Michael Chachula (Propelled Brands, Fat Brands, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf) The Power of Resilience, Hard Work and Education in Corporate America

In this deeply personal and powerful conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Michael Chachula, CTO of Propelled Brands and longtime technology and transformation leader across the restaurant and franchise industry, to explore how adversity, resilience, and empathy shape truly great leadership. Michael opens up about losing his father as a teenager and how that early loss forced him to grow up fast. Without a single role model to follow, he describes how he began “auditing” the adults around him, learning in real time what kind of man, father, and leader he wanted to become. That mindset followed him into his career, where he learned early on that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership, especially at the C-suite level, and that pausing, observing, and adapting can be a powerful advantage. The conversation takes a deeply human turn as Michael shares what it was like to face prostate cancer while going through a divorce, navigating nearly a year of treatment largely alone. He reflects on confronting his own mortality, the spiritual moments that gave him strength to keep fighting, and how those experiences reshaped the way he shows up for his teams, his family, and himself. T hroughout the episode, Michael connects leadership to compassion, self-awareness, and balance. From lessons learned working dozens of jobs at a young age to building a career across IT and business functions, he offers grounded insight into ambition, sacrifice, and what success really means. His message is simple but profound: care about people, and everything else follows. This episode is for leaders, parents, and anyone navigating hard seasons while trying to build a meaningful life and career. In This Episode You’ll Learn - How early loss shaped Michael’s leadership style and work ethic - Why there’s “no one-size-fits-all” approach to being a CIO or C-level leader - The “art of the pause” and why “I don’t know” can be the strongest answer - How moving between business and IT builds rare executive range - The hidden costs of career acceleration on family time - What cancer and severe hardship taught Michael about identity, spirit, and perspective - Why caring deeply about people makes careers skyrocket Key Takeaways - Michael's early loss shaped his resilience and leadership style. - Self-love is crucial for personal growth and overcoming adversity. - Education amplifies hard work but cannot replace it. - Experience is more valuable than formal education in career advancement. - Elicitation skills are essential for effective leadership and negotiation. - Facing mortality can lead to profound self-discovery and clarity. - Balancing work and family requires conscious effort and prioritization. - The journey of personal growth often involves navigating through challenges. - Success is defined by the memories and relationships we build, not just career achievements. - Being kind to oneself is vital in the face of life's challenges. About Michael Chachula Michael Chachula is the CTO of Propelled Brands, supporting multiple franchise brands including FASTSIGNS, Camp Bow Wow, and My Salon Suite. He’s held executive technology leadership roles across the restaurant and consumer industries, including FAT Brands and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and has extensive experience navigating business transformation, operations, and technology at scale.Book Recommendation:- Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and Background(00:03:17) - Career Journey and Transitions(00:04:54) - Overcoming Early Adversity(00:07:09) - The Role of Faith and Perspective(00:09:52) - Lessons from Adversity(00:12:34) - Early Work Experience and Responsibility(00:14:33) - Education and Career Growth(00:17:08) - The Value of Experience vs. Education(00:24:39) - Leveling Up: The Journey of Growth(00:25:52) - Balancing Act: Career, Education, and Family(00:27:34) - The Cost of Ambition: Time and Relationships(00:29:38) - Teaching Through Example: Work Ethic and Passion(00:31:50) - Career Decisions: The Move to Switzerland(00:33:55) - The Art of Elicitation: Understanding Needs(00:35:42) - Facing Mortality: Lessons from Life's Challenges(00:44:07) - The House of Self: A Framework for Balance