People First, Always: Lindsey Willis on What Makes Publix Different

Great companies don’t happen by accident—they’re built intentionally, one person at a time. In this episode of Fried On Business, I sit down with Lindsey Willis from Publix for a deep conversation about leadership, culture, and what it takes to build an organization that people are proud to be part of. Publix has long been recognized as one of the most respected companies in America, and Lindsey offers a firsthand look at why its people-first philosophy continues to work.

We talk about how Publix develops leaders internally, creates real career pathways, and maintains consistency while operating at massive scale. Lindsey shares insights into how trust, accountability, and service shape day-to-day decision-making—and why investing in employees ultimately delivers better outcomes for customers. This episode highlights how culture is not a slogan, but a set of behaviors reinforced every day.

Listeners will hear how Publix empowers associates, encourages long-term growth, and balances performance with humanity. Lindsey explains how strong leadership shows up during challenging moments, how mentorship plays a critical role in career development, and why alignment between values and actions is essential for sustainable success.

We also discuss what professionals at every stage of their career can learn from Publix’s model: take ownership of your development, seek environments that value people, and understand that consistency compounds over time. Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or navigating your own career, there are lessons here that translate far beyond retail.

This conversation is a reminder that the strongest brands are built from the inside out—and that when people feel valued, performance follows.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

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Jim Fried has been a real estate business person since 1980 and has had his own radio show since 2009.

Mr. Fried specializes in capitalizing commercial real estate transactions, unearthing urban land opportunities and is also a private lender.

He has been active in the real estate industry for many years as a financial intermediary, broker and investor. He has experience with many property types including, but not limited to: apartments, condominiums, retail centers, office buildings, industrial parks and health care – with a special focus on memory care.

Jim has closed over $3BB in real estate transactions during his career in markets across the eastern US.

Jim uses his communication skills to inform and entertain on his weekly podcast show – Fried on Business. Of course, the show discusses real estate, but he also tackles issues such as branding, sports business, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, public private partnerships as well as health and wellness.

He is also a mentor to many up and coming people in the real estate industry through his membership on the Board of The University of Florida’s Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies.

Mr. Fried is a winner of the Miami-Dade Public School Alumni Achievement Award.

Contact Jim via email at jim@friedonbusiness.com