Entrepreneurship, Wisdom, No Robots

With Ryan and Corinne Priest

I decided to start another blog series, based upon an older blog post titled "Entrepreneurs Do Not Live in Vanilla Reality" (link below). Entrepreneurs are out of the box thinkers, and have a lot of wisdom and depth that they acquire through the school of hard knocks. Anyone can read a book about being an entrepreneur, but the ones who are actually putting in the action to build a business are the ones I tend to gravitate towards. I love those entrepreneurs especially, who believe that there are "riches in niches," and by "riches" I do not mean money only. There are many things that lifestyle entrepreneurs want to create; and they love the process and love the organic unfolding of a truly great idea. For them, "bigger" is not always "better."

My first interview is with Ryan and his wife Corinne, who are the Founders of Aloha Zoe Photography, based on the Big Island of Hawaii. Hope you enjoy, and get some jewels of wisdom that you may want to incorporate in your own journey through life and entrepreneurship.

Me: So Ryan, you and I worked together back when you were at the Fairmont Orchid, and I am thrilled at what you have created with your wife, Corinne. Tell me a bit about that transition. What did the process look like?

Ryan: It was a quite interesting transition. Corinne was a teacher, and I was at Fairmont. We both left our jobs, and traveled through South America for ten months. We went from the tip of Columbia to the tip of Patagonia, and to Brazil. Photography was a casual hobby of mine. We traveled, and took photos of orphanages in Columbia, and the photos of the kids we gave to the organization. Corinne and I love working together and serving others. Whether it was taking photos of different coffee farms in the Galapagos, or taking photos at an environmental company, this trip was a way for us to really be able to combine our passion for adventure and serving others.

My Takeaway:

Entrepreneurs by nature, love to create, and they want to feel that they are free to create something that aligns with who they are. We all have innate gifts, talents, as well as passions. The most successful ones, (and not pertaining to just money), are the ones who can combine all of their gifts, talents and passions, to create something wonderful. And what is better than creating with the one you love!!! Ryan and Corinne are two of the most amazing people, and I am so thrilled to have been able to "experience" during our interview the joy, love, and passion they have for each other, their business, as well as others.

#creativeentrepreneurs

#lfestyleentrepreneurs

#love

#loveentrepreneurs

#livealoha

Me: Is this love of travel, adventure, and serving others how you started Aloha Zoe? Do you both photograph the adventure weddings/elopements that you do?

Ryan: Before I worked at Fairmont I had internships in hospitality where i traveled to Nicaragua, Guam, and Corinne is from a 'travel industry' family. So we both love traveling and have traveled a lot, and we wanted to create something where couples could have an amazing adventure wedding. It has a lot of the elements of a larger traditional wedding. When we started I was pretty much the lead photographer, and Corinne learned a lot by watching. The photos we take are a combination of our different eyes and this adds to the variety of the galleries of photos we take.

#adventureelopement

#intimatedestinationweddings

Me: So, tell me a bit about some of the elements of a traditional wedding that you incorporate, and how wonderful it must be to share in a couple's wedding day.

Ryan: It is really amazing. Some family members write letters to the couple, and they read them at the beach; there are champagne celebrations; we can bring speakers for the couple's first dance at the beach, etc.... There is not the stress of having to accommodate so many people, and some couples when they go back home, they have a casual celebration. This is an amazing way for a couple to have an adventure on their honeymoon with trails, hikes, etc... many marry on the mainland, and have an adventure honeymoon.

Corinne: It is so wonderful to be a part of a couple's journey together. The photos we take, they can look back on, and for us, the coolest part of our job is we get to be with our couples. It is an all time high to get married, and be in love, so we are so passionate as we watch them step into marriage.

My Takeaway:

Clearly Ryan and Corinne love what they do. I believe love is the best and most sacred thing on this planet, and the vibration of love, and being around people who deeply love one another – what a great way to share in some powerfully special experiences.

"Life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit" - Kahill Gibran

#poweroflove

#love

#weddingadventures

#weddingjourney

#adventurehoneymoon

#kahillgibran

Me: You and Ryan are such an amazing couple, and have such joy and love in your hearts. All the couples must love working with you both, and having you as part of this amazing time in their lives and sharing in memories. What do you think are some of the things that keep a love vibrant and strong, and keep two people in love; sharing and growing through life's journey? There is so much negativity in the world, and on the news 24/7, and I truly believe love is the most powerful force in the universe, and not too many talk about love, true love. Thoughts?

Corinne: Yes, there is a lot of negativity around, and I think the love journey together can be most amazing. Our couples can look back on the photos, and see how they experienced all their adventures. Many of our couples wake up early, they carry their wedding attire on a hike to a beautiful view. We can have an amazing hike on muddy trails to get to a great place. We are all in this together. I think this can be a type of metaphor for their entire relationship. There will be peaks and valleys, and walking up a mountain, down a valley, etc.... there is a commitment to work through things together. Being in love and having a strong bond, couples work through things, and continue to love each other and see each other through life. It is also quite interesting to see...usually it is one of the partners who is more stoked on the adventure than the other. This is where I see the importance of compromise, as compromise is indeed an element of this as well.

My Takeaway:

I love the metaphor aspect Corinne shares. There will indeed be peaks and valleys in life and in any love relationship. As long as two people are rooted in their commitment to work though things together, and also the ability to compromise, there is no mountain or valley they can not walk through and to, together.

