"Unreasonable" Hospitality: Being Nice and Cozy with Will Guidara

Be the Sun, Not the Salt

In this engaging episode, Will Guidara, a pioneering figure in the world of fine dining and hospitality, and the author of “Unreasonable Hospitality,” joins hosts Connie Fontaine and Harry Cohen. Will delves into the philosophy and practical applications of 'Unreasonable Hospitality,' sharing impactful stories from his career, including the origins of his concept and how it can be applied beyond the restaurant industry. The conversation also covers the importance of hospitality in creating meaningful relationships, the impact of small gestures, the forgotten art of friendship, transforming criticism into thoughtful guidance, and maintaining a balance between perfectionism and kindness. We’ll also gain beautiful insight into what Will’s working on now. We learned so much from Will, and true to his reputation, he left us feeling nice and cozy.
Referenced in This Episode

• “Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara
• Welcome Conference
• Thank You hospitality group
• Pre-Meal, newsletter by Will Guidara
• “Bowling Alone” by Robert D. Putnam
• Simon Sinek
• Canlis Restaurant
• Duncan Campbell’s podcast episode
• “From Strength to Strength” by Arthur Brooks
• "Be the Sun, Not the Salt" by Dr. Harry Cohen

About Will Guidara

Will Guidara is the author of the National Bestseller Unreasonable Hospitality, which chronicles the lessons in service and leadership he has learned over the course of his career in restaurants.

He is the former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, which under his leadership received four stars from the New York Times, three Michelin stars, and in 2017 was named #1 on the list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

He is the host of the Welcome Conference, an annual hospitality symposium that brings together like minded people to share ideas, inspire one another, and connect to build community.

A graduate of the hospitality school at Cornell University, he has coauthored four cookbooks, given a TED Talk on the secret ingredients of great hospitality, was named one of Crain's New York Business's 40 Under 40, and is the recipient of WSJ Magazine's Innovator Award.
Learn More or Watch Online at Be the Sun, Not the Salt.

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1. "Unreasonable" Hospitality: Being Nice and Cozy (00:00:00)

2. Introduction and Welcome (00:01:43)

3. The Power of Hospitality (00:02:33)

4. Defining Hospitality (00:05:03)

5. Real-Life Stories of Unreasonable Hospitality (00:06:50)

6. The Impact of Caring (00:07:49)

7. Creating a Culture of Hospitality (00:10:57)

8. Systemizing Hospitality (00:11:36)

9. The Oscar Experience (00:12:25)

10. Learning from Mistakes (00:18:48)

11. The Origin of Unreasonable Hospitality (00:24:48)

12. "Crushing" Simon Sinek (00:32:15)

13. The Welcome Conference and Simon's Involvement (00:32:56)

14. The Birth of 'Unreasonable Hospitality' (00:34:47)

15. The Philosophy Behind 'Thank You' Hospitality Group (00:37:18)

16. The Tension of Perfectionism: Collaboration & Empowerment (00:42:13)

17. Criticism is a Gift (00:45:03)

18. Intentional Friendships and Their Importance (00:47:59)

19. Supporting Friends Through Loss (00:55:01)

20. Closing Thoughts and Gratitude (01:03:20)