Embracing Leadership and Emotional Intelligence in Hospitality

A Conversation with Chris McFadden

Canada's Restaurant Guy, Jay Ashton

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In a recent episode of The Late Night Restaurant Show, hosts Jay Ashton and Domenic Pedulla sat down with Chris McFadden, a hospitality leadership coach whose journey from sommelier to coach provides a compelling narrative on the importance of emotional intelligence and soft skills in the restaurant industry.

Chris McFadden’s story is one of transformation and growth. Starting his career in the restaurant industry at Eastside Mario’s, he quickly realized his passion for hospitality. However, it was his love for wine that truly defined the early years of his career. As a sommelier, Chris experienced both the highs and lows of the industry. He recalls, “I was at a heyday of my life where I was pouring Screaming Eagle Cabernet by the glass for $750 a glass. I was in my element and I was with the highs of Canada’s steakhouses.”

“We’ve got to take care of ourselves first. There’s always been this grind in restaurants where we’ve always put the guest first. The mentality of that is we need guests, but we can’t have guests unless we have our staff. We can’t have our staff unless we’ve got our people leading our restaurants. So let’s start there.” Chris M.

Despite his success, Chris faced significant personal challenges, particularly with alcoholism. This struggle eventually led him to quit drinking in 2017. Reflecting on this period, Chris shared, “Officially, I’ve been sober from hard alcohol and beer for just over seven years now. Wine got the best of me again, and I was tasting too aggressively and it became a problem for me again. So it’ll be two years in September that I’ve hung up the wine glass again, which is great.”

From Sommelier to Coach

The transition from sommelier to leadership coach was driven by a desire to create a positive impact in the hospitality industry. Chris’s turning point came during a meeting with Edwin Kumar, a dear friend, which was supposed to be a brief coffee chat but turned into a five-hour conversation. This meeting inspired the creation of Restaurant Leadership 101, a course focused on emotional intelligence and soft skills development for restaurant leaders.

Chris emphasized the significance of these skills, stating, “We’ve got to take care of ourselves first. There’s always been this grind in restaurants where we’ve always put the guest first. The mentality of that is we need guests, but we can’t have guests unless we have our staff. We can’t have our staff unless we’ve got our people leading our restaurants. So let’s start there.”

Challenges and Insights in the Industry

The episode delved deep into the challenges faced by restaurant leaders and the critical role of coaching in addressing these issues. Chris highlighted the common resistance to seeking help within the industry, noting that many restaurant owners are hesitant to admit they need assistance. He shared an anecdote about a restaurant that initially dismissed the idea of coaching, only to realize the substantial benefits it could bring.

Chris also discussed the evolving landscape of leadership in the hospitality industry. The younger generation entering the workforce today is more vocal and expects to be heard. This shift requires a move away from autocratic leadership styles towards more transformational approaches that prioritize collaboration and emotional intelligence.

The Importance of Continuous Learning

Throughout the conversation, Chris emphasized the importance of continuous learning and development. He shared his experiences in creating and teaching the Restaurant Leadership 101 course, which has graduated 40 students across Canada and even reached participants in the UK. The course’s success underscores the growing recognition of the need for emotional intelligence and soft skills in effective leadership.

Chris’s commitment to personal and professional growth is evident in his ongoing efforts to expand his knowledge and skills. He recently obtained his addiction recovery coaching certification and collaborates with organizations like Sober Me to provide support for individuals struggling with addiction in the hospitality industry.

“I was at a heyday of my life where I was pouring Screaming Eagle Cabernet by the glass for $750 a glass. I was in my element and I was with the highs of Canada’s steakhouses.” Chris M.

Looking Ahead

As the hospitality industry continues to navigate the challenges of the modern world, leaders like Chris McFadden are crucial in fostering environments that prioritize emotional intelligence, staff well-being, and continuous learning. His journey serves as an inspiring example of how personal growth and professional development can create positive change in the industry.

For those in the restaurant and hospitality sectors, this episode of The Late Night Restaurant Show offers valuable insights and practical advice. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring leader, Chris’s story and expertise provide a roadmap for navigating the complexities of the industry with empathy, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.

Watch the full episode on our streaming platforms and stay tuned for more engaging conversations on The Late Night Restaurant Show!

Learn more about the amazing Christopher McFadden

Domenic Pedulla National Restaurant Association Show Restaurants Canada Monte Silva