Paula MacKenzie, CEO at Pizza Express: From Paper Rounds to the Boardroom

Episode Guest

Paula MacKenzie is the CEO of Pizza Express, with a career spanning leadership roles across the food, drink, and hospitality sectors. Known for her drive and authenticity, Paula brings a bold, values-led approach to business and team culture.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:24 Paula’s First Job – Paper Rounds and Earning Freedom

2:23 Young Paula Saves for a Stereo – The Power of Incentives

3:38 What Drives Paula’s Determination?

5:03 What Paula Would Tell Her Younger Self

6:00 Paula on Staying True to Who You Are

7:47 Paula on Boundaries, Values & Handling ‘Darling’ Moments

10:33 From Paper Round to Career Steps – Paula’s Journey Begins

12:04 Why Paula Left Accountancy for Industry

14:46 Paula on Feeling Like an Outsider in Finance

16:05 Lessons from Innocent – How Paula Learned to Break the Rules

18:24 The Show Must Go On – Paula on Doing It Anyway

19:25 Becoming CEO – Paula’s Cross-Functional Climb

22:57 Paula on Imposter Syndrome & Reframing Thoughts

24:56 What Paula’s First Day as CEO Really Felt Like

27:08 Paula’s 4 A’s Framework for Leading From Day One

30:00 The One Life Lesson Paula Swears By

31:41 Quickfire with Paula – Pizza Orders, McFly & Collabs

34:43 Strong Roots and Giving Back – Paula’s Perspective

36:00 Paula’s Duvet Flip – Doing What She Loves Every Day

Episode Partners

📊 Compare the Market

Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions.

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