In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Anthony Sapountzis is joined by Des Hague, a two-time best-selling author and seasoned business leader whose extraordinary career has seen him lead globally renowned companies like IHOP, Safeway, and Centerplate. Hague, who has served on 20 boards and returned billions to shareholders, is currently the CEO of Hague Enterprises, offering advisory and consultancy services, and is the founder of the Thinking Academy. Beyond his corporate achievements, he is a dedicated philanthropist, having helped raise over $100 million for nonprofits, and is a proud father and grandfather. Together, Anthony and Des unpack the principles, mindset, and strategies that have underpinned Des’s success and his mission to help others rise in their own careers.
Des shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings, marked by childhood adversity and teenage homelessness, to leading billion-dollar enterprises. His story is a testament to resilience, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning. Drawing inspiration from leaders like Sam Walton and Barack Obama, Des argues that grit, preparation, and consistent effort are the true foundations of lasting success, while both he and Anthony debunk the myth of overnight achievement, highlighting how genuine accomplishments stem from years of dedication.
The conversation explores the irreplaceable value of developing talent and building great teams. Des outlines his proven four-part blueprint: hire the best people, deliver exceptional service, drive sales, and achieve profit; all underpinned by empowering teams with autonomy. He emphasises that real leadership is measured not by personal accolades but by the success of those you help advance. Anthony and Des share stories from their early work experiences, agreeing that even the most mundane jobs can instil resilience, discipline, and a mindset essential for long-term success.
Des also highlights the dangers of today’s cancel culture and the importance of embracing diverse perspectives instead of demonising dissenting opinions. Together, he and Anthony stress the need for cognitive openness, staying curious, and continuously seeking new ideas and technologies beyond one’s echo chamber. They argue that creativity often comes from remixing existing concepts, and that leaders should create environments where innovation and adaptability thrive.
Finally, Des introduces his powerful “plan on a page” framework, encouraging listeners to craft focused, actionable five-year visions for their careers. He underscores that many people spend more time planning weekends than charting their future, and explains how having clarity on objectives can give individuals the courage and purpose needed to navigate an increasingly chaotic world. Des and Anthony also discuss how tools like Google and AIArtificial Intelligence (AI) is a very large and broad spectrum of technologies which most people would be familiar with through... should be used to accelerate thinking rather than replace it, concluding that true success lies in remaining a lifelong student, setting clear goals, and actively shaping your own path forward.
Topics Covered
- Des Hague’s journey to nine-time CEO
- The myth of overnight success and the power of hard work
- Building great teams: hiring, empowering, and leading with humour
- The importance of lifelong learning and adaptability
- Avoiding entitlement and embracing resilience
- Creating a clear five-year “plan on a page” for career success
- Navigating today’s cancel culture and valuing diverse opinions
- Using tools like AIArtificial Intelligence (AI) is a very large and broad spectrum of technologies which most people would be familiar with through... to accelerate thinking, not replace it
- Defining true leadership by the success of those you mentor and uplift
Important Time Stamps
- The 20-Year ‘Overnight Success’: Des Hague’s Real Take on Startup Life (0:07 – 6:08)
- No Shortcuts: How Hard Work Beats Entitlement Every Time (6:09 – 11:00)
- People First, Always: Why Your Team is the Secret to Growth (11:01 – 17:10)
- Never Stop Learning: Des Hague on Staying Ahead of the Curve (17:11 – 20:36)
- Shopify’s Secret & The Power of Adaptability in Business (20:36 – 24:32)
- From Homeless Teen to Nine-Time CEO: Des Hague’s Incredible Journey (24:33 – 30:23)
- Plan on a Page: The Simple Framework That Changes Everything (30:24 – 36:20)
