Bojangles leader participates in Belk College’s C-Suite Speaker Series

As he joined Belk College of Business Interim Dean Dolly King on stage for a C-Suite Speaker Series chat at UNC Charlotte, Bojangles President and CEO Jose Armario asked the student audience what time it was.

“It’s Bo Time!” students called back with the familiar Bojangles slogan, setting the mood for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on Oct. 3. The speaker series, in its eighth year, offers the opportunity for Belk College students to connect with influential business leaders.

Armario revealed lessons that have guided him throughout his 40-year career in leadership roles with companies including Bojangles, Burger King, LensCrafters and McDonald’s. One important learning came from his earliest experiences as a teenager working at fast food restaurants.

“If you want to move ahead, you have to first do your job really well,” he told the students. “Then you have permission to talk about how to keep moving forward. If you’re not doing what you’re supposed to be doing, your boss is likely going to tell you they don’t see (advancement) in the cards for you yet.”

Armario realized early-on that he needed to think one step ahead and to seek tasks and jobs that others might not want to do. “I always try to think to myself, what do I need to do to be ready for the next role,” he said.

Read more on the Belk College of Business website.