My Panda Story: Elise Lutz, Store Manager

"I hope to not only inspire One Team Panda, but also inspire my community and anyone facing adversity to push through and thrive, turning adversity into opportunity.” by Elise Lutz

My story began in rural China when I was just 15 months old. I was severely burned on the right side of my head and arm, resulting in a third-degree injury. Due to the level of my injuries, the doctors and nurses assumed that my biological parents could not afford the medical expenses and left me in the men's restroom of a hospital. From there, I spent my toddler years healing and undergoing numerous procedures before being placed in a special needs orphanage. Around the age of six, the orphanage caretakers recognized my potential and entrusted me with caring for babies, toddlers, and young adults.?

At the age of nine, a family in Raleigh, North Carolina, adopted me. My parents worked tirelessly to provide me with a "normal" childhood, working with doctors at UNC Chapel Hill to minimize the burn scars I carried. Multiple skin grafts, laser treatments, and prosthetics were part of the journey to help me feel beautiful on the outside.?

I am grateful for the unwavering support and patience of my parents and my fiancé. In late 2022, I was looking for better paying management positions when Panda Express popped up immediately. I applied that day and within a couple of days, I was invited to attend Panda’s national Pop-Up Interview program. I was attracted to Panda because of the benefits package, especially the 401K and medical insurance, and because Panda was rated as a Great Place to Work.?

I embarked on a new journey as a Store Manager with Panda Express in Birmingham, Alabama. During my time here, I've learned invaluable lessons, with three core teachings from my Area Coach of Operations (ACO), Jason Lee and Regional Director of Operations (RDO), Emma Wu:?

• Knowledge is Power: I was intrigued by Panda’s commitment to growth and have learned to embrace the idea that knowledge is power. I’m continuously attending financial meetings at Panda and reading books like The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, boosting my confidence in meetings, and empowering me to coach and guide my team effectively.?
• Sharing Inspires: Before Panda, I kept my personal story to myself, thinking it was irrelevant in my role as a supervisor. Panda’s values and advice from my ACO, Jason Lee encouraged me to share my journey, which has connected me with my team on a deeper level. I realized I had a larger impact and I've witnessed how my story inspires others to overcome obstacles in their lives. I hope to not only inspire One Team Panda, but also inspire my community and anyone facing adversity to push through and thrive, turning adversity into opportunity.??

• Think like a Businesswoman: My mindset has shifted from an operational focus to thinking strategically, thanks to financial meetings, support from my ACO, Jason Lee, and my peers. I've learned to how to speak powerfully, analyze financial documents, and identify opportunities for improvement in store sales, turnover, and food costs. My RDO, Emma Wu is one of my role models and her knowledge and leadership inspires me to do better and lead the same way.?