Podcast Parade: Tim Ferriss & Danny Meyer
Podcast Parade: Tim Ferriss & Danny Meyer
One of the best conversations on hospitality I've heard all year
A friend of mine talked about how this episode forced him to listen twice, just to take 5+ pages of notes. I’ve tried to do a little bit of that here for you. One of the greatest “tensions” in my world is how to provide incredible customer service while also remaining efficient. These days, customers want it all, and they want it now. It feels impossible. But Danny gives you hope.
Summary
Danny Meyer is a restaurateur and CEO of the Union Square Hospitality Group, which operates several acclaimed restaurants in New York City.
Meyer believes that hospitality is about how someone feels when they're in your space, and that it's important to create a warm and welcoming environment.
He emphasizes the importance of putting employees first and making sure they're taken care of, as they're the ones who ultimately take care of the customers.
Meyer has a philosophy of "enlightened hospitality," which means creating a culture where everyone feels valued and respected, and where the focus is on creating a memorable experience for customers.
He encourages managers to be "warm-hearted but tough-minded," meaning they should be compassionate and empathetic but also have high standards and hold people accountable.
Meyer believes that leaders should be vulnerable and transparent, and that it's important to admit mistakes and be open to feedback.
He emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and purpose for your business, and of staying true to that vision even when it's difficult.
Danny discusses the challenges of running a restaurant during the pandemic, including the need to adapt quickly to new regulations and the importance of taking care of employees during a difficult time.
He believes that the restaurant industry will bounce back, but that it will be a slow and uneven recovery.
Meyer discusses his experience opening Shake Shack, and how he had to pivot from his original vision to create a successful business.
He emphasizes the importance of creating a strong brand, and of being consistent in everything you do.
Meyer believes that entrepreneurs should be willing to take risks, but also to learn from their failures and pivot when necessary.
He emphasizes the importance of building relationships with customers, and of creating a sense of community around your business.
Meyer believes that it's important to create a positive work culture, where people feel valued and supported.
He discusses the challenges of managing a large organization, and the importance of delegating and trusting your team.
Meyer emphasizes the importance of staying humble and continuing to learn, even when you've achieved a high level of success.
He believes that it's important to stay true to your values and to make decisions based on what's right, even if it's not the most profitable choice.
Meyer discusses his approach to hiring, and the importance of looking for people with the right attitude and values, rather than just skills and experience.
He emphasizes the importance of staying connected to your community, and of giving back in meaningful ways.
Danny believes that hospitality is an essential part of the human experience, and that it has the power to bring people together and create positive change in the world.
Top Quotes from Danny Meyer
"Hospitality is how the guest feels in our space."
"Enlightened hospitality is creating a culture where people feel valued and respected, and the focus is on creating a memorable experience for customers."
"The most important thing is to put your employees first, because they're the ones who ultimately take care of the customers."
"I believe in being warm-hearted but tough-minded."
"Leaders need to be vulnerable and transparent, and be willing to admit mistakes and be open to feedback."
"A great brand is one that is consistent in everything it does."
"I believe in being an entrepreneur who is willing to take risks, but also willing to learn from failure and pivot when necessary."
"Community is at the heart of everything we do."
"Hire for attitude and values, not just skills and experience."
"Hospitality has the power to bring people together and create positive change in the world."
"I've learned that the more I put the focus on the people I'm serving, the better I become at what I do."
"Success is not about being the best, but about doing your best."
"The greatest gift you can give to someone is to make them feel welcome and valued."
"When we focus on serving others, it's amazing how much more successful we become."
"The most important thing we can do as leaders is to create a sense of belonging for the people we work with."