She didn’t get the CEO title — so she bought the company and fired the man in charge

Julia Stewart faced a significant setback when she was denied the CEO position at Applebee’s, despite her successful track record as president. Undeterred, she revitalized IHOP and strategically led the acquisition of Applebee’s, demonstrating resilience and business acumen. This bold move allowed her to ultimately lead the company that had once rejected her, showcasing a remarkable career comeback.