HERNDON, Virginia — May 1, 2020 — FranConnect CEO Gabby Wong sat down with Franchise Times editor Laura Michaels to talk about leadership, advice, favorite foods, travel, and more.
Read the original interview on Franchise Times.
Who would play you in the biopic about your life?
I would be flattered if Tina Fey played me. She’s amazing, she’s a groundbreaker, the first female head writer for SNL. She’s sharp, funny and just so witty.
If you were to open a franchise, which would you choose?
I have to give the caveat that we love the franchise model and all our customers. If I had to pick, it’d be something in personal service. Probably fitness.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
My father is from China and my mother is from France, so I grew up eating very different foods. I’ve eaten cow heart, bone marrow, cow tongue, and just about every part of the cow.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I have a young daughter who loves Moriah Elizabeth and her YouTube videos about squishy makeovers. We’ll watch them on Saturday mornings.
If you could dis-invent one thing, what would it be?
Nothing. I love innovation. Even if something isn’t used how it was originally intended, innovation is so important. I wouldn’t get rid of anything.
What superhero power would you like to have?
The Wonder Twins. They can adapt into anything, so I’d want the ability to adapt very quickly.
What’s your favorite travel destination?
I’ve been a lot of places. We have a large operation in New Delhi, India, and I’ve been there several times. It’s incredibly rich in culture, and because a large portion of our company is there, I’ve made it a priority to have an executive presence.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a writer and I knew I wanted to go into business leadership. I come from a family of doctors, but medicine was not for me. Writing helps me find clarity, distill my thoughts, and communicate clearly with my team.
What’s the last thing you cooked at home?
I make a mean chicken parmesan. My husband loves it and it’s something the whole family will eat.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Don’t be afraid to hire people around you who are better or more knowledgeable than you. A leader’s job isn’t to be the smartest person in the room; it is to set the strategic and operational vision and mobilize the team’s strengths to accomplish it.
Career advice I often give is: don’t chase title or money. Focus on building your human capital and skillset. That creates better career longevity, broader business capability, and more opportunities for advancement.
Editor’s note: The interview took place during the IFA Convention in February.
About FranConnect
FranConnect provides franchise management software supporting growth, operations, performance, and engagement across multi-location brands.
