Will Guidara
Transform customer experiences with Will Guidara, speaker, hospitality leadership expert. Will works with organizations to elevate service culture and drive business growth, delivering insights from his New York Times bestseller and experience leading the world's best restaurant.
Tennessee, United States
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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.
Topics, Sessions And Talks
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.
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.
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.
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.
Looking for a custom keynote or workshop designed around your company’s goals and culture? The expert will create a tailored, interactive session that aligns with your objectives, values, and strategic priorities. From leadership and innovation to wellbeing and collaboration, each experience is built from the ground up to deliver measurable impact and lasting change.
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Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. We work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.
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We work with speakers across a variety of fee ranges, giving you the flexibility to choose someone who fits your event's needs. Virtual keynote fees in the UK and Europe typically start at £2,000, while in-person top-tier speakers can reach £25,000. In the US, virtual in-person fees range from $5,000 to over $100,000, depending on the speaker and format, such as after-dinner talks, conference keynotes, Q&As, or podcasts. Comedians generally start at £1,500 or $2,000 for a 20-minute set.
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Partnering with PepTalk means elevating your events with our curated roster of top motivational speakers, industry experts, delivering punchy keynotes that leave a lasting impact. From talent selection, to contracts and logistics, we handle it all. We have global expert network, with over 3000 speakers from over 33 countries on our line-up.
We also provide a full range of talent, from event hosts and moderators to interviewers and corporate entertainment, ensuring your event’s success from start to finish.
PepTalk workshops are interactive learning experiences for leaders at all levels, blending theory with practical insights from industry experts. These programs, led by experienced facilitators, are designed to drive real mindset changes and equip participants with actionable skills. Workshops can be customised to meet your organisation's specific needs. Explore our workshop examples and contact us today to learn how your team can benefit.
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