🌱Characteristics of a Great Leader: Lessons from the Hospitality Industry

A 2 min read.

In the hospitality industry, leadership is about more than just keeping operations running smoothly; it’s about inspiring a team to grow, thrive, and work toward a shared vision. Reflecting on my time at Mountain Top, one of the key elements of our success was the exceptional leadership that guided us, along with the team culture we built together.

To read more and gain insights into over 30 leadership lessons in hospitality, grab your copy of The Hospitality Leader's Roadmap: Move from Ordinary to Extraordinary, available on October 15th on Amazon.

We intentionally hired people who were curious, respectful, self-aware, and caring. This team bought into the vision of becoming the best restaurant in town and embraced a culture of teamwork and learning. With tip-pooling in place, each team member saw the entire dining room as their responsibility. They were quick to help one another and truly invested in providing the best guest experience.

One of our most memorable moments was hosting Jacques Pépin's 60th birthday party. His celebration, filled with love and admiration from his family and friends, highlighted the importance of kindness and humility, qualities that great leaders embody.

At the heart of our success was our general manager, Matthew. His leadership was rooted in knowledge, discipline, trust, and respect. Coming from Union Square Cafe, Matthew brought philosophies from Setting the Table into our restaurant, emphasizing guest experience and employee care. He introduced the concept of "Something For Nothing" (SFN) — opportunities for staff to surprise and delight guests by going above and beyond. Whether it was writing a message on a dessert or ensuring a guest had safe transportation after a long night, these gestures helped foster a service-oriented culture.

Matthew's leadership extended beyond guest care. He set clear expectations and held us accountable while balancing discipline with humor. His one-on-one coaching sessions were invaluable, teaching me the importance of follow-up and self-advocacy. A leader’s role, as he showed, is to provide the tools and resources needed for their staff to succeed. This lesson shaped my management style and set the foundation for my future growth as a leader.

If you are wanting to enhance your leadership, I can help. Let's connect at christinlmarvin@gmail.com

Through Matthew’s mentorship, I learned that great leadership is about creating an environment where learning and growth are constant. Weekly pre-shift meetings, where we discussed menu presentations and wine pairings, were a testament to this. I became certified as a sommelier and expanded my knowledge of mixology, enriching my understanding of the industry.

While I didn't get the opportunity to become general manager at Mountain Top, the lessons I learned from Matthew stayed with me. Leadership is about more than the title; it’s about creating systems that support your team and the business. Leaders who inspire growth, uphold high standards, and foster a culture of respect and learning are the ones who truly leave a lasting impact.

If you’re ready to take your leadership to the next level and learn more about the journey from ordinary to extraordinary, grab your copy of The Hospitality Leader’s Roadmap when it releases on October 15th. Don't miss out on the tools and insights that can transform your leadership approach and your restaurant’s success.

P.S.

For more leadership development, here are some additional resources for you:

1. My book, The Hospitality Leader’s Roadmap: Move from Ordinary to Extraordinary will be available on Amazon October 15th in paperback, ebook and audiobook.

2. Tune into the No Hesitations Podcast Episode 32 : How to Lead with Clarity : 5 Strategies for Effective Restaurant Management

3. Contact me for a strategy session about overcoming your biggest challenge at christinlmarvin@gmail.com and start transforming your mindset, your restaurant, and your life today!

🌱 Coming in Hot: Lessons from a Leadership Transition

A 1 min read.

After a year and a half at Pizza e Vino, I was ready for a new challenge. The company had several restaurant concepts under its umbrella, and I wanted to grow alongside them. While I had proven myself as a strong operator, the long hours were straining my new marriage. My husband, Tyler, worked weekdays, and my late nights were causing tension. I knew something had to change.

If you like this excerpt from my book and would like to read more, email me at christinlmarvin@gmail.com for an advanced copy before the October 15th launch date.

I approached the owners with a proposal to create a new leadership role. This evolved into a position focused on marketing, human resources, new restaurant openings, and management development. I thrived in this role, from negotiating contracts and improving event bookings to implementing a corporate benefits package for the management team. However, stepping into a new leadership role came with unexpected challenges.

The biggest lesson? Earning trust is critical before implementing change. I jumped in quickly, eager to improve efficiency by introducing new systems like inventory management and POS software. But the teams resisted, viewing me as an outsider disrupting their familiar ways of working. In hindsight, I should have built relationships and explained the "why" behind my ideas. My failure to do so earned me the label of "black sheep" among some staff.

If you are interested in building a strong foundation to future your current and future managers and leaders into your restaurant, I can help. Let's connect at christinlmarvin@gmail.com

Despite the pushback, I found success in strategic changes, such as reconfiguring the dining room layout to accommodate more guests, which added significant revenue. These experiences taught me a valuable lesson: the importance of patience, collaboration, and earning trust. Leading a restaurant is not just about fresh ideas but about building respect and fostering open communication among teams.

If you found this story helpful and want to dive deeper into leadership lessons for hospitality, check out my book, The Hospitality Leader’s Roadmap: Move from Ordinary to Extraordinary. It’s packed with strategies for transforming your restaurant and building stronger teams. Available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook on October 15th on Amazon, this book will help you elevate your restaurant’s success. Don’t miss your chance to move from ordinary to extraordinary—grab your copy and take the next step in your leadership journey!

P.S.

For more leadership development, here are some additional resources for you:

1. My book, The Hospitality Leader’s Roadmap: Move from Ordinary to Extraordinary will be available on Amazon October 15th in paperback, ebook and audiobook.

