Episode 1: Ali Ghosh
From Small-Town Roots to Big Brand Moves: Ali Ghosh on Leading with Grit, Growth, and Greatness
A Corporate Baddie Podcast Recap
In this episode of The Corporate Baddie, I sat down with Ali Ghosh, Vice President of Brand Strategy at Zaxby’s and all-around marketing powerhouse. With over 15 years of experience in quick-serve restaurant marketing and a personal story grounded in grit, reinvention, and fearless ambition, Ali’s journey is as inspiring as it is relatable.
Humble Beginnings, High Ambitions
Raised in a small town in Indiana—one of the poorest counties in one of the least wealthy states—Ali credits her roots for the resilience and drive that power her career today.
“I faced an uphill climb not just as a woman in business, but as someone trying to build a life far bigger than where I came from.”
She watched her mom break generational cycles through education and became the first woman in her family to graduate college. That legacy shaped Ali’s own path, eventually leading her to pivot from journalism to marketing—through teaching, business school, and a creative hustle that never let up.
From Social Media Rookie to QSR Rock Star
Ali was the first social media hire at her agency. Back when “social strategy” meant figuring out Facebook and Twitter, she was leading accounts like AutoZone, Carnival Cruise Lines, and Fruit of the Loom.
She later moved into corporate marketing at Yum! Brands, and over a decade at KFC, she launched the now-iconic $5 Fill Ups, drove eight years of consecutive sales growth, and held leadership roles that touched nearly every part of the business.
“I got promoted seven times in nine years—but more importantly, I learned how to lead with both the left and right sides of my brain.”
Bold Pivots, Big Wins
After KFC, Ali took a bold step into retail with Carter’s, working on beloved children’s brands like OshKosh B’gosh—and even helping launch a Gucci collab. But her heart pulled her back into the food game when Zaxby’s came calling.
Since joining Zaxby’s, she’s led:
A complete brand refresh
A new agency search
Product innovation like the Fried Chicken Philly
And a headline-grabbing collab with MrBeast that catapulted Zaxby’s into pop culture relevance
“You can’t always outspend your competitors—but you can out-create them.”
Her Advice to Rising Leaders?
Pivots build power: Don’t be afraid to change industries or job tracks. Every experience adds value.
Don’t limit yourself: Your comfort zone will lie to you. You can win somewhere new.
Learn out loud: Ask for help. Be vulnerable. No one expects you to know everything.
Be a human leader: Create energy, support others, and lead with heart.
And Yes, She Boxes
Outside of work, Ali’s training to become a certified Rumble boxing instructor. Because, why not? She’s a mom, a wife, a VP, and still makes time for joy and self-investment.
“You have to carve out space for something that’s just for you. That’s what keeps me grounded.”
Her Corporate Baddie Moment?
Leaving a brand where she was thriving to prove to herself she could succeed somewhere else—even without the title, the network, or the safety net.
“The biggest thing that limits us isn’t our résumé—it’s our own self-talk.”
Ready to Get Inspired?
This episode is for every woman climbing the ladder, switching lanes, or wondering if she’s capable of more (spoiler: you are). Ali’s story is real, raw, and ridiculously motivating.
