How I Got Here: Steve Plank

Rhea-AI Summary

Steve Plank, Chief Technology Officer of Taco Bell, shares his career path and influences in the #HowIGotHere series. Plank discusses his education, work experience, and personal life, highlighting the value of hard work, balance, and integration. He also emphasizes the importance of technology in his role at Taco Bell.

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• Steve Plank has had a successful career path, starting with his education in Computer Science and Business Administration. He has held various positions in companies like Allergan and Taco Bell, gradually advancing to become the Chief Technology Officer of Taco Bell. Plank's experiences in construction, playing sports, and his grandmother's influence have shaped his work ethic and perspective. He believes in work/life balance and maximizing every moment with family and friends. Plank's role at Taco Bell involves creating and implementing a cohesive technology strategy to deliver easy experiences, operations, and insights. His passion for innovation drives him to maximize opportunities for franchisees, customers, and team members.
• Plank's career path and experiences demonstrate his dedication and commitment to success. His background in construction and sports has taught him the value of hard work and perseverance. Plank's role as Chief Technology Officer at Taco Bell involves creating a technology strategy to enhance the overall brand objectives. He emphasizes the importance of work/life balance and values time with family and friends. Plank's experiences and influences have shaped his work ethic and perspective, making him a valuable leader at Taco Bell.

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• None.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 6, 2023 / In the #HowIGotHere series, you'll read about the career paths of some of the world-renowned leaders at Yum! Brands. Learn more about Steve Plank, Chief Technology Officer of Taco Bell in this installment.

EDUCATION

• Pennsbury High School, Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, United States
  (1992 -1993)
• Temple University, BS in Computer Science, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (1993 - 1997)
• University of Southern California, MBA, Business Administration, Los Angeles, California, United States (2009 - 2011)

If we were to interview your teachers, what would they say about you?

Steve was a committed scholar and athlete who put in the work to succeed.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a Major League Baseball player, specifically first baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies. Growing up in Philly and playing Little League and pick-up games in my free time made for a lot of dreaming.

WORK

First job: I started working residential construction with my dad from a very young age. I also worked a paper route when I was 12, but my first traditional job was working at JCPenney selling sneakers and sports apparel from ages 16-22.

• First Consulting Group | 1997-2002: Consultant, Wayne, Pennsylvania, United States
• Amgen, Inc. | 2002-2004: Senior Programmer/Architect, Thousand Oaks, California, United States
• Baxter Healthcare | 2004-2005: Director, Regulatory Informatics, Westlake Village, California, United States
• Allergan, Inc. | 2005-2007: Director, Regulatory Information Management & Publishing, Irvine, California, United States | 2007-2010: Senior Director, Global Information Services, Irvine, California, United States | 2010-2015: Vice President, Technology Delivery, Irvine, California, United States
• Taco Bell | 2015-2016: Senior Director, Back of House Technology, Irvine, California, United States | 2016-2017: Vice President, Technology Delivery, Irvine, California, United States | 2017-present: Chief Technology Officer, Irvine, California, United States

What moments, or who, in your life influenced the way you work?

Working construction with my dad: Coming home physically exhausted and seeing how hard my dad tried to make ends meet made me realize the value of hard work. It also brought a sense of satisfaction, seeing the results of something you built. I find many parallels to that in my work with technology today.

My grandmother: She was widowed two days after I was born and was left to raise my aunt, who was a physically handicapped teenager at the time. I was always amazed by her strength and ability to overcome adversity, accept reality and move forward. I learned many lessons from her and miss the hours we spent talking on the back porch. She had a tremendous ability to put things in perspective and help me appreciate the most important things in life.

Playing sports: I played multiple sports starting at a young age and through high school. I wasn't the biggest or the fastest, but I learned that with commitment and enough practice, you can improve in almost anything.

Do you believe in work/life balance?

I believe in balance and integration of family, friends, work, hobbies, learning and passions. That has never meant 9-5 or a predetermined split of time. Balance is fluid based on all the roles you are playing and needs at any given time. I do believe that it is critical to be fully present and focused wherever you are at. Time is our most precious commodity, and I value it more today than I did years ago. I make it a point to maximize every moment with my family and friends.

What do people think you do versus what you actually do?

I always find it funny that technology can be such a mystery. My parents think I fix computers all day (and they call me often for help).

The role at Taco Bell has been a lot of fun because it's easier for people to understand what I do now compared to previous roles I've had. At this point, I consider myself a leader at the intersection of technology and business with a passion for maximizing the opportunity that innovation can deliver.

Most of my time is spent creating and evangelizing a cohesive technology strategy in support of the overall brand objectives, building the team and removing roadblocks where needed in order to deliver Yum!'s overall commitment of easy experiences, operations and insights for franchisees, customers and team members.

What is the best piece of advice that you've been given?

"Don't let perfect be the enemy of better."

What makes you happy?

Time with friends and family, and embarking on new adventures, big and small. One of my more recent joys has been the opportunity to coach my son's sports teams (primarily baseball). When on the field, everything else in the world goes away for a few hours. It's been amazing to be part of so many kids' development and meet new families and friends along the way.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Yum! Brands on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Yum! Brands
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/yum-brands
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Yum! Brands

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/759604/How-I-Got-Here-Steve-Plank

FAQ

What is Steve Plank's educational background?

Steve Plank attended Pennsbury High School and Temple University, where he earned a BS in Computer Science. He later pursued an MBA in Business Administration at the University of Southern California.

What positions has Steve Plank held before becoming the Chief Technology Officer of Taco Bell?

Steve Plank has held various positions in companies like First Consulting Group, Amgen, Inc., Baxter Healthcare, and Allergan, Inc. before joining Taco Bell.

What influences have shaped Steve Plank's work ethic and perspective?

Steve Plank attributes his strong work ethic to his experiences in construction, playing sports, and his grandmother's influence. These experiences have taught him the value of hard work, perseverance, and the ability to overcome adversity.

What is Steve Plank's role as Chief Technology Officer of Taco Bell?

As the Chief Technology Officer of Taco Bell, Steve Plank is responsible for creating and implementing a cohesive technology strategy that supports the brand's objectives. He focuses on delivering easy experiences, operations, and insights for franchisees, customers, and team members.

Does Steve Plank believe in work/life balance?

Yes, Steve Plank believes in balance and integration of family, friends, work, hobbies, learning, and passions. He emphasizes the importance of being fully present and focused wherever you are at any given time.

What makes Steve Plank happy?

Steve Plank finds happiness in spending time with friends and family, embarking on new adventures, and coaching his son's sports teams, primarily baseball. He values the opportunity to be part of children's development and build new relationships.