Kevin Hochman, the president and CEO of Brinker International, which operates the Chili's restaurant chain, starts his day early, typically between 5 and 6 am. His morning routine includes a 3.25-mile (roughly 5 km) run and walking his dog, which he finds conducive for generating innovative business ideas. Hochman's approach reflects his leadership style, prioritizing employee engagement and operational refinement. After his morning activities, he arrives at the company's headquarters in Dallas, Texas by 8:30 am, where his day is filled with meetings, restaurant visits, and direct conversations with employees. Hochman holds 'listening sessions' at Chili's locations to gather feedback from staff, which has led to significant operational changes, such as simplifying inventory checks from weekly to monthly. His varied schedule also includes meetings with senior executives to review customer feedback and product launches, as well as time spent in the test kitchen evaluating new menu items. Hochman's early start and commitment to exercise not only enhance his personal well-being but also foster a culture of innovation and responsiveness within Brinker International.