In this episode, I’m talking to Will Guidara. He’s the man responsible for turning New York’s Eleven Madison Park into the number one restaurant in the world. Guidara put his passion onto paper with the publishing of his book Unreasonable Hospitality.
You’ll hear about his commitment to “radical hospitality” and hear real world examples of how he has applied it, as well as how he has inspired and empowered his team to do the same. He explains the principle of his 95- 5 Rule ,and why it’s so important to show hospitality to your staff in the same way you extend it to your guests.
What you'll learn from Will Guidara
- The biggest takeaways from Will Guidara's new book 2:48
- What motivated him to keep writing 3:44
- The person who has had the most significant impact on his life 5:56
- How to measure your leadership principles 8:40
- Advice about persisting when you fear failure 9:57
- The life experience that introduced Will Guidara to the art of hospitality 10:50
- Why greatness starts with leadership 13:20
- The core of his hospitality principles 15:37
- An example of going the extra mile 17:55
- The disconnect between authority and the people on the ground 20:27
- Why the principles of the book apply to every business 22:26
- The best place to spend your marketing energy 23:47
- Securing a long-term business legacy 24:58
- How to spend as a restaurant owner 27:30
- Extending hospitality perks to your team 29:47
- The power of gift-giving 31:21
- Recruiting the right people to be on your team 32:20
- How Will Guidara activated the concept of “radical reinvention” 33:58
- Getting people on board with change 35:14
- Why the table should be held as a sacred space 36:37
- What he noticed as a customer in his own restaurant 37:27
- The role of empathy in hospitality 39:37
- A new way to see workplace tension 40:28
- The benefits of having an “optimists memory” 41:39
- Writers who have inspired him 42:41
- Applying radical hospitality to your life 44:39
- An experience that impressed Will Guidara 45:56
I'd like to share a potential educational resource, “Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door”, my new book that features dialogues with accomplished culinary leaders from various backgrounds and cultures. It delves into the future of culinary creativity and the hospitality industry, drawing from insights of a restaurant-industry-focused podcast, ‘flavors unknown”. It includes perspectives from renowned chefs and local professionals, making it a valuable resource for those interested in building a career in the culinary industry.
Get the book here!
Links to episodes with top chefs (click on any picture to listen to the episode)
