General Manager and Beverage Program Director at Benu

I’ve learned that the ability to influence someone, even for a short time, is a rare and special responsibility that shouldn’t be taken for granted. A few quotes that really resonate with me are: ‘The people who influence you are the people who believe in you’ (Henry Drummond), and ‘If you are given a chance to be a role model, I think you should always take it’ (Tiger Woods). These reminders reinforce for me the importance of showing up fully, being present, and striving to have a positive impact whenever I can. After all, ‘We never know which lives we influence, or when, or why’ (Stephen King).

I’ve always looked up to Chef (Corey Lee) for his work ethic, passion, and drive. Even after achieving so much, he consistently shows up fully present, from the start of service to the very end. One thing he always reminds us is to stay humble — no matter how long you’ve been doing something, there’s always room to grow and learn, both from your own efforts and from the people around you. His dedication and approach to work are something I’ve always aspired to emulate.

When hiring, I look for those with the genuine desire to invest in themselves to learn and to grow, not just professionally but on a personal level as well.

For my work, it's important to have emotional intelligence, a growth-oriented mindset, self-awareness, and the ability for self-reflection.

I’m inspired by the people around me, especially Chef (Corey Lee) but also by my own drive — believing in my abilities and striving not only to meet but to surpass expectations. I aim to make a positive impact on my team and those around me, and hopefully inspire them in return.

Burnout is common in many industries, not specific to ours. Personally, I like to stay active and work out, and push my body to its limits. It's not only a physical challenge but a mental one as well. Pushing your physical limits requires mental resilience, discipline, and the ability to overcome discomfort and self-doubt.

To keep the team inspired, I tailor my approach to each individual, adapting my words and style to bring out the best in them — not just at work, but in their personal growth as well. Sometimes that means drawing from what happens during service, and other times it’s discussing things outside of our field to inspire new perspectives. I want them to see the value of their work, the impact they have, and to recognize that the place they’re in is truly special. When they can connect their own growth with the success of the team, it creates a win–win for everyone.

Every job and the people I worked with have impacted my career in different ways. I’ve learned from managers whose leadership traits I admired and wanted to mirror, from colleagues whose skills inspired me to raise my own standards, and from others whose example showed me what not to do. Whether positive or negative, each experience has shaped the professional I am today.

I focused on being the best in my role, rather than chasing titles or promotions. I knew there was a lot to learn, so I didn’t put myself on a fixed timeline. Early on, I often worked alongside people who were older and far more experienced. That was an advantage, but it was also intimidating — there’s always that little voice of doubt wondering if you’re truly cut out for it. I learned to quiet that voice by focusing on reality: identifying what I didn’t know, turning that awareness into a plan, and making the internal conversation productive. I studied, I asked questions, and I spent time gaining the knowledge I lacked. I understood I couldn’t fast-forward experience or time, so I had to find my edge another way — through preparation, self-awareness, and consistent effort.

I believe leadership naturally evolves over time. The way I managed back in 2017 is very different from how I lead today in 2025. I won’t pretend I was always open to learning and change — I’ve definitely been stubborn at times. But with age, experience, and maturity, I’ve learned the importance of being adaptable.

Working with people from diverse backgrounds has challenged me to be more flexible and creative in how I communicate and lead. Throughout my career, I’ve always tried to put my best foot forward, even when it wasn’t perfect, knowing there was always room to grow and improve. Diversity has played a big role in pushing me to close those gaps and become a better leader.

I’m always honest with my team and lead with authenticity, showing them that I’m human too. By being open about challenges, listening without judgment, and valuing their perspectives, I create an environment where everyone feels included, supported, and confident to contribute their best.

I don’t buy into the idea that work/life balance in our industry has to be especially difficult. Any field where you want to be at the top will have its challenges. It requires real commitment and sacrifices — there’s no way around that. It’s about what you’re willing to invest. Ultimately, how much time and energy you put in is your choice. If you want balance, you find a way to make it work or you adjust your path. No excuses.

I’ve found that burnout is much harder to experience when you’re doing something you truly believe in and love, surrounded by people who are just as committed. But we all have hard days, no doubt. When burnout hits, it’s important to ask yourself why it’s happening and what you’re going to do about it. It’s not just about pushing through — it’s about recognizing the signs early and taking action, whether that means adjusting your workload, seeking support, or reassessing your goals. Ultimately, what you do should be meaningful and fulfilling, something that contributes to your personal growth. When you’re doing it for yourself and your own development, burnout becomes much less of an issue.