Hospitality from Within

Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 55 - Humans solve human problems with Mei Ratz About MeiMei Ratz is driven by a deep commitment to nurturing human potential and fostering equitable opportunities for all. As a devoted mother, partner, daughter, and sister, she brings a blend of empathy, insight, and strategic thinking to her endeavors. Mei's diverse professional background spans executive coaching, DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) program design and facilitation, question engineering, brand creation, art direction, group coaching, and community development.Grounded in a foundation of communication design education and sharp question forming skill, Mei approaches her work with a keen eye for innovation with a focus on how to support people and communities in their goals of sustainability and care. She believes in empowering individuals to unlock their full capabilities and advocates for leadership that prioritizes equity and authenticity.In all her endeavors, Mei is guided by a profound sense of compassion, humor, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. She strives to create spaces where individuals can rest, communities can flourish, and everyone has the opportunity to be heard and valued. Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 54 - The greatest storytellers are tour guides with Angelo CarotenutoListening to Angelo connect his dots backwards on how he founded LivTours leaves us with no surprise that his path led him to create business to curate unique experiences through tours. This collaborative conversation feels like a story every step of the way!About AngeloAngelo Carotenuto, founder of LivTours, has been transforming travel since 2009 by creating intimate, unforgettable experiences across Europe. Starting as a tour guide and performer in his hometown of Rome, Angelo saw the demand for authentic, small-group and private tours and launched LivTours (formerly LivItaly Tours). A hands-on leader, he forges partnerships, trains expert guides, and supports a global team dedicated to delivering top-rated, hand-crafted travel moments.Thanks for tuning in to today’s episode. If you’re ready to dive deeper into leadership and clear the sticky energy that can hold teams back, head over to The School of Hospitality from Within. You’ll find powerful resources designed to help you lead with clarity, confidence, and connection.As a valued member of our podcast community, you can use the code COMMUNITY20 at checkout to receive 20% off the Lead with Confidence Membership. This gives you full access to leadership courses, videos, worksheets, guidebooks, and so much more to support your growth.Until next time, lead confidently and keep it only yummy, always. Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 53 Having a beginner mindset with Anna GordonAnna’s journey is far from traditional and it is rooted in the love of connecting with the community and sharing the roots of her partnership. Anna founded The Good Batch over 15 years ago and every day since has continued to be curious, create and define what leadership means to her. In this collaborative conversation, Anna shares, without sugar coating ** pun intended **, her path back towards herself and how it has had such an impact on her team culture and business. About AnnaAnna Gordon is the chef and founder of famed cookie bakery The Good Batch.Anna’s popular Brooklyn-based bakery first garnered NYC interest when she launched at the Brooklyn Flea / Smorgasburg in 2010 - she was met with lines down the block and quickly sold out each weekend. Her bakery in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn opened in 2014, and has become a national destination as well as a neighborhood staple. The Good Batch is known for hearty, innovative, flavor-forward cookies, ice cream sandwiches, and beautiful layer cakes. The company has a robust wholesale program, distributing their baked goods to the finest coffee shops and cafes around NYC. Anna runs the bustling business with her husband, Steve Hartong, and among many other accolades over the years, she is a member of the James Beard Foundation's WEL (Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership) program. Thanks for tuning in to today’s episode. If you’re ready to dive deeper into leadership and clear the sticky energy that can hold teams back, head over to The School of Hospitality from Within. You’ll find powerful resources designed to help you lead with clarity, confidence, and connection.As a valued member of our podcast community, you can use the code COMMUNITY20 at checkout to receive 20% off the Lead with Confidence Membership. This gives you full access to leadership courses, videos, worksheets, guidebooks, and so much more to support your growth.Until next time, lead confidently and keep it only yummy, always. Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

What I have learnt about myself through understanding how literal I am is that I need to communicate very directly with people that I believe everything they say at face value, unless I can read in their body language or voice that they are joking or being dishonest. It feels so vulnerable to share this off the bat and I have to. I’ve been hurt many times because when someone may be joking or being sarcastic about something, I take it seriously and to heart. Which means I’ve wasted time on assignments or projects before because I listened and then acted on it. This never felt good.Understanding your and others’ language is crucial to establishing communication bridges and trust within a team. Assumptions that we all understand when one is kidding around is hurtful and unkind. It creates that sticky and prickly energy that is so hard to recover from.If you feel seen by reading this - you’re not alone - there are many of us are walk this path of taking everything literally.For a full article and tools on supporting yourself or a colleague who is literal - subscribe to Hospitality from Within here. Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 51 - Falling in love with yourself with Kim Lerner In this solo episode, Kim shares the impact and discomfort of allowing yourself to fall in love with you. She shares a bit on her personal journey and what she has learnt along the way. Falling in love with yourself roots you in everything you are, allows you to navigate all of the storms and sunny moments in life, and takes you away from chasing and people pleasing. It supports your confidence and encourages others to trust your leadership in a big way. Ready to climb?Grab your seat and join me in The School of Hospitality from Within where you’ll build your toolkit at your own pace and get group support in the community circle with a live monthly call me with.For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within. As a part of the community, use the discount code : COMMUNITY20 for 20% off the Lead with Confidence Membership that unlocks access to leadership courses, videos, worksheets, guidebooks and more! Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 50 What energizes you and makes you happy is what you should be doing with your life with Matt HunnelMatt’s energy and care for the people he gets the opportunity to work with is unique and unlike most leaders you may cross paths with. His dedication and commitment to himself and the teams he works with is powerful and obvious. Matt shares his path that was always paved with the desire to learn more, be more respectful to his peers, and advance his career forward. He is now an owner / operator of TRUCE in Chicago - almost one year to celebrate with so much to recognize and what he is most proud of is the team he gets to work with and the leader and human he has evolved into today. About MattMatt Hunnel is a Chicago-based bar owner and hospitality veteran. His roots in this industry stem from Lincoln, Nebraska, beginning a lifelong career of infusing midwestern hospitality and a selfless sense of community in each shake, stir, and pre-shift led. In the past ten years, Matt has led cocktail programs at iconic Chicago catalysts like 2-Michelin starred restaurant, L2O, and Jimmy at the James Hotel, as well as been a hospitality leader in larger-than-life staples like Cindy's Rooftop and RH, having the opportunity to lead hundreds of emerging hospitality professionals in service, wine, and the art of opening new businesses. Over the past two years, Matt has been working alongside his business partners at Good Company Hospitality Group to open TRUCE, one of Chicago's top new bars, offering coffee and cocktails, and that deeply intentional midwestern hospitality that started it all. In his rare-but-free time, Matt can be found doing leg workouts at the gym, watching reruns of Rupaul's Drag Race with his fiancé David, or daydreaming about what the next hospitality space he and his team will open next.For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within. As a part of the community, use the discount code : COMMUNITY20 for 20% off the Lead with Confidence Membership that unlocks access to leadership courses, videos, worksheets, guidebooks and more! Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 49 - It’s ok to go in and out of working for yourself with Daisy ZeijlonDaisy is an inspiration to anyone that crosses her path. She is on a mission to open the communication lines and visibility into what it means to be a woman solopreneur and to help us all level the playing field. In this conversation she shares her journey and how passionate she is about educating all so all boats rise together. She’s all about transparency and also self-reflection to understand when it’s time for her to pivot both as a business owner and as a mother and partner. We have so much to learn from Daisy’s story! About DaisyShe’s a brand and communications consultant and founder of In The Wings based in Copenhagen.She holds 10+ years of experience working with leading companies across industries, including celebrity chefs, global restaurant groups and consumer products. She holds a postgraduate degree in Food Studies from New York University, where her research explored the intersections of food and gender.Her earliest foray into hospitality took place in 2000 when she hosted a themed dinner party for a handful of close friends and family. I was 8. For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within. As a part of the community, use discount code : COMMUNITY20 for 20% off the Lead with Confidence Membership that unlocks access to leadership courses, videos, worksheets, guidebooks and more! If you sign up before the end of this month, you will get a free 1:1 hour coaching session with Kim Lerner for you to schedule before the end of the year. Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 48 Being back in a learning role with Darcy SpenceThis conversation is the definition of leading oneself and trusting intuition. Darcy’s journey is far from linear and each corner that she was curious to explore led her to her next chapter. Darcy shares everything she learnt each part of the way. It wasn’t always full of joy and she found herself burn out more than she would’ve hoped but even those moments brought her to her next opportunity. More importantly, her last burn out taught her how to lead herself, how to put on her own oxygen mask first and to be brave and set boundaries. This is a very raw and vulnerable conversation with so many impactful lessons that we can all benefit from! And thank you Darcy for giving a shout out to all of your mentors and collaborators who were a part of your journey!About DarcyDarcy grew up as a picky eater with a sweet tooth in Massachusetts. While studying architecture at UC Berkeley, she fell in love with California produce. Through meals with friends and many many books, she began to explore ingredients (especially fruit) and cooking. After graduating college in 2016, Darcy moved to New York City, where she landed her first kitchen job between architecture internships. She got swept up into cooking professionally, mostly on the pastry side, and contributed to menus at places including Superiority Burger, Yellow Rose, Leo, Saraghina, and numerous popups. In spring of 2024 she moved to Martha’s Vineyard to help open the new Beetlebung Farm bakery and to try out life a little closer to the beach. Darcy has a Substack called BUSTUB where she shares her favorite recipes and adaptations, as well as the ingredients, tools, books, and people that have shaped her as a cook. For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within. As a part of the community, use discount code : COMMUNITY20 for 20% off the Lead with Confidence Membership that unlocks access to leadership courses, videos, worksheets, guidebooks and more! Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 47 - Done is better than perfect with Natalie BlackNatalie took a leap and followed her gut that has led her to be one of the most trusted photography and videographers for chefs and restauranteurs in NYC. Her story is not linear and she shares it with us so openly. Natalie shares how she partners with her clients and how important it is to her to listen to them and create the space where they feel safe to be seen and build their brand identity with her support. She’s carved out a niche spot for herself in the hospitality community and we are so glad she’s here! About NatalieWith 12+ years of experience as a photographer and digital media professional, Natalie sets herself apart by using data to create high-performing content and to position new brands competitively.She's managed brand strategy for 20th Century FOX, Fandango, The CW, and more recently led the visual creative direction and digital media footprint for the Michelin star restaurants, Crown Shy and SAGA, and the World’s 50 Best Bar #34, Overstory.Currently she supports restaurants and chefs around New York City offering short form storytelling through video, and digital media services. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Eater, New York Magazine, Michelin Guide, 50 Best, New Yorker, Grub Street, Vogue, Time Out, and The Today Show.For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within. As a part of the community, use discount code : COMMUNITY20 for 20% off the Lead with Confidence Membership that unlocks access to leadership courses, videos, worksheets, guidebooks and more! Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 46 Moving with integrity with D RooneyD speaks honestly and openly about her journey of being a co-founder of Rock Steady Farm. Intuition, activism and community are all at the core of who D is and how they lead themselves each day. This conversation is a look inside how passionate, caring and compassionate the farming community is. D prides themselves in being a steward of the land and that’s how they teach others to think about the soil and all of those that came before us. About DSince 2012, D (all pronouns) has dedicated their life, spirit, and energy to the radical dreams and actions of being in collaboration with many to create spaces of belonging and upliftment as a farmer, teacher, and organizer within food systems work. At that time, D became a student and member of the Farm School NYC community and credits it with providing them with the lens to see a world that requires collective change and the conditions and opportunities to discover their own power and voice. Since then, D has gone on to be a co-founder, worker-owner, and Director of Farm Operations at Rock Steady Farm, where for the last nine years D has worked incredibly hard to create a project that demonstrates strong values and commitment to their rich communities. D’s work pursues the cultivation of collective liberation through acts of empowerment, growing nourishing food for many with a reverence for nature and with deep relational care of each other and all of our ecosystems.For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within. As a part of the community, use discount code : COMMUNITY20 for 20% off the Lead with Confidence Membership that unlocks access to leadership courses, videos, worksheets, guidebooks and more! Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 45 - Celebrating the trust fall with Shawndra McCroreyShawndra has been following her intuition for as long as I’ve known her. Her commitment to connecting with community is at the core of who she is, and has led her down a really interesting and beautiful career path. Shawndra shares her journey while connecting her dots backwards. It’s inspiring to learn how the process of trusting the path has opened so many doors for her. We also share a teaser on an exciting venture and Shawndra and I have decided to join forces and become business partners. More to come on that soon! About ShawndraShawndra is a key creative and strategic partner in business concept development and building teams with multifaceted tools for operational success. She works with businesses to architect dynamic experiences around food, wine and hospitality that truly engage patrons, connecting them to the vision of the place. She takes a dynamic approach to developing relationships to understand the heartbeat of team and its leaders - this allows her to create collaborative and sustainable models for training and business growth. She helps leaders breathe life into ideas coming from within their own culture, offering tools and pathways to collective success. Her approach is always catered to the unique culture of a team and operation. For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within. Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 44 - Learning the power of no and prioritizing because there’s only so much one person can do with Carli GordonCarli is an ultimate community builder that has led her to found The Libi Project. Carli shares with honesty the transition from a full time job to starting her business that is her heart’s calling. There have been a lot of learning opportunities for her along the way, continuously working towards the power of no as well as pausing and being present. About CarliCarli’s career sits at the intersection of food and community. A Chicago native, she earned a business degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison before moving to Italy to pursue a master’s in World Food Cultures & Mobility from The University of Gastronomic Sciences. There, she deepened her understanding of the cultural, political, and social intersections shaping our food systems—insights that continue to guide and inspire her work today.In 2021, Carli returned to New York City to advance her career in the city’s vibrant food and beverage industry. After gaining experience in brand, operations, and events at leading organizations such as Eataly, BentoBox, Hot Bread Kitchen, and Resident Hospitality, she set out to carve her own path. This led to the creation of The Libi Project, a mission-driven production and creative studio dedicated to uplifting early-stage food and beverage entrepreneurs, farmers, producers and programming.Through initiatives like Culinary Industry Nights, The Libi Project celebrates innovative, mission-driven work in the diverse F&B world, fostering meaningful connections, collaboration, and partnerships. To further this mission, Carli supports early-stage entrepreneurs through First Course, a comprehensive starter pack that combines strategic insights, branding, and photography to empower culinary creatives and build strong brand foundations that reflect the passion and creativity they bring to their craft. From photography to branding support, it’s all about helping these entrepreneurs thrive in this beautiful, passion-driven (yet often challenging) industry. For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within. Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 43 - You have to recognize that what happens to you can also happen to others with Mitch CynamonMitch founded his business 19 years ago and has a lot to celebrate and share with us! Mitch’s growth story was far from linear but the common thread was that he asked questions, he connected with his clients and community and he listened. He may not have always taken the guidance that was offered to him, but he always listened before taking his next actionable step. Mitch celebrates today employees 5th year anniversary with Initiate Care which is a beautiful milestone! We all have a lot to learn from Mitch, both in restaurant safety and CPR and how to stay humble when building and growing a business. About MitchMitch Cynamon is the founder of Initiate Care. He created it in 2006 for two reasons:First, because of all of the first-aid work I was asked to do my first few years in the hospitality industry.Second, it made no sense to me that people I was literally bleeding with were scared to ask for a bandaid. First-aid kits shouldn’t be an adversarial battleground. For many hospitality groups, because we speak the same language, we were the partner to not only expand their safety materials program but also to bring them CPR and first-aid training opportunities.Safety Saints, a nonprofit focused on providing easier access to CPR/First-aid training as well as first-aid materials for overlooked communities was started in 2021.Mitch held positions both in the BOH and FOH at some of the most reputable restaurants in NYC including: Union Square Hospitality Group (Eleven Madison Park, Shake Shack, Blue Smoke, Tabla, Union Square Events) Culinary Concepts by Jean-Georges, Craft and The Standard Highline, before starting Initiate Care. For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within. Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 42 - The key skill that every leader needs to have is listening with Naureen AhmedNaureen was the first podcast host that created the space for me to share my leadership story and I’m honored to have her on as a guest here to shine light on hers. Naureen tells a story unlike most do, with calm, poise and confidence. She shares so openly what feedback was given to her throughout her career and moments that she learned from to help her grow. Listen attentively to this delightful conversation - I promise you, you will want to take notes! About NaureenNaureen Ahmed is a seasoned hospitality professional, a fervent community builder, an engaging storyteller, and the visionary founder of ‘Inspiring Women in Hospitality’.With a life journey that saw her living in four different countries by the age of 10, Naureen's path to the hospitality industry felt predestined. Her academic pursuits led her to the EHL Hospitality Business School in Lausanne, where she felt an immediate kinship with fellow students, each with their own unique stories.Embarking on her career with a position at the Landmark London Hotel, Naureen quickly embraced the operational aspects of hospitality, setting the stage for a significant tenure at STR. Over 12 years, she transitioned through roles from analyst to head of departments, playing a pivotal role in transforming STR into the recognized brand it is today. Naureen's leadership style is marked by inclusivity and a focus on building multicultural team environments.Recognizing the underrepresentation of women in hospitality, Naureen launched the ‘Inspiring Women in Hospitality’ podcast to amplify female voices and inspire change within the industry. Her efforts expanded in September 2023 with the creation of the Inspire Community, a platform designed to foster support among women through mentorship and career development discussionsFor more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within and join the Lead with Confidence membership. Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Do you identify with needing to be in full control as a leader? Do you also fear not having everything perfect before service starts?This episode may bring you some insights. You can get the full article here.For more resources to learn how to lead with confidence, visit The School of Hospitality from Within Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 40 - Not every culture is for every person and that’s ok - that’s a sign of healthy culture with Sarah DiehlSarah began her career in operations and quickly saw the need to support restaurant owners and teams in helping them create more inviting cultures. She shares her journey and what made her found Empowered Hospitality - it wasn’t linear and all the learning opportunities showed up at the right time to help her pivot. Through these moments, she had continuously come back to herself, redefine what community has meant to her and it has all lead her to creating a really special and unique culture at EH, while helping restaurant owners do the same. Sarah is a gem of a human and steps into a bit of discomfort with me during this conversation to let me shine light on the incredibly inspiring and kind human and leader she is! About SarahSarah began her career in restaurant operations with Hillstone Restaurant Group, becoming one of the youngest general managers at a $10m+ location before transitioning to a corporate HR role. After several years as an HR director, however, her position was eliminated, prompting her to pursue a similar HR leadership role in NYC's bustling hospitality industry. To her dismay, many of the small hospitality businesses she was drawn to simply did not need full-time HR support, despite their struggle with HR. In many of these initial conversations, Sarah instinctively pivoted her interview into a strategy session, focusing not on her career goals but on the HR needs of each business - often offering to complete small HR projects as a freelancer. A few months of working in this capacity was all Sarah needed to embrace her calling to build a sustainable, scalable consulting business. Empowered Hospitality was born. Sarah earned her bachelor’s in political science with honors from Yale and holds SHRM-SCP, WSET Advanced (Wine & Spirits Educational Trust), and CSW (Certified Specialist of Wine) certifications. Sarah was selected as a 2021 Tory Burch Foundation Fellow for her passion for building an equitable, collaborative, and socially conscious small business, is a perennial speaker at the annual FAB Conference in Charleston, SC, a frequent panelist on topics related to people and organization for the James Beard Foundation, and a guest lecturer at the School of Hospitality Administration at Boston University.For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within. Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 39 - When the shift has to happen, you’re intuition will show you when it’s time to take the leap with Daneen Green Daneen is as full of light as her voice is! She shares her career journey and how it has continued to unfold. “Kitchen feels like home to me” and that has been a north star for her ever since she took culinary classes. Daneen has built a deep trust in her own knowledge and allows her authentic self to be front stage - from here, the kitchen has always found her. It’s not easy to have a career as a private chef but Daneen shares how she continues to grow her career and client base from her authentic truth. About DaneenDaneen has built a career focused on delivering luxury on a plate, celebrating beautiful food, enticing flavors and her passion for hospitality. With over 15 years experience in the culinary world, including 11 years as a sought-after private chef curating personalized dining experiences for discerning clients and companies (TED, LiveNation).Recently, she has expanded her expertise into the fields of genetic and microbiome nutrition, blending the science of personalized nutrition with her deep understanding of food as medicine. Daneen offers a truly holistic approach to cooking, merging culinary artistry with cutting-edge nutrition science by focusing on how epigenetics influence individual dietary needs, and how managing the microbiome can heal both body and mind.At her new company, Soul and Cell, Daneen and her fellow mind-body practitioners, are at the forefront of a new movement that bridges the gap between optimal mental health and holistic cellular wellbeing.For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within. Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 38 - I never had a plan but I was always guided by what was curious to me with Jon CheckJon is down to earth and the realest - there's no BS here. He is true to himself and it shows in his leadership. Jon took the paths unknown in his career knowing that trusting his curiosity and gut would always lead him to his next role. To no surprise, trust is deeply rooted in the foundation of his leadership style and voice. Jon shares with us his career path and how he builds trust with his teams. About JonJon Check is Head of Culinary and Operations at INDAY, a fine-casual restaurant company rooted in Indian cuisine and philosophy. Prior to joining INDAY, Jon was Director of Culinary Operations for Dig, Where he led the menu team and the Research and Development Department. Jon has cooked in some of New York City's most beloved and interesting restaurants, including Savoy, Gramercy Tavern, Vinegar Hill House and Buttermilk Channel, where he was Head Chef. He holds a B.A. in Creative Nonfiction Writing and African Studies from the University of Pittsburgh, a diploma from the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City and an MBA from the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College. Jon is also a life-long musician who has independently released 4 albums of original music. For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within. Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 37 - Leadership means striving to explore myself as a complete human, feeling person and apply it to all actions that impact my businesses with Josh HarrisJosh speaks openly and honestly about his journey from bartender to entrepreneur. He shares about his sobriety and how education is deeply rooted in his personal life and the fabric of each of his businesses under the Bon Vivants Hospitality umbrella. We cover a rainbow of topics from how he and his team has created such a dope culture at Trick Dog, the impact of Pig & Punch, and his personal journey in discovering his own emotions as a whole human. It’s an awe inspiring and calm conversation filled with so many takeaways! For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within. About JoshJosh Harris, founder, Bon Vivants HospitalityHospitality veteran and San Francisco native Josh Harris is the founder of the nationally recognized drinks marketing, development, and trade advocacy agency, The Bon Vivants; awarded hospitality group, Bon Vivants Hospitality; owner of Quik Dog and the James Beard Foundation Award-nominated bar, Trick Dog; and creator of The Bon Vivants Scholarship. Harris is a bulldog lover, an ultra-runner, and a vintage watch peddler. Sober since 2003, Harris is an advisor for ALTR, an alcohol nanotechnology reduction company, and he is a strong advocate for raising the bar of non-alcoholic drinking. Harris graduated from San Francisco’s St. Ignatius College Preparatory School and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in politics from the University of San Francisco. Upon recognizing his true calling for hospitality, Harris veered off the law school path and doubled down in the cocktail and hospitality world in which he worked part-time throughout college before founding The Bon Vivants in 2009. The Bon Vivants offers beverage consulting services for venues, including the San Francisco Proper Hotel and formerly the Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors. The company has engaged in numerous drink development projects on an international scale, consulting on liquid profile, packaging, drink strategies, commercial launches, and trade advocacy programs for brands like Tequila Ocho, Ancho Reyes, and the first non-alcoholic distilled spirit, Seedlip. In 2013, Harris opened his first bar, Trick Dog, the acclaimed, James Beard Foundation Award-nominated San Francisco cocktail bar that changes its highly creative menu in form and concept every six months. Trick Dog has won “The World’s Best Cocktail Menu” at Tales of the Cocktails Spirited Awards twice (and is no longer eligible for the category). In addition to those prestigious awards, Trick Dog has been named semifinalist for five and a finalist for three James Beard Foundation Awards for Outstanding Bar Program. Trick Dog has also been included on the 2014-2019 World’s 50 Best Bars lists, and has earned several nods from the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, with a win for “Best American Bar Team” and nominations for “World’s Best Cocktail Bar,” “Best American Cocktail Bar,” and “Best American High Volume CocktailBar.” Nightclub & Bar Media Group named Trick Dog “Cocktail Bar of the Year” in 2017. Trick Dog is the only establishment of its kind in the Bay Area to receive a three-star review from San Francisco Chronicle’s then-restaurant critic, Michael Bauer. In 2020, Harris created Quik Dog, a fast-casual younger sibling of Trick Dog focused on burgers, hot dogs, and great drinks. In spring 2025, Quik Dog is scheduled to open in Mission Rock, a 28-acre mixed-use development being built across from Oracle Park in San Francisco. Through all these ventures, Harris has used these platforms to create several philanthropic and community initiatives. Starting in 2010, he has produced the company’s signature fundraiser Pig & Punch in cities including New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, Portland, Miami, and Austin. In addition to the money Pig & Punch has raised, he has coordinated over 10,500 volunteer hours of service for charter schools and youth organizations in those cities. In 2019, Harris started The Bon Vivants Scholarship, within the San Francisco-based nonprofit Scholar Match, founded by acclaimed author Dave Eggers, whose mission is to make college possible for underserved youth, from application all the way to college graduation. The scholarship is available to Black students, attending high school in San Francisco, and who will be the first in their family to college. https://scholarmatch.org/bonvivants/. In connection with all these initiatives, events and the sales of Trick Dog’s cocktail menus and related events, Harris has helped raise more than $891,000 for non-profits the group believes in, including the BV Scholarship. In 2021, Harris co-founded the BV Run Club, an initiative of the group focused on Physical, Mental, and Social fitness. BV Run Club meets twice a week for so

Ep 36 - What would it look like if we sought out wildly different perspectives than our own with Kira O’BrienKira joins me in a very honest conversation rooted in community values, curiosity of understanding each other’s languages and how to shine light on those around us. Kira and I share many of the same values and perspectives on the world and we have two very special things in common - both born and raised New Yorkers and we share the same birthday! I like to believe this is a ground for our ease in conversation flow and sharing to better help anyone that is listening or crosses our paths. Kira also brings up a hot topic of how to navigate networking and stepping away from the small talk. We workshop questions and get really real about what types of questions you can ask at your next working event to get to know someone on a deeper level instead of discussing the weather, the coffee or topics that not everyone can relate to. About KiraDr. Kira O’Brien, LSW - New York Director & Chief Human Resources OfficerBringing with her a passion for community, empowerment and education, Dr. Kira O'Brien is the NY Director and CHRO for Emma's Torch, a nonprofit social enterprise that focuses on refugee empowerment through culinary education. Before joining Emma's Torch, Kira's career as a Social Worker spanned from welcoming newly arrived refugees at the International Rescue Committee to supporting undergraduates in social justice work at Princeton University. A recent from the Rutgers School of Social Work, Kira's doctoral research focused on the role of experiential education in empowerment: how learning through doing can shape who we are and how we see ourselves in the world. She can think of no better example for this than right in the kitchen at Emma's Torch.In addition to her work at Emma's Torch, Kira teaches in the Rutgers School of Social Work masters program and serves on the board of Catalyst Kitchens. A Brooklyn native and Queens transplant, Kira spends most of her free time trying new foods, debating the characteristics of the perfect slice of pizza, reading science fiction and being bossed around by her cats, Yoda & Jonesy (from star wars and alien respectively). You can also read more about what lights Kira’s up on her substack. Download our "Networking with purpose" filled with questions you can ask at events or use as icebreakers in team meeting. For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within. Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 35 - Asking for help from others allowed me to learn different skill sets with Katherine SprungThis conversation with Katherine reveals so many full circle moments and how love stories in her career always brought her to the next part of her journey. Katherine shares how she’s asked for help each step of the way. This conversation is a great reminder to keep going, follow your intuition and remember to check the ego at the door! About KatherineKatherine Sprung is the founder and owner of Squish Marshmallows, host of Sprung On Food, commercial voice over artist, award winning pastry chef, and content creator.Throughout the years, Katherine, and Squish Marshmallows, have been featured on Hallmark Channel, Refinery29, Cosmopolitan, Eater, Insider, Money, Thrillist, Forbes, Food Network, among others, and named as a finalist for "Best Dessert" at the Vendy Awards, selected for Marie Claire’s 2019 Power Trip, a Tory Burch Fellowship 2020 Fellow, and winner of Food Network's Chopped Sweets.For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within. Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 34 Designing your business with intention to have better balance and sustainability for the team with Patrick Shaw-KitchPatrick is a restaurant industry veteran with over 20 years of experience working in the hospitality industry. In this conversation, he shares what he’s learnt along the way and how his mentors have impacted. Patrick’s commitment to leading through a lens of sustainability, open ad kind communication and really putting this colleagues front and center is awe inspiring. He is intentional about his coaching style, how he interacts with the people around him and his colleagues. Patrick is also in the process of building the only grain mill in Brooklyn, that will also be a bakery! Give him a follow as you don’t want to miss the opportunity to grab a loaf of his breads or a pastry when his doors open! About PatrickPatrick has worked in top bakeries and restaurants for the last 2 decades, including James Beard-nominated Columbia City Bakery and Bien Cuit, growing his knowledge and experience in baking, cooking, and milling. Most recently, Patrick served as Head Baker at the two Michelin starred Blue Hill at Stone Barns and leader of the Bakery Lab at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture. In his nearly five years at Blue Hill and Stone Barns, he operated a stone mill, baked products using exclusively stone milled, whole-grain flour using grain grown in the Northeast, and worked directly with local grain farms, universities, and seed breeders to test and use their products to bake bread and pastries. He is now starting his own company called Brooklyn Granary & Mill. Brooklyn Granary & Mill will be sourcing regional grains, stone milling them into flour for bakers, chefs and home bakers as well as for use in their bakery cafe. For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within. Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 33 - How to make training easier in jobs that are really hard with Rachael Nemeth“Great leaders evolve” was Rachael’s answer to my final question of our conversation. This quote sums up Rachael’s career path and constant desire to create better tools for the hospitality industry. Rachael shares the evolution of Opus, pointers on how to create and implement great training programs that have an impact, and what she and her team has learnt along the years to support leaders within their businesses. About RachaelRachael Nemeth, is the CEO and Co-Founder of Opus. She is a multifaceted leader in the res-tech space. With a career spanning several decades, she has made an impact not only as a business professional but also as a public speaker and educator. Opus, revolutionizes learning and engagement for the "deskless" workforce in the restaurant industry. Her journey features work at renowned establishments like Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group, Baked, and Hot Bread Kitchen, an NGO empowering underrepresented women through baking skills.Beyond her corporate roles, Rachael's influence extends into the education sphere, where she has championed instructional design and second language acquisition. Her first company, ESL Works, brought industry-relevant English training to kitchen staff via SMS text message. Widely respected in the res-tech space, Rachael is a public speaker, sharing her insights and expertise as a tech leader, restaurant veteran, and educator. As an alumna of The New School and hailing from Kansas City, Rachael's journey is a testament to her dynamic and diverse contributions to the restaurant and technology sectors Rachael is hosting a webinar on Tuesday, Aug 27th at 2-3pm EST - Speaking up: using data to earn a seat at the table. register for free here: https://www.opus.so/promo/speaking-up-using-data-to-earn-a-seat-at-the-table#form-textFor more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within. Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 32 - One foot in front of the other, no matter if you are at the start or in the messy middle with Sam PogueSam Pogue is creative, a free spirit and a master community builder! In this conversation, she shares her career journey while reminding us that there is no linear path, but to always follow your heart and passion. Because it will never steer you astray! She now resides in Baja Sur and has taken all of her business acumen and deep passion to connect people to create multiple spaces to highlight the makers and artisans in her community. We have so much to learn from Sam, including a few words of wisdom and “be cautious with who you share your dreams with.” About SamSam Pogue is the co-founder of The Co-Op Baja where she focuses on experiential design and operations. Sam is also the founder of paper to table, a small business that post-pandemic has evolved from event programming and production, to working with other small business owners to brainstorm and facilitate their own fresh pivots and expansions. The Co-Op Baja is a Baja Sur studio that brings to market artisans in Mexico, who create functional art for home & hospitality businesses through the sale of handmade products and programmed experiences. Sam Pogue’s superpower is building community…said a very smart person to me once.For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within. Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 31 - Hire people who love your business and teach them your systems to succeed with Ori ZoharOri is the Co-CEO of Burlap & Barrel. He’s been an entrepreneur since he can remember and shares some really sweet stories about each business he’s founded. Ori shares how he and his business partner, Ethan, built their company culture and how they hire to have access to the best talent to help the brand grow and thrive together. He shares the benefits and hurdles of fractional contracted teams and how this hiring strategy is the foundation of their culture. About OriOri is co-founder and co-CEO of Burlap & Barrel, the first comprehensive single origin spice company in the US. The company works directly with its partner farms to source unique, beautiful, traceable spices for professional chefs and home cooks. Burlap & Barrel is a Public Benefit Corporation, building new international spice supply chains that are equitable, transparent and traceable. Burlap & Barrel appeared on Shark Tank in April 2023, and you can spot their spices in The Bear on Hulu.You can join the Burlap & Barrel Spice Forum on Facebook - it is a wonderful place on the internet to connect with fellow cooks and chefs, and discus all things food: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1575414682532699/Their Spice Club will be shipping out right this week - you are invited to join the best food subscription on the internet: https://www.burlapandbarrel.com/products/spice-clubFor more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 30 - Education and its impact on youth development with Kittrell BrelandKittrell has dedicated herself to education and supporting youth development. She shares with us how the Food Education Fund helps students and alumni get hands-on experience in the hospitality industry. Through connections with the community, Kittrell has helped students expand their understanding of career opportunities available to them post graduation and puts them in rooms with industry leaders to enhance their networking skills. About KittrellKittrell Breland is the Director of Postsecondary Success for the Food Education Fund. Born and raised in New York City, Kittrell spent her formative years as a student within NYC's Department of Education. This experience allowed her to witness the significant disparities in educational opportunities firsthand.As an Education Specialist with a focus on Educational Advocacy, Kittrell gained deep insights into the challenges faced by both parents/guardians and students. Her passion lies in bridging these gaps and empowering communities within the DOE to effectively advocate for themselves and their children.Kittrell holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Muhlenberg College and a Master's degree in Educational Psychology from Touro University Worldwide.To support the Food Education Fund, click here. For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Elizabeth has a long journey in the hospitality industry starting off in kitchens. She soon started to fall in love with operations and the safety of people in and out of kitchens. Elizabeth is now focused on researching and coaching teams how we handle conflict in the workplace to improve culture. She asked herself often: how can we hold space for two things to exist at once? To find the answer, she’s gone down a rabbit hole of educating herself on reparative justice that encourages us to heal together. Elizabeth’s view on conflict resolution and mediation is honest and welcoming. I’m excited for you all to learn more from her!About Elizabeth: Elizabeth is a lifelong advocate for a safe, sustainable, and equitable food system. Most recently, She was the COO of Poppy's, a woman-owned Cafe and Catering company in based in Brooklyn. Before that ,Elizabeth served as the VP of Operations for a multi-unit taqueria, Tacombi. Positions prior to those include the COO of Genuine Foods, a mission-driven school food service company, and Sr. Director of Environmental Health at Dig Food Group, where she oversaw environmental health and safety for the 32-restaurant food group, as well as led the diversity, inclusion, and belonging work.Up until her time at Dig, she spent 11 years as the Director of Food Safety and Sustainability at both Eataly and B&BHG. She's also the co-founder of Women in Hospitality United (WIHU), a non-profit committed to creating safe(r) spaces to gather, foster leadership, develop solutions, and provide policies that set new standards for equity, accountability, and transparency in the industry. In 2023 she started EM PATH to empower founders, leaders, and teams to overcome internal conflicts, enhance communications, and cultivate a positive workplace culture For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

