Simple Change, Big Return: Sonic Drive-In's Cliff Hudson

Wisdom From The Top with Guy Raz

In today's fast-paced corporate world, the pressure to specialize is immense. But what if focusing on one expertise isn't the key to success? Cliff Hudson, author of Master of None, challenges this very notion, arguing that versatility, not specialization, is the real path to leadership. Hudson's own life story is a testament to this belief. Growing up amidst the instability caused by his father's failed roofing business, Cliff was determined to find a secure career. He began his professional journey as a lawyer, but by 1995, he had risen to become the CEO of Sonic Drive-In, one of America's most iconic fast-food chains. In this conversation that took place between Guy and Cliff in 2020: How a young lawyer transitioned from the courtroom to the boardroom, redefining what it means to be a leader in today's world. Learn what embracing a broader skill set can lead to.