Ever wondered how a college dropout can climb the corporate ladder to become a CEO? Kat Coles journey is a testament to grit, vision, and a relentless pursuit of opportunity, proving that traditional credentials arent always the only path to success.

From waitressing at Hooters to helming iconic brands like Cinnabon and now leading AG1 (formerly Athletic Greens), Coles career trajectory defies expectations. Born Katrina "Kat" Cole on March 18, 1978, in Jacksonville, Florida, her early life was far from privileged. Raised by a single mother after her mom left their father when she was 9, Coles upbringing instilled in her a strong work ethic and an unwavering determination to succeed. These formative experiences shaped her leadership style and her approach to business, emphasizing authenticity and a deep understanding of the importance of every role within an organization. Shes not just a CEO; shes a retail executive, investor, humanitarian, and advisor, roles she navigates with a blend of strategic insight and genuine empathy.

Category	Information
Full Name	Katrina "Kat" Cole
Date of Birth	March 18, 1978
Place of Birth	Jacksonville, Florida, United States
Nationality	American
Education	College Dropout (achieved MBA later)
Current Role	CEO and Board Member, AG1 (formerly Athletic Greens)
Previous Roles	President and COO, AG1 (December 2021) Group President, Focus Brands President and COO, North America, Focus Brands President, Cinnabon Inc. (November 2010-2014)
Career Highlights	Transformed Cinnabon into a billion-dollar brand with a global presence in 56 countries. Appeared on "Undercover Boss" in 2012 as the youngest CEO featured on the show. Developed the licensing division at Focus Brands, significantly increasing revenue and brand recognition.
Other Activities	Retail Executive Investor Humanitarian Advisor
Social Media	Twitter: @katcoleatl Blog: katcole.net
Reference	Kat Cole's LinkedIn Profile

Coles career began at Hooters, where she worked for 15 years, starting as a waitress and eventually rising to a vice president position. This experience provided her with invaluable insights into customer service, operations, and the importance of building strong teams. It was at Hooters that she honed her ability to see potential in every situation and to turn challenges into opportunities. This mindset would become a hallmark of her leadership style, guiding her decisions and inspiring those around her.

In November 2010, Cole embarked on a new chapter, joining Cinnabon Inc. as its president, officially taking the helm in January 2011. At the time, she was just 32 years old, a testament to her remarkable talent and drive. Her tenure at Cinnabon was nothing short of transformative. She inherited an iconic franchise with untapped potential, and she quickly set about revitalizing the brand and expanding its reach. Under her leadership, Cinnabon experienced a period of unprecedented growth, both domestically and internationally.

Coles vision extended beyond simply selling cinnamon rolls. She understood the power of brand recognition and the importance of creating a memorable customer experience. She focused on innovation, introducing new products and marketing initiatives that resonated with consumers and strengthened Cinnabons position in the market. By 2013, just three years after she took over, Cinnabons sales were estimated at approximately $1 billion, a remarkable achievement that solidified Coles reputation as a turnaround expert. Furthermore, she spearheaded the brands global expansion, extending its footprint to 56 countries, making Cinnabon a truly global brand.

Her impact wasn't limited to financial metrics. Cole also prioritized creating a positive and supportive work environment, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowering employees at all levels. She believed in the importance of being authentic and approachable, qualities that earned her the trust and respect of her team. This commitment to her people was evident in her decision to participate in the CBS television show "Undercover Boss" in 2012. At the age of 34, she became the youngest CEO to appear on the show, donning a disguise and working alongside employees in various roles within the company. This experience provided her with valuable firsthand insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by her team, further solidifying her commitment to creating a positive and equitable workplace.

Coles success at Cinnabon led to further opportunities within Focus Brands, the parent company of Cinnabon, Carvel, Moes, and other well-known food franchises. She became the Group President of Focus Brands, a role that allowed her to leverage her expertise and leadership skills across a broader portfolio of brands. In this position, she continued to drive innovation and growth, focusing on developing licensing divisions that generated significant revenue and brand recognition. She spent a decade at Focus Brands, building a legacy of success and establishing herself as one of the most influential leaders in the food and beverage industry.

After a decade at Focus Brands, Cole felt it was time for a new challenge. She sought opportunities that aligned with her values and allowed her to make a positive impact on the world. This led her to AG1 (formerly Athletic Greens), a growth-stage wellness consumer brand focused on providing comprehensive nutrition. In December 2021, she joined AG1 as President and Chief Operating Officer, bringing her wealth of experience in brand building, operations, and leadership to the company. Her appointment signaled AG1's commitment to continued growth and innovation in the rapidly expanding wellness market.

