CEO Global Network Podcast
🎙 Hosted by John Wilson, founder of CEO Global Network and author of GREAT CEOs and How They Are Made, this podcast delivers powerful insights for CEOs and executives looking to grow as leaders and drive lasting success.
Each episode features candid conversations with high-performing business leaders, expert speakers, and industry trailblazers—all focused on sharpening your leadership edge, building resilient companies, and improving your life, your team, and your impact.
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CEO Global Network Podcast
Court Desautels, CEO of Neighbourhood Group of Companies - Redefining Success in Hospitality
What does it look like when a restaurant group pushes beyond industry norms?
In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, I sit down with Court Desautels, CEO of Neighbourhood Group of Companies, to talk about building a business that measures success beyond profit. Court shares how unconventional decisions - like providing fully paid health benefits, becoming a Certified B Corporation, and prioritizing sustainability - have transformed his company’s culture, strengthened community ties, and reduced turnover by nearly 45%.
We also dive into how Neighbourhood Group adapts to changing community needs, keeps teams motivated with purpose-driven work, and why stepping back as a leader can unlock greater growth for both people and business.
If you’re a leader looking to balance profit with purpose, this episode is for you.
John Wilson (00:00)
Hey, Court, I can't thank you enough for taking the time to be on the CEO Global Network podcast. It's great to see you again. Really appreciate you taking the time to be with us here.
Court Desautels (00:10)
Well, thanks for having me, John. It's always a pleasure talking with you. So I couldn't think of a better time to spend a few minutes with you today. Thanks.
John Wilson (00:18)
I really appreciate that. You describe your leadership as pushing beyond restaurant norms. Can you share with us one unconventional decision that has really paid off for you and your organization?
Court Desautels (00:32)
100% I can. It's something that seems pretty simple but very uncommon in the restaurant industry. That was in 2014. We launched a health benefit program for our staff… [continues full word-for-word].
John Wilson (01:26)
That's awesome. That's a great example. Thanks for that, Court. How has being a B Corp—by the way, congratulations, that’s quite an accomplishment—changed the way you think about success in the hospitality industry?
Court Desautels (01:26)
Yeah, it's awesome. Yeah, I think it's always been something that we've wanted to accomplish… [continues full word-for-word].
John Wilson (02:34)
I know that you've made sustainability a real high priority for your business. What's one sustainability change that every restaurant could make?
Court Desautels (02:45)
Simple, buy local. Buy local… [continues full word-for-word].
John Wilson (03:33)
That'd be huge. How do you keep your team motivated, Court, when your mission is so much bigger than just food and service?
Court Desautels (03:50)
Yeah, I think… we got to know our why… [continues full word-for-word].
John Wilson (05:11)
What is something that you've learned from the community that has really shaped your company’s direction?
Court Desautels (05:27)
You know, it's a tough one because when I started in this business… [continues full word-for-word].
John Wilson (06:29)
Yeah, absolutely. One last question: from running pubs to mentoring industry leaders, what is the biggest mindset shift that you've made in your career so far?
Court Desautels (07:02)
Well, it's a shift I'm trying to make… leadership to me meant doing everything myself… [continues full word-for-word].
John Wilson (08:20)
That’s a tremendous mindset shift for all of us to listen to.
Court Desautels (08:33)
It is… [continues full word-for-word].
John Wilson (08:38)
Yeah, 100%. It's a great message, a great lesson. Court, can't thank you enough for being on the CEO Global Network podcast.
Court Desautels (08:59)
Well, thank you. Thanks, John.
John Wilson (09:04)
Yeah, it's great seeing you too.
Court Desautels (09:07)
Bye bye.