It’s been just over 3 months since I lost my father and I’ve learnt a lot in this time. I feel the need to share as a continuation to my first article about leading while processing grief. Loss and grief is a powerful thing. This grief is stronger than anything I’ve ever experienced yet so soft and tender at the same time. There are moments where the anxiety builds up so quickly within my throat that I know I need to release it to let it move through me as quickly as possible. I cannot ignore it. I don’t know how to and I don’t want to. There are other moments where it hits for several days straight and my heart feels empty and lost but it’s a soft cry - like a rapid river of tears that just flows until it reaches the opening and it smoothes itself out. In this episode, I share what I've learnt and how I've asked for support that has helped me navigate the rough waters. For a full article on what I've learnt - subscribe to Hospitality from Within substack. Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 27 - If you don’t know what you want, it’s hard for those around you to help you with Lan ElliottLan’s story is inspiring. She is a force that is deeply tapped into what she is passionate about and she continued to follow that light at each step of her career journey. She is not guiding leaders on how to follow their passion to find their path because there is not only one way to get there. She gives us great pointers on how to ask for someone’s time to gather information whether it’s about a career move, a curiosity or building your community. About LanLan Elliott has been in the hospitality industry for 25+ years as a hotel real estate & transactions executive. Most recently, Lan rejoined Acacia Hospitality LLC, a hotel investment entity she co-founded, which owns interests in four urban convention hotels. Together with its partners, Acacia currently owns interests in four urban convention hotels, totaling nearly 3,800 rooms, managed by Hilton, Hyatt Regency and Marriott. Acacia actively works with its partners and hotel management teams in the acquisition, asset management, renovation, expansion, and refinancing of these assets. Prior to Acacia, Lan spent over 10 years at Host Hotels & Resorts, where she closed on transactions totaling $8+ billion. She also held previous roles at IHG, W Hotels, and KPMG.Lan serves as the university liaison for ForWardThinking (formerly Castell@College), for which she is a recipient of the 2022 Industry Recognition Award from ICHRIE. She also serves as a Board Member, Principal, and Interview Host for DEI Advisors, a non-profit dedicated to empowering personal success in the hospitality industry. DEI Advisors’ podcast was recognized by IHI as a Top Hospitality Podcast for 2023 & 2024. Lan was also named one of IHI’s 100 Most Inspirational Leaders in Hospitality and Travel for 2023. For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 26 Be curious because you never know who’s sitting next to you with Angel HolmesAngel shares her career journey as an entrepreneur in Charleston, SC. The one thing that has always been weaved into each step was building community and showing up for her people. Angel is an incredible conversationalist, is deeply curious about anyone that is sitting next to her and shines her light so brightly on everyone that crosses her path. She’s recently relaunched Sipindipity to teach us all to find the joy in social media and connect with the community through the platforms. About Angel: With over 28 years of experience in public relations, marketing, direct sales, and special events planning, Angel has a broad and deep knowledge of successful entrepreneurship, business planning and execution, and customer growth. Her mission is to inspire others through uplifting mentoring and resources so they can reach their full Godly potential and live out the life of their dreams. Career Highlights: Founder and Executive Director of the Charleston Wine + Food Festival Founder and Producer of BevCon Charleston and BevCon Los Angeles Featured Presenter at Zyia Corporate Basecamp 2022 Public Relations Manager for the South Carolina Aquarium and Charleston CVB Consultant for Chow Chow: An Asheville Culinary Event, Alys Beach Foundation, the Indigo Road Group, Edmund' s Oast, INNATE Wines, Chefs for Farmers, Home Team BBQ, and Lioco Wine Co. For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 25 - How to create the structure to solve for this hurdle with Nick SalingerNick leads with his heart and his passion for creating memorable experiences for his team and guests alike is very clear to anyone that crosses his path. Nick shares his journey on how he fell in love with the hospitality industry and connected his dots backwards while honoring each step of his career. About Nick:Nick Salinger first started working in the hospitality industry in high school when he got a job flipping burgers and making shakes at Shake Shack. After a memorable celebratory night at a restaurant, Nick decided he wanted to build his career in creating special moments for others, and has since built a career fostering hospitality in some of New York’s best restaurants.While earning a degree in applied math at Emory University, Nick landed an internship working for Danny Meyer at Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG). After graduating from college, he entered the restaurant management training program at Hillstone. He subsequently returned to USHG as a service manager at Untitled & Studio Cafe at The Whitney Museum of American Art, where he first met Chef Suzanne Cupps.In 2019, Nick joined Chef Cupps to open 232 Bleecker, where he continued his beverage education. He rose to the position of General Manager and Beverage Director. When the pandemic forced 232 Bleecker to close, Nick became the General Manager of Charlie Bird and ultimately the Director of Service for Delicious Hospitality Group, which includes New York mainstays like Pasquale Jones, Legacy Records and Bar Pasquale.At Lola’s, Nick is joining forces with Chef Cupps once again to bring their signature combination of hospitality and delicious, ingredient-driven cuisine to NoMad. For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within. Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 24 - Visibility is so important in your career path with Rachel HumphreyRachel retired from a long career in law and in this space, she founded the Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance to bring together women in the industry and be of service to lifting us all up. She is the ultimate community builder and a bridge to many connections and conversations that are crucial to the growth of women in hospitality leadership both in organizations, on panels and podiums. .About RachelRachel Humphrey - Board Member, Speaker, Hospitality Industry Executive, and Counsel Rachel is the Founder of the Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance and is an Interview Host for DEI Advisors. Before retiring in August 2021, Rachel served as the EVP & COO of AAHOA, the nation’s largest and most influential hotel owners association and served as a member of itsExecutive Leadership Team and in 2019 its Interim President & CEO. Rachel joined AAHOA in 2015 after more than 20 years as a trial lawyer. Rachel has been recognized as one of the “30 Most Influential Women in Hospitality,” “Top 50 Women in Travel,” “24 Most Influential Women in Travel,” “100 Most Powerful People in USA Hospitality,” “100 Most Influential People in Global Hospitality and Travel,” and “100 Most Inspirational People in Hospitality” and has received numerous awards and recognitions for her leadership and service to the hospitality industry. She is dedicated to advancing women in leadership in the hospitality industry. In addition to the Alliance and DEI Advisors, Rachel currently serves on the Board of Judges of the Hospitality Industry Hall of Fame and on the boards of Women in Travel Thrive and the Kennesaw State University Coles College of Business. She is also a frequent speaker at industry conferences and serves on numerous advisory boards within the hospitality industry.For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Interviewing can be intimidating or sometimes become boring. No matter is you are new to it or a seasoned pro, spicing it up is always important! In this episode, Kim shares tips on how to interview through a conversation, while sharing some personal tidbits with the interviewee and understanding their language. Setting the space for both parties to be comfortable is key to interviewing success.For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 22 - The bridge between the bartender and the brand through storytelling and mentorship with Josh GandeeJosh shared his career journey starting as a “factory worker” at The Cheesecake Factory to founding his production company with his friend / business partner. Josh’s drive is fueled by his curiosity to learn. He has placed himself in big opportunities for growth throughout his career because he continued to tap into his inner trust that he could achieve anything he wanted to learn about. He shares” there are always pathways around you that can help you move to the next step.” Josh also openly shares his sobriety journey and how it has impacted his life and relationships, what leadership means to him and how he has become a mentor to himself and others.Josh’s guidance on how he navigates imposture thoughts: Check in with yourself and take inventory - when you have those moments of constraint, can you pinpoint what it is or simply sit with it. It’s all about trusting yourself that you are an expert at your craft and you will get through this moment of self doubt. About Josh:Joshua Thomas Gandee is a bartender, runner, creative, and podcast host