In this engaging episode, Will Guidara, a pioneering figure in the world of fine dining and hospitality, and the author of “Unreasonable Hospitality,” joins hosts Connie Fontaine and Harry Cohen. Will delves into the philosophy and practical applications of 'Unreasonable Hospitality,' sharing impactful stories from his career, including the origins of his concept and how it can be applied beyond the restaurant industry. The conversation also covers the importance of hospitality in creating meaningful relationships, the impact of small gestures, the forgotten art of friendship, transforming criticism into thoughtful guidance, and maintaining a balance between perfectionism and kindness. We’ll also gain beautiful insight into what Will’s working on now. We learned so much from Will, and true to his reputation, he left us feeling nice and cozy.

Referenced in This Episode

• “Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara
• Welcome Conference
• Thank You hospitality group
• Pre-Meal, newsletter by Will Guidara
• “Bowling Alone” by Robert D. Putnam
• Simon Sinek
• Canlis Restaurant
• Duncan Campbell’s podcast episode
• “From Strength to Strength” by Arthur Brooks

About Will Guidara

Will Guidara is the author of the National Bestseller Unreasonable Hospitality, which chronicles the lessons in service and leadership he has learned over the course of his career in restaurants.

He is the former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, which under his leadership received four stars from the New York Times, three Michelin stars, and in 2017 was named #1 on the list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

He is the host of the Welcome Conference, an annual hospitality symposium that brings together like minded people to share ideas, inspire one another, and connect to build community.

A graduate of the hospitality school at Cornell University, he has coauthored four cookbooks, given a TED Talk on the secret ingredients of great hospitality, was named one of Crain's New York Business's 40 Under 40, and is the recipient of WSJ Magazine's Innovator Award.

Learn More or Watch Online at Be the Sun, Not the Salt.

Dr. Rana Awdish shares her profound journey from being a critical care physician to a patient fighting for her life, and how this experience revolutionized her perspective on patient care. After losing an unborn child and nearly losing her own life due to a burst tumor, Rana witnessed firsthand the gaps in the healthcare system, particularly in how medical professionals handle emotional care and communicate with patients. Her experience led her to advocate for a healthcare approach that emphasizes empathy, effective communication, and the small yet impactful acts of care that can significantly alter a patient's experience. Her story is a powerful reminder of the potential for personal adversity to drive positive change and the importance of compassion and empathy in medicine, and in our everyday lives.

Reference Links

• “In Shock: My Journey from Death to Recovery and the Redemptive Power of Hope” book by Dr. Rana Awdish
• Harvard Business Review article “Making Time to Really Listen to Your Patients” by Rana Awdish and Leonard L. Berry
• Other Editorials by Rana Awdish
• “The Shape of the Shore,” Rana Awdish’s award-winning essay in Intima: A Journal of Narrative Medicine
• Other Essays by Rana Awdish
• “Compassionomics” by Stephen Trzeciak, MD, MPH

More about Dr. Rana Awdish

Dr. Rana Awdish is the author of In Shock, a critically acclaimed, bestselling memoir based on her own critical illness. She is a sought-after public speaker, delivering inspirational keynote addresses to groups ranging from professional medical societies, to members of Congress, to organizations combatting homelessness.

A pulmonary and critical care physician, she serves as the current Director of the Pulmonary Hypertension Program at Henry Ford Hospital. She also serves as Medical Director of Care Experience for the System, where she has integrated compassionate communication strategies and Narrative Medicine practice into the curriculum.

Connect with Dr. Rana Awdish

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

Trinea Gonczar, a former gymnast and survivor of the Larry Nassar sexual assault case, shares her ongoing journey from trauma to healing and how she helps others find light in their darkest times. We discuss the importance of offering grace to oneself and others, and Trinea’s impactful work at the Avalon Healing Center, and the need for survivors to have support systems and plans in place to navigate their healing journeys. The episode highlights the significance of every individual's courageous choice to spread positivity and support those around them.

Please be advised that this episode contains content about sexual assault and the journey of healing. We honor and suggest taking the self care needed for any feelings that may arise during the listening of this episode.

Resources for Survivors:

• Avalon Healing Center
• RAINN

Reference Links:

• Trinea’s victim statement from the Larry Nassar sexual assault trial
• Trinea’s episode from NPR’s Believed podcast
• Trinea’s homage to Simone Biles in Business Insider
• Trailer for the HBO documentary "At the Heart of Gold"
• Trinea’s Detroit Free Press article about her former coach, John Geddert
• Trinea’s Business Insider article in support of fellow survivor Simone Biles
• The Audible book “Twisted”
• “Sister Survivors Round Table” on ESPN
• "The Girls" by Abigail Pesta
• “Start by Believing: Larry Nassar's Crimes, the Institutions that Enabled Him, and the Brave Women Who Stopped a Monster” by John Barr
• The Universal Survivor Bill of Rights, which was adopted in 2022, with the support of Trinea
• Be the Sun, Not the Salt episode with Valorie Kondos Field

More About Trinea Gonczar:

Trinea Gonczar is a survivor and advocate for victims of sexual abuse. She is an exemplar of heliotropic leadership in the many ways she chooses to find the light, even in the darkest of times, for herself and others. Today she works with Avalon Healing Center, a unique organization that provides comprehensive services to survivors and those impacted by sexual abuse, located in Detroit.

Connect with Trinea

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram