How A Black Man is Saving Red Lobster

Let’s give flowers when flowers are due. Red Lobster has been going viral and in the news non-stop—and it’s not just the biscuits. It’s the CEO, Damola Adamolekun. He’s showing up, owning mistakes (yes, the $20 shrimp debacle), and actually listening to customers. No fluff, no hiding. Just bold leadership and real accountability. People always say be authentic. Why? Because it works. I think we've lost the plot... but the customer is the prize. Always has been. So, let’s talk about why more CEOs should to follow his lead.

1. Amplifying Credibility through Authentic Visibility

Damola isn’t living his job out like he's on Donald Trump's "The Apprentice," hiding behind a boardroom, HE IS IN THE MIX. Videos like "The future of Red Lobster just pulled up — and it's drippin’" (nearly 1M likes, 150K shares) show him in real Red Lobster restaurants, sharing brand updates and humor in his own voice (Example: TikTok). CEOs can build trust simply by showing up and speaking as themselves—not scripted PR. Its kind of rare/new but the approach is working because its showing AUTHENTICITY.

2. Transparent Narratives Build Brand Confidence

Listen... they were DOWN BAD. Everyone remembers the bankruptcy, right? Damola acknowledges past missteps—like the infamous $20 unlimited shrimp—and explains how the brand is course-correcting. In WSJ coverage, he admits, “putting unlimited shrimp… helped turn Red Lobster… into one of the biggest food-service bankruptcies” (The Wall Street Journal). That was so costly. But its that transparency—a CEO outlining honest problem-solving—wins audience respect and turns critics into believers.

3. Humanizing the Turnaround Journey

He isn't just reading from a q-card... he's giving it to you off the cuff. NATURAL. From undercover visits to frontline restaurants to affordable-wage talks, his TikToks and interviews reveal an empathetic, hands-on approach. CEOs who show their journey—mistakes included—build genuine emotional connections with both employees and customers.

4. Empowering the Brand through Culture

And most recently, by stepping into lighthearted TikToks (“We’ve seen your comments… boils just got personal!”) (TikTok) he signals openness and fun—traits that resonate with today’s social-first consumers. It’s no longer just about a logo—it’s the people behind it that define perception. This shows that they are LISTENING. Everyone just wants to be heard. That theory is proven here... he is telling y'all that he's listening and making changes!

📈 Why More Brands Will Activate CEOs & Employees on Social

1. Break Through the Noise: With all the noise going on today, we want the real sh*t ... not stale leftovers. Seeing him step into the role of creator humanizes it all...

2. Control the Message: When crises hit, he's honest. He cuts through the typical corporate crap that everyone's tired of hearing. Aka the norm.

3. Amplify Culture: He brings A VIBE. The kids want vibes. People want vibes. Nobody wants the same ol' thing anymore... and let's face it most of the men in suits are white. 🤷🏾‍♂️ Take that for what you may.

4. Win Gen Z & TikTok Audiences: Younger audiences want connection, authenticity, and transparency—not faceless TIRED marketing.💡 Takeaway for CEOs: Be Real, Be Bold

So how can you do the same for your brand, STOP DOING THE NORM and CUT THROUGH the noise by...

• Being accessible—own it. People want to hear from real people. Not stuffy marketing jargon from the '90s. That isn't working anymore.

• Own the narrative—don’t shy from the mistakes. Sh*t happens. Like Lisa Rinna says, OWN IT. It's okay to not be perfect now days... in fact, that is embraced.

• Be personal—connect on an emotional level. We're all going through the absolute most right now. Don't ignore that.

Need help figuring out a plan to execute on this? Let's talk... nick@nickguillory.com