In July 2024, Cole's journey culminated in her appointment as CEO of AG1, succeeding company founder Chris Ashenden. This promotion underscores her exceptional leadership and her ability to drive results. As CEO, she is responsible for guiding the company's overall strategy and ensuring its continued success. She is also a member of the Board of Directors, providing strategic oversight and guidance to the management team. Her vision for AG1 is to continue to innovate and expand the company's product offerings, making comprehensive nutrition accessible to a wider audience. She is also committed to building a strong and sustainable business that positively impacts the health and well-being of its customers and employees.

Kat Cole's story is one of resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From her humble beginnings as a waitress to her current role as CEO of AG1, she has consistently defied expectations and shattered glass ceilings. Her success is a testament to her unwavering work ethic, her strategic vision, and her genuine commitment to her people. She is a role model for aspiring leaders, demonstrating that with hard work, determination, and a belief in oneself, anything is possible.

Her leadership style is characterized by authenticity, transparency, and a deep understanding of the importance of building strong relationships. She is known for her ability to connect with people at all levels of an organization, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowering employees to reach their full potential. She firmly believes that trust is essential for effective leadership and that leaders must be approachable and willing to listen to the concerns of their team members.

Cole's commitment to authenticity extends beyond her professional life. She is an active user of social media, using platforms like Twitter (@katcoleatl) to share her thoughts on leadership, business, and life. She also maintains a blog (katcole.net) where she shares personal and professional anecdotes, offering insights into her journey and inspiring others to pursue their dreams. Her willingness to share her experiences, both successes and failures, makes her relatable and accessible, further solidifying her reputation as a genuine and authentic leader.

Beyond her professional achievements, Cole is also a passionate humanitarian and advisor. She is involved in various charitable initiatives, focusing on empowering women and supporting education. She is also an advisor to several startups and organizations, providing guidance and mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs. Her commitment to giving back to the community reflects her belief in the importance of using her success to make a positive impact on the world.

Kat Cole represents a new breed of restaurant and business executives, one that prioritizes authenticity, transparency, and a genuine connection with people. Her journey from a Hooters waitress to the CEO of AG1 is an inspiration to aspiring leaders everywhere. She has consistently demonstrated that with hard work, determination, and a commitment to excellence, anything is possible. Her story is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the importance of never giving up on one's dreams.

One might ask, what is the secret to Cole's extraordinary ascent? She attributes her success to a simple yet profound philosophy: "See the positive and the possible." This unwavering optimism has guided her decisions and inspired her to overcome challenges throughout her career. She believes that every obstacle presents an opportunity for growth and that with the right mindset, anything can be achieved.

In a condensed interview conducted by Adam Bryant, Cole addressed the question of early leadership experiences. Her response was deeply rooted in her personal history, revealing the impact of her mother's strength and resilience. Her mother's decision to leave when she was 9 forced her to take on responsibilities at a young age, fostering a sense of independence and resourcefulness that would serve her well in her future career.

Her early years were anything but fancy. However, these formative experiences instilled in her a strong work ethic and an unwavering determination to succeed. These qualities, combined with her natural leadership abilities and her genuine passion for her work, have propelled her to the top of her profession.

As president of Cinnabon, she was thrust into a multi-faceted role that required her to navigate the complexities of a global brand. She embraced the challenge, leveraging her skills and experience to transform Cinnabon into a billion-dollar empire. Her ability to connect with people, her strategic vision, and her unwavering commitment to excellence were instrumental in her success.

Cole's story is a reminder that success is not always linear. It is often a winding path filled with challenges and setbacks. However, it is through overcoming these obstacles that we grow and develop as leaders. Her journey is an inspiration to anyone who has ever doubted their ability to achieve their dreams. It is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and a belief in oneself.

Kat Cole's career is a testament to the transformative power of grit, vision, and a relentless pursuit of opportunity. She embodies the spirit of innovation and leadership, inspiring others to reach their full potential and make a positive impact on the world. Her story is a reminder that success is not defined by one's background or credentials, but by one's character, determination, and commitment to excellence.

Her story serves as an inspiration, proving that with passion, perseverance, and a belief in oneself, anything is possible. Kat Cole is not just a CEO; she is a symbol of hope and a champion for those who dare to dream big.

Cinnabon promotes Kat Cole to president Nation's Restaurant News

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Cinnabon President Kat Cole Shares Her Best Advice For Getting Ahead Business Insider India

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