Executive Chat with Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association Part II
Leading the NRA into Its Next Era
As President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association, Michelle Korsmo is guiding the $1.1 trillion restaurant industry and its nearly 16 million workers through rapid change shaped by technology, a shifting labor market, and persistent cost pressures.
In Part 1, National Restaurant Association’s CEO Michelle Korsmo mapped the NRA’s priorities for a future-ready industry. This month, we get personal with her day-to-day rhythms, what she is reading, and why a Georgetown spot feels like home. (Missed Part 1? We covered advocacy wins, technology, tariffs, and the next era for NRAEF.)
Q: Tell me about a day in the life of Michelle. What does a typical day look like for you?
Michelle: What I love about my job is how much I am able to interact with leaders in the restaurant industry.
There is not really a typical day. I am often on the road at conferences or with operators in their restaurants or headquarters, listening for challenges we can help solve. In DC, I spend time with our leadership team tracking transformation goals and strategic plan progress. It is equal parts steering the organization and staying connected to members.
Q: Any rituals that keep you centered?
Michelle: Reading, both a business book and a pleasure read at the same time. Reading for pleasure fuels creativity as much as the business material does.
Q: What is a piece of business or leadership advice that has stayed with you?
Do the hard things now; it gets easier later. Do the easy things now; it gets harder later. And keep the main thing the main thing.
Clarity and focus matter.
Q: What is a favorite restaurant memory tied to your time at the NRA?
Michelle: I signed my contract for this role over dinner at my favorite neighborhood restaurant, Peacock Café. Celebrating a dream job in a restaurant felt exactly right.
Q: Is there a go-to place that feels like home?
Michelle: In Georgetown, Peacock Café and Il Canale both give you that “welcome back” hug.
Q: What is a skill you are working on improving?
Michelle: Focus, especially around organizational health. Leaders face a flood of inputs. The work is deciding what is critical, communicating it clearly, and giving teams permission to let the rest go.
Q: What is bringing you the most joy right now?
Michelle: Family. Our three teenage daughters are at a pivotal stage, and we are enjoying travel and time together in a new way.
Quick Takes
Books on Michelle’s desk: The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni and American Icon by Alan Mulally at Ford, both heavily annotated.
Podcast pick: Acquired, which offers long-form deep dives on what makes great companies work.
Favorite city for dining out: Impossible to choose. Every city’s scene has its own energy, and exploring is part of the fun.
If you were doing something else besides leading the NRA: This is truly the dream job. If not this, I would love to run a state restaurant association.
If you missed Part 1, catch Michelle’s take on advocacy priorities, future-ready talent, and the 57 career paths restaurants offer, and why unlocking efficiency is the next competitive edge.
