How to Scale a Business Like a CEO | Leadership Lessons from Costa Coffee, Ole & Steen & Arcturus CEO Jason Cotta

Jason Cotta didn’t take the classic corporate route to the boardroom. He left school at 16 with almost no qualifications and started on the very lowest rung of the retail ladder. Today, he is the CEO of Arcturus Group overseeing iconic hospitality brands like Pho, Rosa’s Thai, and Mowgli.  In this episode, Jason shares his fascinating perspective as an "unlikely CEO", breaking down why your career isn't a linear ladder, how he handled massive commercial crises, and why real leaders always pull the next generation up behind them. You’ll Learn Why: Linear progression is a myth, and navigating sideways moves can actually make you a much broader, more resilient leader. Overcoming an internal "impostor syndrome" about formal education can unlock a deeper, more strategic intellectual confidence. Successful leaders have a responsibility to actively lift others up the ladder and help them realise their full potential. Finding a corporate culture where you can bring your whole, authentic self to work completely transforms your leadership energy. This episode is living proof that no matter where you’re starting from — or what life throws at you — it’s never too late to be brave, bold, and unlock your inner brilliant. Visit https://brave-bold-brilliant.com/ for free tools, guides and resources to help you take action now 📩 Want extra support? Email [email protected] to book your free mentoring session with Jeannette. Let’s make your next move your bravest yet. CONNECT WITH JEANNETTE: Jeannette’s linktree - https://linktr.ee/JLinfoot https://www.jeannettelinfootassociates.com/ YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@braveboldbrilliant LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jeannettelinfoot Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jeannette.linfoot/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jeannette.linfoot/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@brave.bold.brilliant VALUABLE RESOURCES Brave Bold Brilliant - https://brave-bold-brilliant.com/ Brave, Bold, Brilliant podcast series - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/brave-bold-brilliant-podcast/id1524278970 ABOUT THE GUEST Jason Cotta is a seasoned hospitality executive with 30+ years of experience across major food and retail brands. Background highlights: ●      Former senior roles / CEO positions at:  o   Costa Coffee  o   itsu  o   Ole & Steen  ●      Earlier career included operational roles at:  o   Tesco  o   TGI Fridays  o   Travelodge  👉 His leadership style is described as people-focused, shaped by hands-on experience from “shop floor to CEO level. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-cotta-4000586/  ABOUT THE HOST Jeannette Linfoot is a highly regarded senior executive, property investor, board advisor, and business mentor with over 30 years of global professional business experience across the travel, leisure, hospitality, and property sectors. Having bought, ran, and sold businesses all over the world, Jeannette now has a portfolio of her own businesses and also advises and mentors other business leaders to drive forward their strategies as well as their own personal development. Jeannette is a down-to-earth leader, a passionate champion for diversity & inclusion, and a huge advocate of nurturing talent so every person can unleash their full potential and live their dreams. Podcast Description Jeannette Linfoot talks to incredible people about their experiences in business and life, gaining first hand insight into how they unleashed their potential to become Brave Bold Brilliant. From the boardroom tables of big international businesses to the exciting world of entrepreneurs it's all about stepping up to the next level while staying true to yourself.