Chief Operating Officer at Metropolitan Hospitality Group

I am a hands on learner, I love getting an idea I come across online or on social media and then trying to figure it out: how did they do that? How can we do that? How can we make it better, how can we make it our own?

Some readings I have enjoyed: Food Lover’s Companion, Setting the Table, Food and Wine Magazine, Raving Fans, Extreme Ownership and leadership books by Stephen Covey.

It's nearly impossible for me to do my job without my self-doubt and self-awareness. Having the ability to ask more questions is critical. As people move up the ladder, they sometimes forget where they came from, they forget how to sweep the floor or how to take the trash out. You can’t let your ego get in the way and certainly can’t think that you’ve made it! You’ve got to keep moving forward and raise the bar, you need to help others to be great.

The key to maintaining a good work-life balance is understanding that everyone’s work-life balance is different. I have three boys and a baby daughter on her way. I hear people say all the time they want their weekends or Sunday off, they don’t want to close every night, they want a 9 to 5. But anyone who wants to do well in their career will do whatever they have to do to get the job done: doctors, nurses, firefighters, police officers, news broadcasters, athletes, lawyers, and so on. I’m not saying you have to work 24/7, but you need to understand what your work and life’s needs are, not what social media portrays or what you think others have. Work hard, play hard and do what is right. Lastly, remember that your work-life balance will evolve as life changes.