How To Be A Great CEO

How To Be A Great CEO

From Success Explained with Chris Guerriero by Chris Guerriero

September 18, 2025 · 1h 14m

About this episode

Chris Gannon shares his journey and principles of high-performance leadership and business success.

Chris Gannon embodies the American Dream. From becoming the youngest player to ever win the U.S. Open Polo Championship to co-founding Bolay Restaurants (now with 23+ locations), his journey is a masterclass in high-performance leadership and business success. He's been named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Top 40 Under 40, and CFO of the Year - all while staying grounded in family, philanthropy, and relentless growth. In this powerful episode, Chris shares the mindset, habits, and success principles that built his empire and continue to elevate everyone around him. If you're serious about success, this is your blueprint. In this episode of Success Explained, Chris unpacks the core principles that shaped his rise - from leadership lessons learned in the polo arena to building a highly successful, health-driven restaurant empire by betting on people, not just products. You'll hear how he applies simple, powerful frameworks to scale culture, trust, and momentum at every stage of growth. We go deep on building high-performing teams, why mentorship is the greatest shortcut to success, and how empowering others creates ripple effects that drive both personal fulfillment and…

People in this episode

Host: Chris Guerriero

Guest: Chris Gannon

Topics covered

  • leadership
  • business success
  • high-performance
  • mentorship
  • team building
  • personal fulfillment

Keywords

  • CEO
  • entrepreneurship
  • restaurant industry
  • polo
  • success principles
  • culture
  • trust
  • mentorship
  • team performance

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Bolay Restaurants, Ernst & Young, Top 40 Under 40, CFO of the Year

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