who has worked in and around the restaurant industry for over a decade. Joshua quit drinking in 2017 and began creating a non-alcoholic culture in his city and beyond through recipes, recommendations, and a penchant for any water that bubbles. Joshua believes a change in mindset, can produce a change in identity and works to be the best version of himself possible while helping to lift the spirits of those around him.Find Josh at the no/low tour! https://www.barandrestaurant.com/food-beverage/nolow-tour-back-2024For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 21 - There are certain moments in your career that define your purpose with Brianna BorinBrianna has dedicated her heart and mind to creating community around her - both in her personal and professional worlds. Through this, she builds a safe and inclusive culture based on honesty, curiosity and growth. Brianna has continued to pave the way for herself to keep up with the growing business all while leading herself first so she can lead others. Brianna asks herself and her teams these questions daily:What do you want?What are your superpowers and strengths?What does the business need? And where can your strengths serve the business? What matters to you? How do you communicate what matters to you?What are the behaviors and norms that support what matters? About Brianna: Brianna Borin, Chief People and Culture Officer for Snooze, an AM eatery, is affectionately referred to as “Mother Hen” by her Snoozers and represents the heart and soul of Snooze. Raised in Wyoming, Borin began working in the hospitality industry when she was just 14 years old and came to Denver to obtain her BSBA in Business and Hospitality Management from the University of Denver’s Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management. She eventually found her way to Snooze, where she started as an intern and host at the first restaurant in downtown Denver. Nearly 16 years later, she has held a myriad of roles within the company and is as passionate about the restaurant’s mission as she was on day one. Borin believes that Snooze is about so much more than just serving up amazing breakfasts — it’s also about mindfully sourcing and preparing sustainable food, giving back to local communities, creating a sense of home for Snoozers and Guests and allowing each Snoozer to show up authentically as their true self. She dedicates most of her free time to serving her community and sits on the board for various local non-profits and community organizations, including Urban Peak, Downtown Denver Partnership, Metro State Hospitality School and the Community College of Denver. Through all of her acts of service within her internal and external community, Brianna is dedicated to thinking outside of the box, creating innovative solutions, and pushing others to be the best versions of themselves in all aspects of their lives.For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within. Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 20 The ability to build again with Liz MendezLiz shares honestly about creativity, how she continues to tap into, and reminds us to have no shame as an entrepreneur that it’s ok to join a corporate position for stability. Nothing comes out of the world fully baked and we can take a page out of this book to give ourselves some grace while creating and building. Liz announces about her newest business - Aldea Hospitality and Productions based on community. About Liz: Liz Mendez is a veteran of the restaurant and wine industry, who resides in Chicago, IL. Growing up in the Midwest, as the granddaughter of two farming families, Mendez learned the art of hospitality on meager means, through large family get-togethers and a strong community connection. While financing her education and eventual degree in Communications, with a minor in Organizational Psychology, at DePaul University, Mendez began working at some of Chicago’s most well known restaurants of the 90s and early aughts, where a previous study in music came together with food and wine, leading to a twenty plus year journey of working in hospitality. Over the span of almost three decades, Mendez has gained a reputation for an unwavering commitment to hospitality which led to operating large scale restaurants and consulting in wine education, beverage conferences and travel. Most notably, Mendez is known for a focus of study and writing around the wine and food of the Iberian Peninsula, combined with a passion for supporting local Midwest farmers, which was showcased at the Spanish inspired restaurant and wine bar she owned in the now buzzing west loop neighborhood of Chicago. In 2016 her dedication to wine and service was recognized by the Jean Banchet Awards for culinary excellence. After spending the last six years working in Restaurant Partnerships with Resy and American Express, Mendez is taking on her third entrepreneurial endeavor, as the founder of Aldea Hospitality and Productions. As a mentor, coach and writer, Mendez aims to apply her extensive experience in support of today’s ever changing hospitality and artistic industries in her most recent venture. For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 19 - Building partnerships through the art of communicating clearly with Lauren DarnellLauren’s work is to advocate for better work environments and connect partners to provide more equity resources to operators and owners to improve the work spaces for the hospitality industry in Nola and beyond. The work is relational and you have to bring your whole human self to do it so Lauren invites anyone that is ready to walk with her through the process to do something meaningful that will impact their business, team and culture. A few key takeaways:Ask for feedback - how is this landing for you? We have a relationship to the partnership. What is your relationship to partnership? It will help you filter bais and uncommunicated needs and wants. Alignment of your goals and values with your partners should always be discussed. Develop a system to prepare for breakdowns. They are going to happen and plan for them. When a breakdown does happen, address it within the week. Asking people to explain what they mean if you are uncertain or the information is too vague.Leadership means taking care of myself so I may be available to others. About LaurenLauren A.K. Darnell is doing groundbreaking work to cultivate a more inclusive and equitable future. Born in Lafayette, LA., raised in New Orleans and wired for pioneering.Her family history includes escaping hurricanes and the pursuit through time of making a way out of no way. She is the daughter of a civil servant, attorney, and a costume designer who in 1969 became the first Black Crawfish Queen of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. Lauren dissolves barriers. As Executive Director of Made in New Orleans (MiNO) Foundation, her work is centered on increasing access for the advancement of BIPOC hospitality professionals and creating a more equitable industry for all. She is a passionate advocate, promoting equity and consulting for business owners. Her work is anchored by the ability to find and carve a path forward. In 2023, Lauren founded Porch & Okra Consulting that offers leadership consulting and provides customized professional development support to foster healthy, strong team culture and climate across industries. Porch & Okra Consulting (POC) serves profit and nonprofit leaders and organizations through coaching, evaluation, training, advising, and a resource connection that enables clients to sustain transformative work environments with a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging foundation. For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 18 - What I've learnt about leading while processing griefAs someone who is constantly called to share experiences with others in hopes that it will help guide someone back to themselves. This episode may be helpful for someone who is grieving or how to support someone in your community or team that is processing grief. For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 17 - Leadership is making the best positive impact to the people around you that you can with guest Kate Edwards.Kate Edwards is an executive coach and consultant in the hospitality industry. Her calling and mission is to support any and all leaders to find their vision and voice. She’s an inspiration and keeps the conversation honest. Kate shares with us how to set ourselves up for success by putting together our support systems and holding our vision. There are so many good takeaways in this conversation for you to grab onto! A little fun fact, Kate was one of the women in my collective that I hoped one day I’d have the opportunity to connect with - and two years later, as I was leaving FAB Workshop last summer to catch my flight back to NYC, Kate was sitting at the table next to my dear friend Sarah Diehl, the intro was made, and now here we are. To bring it full circle on Kate’s words “hold your vision for yourself” - I did just that and trusted that one day our paths would come together to meet and collaborate! About Kate:Kate Edwards is a speaker, author, customer service expert, hospitality consultant and executive coach who has spent her career decoding the customer service experience and deciphering what makes great leaders so impactful. In 2007 she established Kate Edwards & Company, a boutique consulting firm that specializes in culture invigoration, customer experience and leadership development for hospitality brands and high-touch companies. For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 16 - Leading through the tough stuff: an introduction to leadership through a trauma-informed lens Cole Kortlever, a trauma-informed specialist and leadership coach will be educating on where trauma lives in the body and how to tune in when it comes up. Being we are in a highly stimulated industry, it's easier at times to numb that feeling of overwhelm or stress and keep putting ourselves last. In this mini workshop, Cole will teach us how to tune in and share different practices to self care / self soothed even in the middle of a busy moment.About Cole: Cole Kortlever (she/her) is a trauma-informed specialist with a professional background steeped in both hospitality and behavioral health. Cole graduated with a B.A. in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine and went on to complete her management training with the Hillstone Restaurant Group. Her consulting company, Be Kind Consulting, offers personal and professional development training with a trauma-informed lens. In this season of life she prioritizes her role as ‘mom’ to her young daughter, but continues to offer services on an individual and team-scale. She is a California native currently residing in Los Angeles with her husband and toddler. If you’re in the LA area, you might find her cooking up a plant-y meal in her home, dancing on the beach, or smiling at strangers. For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

