In this episode of Consulting Leaders, we talk with Matt Wampler, co-founder of ClearCOGS and host of the Restaurant AI Podcast. A former restaurant owner turned AI entrepreneur, Matt shares how he's using long-form podcasting to bridge the gap between hospitality and cutting-edge tech. With deep operational experience and a passion for automation, Matt is on a mission to help restaurant operators think smarter about labor, inventory, and forecasting.

We dive into why the restaurant industry lags behind in tech adoption, what podcasting has unlocked for Matt's brand and network, and how trust, not vanity metrics, is the future of B2B content. Whether you're in a niche vertical or looking for creative ways to stand out, Matt offers a practical and energizing perspective on podcasting with purpose.

From restaurant trenches to tech startup founder, this episode is full of insights for consultants, operators, and content creators alike.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Matt’s podcast opens doors to billion-dollar operators and builds instant credibility
• Why ClearCOGS focuses on forecasting, not replacing people, in restaurant ops
• The real reason to start a podcast: building trust in a niche community
• Why content creation is a muscle—and how podcasting makes you media-ready
• How to know if your podcast is working, even without millions of downloads

[00:00] Matt’s podcast journey and how Restaurant AI came to life

[02:36] From restaurant operator to tech founder: the origin of ClearCOGS

[05:36] Accessible and effective: why podcasts beat other media

[08:25] Restaurant AI podcast: niche focus, deep conversations, real impact

[11:28] Convincing the team: podcasting ROI in early-stage startups

[18:53] Metrics that matter: tracking engagement in niche B2B shows

[24:03] Blending people and AI: how ClearCOGS supports restaurant teams

[29:20] Conference moments, inbound guests, and the power of trust

Follow Matt Wampler:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewjwampler
• ClearCOGS: https://www.clearcogs.com/
• Restaurant AI Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/restaurant-ai/id1818590384

• Hussam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hussam-ali-6bb69186/
• Guillaume on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-jouvencel/
• Gha Marketing Website: https://ghapodcast.com/

• LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/gha-marketing-ltd
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gha_marketing/
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gha_marketing
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/GHAMarketing_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/GHA-Marketing/61552528799376/