This is Part Two of the article, “When the Trainer Becomes the Trainee: Starting Fresh at Dine Brands Global (Applebee’s) with a Learner’s Heart”

“Settling In, Leading Forward, and Staying Curious”

Several months have passed since I stepped into my new role at Dine Brands Global, and while the shift from trainer to trainee feels distant, its lessons remain fresh and meaningful. The onboarding phase taught me humility and curiosity, qualities that now shape how I lead.

As I grow deeper into the role, I have become a champion for our onboarding and training processes, supporting people’s development, supporting restaurants to achieve Certified Training Restaurant status, and guiding our MITS through their journey. I partner closely with Area Directors of Operations to drive strong outcomes and help integrate key brand initiatives across our markets. I also have the privilege of leading the team of trainers for Applebee’s/IHOP dual‑brand new restaurant openings. It is an exciting challenge that blends learning with leadership, and here is what stands out:

1. Learning Never Stops

Training is not a finish line; it is a rhythm. Even after the formal sessions end, the real education begins through conversations, challenges, and the unexpected curveballs of daily operations. Staying curious is not optional; it is essential.

  • Actionable Insight: Build a habit of continuous learning. Schedule time each week to review feedback, explore current trends, and connect with peers. Curiosity keeps your training relevant and impactful.

2. Empathy Is Your Superpower

Experiencing the vulnerability of being new gave me a renewed sense of empathy. When I design training now, I think about the questions I had, the moments I felt unsure, and the relief of having someone guide me. That perspective shapes everything… from how I communicate to how I support others.

  • Actionable Insight: Put yourself in the learner’s shoes. Before launching a program, ask: Would this make sense to me if I were brand new? Use that lens to simplify and clarify.

3. Culture Is Lived, Not Taught

Applebee’s and IHOP culture is not just words on a wall, it is energy in the dining room, pride in the kitchen, and teamwork behind the scenes. Living it firsthand has reminded me that culture is absorbed through experience, not instruction. My role is to create spaces where that culture thrives.

  • Actionable Insight: Incorporate cultural immersion into training. Pair new hires with culture champions, share real stories, and celebrate wins that reflect core values.

4. Feedback Is Gold

I have started building feedback loops into every training initiative. Why? Because the best ideas often come from those living the work every day. Listening is not just a courtesy—it is a strategy for growth. 

  • Actionable Insight: Make feedback easy and frequent. Use quick surveys, post-training check-ins, and open forums. Then act on what you hear, visible changes build trust.

My Final Thoughts

To my fellow trainers, leaders, and anyone navigating their own growth journey: If you ever find yourself with the chance to step back into the learner’s seat, embrace it fully. It is humbling, grounding, and deeply transformative. That experience does not just sharpen your skill set; it expands your perspective. It reminds you that leadership is not defined by having every answer, but by staying curious, open, and willing to evolve.

What this journey continues to teach me is that growth is never a solo act. It is shaped through every conversation in the dining room, every moment of problem‑solving on the line, every breakthrough with a team member who finally “gets it.” These moments, small and big, shape the culture we build together. When we choose to lead with intention, empathy, and consistency, we create environments where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to rise to their potential.

That is what fuels me every day, knowing that our work goes beyond training checklists or development plans. We are helping build careers. We are igniting confidence. We are strengthening the heart of our restaurants and the communities within them. Being part of that impact is a privilege I do not take lightly.

I am excited for what lies ahead: combining experience with fresh curiosity, continuing to challenge myself, and learning just as much from the people I support as they learn from me. Growth does not end, it evolves, and so do we.

Question for You: How do you keep learning while leading? Share your thoughts, I would love to hear your strategies!