Well done: Life and leadership lessons from Bloomin’ Brands executive Sheilina Henry
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar President Sheilina Henry wears her leadership style — authentically focused, ...
President of Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Bloomin Brands
Search every verified Sheilina Henry interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Sheilina Henry, president of Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar at Bloomin' Brands, discussed her career and leadership approach in a February 2025 podcast interview. Henry, who began her hospitality career as a server in high school, said she was drawn to Bloomin' Brands because it was "an international brand with really cool marketing" and an opportunity to try something new. She described looking for leaders who are "independent, accountable, creative, and resilient" to adapt to a constantly changing environment. Henry noted that personal setbacks have motivated her to view workplace challenges as "just another hurdle," and she said she draws inspiration from employees who rely on the company to support their families. Henry highlighted recent initiatives at Fleming's, including taking elements from the company's Tampa flagship restaurant—described as "the largest restaurant we've ever built"—and applying them across the country with localized activations. She cited examples such as introducing live music and a "mangrove room" in Sarasota, and a smaller wine bar activation in Maple Shade, New Jersey. Henry also discussed the company's employee assistance program, which provides gifts rather than loans during times of need, and noted that after setbacks such as the California wildfires, she was inspired by team members who continued to feed first responders and support their communities.
“One of the first things they taught us as a server but as an hourly employee on the front lines in the restaurant if you don't have a customer you don't have a business, and that was relevant when you're making $2.95 an hour plus tips. It really mattered to make every guest feel special and unique.”
“What excited me about Bloomin' Brands was that it was an international brand with really cool marketing when we were growing up, and it was an exciting opportunity for me to try something new.”
“We have an operating partner and chef partner model; each restaurant has its own operating partner and chef partner. I look for leaders who are independent, accountable, creative, and resilient because the environment is constantly changing and we have to be agile and adapt while still hitting our goals.”
“Personally, I've had so many setbacks in my life that felt unsurmountable that I wouldn't get through, and I realized I did. That motivates me that when I encounter something at work, it's just another task, another hurdle we can get through.”
“When I get skeptical about whether or not I want to continue down a path, I think about the people who work for us who rely on us to feed their families and put their kids through college. That motivates and inspires me to just keep going and keep swimming.”
“Bloomin' Brands has an employee assistance program where we donate so that when there's a time of need for our people, it's not a loan, it's a gift. We do what we can to take care of people, and that's been a shining spot for me after joining Bloomin' Brands and really understanding the culture.”
“One of my mentors, Ania Smith, worked in human resources but challenged me like an operator would. She had really high standards and pushed me in a way others wouldn't. People need feedback; it's a gift, and I hold on to it and address it competitively.”
“Dave Dino, our CFO, challenged me to get better financially. He asked what I should do to improve, and he encouraged me to take courses at the University of Chicago. His openness and time were the most valuable things for my career growth.”
“The Tampa flagship is the largest restaurant we've ever built. We're taking elements from that flagship and applying them across the country with different activations, localizing our approach to fit each community while staying true to our traditions.”
“In the restaurant business, you want Fleming's to be number one in its class, not just beat the competition one time. You want to be number one in your metrics all the time. The team showed resiliency and came back stronger after setbacks, which makes me proud.”
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar President Sheilina Henry wears her leadership style — authentically focused, ...
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