In this episode, the Nicci Robertson sits down with Grace Harding, the CEO of Ocean Basket, to explore the leadership, philosophy, and resilience behind one of South Africa’s most recognisable restaurant brands.

What began as a single seafood restaurant in Pretoria has evolved into a global franchise operating across continents. But as Harding explains, the success of a brand like Ocean Basket has little to do with menu items or pricing. Instead, it is rooted in purpose, people, and an unwavering focus on the customer.

Harding shares her unconventional path into the food industry—from growing up in retail and starting work at just 14 years old, to becoming a leadership specialist and eventually stepping into the executive leadership of the brand in 2012. She discusses the transformation of Ocean Basket from a founder-led business into a professionally managed global brand while preserving the culture and “soul” that made it successful in the first place.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of modern hospitality: the scientific precision now required to run restaurants, the harsh economic pressures following the pandemic, and the constant need for transformation. Harding reflects candidly on mistakes, leadership lessons, and the importance of humility when expanding into new international markets like the UK.

Beyond business strategy, the discussion also explores Harding’s personal leadership philosophy—centered on emotional intelligence, curiosity, accountability, and clarity. She shares insights on hiring the right people, building high-performing teams, and why understanding the mathematics of business is essential for anyone entering the food industry.

The episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the complexity of running a global restaurant franchise, while also revealing the deeply human side of leadership: balancing responsibility, learning from failure, and building organisations where people can grow.