Passion for Possibility: Happy Ten Year Anniversary to The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Ten years ago, things were scary. We had a soft economy, a divided government, and in the hospitality industry, the outlook wasn’t the greatest. Sounds eerily familiar. Enter, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas; December 14th, 2010. The goal wasn’t to be bigger or better; or break records in Las Vegas. The goal was to not only make a difference,
Kentucky Governor, Andy Beshear, Leads With Hospitality
Kentucky Governor, Andy Beshear, Leads With Hospitality. Every day at 5pm Eastern time, Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky holds a press conference at the Kentucky State Capitol, in Frankfurt, KY. He’s united the state with connection, compassion, engagement, and even some very effective coaching and incredible inspiration at a time when people need all of the above. Though, I
Four Questions to Ask Yourself When You’re Out of Sync with Your Team
I’m often asked, “How do I get people on my team to listen and actually go along with what we’re trying to accomplish as a team?” I get this question from Millennials in leadership positions tasked with leading people older than them – Gen X-ers and Baby Boomers. I also get this question from Gen X-ers and
Here’s What Walt Disney, Jimmy Buffett, and Garth Brooks Have in Common (and what it has to do with leadership…)
What do Walt Disney, Jimmy Buffett, and Garth Brooks all have in common? First of all, I love all three. Most of you do too. They’re engaging storytellers and they create memorable experiences which connect with and inspire people across multiple generations. Walt Disney Recently, my wife and I were surfing Disney +, and we stopped on
Jeff Ruby’s Leads With Hospitality
My seven-year old niece, Nora Jane, asked me what the title of my next book would be. I told her, “Lead With Hospitality”. Her brother, my nephew, Henry, piped up immediately and said “Jeff Ruby’s! Write about Jeff Ruby’s. They’re a model of hospitality.” Here’s a quick story about why Henry is absolutely correct that Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse in Lexington, KY
Four Things I Learned Working at The Brown Hotel in Louisville, KY
One year ago, I made the leap into the consulting business. My first client was The Brown Hotel, a 4-diamond historic hotel in Louisville, KY. The General Manager, Brad Walker, who hired me for the project gave me clear direction and expectations for my role. From the word, “go”, he was very clear. He needed me to simply be
Joy and Inspiration Forever
Last night at EPCOT thousands gathered around World Showcase Promenade to watch Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, for the last time. For many years this show has been the capstone, inspirational close to a magical day and/or evening at EPCOT. As Disney and all great companies tend to do, there will be yet another iteration of
Purpose Over Policy
Purpose over Policy A group of colleagues and I dine out together often, and everywhere we go we ask for separate checks. 99.9% of the time, that request is granted with no issues; until recently, it was met with an awkward response. The “p-word”. POLICY. (insert the “’shaking my head” emoji here) When a member of our
Why Lead With Hospitality?
Why should we lead with hospitality? Since we're in the thick of summertime and vacation season, let's talk hospitality. Do you have a favorite hotel? What about a favorite restaurant, lounge, or bar? What about a favorite vacation destination? How about airlines? Now that your mind has sorted to vacation mode, is a thought or
How Does Your Team Feel?
In honor of Maya Angelou… Today is her birthday. She would have been 91 years of age. I never met her personally, but I feel like I knew Maya Angelou. Growing up in Kentucky, teachers, my parents, and grandparents would always call my attention to her writings, quotes, and speeches. She had a way about her. A sense of grace,
