Meet Robert Ancill

We recently connected with Robert Ancill and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Robert, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I think I was always confident in my ability to learn, so I never let the fact that others had more experience discourage me. Instead, I embraced every challenge with the mindset that I will just figure it out, no matter what.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Based in Los Angeles, I have successfully led the creation and management of over 89 new brands and 500+ restaurant openings and renovations worldwide. As a seasoned professional in the field, I have a deep understanding of restaurant franchising and development in various international markets, allowing me to grasp the opportunities and potential risks on a global scale.

Originally from Glasgow, Scotland, I studied at the Glasgow College of Food Technology and later obtained the HCIMA qualification. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with premier companies such as Aroma Café Group (a venture capital-backed startup sold to McDonalds), The House of Albert Roux, Planet Hollywood, House of Fraser, Safeway, Panera Bread, and HMS Host.

In 2002, I founded The Next Idea, a dynamic and forward-thinking restaurant consulting agency that offers a wide range of services, including new concept development, interior design and architecture, business planning, trend research, marketing, and franchising. Our client roster features notable names such as Sizzler Restaurants, Plant Power, Crepe Delicious, Steak N Shake, Subway, Protein House, Paris Baguette, Yumi Sushi, Westfield, Seven 11, and Royal Caribbean.

At The Next Idea, we committed to our core values to Creativity, Excellence, Client Service, and Integrity, which have propelled us from a single-client agency to a prestigious boutique consulting group with a diverse portfolio of projects.

In 2016, we divided the company to provide specialized consulting services under The Next Idea (www.thenextidea.net) and interior design services under TNI Design (www.tnidesign.com).

In addition to my consulting work, I also take on interim executive roles. Currently, I serve as the Chairman of Amino Farmacy and the interim Design Director for several corporations. Furthermore, I offer executive coaching services to newer CEOs and executives within the hospitality industry.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
When reflecting on my journey, I believe that my top three qualities were my adaptability, eagerness to learn, and creative thinking skills. These strengths were most instrumental in achieving my personal and business goals.

To those starting out, my advice is to never be discouraged. Rejection is a natural part of the process, but it doesn’t mean you’re going in the wrong direction. Pursue your passion, as it will keep you driven, and most importantly, have faith in yourself. Your self-belief is paramount because if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Empowered by my parents, I forged my own destiny. With contrasting professions as an accountant and a chef, they shaped my journey immensely. My father instilled in me the values of respect and honor, while my mother imparted her philosophical approach to life’s challenges. The words that resonated the most came from my father: pursue your passion, and money will naturally follow, its never the other way round.

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