For the second time, I got to pick the brain of a discerning industry "influencer," Ernest M. Higa. How does Wendy's differentiate itself in the fast food industry? Ernie says that Wendy’s is a "niche" and strives to stay ahead of the curve by embracing automation. Wendy's is currently experimenting with AI to accumulate customer data to create an ecosystem around the customers. Ernie stays involved with various business organizations and advises his younger self: with words of wisdom from an actual mover and shaker of Japan.