--- title: The Power of Humility in Leadership with Denise Ilitch of Ilitch Enterprises, LLC description: We’re joined by an incredible panel of creative entrepreneurs to explore the challenges and rewards of turning passion into a successful business. image: https://planningalt.com/hubfs/PLANALT-banner-1200x672-web-Denise-min.png --- [Skip to the main content.](https://planningalt.com/insights/the-power-of-humility-in-leadership-with-denise-ilitch-of-ilitch-enterprises-llc#main-content) [![Logo](https://planningalt.com/hubfs/Logo.svg "Logo")](https://planningalt.com) [![Logo](https://planningalt.com/hubfs/Logo.svg "Logo")](https://planningalt.com) - [Approach](https://planningalt.com/approach) - [Services](https://planningalt.com/services) - [About](https://planningalt.com/about) - [Insights](https://planningalt.com/insights-blog) - [Events](https://planningalt.com/events) - [Contact](https://planningalt.com/contact) - [Login](https://planningalt.com/client-login) [WEALTH PERSONALITY QUIZ](https://planningalt.com/quiz-assessment-landing-page) Toggle Menu Toggle Menu [WEALTH PERSONALITY QUIZ](https://planningalt.com/quiz-assessment-landing-page) - [Approach](https://planningalt.com/approach) - [Services](https://planningalt.com/services) - [About](https://planningalt.com/about) - [Insights](https://planningalt.com/insights-blog) - [Events](https://planningalt.com/events) - [Contact](https://planningalt.com/contact) - [Login](https://planningalt.com/client-login) [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/planning-alternatives/) #### True Wealth Assessment ![PA-Blog_MoneyPersonality-min](https://planningalt.com/hs-fs/hubfs/PA-Blog_MoneyPersonality-min.jpg?width=400&height=224&name=PA-Blog_MoneyPersonality-min.jpg) Everyone has their own unique relationship with money. 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[Start now](https://planningalt.com/true-wealth-assessment?hsLang=en) *Takes 7-8 minutes.* 1 min read # The Power of Humility in Leadership with Denise Ilitch of Ilitch Enterprises, LLC [Planning Alternatives](https://planningalt.com/insights/author/planning-alternatives) November 16, 2024 [Day in a Canoe Podcasts](https://planningalt.com/insights/tag/day-in-a-canoe-podcasts) ![The Power of Humility in Leadership with Denise Ilitch of Ilitch Enterprises, LLC](https://planningalt.com/hubfs/PLANALT-banner-1200x672-web-Denise-min.png) | [![Spotify-teal](https://planningalt.com/hubfs/Spotify-teal.svg)](https://open.spotify.com/episode/0d1uj4VpMXWsgPPYWZX1xc?si=VSLy9r0PT8Oa135GEZr4SA) | [![Apple-Podcast-teal](https://planningalt.com/hubfs/Apple-Podcast-teal.svg)](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-humility-in-leadership-with-denise/id1376400571?i=1000676479061) | [![Youtube-teal](https://planningalt.com/hubfs/Youtube-teal.svg)](https://youtu.be/IUKSMXCc4tk) | | --- | --- | --- |   We’re joined by Denise Ilitch, President of Ilitch Enterprises, to explore her journey in business, leadership, and community impact. Denise shares insights from her upbringing in the entrepreneurial Ilitch family and reflects on her experiences building a legacy in Detroit. From the importance of calculated risks to maintaining a strong community focus, Denise’s wisdom offers a fresh perspective on balancing professional and personal priorities. Key Takeaways: - (02:38) The story behind naming Little Caesars. - (03:28) Denise worked closely with her father in the business. - (05:24) The reasons behind the decision to franchise. - (08:30) Learning the value of calculated risks. - (12:18) The importance of giving back to the community. - (16:15) Advice for facing adversity with resilience. - (19:05) Keep work in perspective — it isn’t everything.   > “I’ve noticed some people feel that asking for help is a weakness. And it’s not. It’s a strength. So, I would really encourage people to not hesitate.” > - Denise Ilitch   Resources Mentioned: - [Little Caesars](https://littlecaesars.com/en-us/) - [University of Michigan](https://umich.edu/) - [The Skillman Foundation](https://www.skillman.org/)   Connect with Denise Ilitch: LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-ilitch-4013aa2a/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-ilitch-4013aa2a/)    Connect with Nathan Mersereau:  Phone: 248-645-1520  Email: [nathan.mersereau@planningalt.com](mailto:nathan.mersereau@planningalt.com) Twitter: [@NathanMersereau](https://twitter.com/nathanmersereau) LinkedIn: [Nathan Mersereau](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-mersereau-cfp%C2%AE-a984761/) Address: 255 S Old Woodward, Suite 310 Birmingham, MI 48009   - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ### A wealth of insight [![Rethinking Aging: Healthspan Over Lifespan with Jennifer Garrison of Buck Institute](https://planningalt.com/hubfs/PLANALT-banner-1200x672-web-Jennifer%20Garrison-min.png)](https://planningalt.com/insights/jennifer-garrison-buck-institute) #### [Rethinking Aging: Healthspan Over Lifespan with Jennifer Garrison of Buck Institute](https://planningalt.com/insights/jennifer-garrison-buck-institute) [Day in a Canoe Podcasts](https://planningalt.com/insights/tag/day-in-a-canoe-podcasts) [![From Spy Missions to Strategy Labs: Designing With Intention with Janet T. 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