In this episode of Take Care, we delve into the heart of the hospitality industry with a focus on how authentic care and critical thinking transform service.

Our guest Sonny Kerstiens shares insights from over two decades in the industry, discussing the importance of questioning established norms, fostering open-mindedness, and ensuring personal and team growth. He emphasizes the need for scalable solutions in a rapidly growing company, the principles of continuous improvement, and the value of psychological safety within teams.

Through stories and examples, we explore frameworks for decision-making, challenging cognitive biases, and maintaining a vision that aligns and motivates teams towards exceptional hospitality.

00:00 Introduction to the Heart of Hospitality
00:41 Exploring Critical Thinking in Hospitality
02:52 Overhauling the Tech Stack
05:01 Scaling and Expanding Hotel Operations
09:45 Vision Casting and Team Dynamics
27:23 Frameworks for Critical Thinking
37:01 Mindfulness and Emotional Control
41:34 Current Learning and Development

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In this episode of 'Take Care,' we delve into the essence of hospitality through the lens of empathy and authentic care.

Joined industry leader Kate Reed, we explore how self-care translates to better team dynamics and exceptional guest experiences. The conversation touches on personal stories of vulnerability and resilience, the cultivation of empathy through life's unanticipated events, and practical approaches to maintaining empathy while setting personal boundaries. Highlighting tools like personality assessments and Brene Brown's research, the discussion provides actionable insights into fostering meaningful connections in both professional and personal settings.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:32 Exploring Empathy and Vulnerability

05:15 Navigating Personal and Professional Boundaries

07:05 The Role of Empathy in Career Growth

08:19 Personality Assessments and Their Impact

11:00 Empathy in Leadership and Communication

16:28 Balancing Empathy and Personal Responsibility

26:32 The Importance of Honest Communication

38:06 Managing Boundaries and Self-Care

42:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of 'Take Care - Unwritten Playbook of Hospitality Career Growth,' hosts explore career advancement in the hospitality industry with expert Ivo Wunderlich.

The discussion highlights the importance of bridging gaps in traditional education, real-life scenarios, and skill stacking. Ivo shares insights from his experience in revenue management, emphasizing the significance of cultural understanding, teamwork, and communication in problem-solving.

Additionally, the conversation delves into the vital role of critical thinking, asking the right questions, and maximizing operational efficiency.

Ivo also reflects on his journey from an in-room server to his current position, underscoring the impact of vulnerability, curiosity, and adaptability in achieving career success.

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