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
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
In the dynamic landscape of professional speaking, few voices resonate as profoundly as that of Valorie Burton. A beacon of wisdom and empowerment, Valorie is renowned as a life strategist and international speaker, spearheading transformative conversations that transcend boundaries and inspire audiences worldwide. As the CEO of the Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute, her […]
Janet Palmore is a powerhouse in security, integrity, and leadership. As the founder of WISE Risk Advisers LLC and a retired Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Janet brings a riveting blend of real-world experience, expert knowledge, and transformative leadership to the stage. Her message resonates with corporate audiences, law enforcement professionals, […]
Mel Robbins stands as one of the most influential figures in the realm of personal development, renowned globally for her transformative insights and empowering message. As both a celebrated podcast host and bestselling author, Mel has inspired millions to overcome obstacles, unlock their full potential, and create meaningful change in their lives. Mel Robbins is […]
Marcus Allen stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of American football, a luminary whose legacy transcends mere statistics to embody the essence of athleticism, perseverance, and leadership. As a former NFL legend, his name is etched in the annals of sporting history, celebrated for his remarkable achievements both on and off the […]
Theron Schaub is not just a magician; he is a master of creating unforgettable experiences that leave audiences both astonished and inspired. With a career spanning over two decades, Theron has honed his craft to become one of the most sought-after magicians and mind readers in the world. His performances blend the art of illusion […]
Aileen Lee is the founder of Cowboy Ventures. She partners at the earliest stages with enterprise and consumer-oriented startup teams to build products customers love, and to help teams build aspirational companies. She has over two decades of experience starting at seed stage and staying involved for many years beyond. Prior to Cowboy, Aileen spent […]
Vanessa Aguilar, widely known as DJ Mizz V, is a powerhouse entertainer who has electrified the Las Vegas music scene with her unparalleled talent, dynamic stage presence, and infectious energy. Renowned for her ability to create unforgettable experiences through music, Mizz V has become one of the most sought-after DJs in Las Vegas and beyond. […]
For Urs Koenig, challenging people to help them achieve top performance and bringing transformation is at the heart of everything he does. His journey has been non-traditional at every step. After his highly successful skiing career, he coached the Swiss University Ski Team and won numerous championships worldwide. Always eager to challenge himself as well […]
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 2025. Designed using Voxel
