Lead Like a VIP: Lessons from Unreasonable Hospitality

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Small moments build big trust.

Leadership isn’t just about what you say; it’s also about how you make people feel, even in the smallest moments.

Last weekend, I celebrated my birthday at a small pub in Sydney.

No reservation. No space.
I expected: “Sorry, we’re full.”

Instead, the host smiled and said:
“Give us 10 minutes, we’ll make it happen.”

And they did more than that.

• Brought us complimentary snacks

• Treated us like regulars

• Made us feel like VIPs

It wasn’t a big thing- it was the right thing.

It reminded me of a powerful idea from Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara:

7 Leadership Lessons From Unreasonable Hospitality That Stuck With Me

1. Go Beyond Expectations
   → Excellence isn’t just about meeting expectations. It’s about surprising people.
   

2. Create Memorable Moments
   → Small acts of kindness > grand performances. Thoughtful gestures can create lasting impressions that stay with people long after the moment has passed.
   

3. Empower Your Team
   → A valued team radiates that energy forward. Like a well-prepared athlete ready to lead, your team’s energy reflects your trust in them.
   

4. Lead with Generosity
   → Give more than expected: time, energy, and attention. True generosity doesn’t just mean giving—it means creating a culture where everyone has what they need to thrive.
   

5. Turn Challenges into Opportunities
   → Obstacles aren’t setbacks; they are opportunities for innovation and growth.
   

6. Make People Feel Seen
   → Recognition changes everything. Exceptional leaders know that making someone feel seen and valued is the foundation of motivation and success.
   

7. Be Fully Present
   → Your attention is your most powerful gift. The best leaders understand the value of focus and being fully present with their teams.

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Final Thought

Great leadership is intentional hospitality. It shows up in:

• A compliment

• An extra 30 seconds of listening

• Noticing what others overlook

Every gesture is a chance to say: "You matter."

What’s one small gesture you could do today to make someone feel seen?

Hit reply and share your story. I reply to every email.

I hope you have an intentional week!

Until next week,
Chris March