Episode 64 — Michael (Senior Manager of Field Talent), CKE Restaurants (Carl’s Jr. & Hardee’s)

Michael Coker, Senior Manager of Field Talent at CKE Restaurants (Carl’s Jr. & Hardee’s), joins The Hourly Podcast to talk about what it really means to lead with heart in the restaurant industry. From his first hourly job folding jeans at Gap to inspiring team members across 250+ corporate locations, Coker shares how being present in the field, asking the right questions, and meeting employees where they are can unlock long-term growth.This episode is packed with stories about retention, frontline leadership, and how small conversations can spark big change — whether you're managing biscuit makers or mentoring future GMs. If you’ve ever wondered how to scale care across a national brand, or what it looks like to truly invest in people-first leadership, this one’s for you.