Ep 111: Foster a Fans First Team Culture with Emily Cole of The Savannah Bananas

Apr 2

Foster a Fans First Team Culture with Emily Cole of The Savannah Bananas

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Emily Cole, the co-founder of the Savannah Bananas and Bananas Foster. We discussed the inner workings of their “Fans First” approach. Emily shared invaluable insights into how they have cultivated a culture of innovation and connection within their team, leading to the remarkable experiences that have made the Savannah Bananas a household name. While you listen to the entire episode, make sure to pay attention to these key takeaways.

Employee Engagement is Key:

Emily emphasized the importance of prioritizing internal fans within the organization. By ensuring that employees are deeply invested in the brand and its mission, the Savannah Bananas create a ripple effect of enthusiasm and dedication that extends to their interactions with customers. This focus on internal fans not only fosters a sense of pride and ownership among team members but also ensures that they are fully aligned with the organization's values and vision. By nurturing a community of passionate employees, the Savannah Bananas set the stage for delivering exceptional experiences to their fans, both on and off the field.

Culture Drives Innovation:

The team at the Savannah Bananas understands that a strong culture is the driving force behind innovation. By carefully selecting team members who align with the brand's values and fostering a creative environment, they empower their employees to think outside the box and bring fresh ideas to the table. This culture of innovation not only encourages team members to take risks and experiment with new concepts but also creates a supportive environment where creativity can thrive. By valuing diverse perspectives and encouraging collaboration, the Savannah Bananas cultivate a culture that inspires continuous growth and innovation within the organization.

Speed to Implementation:

Adopting a "speedboat" mentality, the Savannah Bananas prioritize quick implementation of ideas and initiatives. This agile approach allows them to stay ahead of the curve and deliver engaging experiences to fans in a timely manner. By embracing a culture of rapid iteration and experimentation, the team at the Savannah Bananas remains adaptable and responsive to changing circumstances. This commitment to speed to implementation not only enables them to seize opportunities quickly but also fosters a culture of agility and innovation that drives continuous improvement and growth within the organization.

Building Intimacy and Connection:

The Savannah Bananas excel at creating intimacy and connection with their fans by diversifying their cast of characters. By ensuring that every fan can see themselves represented in the team, they foster a sense of inclusivity and belonging that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. This focus on building intimate connections with fans goes beyond the game itself and extends to creating a community where everyone feels valued and appreciated. By showcasing a diverse range of personalities and talents within the team, the Savannah Bananas create a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages fans to engage and connect on a deeper level.

Embracing Change and Growth:

Through their willingness to embrace change and explore new opportunities, such as launching a cruise experience, the Savannah Bananas continue to push boundaries and expand their reach. By staying true to their “Fans First” approach, they pave the way for continued success and innovation. This commitment to embracing change and seeking new avenues for growth not only keeps the organization dynamic and forward-thinking but also ensures that they remain at the forefront of fan engagement and entertainment. By challenging the status quo and constantly seeking new ways to connect with their audience, the Savannah Bananas set a standard for innovation and creativity in the sports and entertainment industry.

Leveraging their Platform

As the Savannah Bananas have grown, they've leaned into their platform and the responsibility it entails. Jesse and Emily, who are foster parents, saw an opportunity to merge their passion for foster care with their fan base demographics, giving rise to Bananas Foster. This initiative aims to celebrate unsung heroes in foster care and inspire involvement. By striving to create a waitlist of foster families, the Savannah Bananas seek to enhance support for children in foster care, ensuring they find nurturing environments. This endeavor underscores their dedication to making a positive impact and fostering a supportive community for those in need.

Blueprint for Exceptional Customer Experiences

Emily Cole's insights into the inner workings of the Savannah Bananas offer a blueprint for creating a thriving organizational culture and delivering exceptional customer experiences. To gain a deeper understanding of their journey and the strategies that have propelled them to success, I highly recommend listening to the full podcast episode featuring Emily. Discover how you can apply the Savannah Bananas' principles to your own business and elevate your customer experience to new heights. Tune in now and unlock the secrets to creating a “Fans First” environment in your organization.