Scaling with Soul: Young Chefs Academy CEO Leigh Feldman on The Glenn Gow CEO Success Coach Podcast

When Leigh Feldman, CEO of Youth Franchise Brands, joined The Glenn Gow CEO Success Coach podcast, the conversation centered on a question every visionary leader faces: How do you scale without losing the soul of your brand? With a career spanning global icons like Google, Nike, Disney, and Red Bull, Feldman has learned that growth means little without authenticity. Today, he leads Youth Franchise Brand, the parent company of Young Chefs Academy and Flour Power Cooking Studios, with the mission to grow creatively while staying true to what makes each concept unique.

The Human Side of Scaling a Franchise

Feldman views franchising not as replication, but as resonance. Unlike fast-food chains that rely on standardization, brands like Young Chefs Academy thrive by celebrating individuality — of markets, franchise owners, and students alike.

“What makes sense in one community,” he explains, “might not make sense in another.” Seasonality, socioeconomic dynamics, and local culture shape how each Young Chefs Academy location connects with families. That local flair is what keeps the brand authentic — not diluted.

Yet, balance is key. A shared mission and consistent culinary education for kids unify the system. Weekly structured culinary curricula, summer cooking camps, and hands-on cooking parties for children create a cohesive experience across all locations. Every class reinforces the brand’s heartbeat — teaching kids confidence through cooking, not just recipes.

Listening as a Leadership Tool

Scaling isn’t just about expansion; it’s about listening. Feldman emphasizes that franchise owners are the “front lines” — they see the nuances of their market before anyone else.

To prevent communication breakdowns, Feldman’s team uses a framework called STOP: Situation, Target, Opportunity, Proposal. When misalignment happens, they pause and apply STOP to clarify perspectives. “You’ll often find,” Feldman notes, “that everyone agrees on the situation but disagrees on the target or opportunity.”

This method transforms conflict into collaboration. It ensures every franchise voice is heard — a cornerstone for a system built on trust.

Data Meets Creativity

Feldman’s approach to marketing is grounded in measurable outcomes. He calls it “acting as the aspirin” for franchisees — relieving the headache of customer acquisition. Every campaign, from PR to local promotions, must trace back to tangible impact: more students enrolled, more birthday parties booked, more community engagement achieved.

Still, data never overshadows creativity. Feldman’s background in global brand storytelling informs everything from culinary workshops for kids to kids cooking camps. The goal? To craft experiences that are “remarkable” — literally worth remarking about. When families leave a Young Chefs Academy class excited to tell others, growth becomes organic.

The Evolution of a Leader

Transitioning from CMO to CEO required Feldman to scale himself before scaling his company. He credits mentors, mastermind groups, and coaches for helping him evolve from a creative strategist into a systems thinker.

He encourages other leaders to identify whether they’re in a phase of earning or learning — ideally, both. “If you’re fulfilled in your role,” he says, “you’re compensated fairly and constantly learning something new.”

That mindset fuels the culture at Youth Franchise Brands, where franchise owners aren’t just operators — they’re entrepreneurs continually developing alongside the brand.

Embracing AI Without Losing Authenticity

As artificial intelligence transforms marketing and education, Feldman takes a forward-thinking stance. He sees tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and CoPilot not as threats but as accelerators of creativity — provided they stay rooted in brand voice.

“Much of today’s focus is shifting from SEO to GEO — Generative Engine Optimization,” he explains. As AI platforms become discovery tools, brands must ensure their authentic stories are visible and crawlable. “The creative thought still matters,” Feldman insists. “AI can assist with content, but it can’t replace the human imagination that drives the story.”

At Young Chefs Academy, that means using AI to streamline workflows while preserving the warmth and humanity that define each student’s experience in the kitchen.

A Recipe for Sustainable Growth

Under Feldman’s leadership, Young Chefs Academy continues to expand while remaining deeply personal. From weekly cooking classes that teach kids teamwork and measuring skills to franchise partnerships built on trust and data-driven guidance, the company exemplifies how to scale a brand with integrity.

Growth isn’t just about size. It’s about staying true to the flavor that made people fall in love in the first place.