With the challenges that 2020 keeps throwing in our path, it's understandable to lose sight of why we are passionate about hospitality. Here is a compilation of where industry leaders find inspiration that motivates them and keeps them going.

1

"I am inspired and driven by the need to solve a massive problem. When I think about the fact that millions of people don’t know where their next meal is coming from it gives me everything I need to be inspired to keep doing the work."

Jasmine Crowe, Founder and Owner of Goodr in Atlanta, GA
2

"We keep our team inspired and educated by encouraging them to devour information. We constantly circulate books, articles, and videos of things we find relevant to continuing our education in the food and beverage industry. It is extremely important to stay engaged mentally with the ever-evolving business of hospitality."

Brian Landry, Owner/Chef of QED Hospitality in New Orleans, LA
3

"Seeing the joy when guests enjoy something we've prepared keeps me motivated. The ability to change a cook or dishwasher’s life because you were able to provide an opportunity to grow, as well as the camaraderie in kitchens, also inspire me."

Kelly Jeun, Executive Chef for Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder, CO
4

"I find inspiration from my father. My father has been a true gastronomer. He takes a lot of joy in talking about food in a critical way. I feel if I can please him, then I can please everyone - and therefore, he inspires me every day to bring excellence to the table."

Simon Kim, Founder & President of Gracious Hospitality Management and Proprietor for Cote Korean Steakhouse in New York, NY and Miami, FL
5

"I have always found my inspiration in magazines and books. I am still that person; I still subscribe to print magazines of all kinds. When I visit bookstores, even just looking at book covers and seeing the colors, inspires me. I’m also inspired by art, including virtual tours of museums around the world, even though they aren't directly related to my work."

Julia Coney, Founder of Black Wine Professionals, based in Washington, DC and Houston, TX
6

"I typically look for staff who have ganas (or are eager to work), learn, and be leaders. This inspires me to work harder and keep creating growth and development opportunities for my team."

Jocelyn Ramirez, Founder of Todo Verde, Co-Founder of Across Our Kitchen Tables and Cookbook Author in Los Angeles, CA
7

"I find inspiration from the people in the hospitality industry. When I am at a restaurant, and a team member comes up to thank me / Culinary Agents for “changing their lives” and for “helping them progress their career in hospitality” it gets me to the core and drives me to work harder and faster for them. My collective team at Culinary Agents also inspires me daily. We are a small but mighty team serving this wonderfully diverse industry with evolving needs and expectations. "

Alice Cheng, Founder & CEO of Culinary Agents based in New York, NY