How Giving People More Than They Expect Can Get You To #1
Will Guidara took Eleven Madison Park from a middling Brasserie to the best restaurant in the world when he realized something revolutionary – in a restaurant, the food, the service, and the design are simply ingredients in the recipe of human connection.
When Will encouraged his team to be present with their guests, take what they do seriously without taking themselves too seriously, and employ a “one size fits one” strategy, magic happened.
In this talk, Will shares why these lessons took EMP to #1, and how an unreasonable approach to the pursuit of human connection can help you win – and give people an experience they’ll remember forever.
For most of America’s history, we functioned as a manufacturing economy; now, we’re a service economy—more than three-quarters of our GDP comes from service.
So, whether you’re in retail, finance, education, healthcare, computer services, or communications, you are in the business of serving other people. Making good products is no longer enough, and serving efficiently is no longer enough – now, it’s how you make the people you work with and those you serve feel that matters most of all.
In this talk, Will will share why he believes our world is on the precipice of becoming a hospitality economy, and how every business can choose to be in the business of hospitality, by transforming ordinary transactions into extraordinary experiences.
We know that people and teams excel at a high level when they feel in community with each other – aligned and connected. In the corporate workplace, this used to happen organically but in today’s post-pandemic world where most work is done remotely, the conditions of the game have changed – which means leaders must change how they’re playing the game.
Today’s leaders need to be skilled at very intentionally creating the conditions for their teams to come together, to genuinely connect – and that’s what is at the heart of hospitality.
Leaders who know how to take a collection of individuals and make sure they operate as a team will create more connected, inspired, effective, and happy employees.
By applying ideas honed over the course of his career operating the world’s #1 restaurant, Will helps others do whatever it takes to be better hosts, and thus better leaders.
Why Hospitality Is The Greatest Tool In Problem-Solving
Too often, when we’re faced with a pernicious problem in business or our lives, we fall back on the tried-and-true: push harder, be more efficient, and cut back.
Imagine, that instead, you asked yourself: what is the hospitality solution? What if you forced yourself to be creative, to develop a solution that worked because of—not in spite of—your dedication to generosity and extraordinary service?
These are usually harder to execute, and coming up with them will definitely call on your creative side. But they’re almost always a win. During times of struggle – particularly in today’s economic climate – people tend to operate from a place of fear.
In this talk, Will makes the case for why this is the perfect time to root your decisions in hospitality and give more, not less.
Will Guidara is a luminary figure in the world of hospitality, renowned for his unwavering commitment to exceptional service and transformative leadership. As the author of the National Bestseller, “Unreasonable Hospitality,” Guidara shares profound insights garnered through his illustrious career in the realm of restaurants. His journey epitomizes the fusion of passion, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Formerly the co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, Guidara steered the establishment to unparalleled success, earning four stars from the prestigious New York Times and three Michelin stars. In a crowning achievement, Eleven Madison Park was bestowed with the coveted title of #1 on the list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2017, cementing its status as a beacon of culinary brilliance under Guidara’s stewardship.
Guidara serves as the esteemed host of the Welcome Conference, an annual symposium that serves as a nexus for hospitality enthusiasts worldwide. This gathering fosters a dynamic environment where kindred spirits converge to exchange ideas, ignite inspiration, and forge meaningful connections, thus nurturing a vibrant community bound by a shared passion for hospitality.
A distinguished alumnus of Cornell University’s renowned hospitality school, Guidara’s dedication to his craft is further evidenced by his prolific contributions to the culinary world. He has co-authored four celebrated cookbooks, each a testament to his culinary prowess and commitment to sharing knowledge with aspiring chefs and aficionados alike. In recognition of his remarkable achievements, Guidara has been honored with various accolades, including being named one of Crain’s New York Business’ 40 Under 40 and receiving the prestigious WSJ Magazine’s Innovator Award.
