Discover the career journeys of esteemed leaders within Yum! Brands in the #HowIGotHere series. Delve into the story of James Watts, the Global Chief People & ESG Officer at Pizza Hut, in this edition.
EDUCATION If we spoke with your educators, what impressions do you think they would share about you? I tended to be boisterous, highly energetic, with my mind often drifting to the football field. I managed to perform adequately without putting in much effort, although I could have achieved even more had I applied myself more diligently.
What were your career aspirations as a child? I had a tough choice between pursuing a career in football or becoming an author of fantasy novels. Even then, I was a curious mix of athlete and fantasy/science fiction enthusiast.
WORK First Job: My first job was as a ride operator at Thorpe Park, an amusement park in West London, where I learned invaluable lessons in leadership. I am deeply appreciative of the experience, which equipped me with skills in team management, interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, coaching, and emotional intelligence. It also instilled in me a profound respect for frontline workers, a sentiment that has resonated throughout my professional journey.
- Merlin Entertainment (formerly ‘The Tussauds Group’), London, United Kingdom
- The Walt Disney Company, London, United Kingdom
- Pizza Hut, London, United Kingdom
- KFC, London, United Kingdom
- Yum! Brands, Plano, Texas, United States
- KFC, London, United Kingdom
- Pizza Hut, Plano, Texas, United States
What experiences or individuals have influenced your approach to work? The Tussauds Group holds a special place in my journey, offering me the opportunity to transition from a ride operator to an office role within the parent company. They supported my pursuit of higher education in human resources, despite not following the conventional path. This experience imparted invaluable lessons in leadership, particularly in handling challenging situations and cultivating emotional intelligence.
Cultural Fusion My father hails from north London, while my mother, one of eight siblings from the Caribbean Island of St. Vincent in The Grenadines, immigrated and married individuals from various corners of the world. Thus, my upbringing was a delightful tapestry of diverse cultures, cuisines, and perspectives. Adding to this mosaic, my wife is of Indian descent, and our 14-year-old daughter, born in the U.S., proudly identifies as “Br-Ameri-Indian.” Having spent the past 15 years in global roles, traversing over 45 countries, I’ve come to appreciate immigration, blended families, inclusion, and the freedom of identity as enriching facets of life. Embracing our differences fosters celebration, reminding us that beneath it all, our similarities far outweigh our disparities.
“Ikigai” Drawing inspiration from Hector Garcia’s book on the Japanese secret to a fulfilling life, I’ve incorporated its principles into harmonizing my career and personal life.
Perceptions versus Reality Despite my repeated attempts to elucidate, my family remains somewhat mystified about my profession, albeit they believe it involves hiring individuals.
Most Valuable Advice Upon assuming my inaugural role as Chief People Officer of KFC’s Leadership Team in 2012, my boss, Martin Shuker, imparted invaluable guidance. Recognizing my blend of eagerness tinged with imposter syndrome, he simply urged me to be authentic, assuring me that’s all he sought. His words resonated profoundly and continue to guide me today.
Source of Happiness
- My daughter’s melodic voice.
- The sight of my wife’s radiant smile.
- Receiving testimonials from restaurant managers on the positive impact they’ve made on their teams, alongside collaborating with colleagues to propel Pizza Hut forward.
- Engaging in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
