- Visionary restaurateur of Eleven Madison Park
- Author of New York Times bestseller Unreasonable Hospitality
- Co-founder of the Welcome Conference for hospitality professionals
Will Guidara is a renowned restaurateur and author, best known for his pivotal role in transforming Eleven Madison Park into the world’s best restaurant. His insights into service and leadership, detailed in his New York Times bestseller, Unreasonable Hospitality, offer valuable lessons that extend beyond the culinary world.
Will's journey in the hospitality industry has been marked by a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of customer experience. He faced numerous challenges in his career, from navigating the competitive landscape of fine dining to adapting to guests' evolving expectations. Through these experiences, he developed a philosophy centred on the importance of genuine human connections, which has proven essential in fostering customer loyalty and driving business success.
In addition to his work at Eleven Madison Park, Will co-founded the Welcome Conference. This initiative brings together hospitality professionals to discuss and share best practices. This platform highlights his belief in the universal application of exceptional service, regardless of the industry. His influence also extends to the entertainment sector, where he serves as a co-producer on FX's The Bear, further showcasing his dedication to promoting the transformative power of hospitality.
Will encourages teams to exceed customer expectations, turning ordinary interactions into memorable experiences. By embracing his principles, organizations can cultivate a culture of unparalleled hospitality, leading to increased customer satisfaction and business growth.
With a wealth of experience and a passion for service, Will is a compelling voice in the conversation about elevating customer experiences across all sectors.
Will's showreel and videos
Topics, sessions and talks
Exceed Expectations: How Unreasonable Hospitality Leads to Success
Will Guidara transformed Eleven Madison Park into the world's best restaurant by understanding that food, service, and design are merely ingredients for human connection. He inspired his team to engage genuinely with guests and adopt a personalised approach. In his talk, Will shares the lessons that propelled EMP to the top and demonstrates how an unreasonable commitment to human connection can create unforgettable experiences.
How To Build A Brand Centered On Unreasonable Hospitality
Will Guidara will discuss the shift from a manufacturing to a service economy, highlighting that over three-quarters of America’s GDP now stems from services. He emphasises that merely providing good products or efficient service is insufficient; the focus must be on how people feel during their interactions. Will believes we are on the brink of a hospitality economy and will share insights on transforming ordinary transactions into extraordinary experiences. Attendees will learn how to cultivate a brand centred on exceptional hospitality.
Why Hospitality Is Today’s #1 Leadership Skill
Will Guidara emphasises that hospitality is the essential leadership skill in today's world. As remote work becomes the norm, leaders must intentionally foster community and connection among their teams. Guidara, renowned for his success in running the world’s top restaurant, shares insights on transforming individuals into cohesive teams. Attendees will learn how to create an environment where employees feel inspired, connected, and effective, ultimately enhancing their leadership capabilities through the principles of hospitality.
Giving More vs. Less: Why Hospitality Is The Greatest Tool In Problem-Solving
In his talk, Will Guidara explores the concept of using hospitality as a powerful problem-solving tool. He challenges the conventional approach of pushing harder and cutting back, advocating instead for creativity and generosity in finding solutions. Guidara argues that during challenging times, embracing a hospitality mindset can lead to more effective outcomes. Attendees will learn how to apply these principles to enhance their decision-making and foster a culture of extraordinary service.
Why we recommend booking Will
Unlock your team's potential with Will Guidara, the mastermind behind Eleven Madison Park's rise to the world's best restaurant. His insights from Unreasonable Hospitality and the Welcome Conference can transform customer experiences and drive growth. Book Will today for measurable results.
Will had a phenomenal impact on our teams from both Paris and New York. His enthusiasm and passion for hospitality resonated with everyone. He offered out of the box thinking and ideas, and he delivered his message with genuine authenticity and emotion. Already the wheels are in motion at Hermes for Unreasonable Hospitality!
Will was incredible - completely the perfect fit for our event and wowed the crowd. People were still buzzing about it this morning as they were heading home from the conference. He mentioned that we don't use the word awesome enough as adults... so I can sum it up with: He. Was. AWESOME!!
WHAT A DAY! Will is incredibly kind, smart, and fun! Our leaders loved Will's keynote and said he was our best speaer of all our years doing this! It was wonderful!
