Hospitality. The gift that keeps on giving...

My professional journey started in an industry that I love…

In the hotel business, and in rather swanky ones for that matter. This early work life experience gave me some incredible gifts. Gifts such as fond memories, critically important business lessons and perhaps most importantly, the gift of lifelong friendships.

Of all these lifelong friendships, the most important and life-changing gift was the wildly unexpected benefit of timing that resulted in meeting a girl on the campus of Cornell University. A girl who eventually said yes, then said I do, and who is still putting up with my shenanigans almost 30 years later…

This early work life experience and the gifts it has reaped are also likely the reason that one of my favorite leadership books is Will Guidara s Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect

Buy and read this book – it is a gift!

So much of Will’s story resonates because it reminds me of my story… the bar (Rulloff’s – IYKYK) on the campus of Cornell that Will references is the VERY same bar where my now wife and I went on a “date”. I had a similar experience as Will did with his dad at the Four Seasons. The similarities are spooky...

This book serves as part career memoir, part reflection on the impact that exceeding expectations had in the restaurants that Will led, and part how it is that a philosophy of unreasonable hospitality can be applied into any field. Yes, even healthcare...

Will deftly uses personal anecdotes, philosophical reflections, and practical insights to remind us that a relentless focus on the guest/customer experience, team communication, and a deep attention to detail is what makes all the difference.

“Hire great people, treat them well, and invest deeply into their personal and professional growth, and they will take great care of your customers”. This is just one of the many powerful and ubiqutous philosophies that this story captures.

Will’s story of knowing who you are as a person and as a leader, knowing how to serve your staff so they in turn serve your customers, and knowing how to create a hospitable environment is not only a remarkable gift but also a timely personal and professional inspiration.

Read it!