She heads up a workforce of 85,000 individuals; 820 restaurants with annual turnover of $3billion; and 20% of the take away market. But Catriona Noble, CEO of McDonalds Australia describes herself as “an accidental leader”.  Whether or not you’re a fan of the Golden Arches, you’ll have to agree that the passion and drive of the woman at the helm is nothing less than impressive. 

Beginning as a 14 year old casual crew person and – just five years later – finding herself responsible for a restaurant with a turnover of $4 million and one hundred staff, Noble’s bright beginnings have gone from strength to strength.

Noble recently spoke at the Australian School of Business in their Meet the CEO series.  In this footage of her interview with Narelle Hooper of BOSS magazine you’ll see first hand her passion and practical leadership style that has taken McDonalds through some of its toughest challenges including the now famous menu overhaul.

No matter what your role and stage in life, you'll get some great tips from Catriona Noble in this highlights clip from the event.

Take a peep and let me know your thoughts: Could she be one of the best retailers in Australia - putting her - as Solomon Lew would suggest - in the company of his new Premier Investments CEO, Mark McInnes? 

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Noelene Dawes commented on 15-Apr-2011 04:35 PM

Catriona exudes the calm authenticity that is influential leadership. she suggests persistence to be a key trait for success. The overall impression I get from her is "focus". Inspiring!

The SheEO commented on 16-Apr-2011 07:09 AM

Agree Noelene... as well as good logic and rationale in her initial decision to pursue a career with McDonalds instead of the law degree she had commenced.