2. Tune into the No Hesitations Podcast Episode 32 : How to Lead with Clarity : 5 Strategies for Effective Restaurant Management

3. Contact me for a strategy session about overcoming your biggest challenge at christinlmarvin@gmail.com and start transforming your mindset, your restaurant, and your life today!

🌱 The Power of Storytelling in Hospitality

A 1 min read.

In the hospitality industry, success isn’t just about service—it's about creating experiences. Early in my career, I hit a rough patch at a steakhouse job, leading me to explore new opportunities. A job fair at a historic hotel caught my attention, and the grandeur of the property, with its rich history and breathtaking views, captivated me.

Read more in my book, The Hospitality Leader's Roadmap: Move from Ordinary to Extraordinary, available Oct 15th on Amazon.

I took a position as a cocktail server, and from the start, I realized the importance of storytelling in my role. The hotel’s history, the luxurious renovations of its cigar lounge, and the scenic beauty surrounding the property became central to how I engaged with guests. Sharing these stories didn’t just enhance their experience—it connected us in a meaningful way. The simple act of weaving the hotel’s past into conversations made guests feel part of something bigger, and I found joy in creating memorable moments for them.

This experience taught me that hospitality goes beyond great service; it’s about building connections through shared stories. Whether it was recommending local spots or telling the tale of Prohibition-era liquor bottles, the magic was in the narrative. Storytelling in hospitality can transform ordinary interactions into unforgettable experiences, deepening the bond between guest and host.

In the end, finding the right fit in a workplace isn’t just about landing a new job. It’s about reigniting passion and discovering new ways to lead through storytelling and connection.

If you are struggling to reignite your passion for the hospitality industry, let's connect at christinlmarvin@gmail.com

P.S. 

For more leadership development, here are some additional resources for you:

1. My book, The Hospitality Leader’s Roadmap: Move from Ordinary to Extraordinary will be available on Amazon October 15th in paperback, ebook and audiobook.

2. Tune into the No Hesitations Podcast Episode 32 : How to Lead with Clarity : 5 Strategies for Effective Restaurant Management

3. Contact me for a strategy session about overcoming your biggest challenge at christinlmarvin@gmail.com and start transforming your mindset, your restaurant, and your life today!

🌱 8 Principles of Mental Fitness for Independent Restaurant Owners

A 2 min read.

Running a restaurant can be as mentally demanding as it is physically exhausting. As an independent restaurant owner or operator, you're juggling the needs of your team, guests, and bottom line—often leaving little time to focus on your own mental well-being. That's where mental fitness comes in. Just as you prioritize the health of your business, it’s essential to invest in your own mental strength.

Read more about my journey of becoming a mentally fit leader in my new book, The Hospitality Leader’s Roadmap: Move from Ordinary to Extraordinary, available on Amazon October 15th.

Here are 8 principles of mental fitness that can help you stay sharp, reduce burnout, and lead with confidence:

1. Awareness:
Awareness is the foundation of mental fitness. It’s about understanding your thoughts, feelings, and reactions in the moment. Recognize when stress is creeping in or when you're operating on autopilot. Awareness helps you stay grounded and make clearer decisions, both for yourself and your business.

2. Mindset Mastery:
A strong mindset allows you to face challenges head-on. Instead of focusing on what’s going wrong, shift your attention to solutions. Embrace a growth mindset that views setbacks as opportunities for learning rather than failures. This principle is key to bouncing back from tough shifts and managing long-term change.

3. Emotional Regulation:
In a high-pressure environment like a restaurant, emotional control is essential. Learning to regulate your emotions ensures you're making decisions from a calm, rational place rather than reacting out of frustration or stress. Techniques like deep breathing or taking a short walk can do wonders for your emotional balance.

4. Boundaries:
Setting boundaries—both at work and in your personal life—is vital. Without clear boundaries, it’s easy to become overwhelmed, leading to burnout. Establish limits on your availability, delegate tasks, and make time for rest. Remember, boundaries aren't just for others; they're for you too.

5. Resilience:
Building resilience means bouncing back quickly when things don’t go as planned. Whether it’s a service disaster or a staff shortage, resilience allows you to recover without letting setbacks define you. This quality will keep you moving forward, even in the face of unexpected challenges.

6. Focus:
Focus is a muscle that needs regular training. Distractions are plentiful in the restaurant industry, but mental fitness involves honing your ability to concentrate on the task at hand. Prioritize your time and stay disciplined about eliminating distractions, so you can perform at your best when it matters most.

7. Self-Care:
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritizing self-care—whether it’s regular exercise, time with loved ones, or simply getting enough sleep—is crucial for maintaining mental stamina. When you're at your best, your restaurant will be too.

8. Support Systems:
No one succeeds alone. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you, whether that’s mentors, peers, or family members. Building a strong support system helps you stay mentally fit, providing guidance and perspective when you need it most.

Mental fitness is just as important as the daily operations of your restaurant. By focusing on these eight principles, you'll not only strengthen your leadership skills but also create a more balanced, productive, and fulfilling work life.

To dive deeper into how you can implement these principles and boost your restaurant’s success, visit my website at christinmarvin.com. You'll find resources, coaching programs, and workshops designed to help independent restaurant owners like you lead with confidence and clarity.

P.S. 

For more leadership development, here are some additional resources for you:

1. My book, The Hospitality Leader’s Roadmap: Move from Ordinary to Extraordinary will be available on Amazon October 15th in paperback, ebook and audiobook.

2. Tune into the No Hesitations Podcast Episode 32 : How to Lead with Clarity : 5 Strategies for Effective Restaurant Management

3. Contact me for a strategy session about overcoming your biggest challenge at christinlmarvin@gmail.com and start transforming your mindset, your restaurant, and your life today!