This collaborative conversation with Daniel shines a big light on how to tune into your intuition and follow what lights you up and trust your hope. He has an inspiring journey and doesn’t shy away from giving us the honest truth of his path and what he continues to learn today.A few key takeaways from this conversation:You may have some harder moments but 95% of the time it’ll go your way if you’re willing to listen and be kind.There is a right way or a wrong way.You cannot lead in the middle but it is important to let your teammates learn the way as well.You have to start somewhere.Meet people and thinking differently on how to find opportunities.When a door opens that you are curious about, you should walk through it. - Value trust over the alternative.Learn how to shrink the problem - simple thinking can lead to big outcomes.It’s ok to fall in and out of love with things, but when you are at the center of it, acknowledge what makes it so special.The greatest job of a leader is to make themselves replaceable.Use your eyes then ask how do we make it better?About Daniel:Daniel Orrison is a rising star in hospitality, celebrated for his unique career journey and leadership. In 2011, Daniel assumed the role of Marketing & Business Director for the Bespoke Collection family of brands, where he played a pivotal role in the development and eventual sale of Ma(i)sonry Napa Valley to Restoration Hardware.In 2014, Daniel would become the Founding Director of RH Hospitality, where his strategic vision contributed to the brand's national expansion. In 2019, Daniel co-founded Ring on Hook, a forward-thinking hospitality management and development firm. As President, he oversaw all strategic decision-making and revenues for the organization, solidifying his position as an innovative and influential leader in the hospitality landscape.In 2024, Daniel teamed with David Morton to form Episcope Hospitality & Advisory.Additionally and during this period of time, Daniel founded the premium wine business Orison Wines.For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within. Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 14 - Navigating career and life transitions with Amanda Garcia-HarrisAmanda’s journey did not start in hospitality. Her passion lies in theater and performance and because she wanted to move to NYC, she took a role in a restaurant to save money for this next chapter and her journey continued from there. Amanda constantly was looking to grow but didn’t know how to grow. She continued to take on opportunities where she learnt new skills that she thought may never land in her lap. But it was lonely and Amanda hadn’t defined her pillars, her leadership voice and how to hold herself accountable. Amanda leaned into getting herself support and guidance. She knew she was ready to grow her confidence and learn what leadership meant to her. So Amanda showed up for herself, admitted that she had insecurities to move through and started unlaying and defining her pillars and language. Amanda’s story is honest and inspiring. It’s relatable and reassuring. Learn how Amanda learnt how to show up for herself first so she could show up for others. About Amanda:Amanda Garcia-Harris has been in the hospitality industry for 10 years while also having experience in retail and theater. Having worked for The Meatball Shop, USHG, The Standard, DMK, and now Emma’s Torch, Amanda’s path has been diverse and educational. When not working, Amanda loves creating her own playlists and loves reading. Some of Amanda’s favorite tools and resources:For tools, I use Google Calendar, Voice Memos, I also have a planner I use for my personal life, Asana for work tasks.A few books to recommend - You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero, Thrive by Ariana Huffington, Essentialism by Greg McKeown. For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit The School of Hospitality from Within Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

There are two archetypes of leaders- The Creator and The Executor. Understanding the difference between them and how they both support each other is key! This is how you build strong and cohesive teams where your colleagues thrive and reduce turnover. Each single one of us has different strengths and areas of interest. This makes us each unique and allows for immense reward and growth through collaboration. The caveat is we need to make sure we are in the right roles with responsibilities that are aligned with said strengths and areas of interest. I’ve seen it many times over, individuals placed in the wrong positions and it creates a pretty big block and disruption. This has happened to me time and time again so I can make multiple case studies based on my own experience. What I learnt from my research was when we put individuals in the right positions that they are ready and equipped to do, they thrive, so does the business, and the company culture is magnetic. When we place someone in the incorrect position because we think they will be great at it versus truly listening to them and discovering what their superpowers are, this hurts the person’s confidence, the team dynamics, productivity and the culture of the business. It usually ends up resulting in separation and higher turnover. For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit theschool.www.onlyyummyalways.com Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 12 - “Leadership is providing psychological safety and having the support around you to make the right decision.” with guest Erin Boyle Erin reminds us that when you leave the restaurant industry, there is a lot of ego attached. Erin’s career journey was not linear but what she continued to come back to was understanding her skill sets support her in taking on roles outside of the hospitality industry. Erin went to school for graphic design but when she realized that she had to sit at a desk all day, she knew this wasn’t the right fit. She then went on to go to culinary school and discovered this was the right place for her. Erin was a chef and operated restaurants for over 15 years around the country. Erin’s burn out was debilitating - she could hardly move and her creativity was lost and later found out she was working with anxiety and depression. She then took a step into teaching and that’s where she learnt how to really cook and teach where she discovered the chemistry and starting getting the why behind food. She then joined a corporate position and then went back to teaching. In 2020, Erin was furloughed and was introduced to CHOW where she was helping with the organization until the founder offered for her to join as the CEO. This organization is near and dear to Erin for many reasons and she’s a true advocate for building your community through your network and supporting hospitality workers mental health through meetings, resources and more. About Erin: I am Erin Boyle, CHOW’s CEO, friend, sister, wife, daughter, dog momma, potter, reader, crafter, walker, and chef. I trained to be a chef at the Culinary Institute of America and have worked in San Francisco, Washington DC, New York and Denver. After almost two decades working in the industry, I transitioned to teaching and love it. I have watched my staff, family, and friends in hospitality struggle with mental health and substance abuse. I, like many, struggle with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. In 2013, I found myself sick of the life I felt stuck in and found a therapist. She helped me to name the things I struggled with (depression and anxiety) and find coping strategies that work for me. In 2019, I decided to dedicate my energy toward improving access to mental health and wellness resources for all. As CEO to CHOW I am focused on outreach and aim to normalize mental health and substance use conversations in the restaurant industry. Erin’s current book recommendation on leadership: Radical Candor by Kim Scott Visit www.chowco.org for more resources.You can also connect with the CHOW team and community in their Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/choworg or on YouTube: CHOWellness For more resources on leadership and eliminating the sticky energy from team culture, visit theschool.www.onlyyummyalways.com Get full access to Hospitality From Within at kimlerner.substack.com/subscribe