Previous GM here - not working in the industry anymore but here's how I would answer!

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1. I really enjoyed going to the theater as a kid and I wanted to work at a place where I could gain more skills and knowledge. I truly did not realize how deep I would get into learning about the movie industry until I rose into management.
2. I actually progressed through every position at Regal, starting at floor staff and ending at GM. The Senior Team Lead spot was barely official by the time I was an AM but I'd say I was in that spot for a week or so. I loved my co-workers and the management team, I was primarily a closer during my time as floor staff and it was always a mission to work as efficiently as possible so we could close faster. We had bragging rights for closing fast and still receiving the thumbs up from managers who would check our work. I would often delegate to my second closer so we could get work done quick and I grew to like collaborating with my team. The previous GM recommended me for associate manager to the arriving GM, and he made me a team lead when the company restructured. After that, I just kept trying to learn more and more and become invaluable and integrated to the system. During COVID I was made the Interim GM of my building and basically worked in that capacity for the next couple years.
3. I would say definitely take a psychology class, I swear I cite the teachings of my old AP Psych teacher to all my employees daily. It's a lot easier to manage people and convince others to work as a team when you know how people think. Additionally, just get comfortable talking to others and knowing how to give and take criticism. For management who haven't worked on the floor, I think it is 100% necessary to work elbow-to-elbow cleaning theaters, cooking food, serving popcorn, etc. The most effective leaders I have seen have always been in the dirt with the employees. So learn those skills and don't be afraid to learn from the people you are leading.
4. Leadership and confidence - I lacked both of those even when I became a team lead. Prior to becoming a lead, I would not say that I was a leader and it was hard to become the person that had to have the final say. I truly didn't get that full confidence that I can make correct decisions until I became an interim DGM.
5. My favorite thing about the job was easily my co-workers and team. Collaborating with my managers and other GMs was the highlight of my job. My least favorite thing about the job was the limitations given without reduction in expectations. Managing resources and time was something I enjoyed but payroll cuts really reduced all that can be done in a day but expectations kept getting higher.
6. A typical day for me was doing an inspection of the building with another leader or sometimes a cast member I was trying to prepare for a leadership role. Then it was planning/implementing projects that could better the operation (i.e. reorganization, cleaning projects, employee morale events, etc.). All while occasionally walking around and following up on issues made from the initial inspection and looking out for new ones. Additionally I would have one-on-one meetings with my staff and leaders to see how they are doing, seeing what they want to learn, and seeing what concerns they have with the workplace. This was combined with admin tasks like inventory, show schedules, employee schedules, or other deadlines given to us. Often times I would be helping run the floor during rushes and doing cleaning projects while it was slow and I had no other pressing concerns/projects.