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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.
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.
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.
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frequently asked questions
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To book Will Guidara, email hello@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Will's availability and speaking fee. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and about your audience.
Will Guidara draws on case studies from his tenure at Eleven Madison Park to illustrate how specific operational and cultural decisions translate into measurable improvements in customer experience, framing business principles through the lens of real service interactions he and his team encountered.
Will Guidara speaks on unreasonable hospitality as a business philosophy, brand-building in a service economy, and hospitality as a leadership skill for remote and hybrid teams. He led Eleven Madison Park to the number one ranking in the World's 50 Best Restaurants and authored the New York Times bestseller Unreasonable Hospitality.
No. PepTalk adds no booking fee, so you pay the speaker's fee and nothing beyond it. The service, from shortlist through to contracts and event-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, PepTalk can agree preferential rates with your procurement team.
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The typical fee range is the speaker's standard in-person fee in their home market, shown in their local currency. It moves with format, location, date and session length: virtual sessions and shorter slots usually cost less, while international travel and peak dates cost more. Send your brief to PepTalk and the team will confirm the exact fee in your currency.
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Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.
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