How to Make Any Person Feel Seen with Will Guidara

80 snips

May 12, 2026

Will Guidara, restaurateur and author who led Eleven Madison Park to global acclaim, shares how presence and small moments shape real connection. He talks about intentional listening, building team rituals, thoughtful criticism, and making spaces safe to share. Expect stories about restaurants, The Bear, and turning hospitality into a communication practice.

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ADVICE

Give Criticism As Investment Not Punishment

Criticize thoughtfully and consistently to help people grow rather than shame them.
Give criticism in private, target behaviors (not the person), and make it regular so people know what right looks like.

ADVICE

Assume The Best Before You React

Use charitable assumption: give people the benefit of the doubt before reacting.
Ask questions like “What's going on?” when someone is late or rude to uncover constraints and offer practical fixes.

INSIGHT

Turn Daily Huddles Into Inspirational Rituals

Use daily pre-meal huddles as inspirational rituals, not operational dumps.
Share a short story, the why behind the work, and end with a unison ritual like “Happy Wednesday” to build energy.

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Most people think hospitality is just about service. Will Guidara believes it’s about making people feel seen. In this conversation, Will and I talk about what it really means to care for people well—whether you’re leading a team, managing a business, sitting across from someone you love, or just trying to become a better communicator. From turning Eleven Madison Park into the #1 restaurant in the world to helping create the hit show, The Bear, Will shares the mindset that changed everything for him: the smallest moments often leave the biggest impact. We talk about thoughtful criticism, leading with grace, creating team culture, and why the best communicators listen for what people aren’t saying.

Buy Will’s book, Unreasonable Hospitality and the field guide we dug into in today’s episode - https://www.unreasonablehospitality.com/books

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