Will Guidara’s keynote addresses are infused with invaluable insights gleaned from his extensive tenure in the hospitality industry. His narrative weaves together anecdotes, lessons learned, and innovative strategies, empowering attendees with practical tools to enhance their own leadership skills and elevate their customer service standards.
Moreover, Guidara’s involvement as the host of the Welcome Conference underscores his commitment to fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the hospitality sphere. By booking Guidara, event planners not only secure a world-class speaker but also access a vast network of industry professionals and thought leaders, enriching the overall event experience.
In essence, Will Guidara epitomizes the epitome of excellence in hospitality and leadership. His profound impact on the culinary world and unwavering dedication to elevating the guest experience make him an invaluable asset for any event seeking to inspire, educate, and empower its attendees. With Speakers Inc, event planners can ensure that their audience is treated to an unforgettable journey through the transformative realm of hospitality, guided by the visionary wisdom of Will Guidara.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
**Overview:**
Will received high praise from multiple organizations for his impactful presentations, with attendees expressing appreciation for his engaging style and the inspiration he provided.
**Strengths:**
– Will's ability to connect with the audience was frequently highlighted, leading to "lightbulb moments" and a strong resonance with his messages.
– His authenticity, enthusiasm, and passion for hospitality inspired teams from various locations, sparking innovative ideas and discussions.
– Attendees reported positive feedback and a heightened sense of motivation following his sessions.
**Weaknesses:**
– No significant weaknesses were noted in the reviews, indicating overall satisfaction with Will’s performance.
Overall, Will is highly recommended for events aiming to inspire and energize participants, leaving a lasting positive impact on attendees.
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
Deborah Perry Piscione, a renowned authority in innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of work in the metaverse. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Deborah has garnered international recognition for her groundbreaking insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and its impact on business and society. As a sought-after keynote speaker, author, and thought leader, […]
Alden Mills is on a mission to help 100 million people Be Unstoppable. With more than 40 years of experience failing and succeeding in a vast array of different environments from sports, military, and business to nonprofits and community action groups, he learned success is driven by one vital factor – leadership – of oneself […]
From humble beginnings on a midwest farm in central Ohio, Jeff Bloomfield has taken the life lessons from his storytelling “Papaw” (Grandfather) combined with his corporate career in Biotech and Neuroscience to create programs that allow you to discover how you’re truly wired for greatness and how to communicate in an authentic way to drive […]
Dan Thurmon is the dynamic founder and president of Motivation Works, Inc., a highly sought-after keynote speaker, and a thought leader in the realms of leadership, transformation, and franchise success. With an expertise in guiding leaders and their organizations through periods of profound change, Dan has been instrumental in helping teams embrace challenges and convert […]
Blake Leeper is not just a decorated Paralympian he is a force of nature defying expectations and redefining the limits of human potential. As an eight-time international medalist in Paralympic Track and Field, Blake has captured global attention not only for his remarkable athletic prowess but for his unrelenting spirit. He made history in June […]
Col. Nicole Malachowski, USAF (Ret.) defies stereotypes. Yes, she was a jet fighter pilot, but if you think you know her based on that, you’d be wrong. A leader, a combat veteran, the first woman pilot on the Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron, a White House Fellow, and an inductee into both the National Women’s Hall […]
In the realm of professional emcees, there are few who embody the essence of warmth, authenticity, and charisma quite like Melanie Lawson. With a career spanning over two decades in the television industry, Melanie has not only garnered acclaim as an Emmy Award-winning journalist but has also established herself as a sought-after professional emcee, moderator, […]
Meet Michelle Poler, a dynamic and passionate social entrepreneur, keynote speaker, fear-facer, and branding strategist. With a fervent dedication to empowering individuals to break free from fear and unlock their full potential, Michelle is the visionary founder behind the globally acclaimed movement, Hello Fears. Welcome to the world of fearless living, where challenges are embraced […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2026. Designed using Voxel
