they do, but how they make people feel.

This keynote also dives into the evolving expectations of today’s workforce. Garutti addresses the importance of cultivating purpose and belonging in modern organizations, offering actionable insights into how leaders can engage and retain top talent in a competitive and values-driven landscape. He challenges audiences to lead with intention—to focus not only on outcomes, but on the integrity of the journey.

Ideal for corporate leaders, hospitality professionals, and organizations focused on customer experience and culture, “Leading with Hope” leaves audiences with renewed energy, a deepened sense of mission, and practical tools to lead through complexity. Whether you’re launching a new brand, rebuilding team morale, or transforming customer service from the inside out, Garutti’s message resonates across industries.

With warmth, candor, and business acumen, Randy Garutti inspires leaders at every level to act with heart, lead with resilience, and—above all—choose hope.