Frontline Innovators
Frontline Innovators
frontlineinnovators
Why Trust is The Real Prerequisite for Frontline Change - Episode #128 - Carlos Linares
48 minutes Posted Feb 11, 2026 at 12:43 pm.
Episode opening — Frontline workers matter
Host introduction — Justin Lake
Sponsor & show mission — Skillful
Podcast returns & episode preview
Guest introduction — Carlos Linares
FoodOpsIQ & Third Wish overview
Virtual OPEX — Operational excellence + AI
Career background & global experience
Lessons from international markets
Frontline tech challenges & margin pressure
AI: augmentation vs. replacement debate
Generative AI in practice — Voice assistant in the kitchen
Smart kitchen case study & change management
Measuring adoption — baselines, KPIs & success
Advice for leaders & simplifying solutions
Episode wrap-up, call to subscribe & outro
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48:19
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Show notes
Host Justin Lake interviews Carlos Linares, founder and CEO of FoodOpsIQ and Third Wish Food Services, about using AI and technology to empower frontline food-service teams. Carlos explains his global experience, the idea of "virtual OPEX," and how voice-enabled generative AI can augment workers in kitchens and service roles.
They cover practical change management: designing with operations, running pilots, building trust, measuring baselines and KPIs, and keeping solutions simple to increase adoption. Carlos shares a smart-kitchen example that cut costs, improved safety and sustainability, and boosted staff engagement.
The episode highlights a people-first approach to digital transformation, arguing that AI should elevate frontline workers and the guest experience rather than simply replace jobs.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/HYIWYAOryDo
Carlos' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clinaresb/
Find more episodes of Frontline Innovators at https://www.skyllful.com/podcast