#lovingcompromise

#lovecommitment

#teamwork

#poweroflove

Me: Let's talk a bit about balance in entrepreneurship, which I think is essential for people like us, who want to have a lifestyle, and not be working 24/7. As I mentioned, I believe there are "riches in niches" and I also believe that "smaller" is better. The more niche, the better. and it is not always about bigger, and "more more more." I was so excited when Ryan told me that you were going off grid for three and a half weeks, since at the time he told me this, I was also trying to take some time off. I really see how obsessively connected people are to their phones, and have seen this for many years, but the extent to which it is most recently, uggh!! LOL. Thankfully there are many like us who do not want to be connected to their phones 24/7, as they do not want to be a part of the "robot" culture. Strong boundaries and a strong commitment to taking time away from the phone are essential and imperative. Thoughts?

Ryan: Corinne and I took three and a half weeks traveling to Montana, Idaho, and we also took the inquiry link down from our website to contact us. We also have date nights where we do not take our phones, and we spend time at the beach, and we also do not bring our phones there, even if we are there eight hours, or so. Every quarter, we plan a three day trip. and there are no phones. It is very intentional and it is indeed a choice. You are right about the boundaries. I think for us, our audience, slowly got to know us, and our lifestyle. The reason we started our business was to enjoy life, and not to be prisoners to our business. We have a life outside of our business, and we prioritize our life as a couple. We live a very simple life. We don't need to make a lot of money, or have too many clients, it is really more about booking clients who are the right people and fit for us.

My Takeaway:

Many do not want to be "prisoners" to their business or "prisoners" to their cell phones. There are so many of us, that love to escape, and break free from our phones and technology, and we all need to support and encourage those who want to consistently make these choices and decisions. Life is meant to be simple and beautiful, and not so complex. As with any niche business, the right people with the right clients, who are indeed the right fit, are the keys to building a wonderful endeavor. Unfortunately, some remain "stuck" with the wrong clients, and need to understand not everyone is the right fit. Clarity, awareness, alignment, and intention – Ryan and Corinne understand this and live this. They certainly do walk their talk, and embody the lifestyle entrepreneurial journey.

#intention

#clarity

#norobots

#freedom

#choices

I want to thank Ryan and Corinne for their time, as this interview was indeed a true joy and blessing! I love engaging with those who create a beautifully grounded and aligned life. Ryan and Corinne are true examples of passion, beauty, simplicity, wellness, joy, abundance, heart, and also deep and loving connection. No doubt, they live a life full of "aloha" – "they have a heart so overflowing with love and they have the ability to influence others with their spirit." To learn more about Ryan and Corinne, and Aloha Zoe Photography – please visit: www.alohazoephotography.com/big-island-adventure-elopement-photographers

p.s.

Me: Favorite ice cream flavor?

Ryan: Mint Chocolate Chip.

Corinne: I love sorbet, mango sorbet.

www.visionpassionfaith.com/post/entrepreneurs-do-not-live-in-vanilla-robot-reality

Hospitality Hero

Ryan Shulman

My third spin off interview of my "Hospitality Heroes" piece, is with Ryan Shulman, who is Spa Director and Director of Healing Arts at Bishops Lodge, an Auberge Resort, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Ryan made such an impression on me the first time that we spoke, I knew he was someone very special and someone who offered the hospitality industry something incredibly unique and refreshingly professional and authentic. Ryan is a true leader. The industry is very blessed to have him working and sharing his amazing and warm personality and perspectives.

I hope you enjoy this interview, and possibly get a tidbit (or more) of wisdom, to help you move forward on your journey in a "people" industry.

Me: So what is the one lesson that you learned this past year, working in your role within the hospitality arena? If you had to pick one?

Ryan: Adaptability. I have always been adaptable as a person, whether it is different changes in a work organization, or for me personally. This last year was a bit unique, in that I had to fall into a groove and adapt to something the whole world was going through. At times, and in the moment, it may have seemed like things would not be ok.... but I knew it would be.

In the beginning, we were kinda all 'scared' together. My leader helped me and motivated me to not fear, and this helped me, and empowered me to be strong. I wanted my team to see strength and true leadership in me. Fear is never a good motivator, and does not inspire. True leaders generate loyalty, and this is how great teams thrive.

My takeaway:

Ryan clearly stepped up to the plate as a solid leader. Whoever has the privilege of working with Ryan, sees his amazing talent as a leader, and his gifts of compassion, joy, hope, as well as being truly heart centered.

#nofear

#leadersinspire

#heartcentered

Me: Now that people are indeed traveling, and this past year is behind us, with many lessons learned, what is one of the lessons that you would like to share about now moving forward?

Ryan: Moving forward, my lessons may be a bit 'different', but they are still pertinent and exciting. I am in a very unique position, as I am now working at a brand new place, and I am starting basically from scratch. We are offering in room services for now, and this transition came at a time when I get a totally 'fresh start.' In a way, it has allowed me to 'shake off' this last year or so, and have a totally new start and a new adventure.

I loved where I was at (Four Seasons Santa Fe), and this opportunity opened up, and I took it. I believe that now, more than ever, people are wanting to get healthy, and experience wellness and healing.

My takeaway:

Wellness and healing are at the top of the list for many, now more than ever.

#wellness

#healing

Me: I know you loved where you were at previously (Four Seasons Santa Fe), and you are now at another property that you love as well. Many who love this industry are sticking with it, and some are also thriving in many ways.

Let's talk a bit about all those who are leaving the industry, do you think this is unfortunate (or fortunate). Thoughts?

Ryan: I think this time has given many more time to think, and many decided they did not want to come back to this industry.

Me: For me, speaking with so many people this past year, and hearing where people were "at" with their jobs, it definitely was a lot for many. Clients shared so much with me, I do question if they did not have managers, or leadership at their workplace, that they could share these types of things with.

You touched on wellness and healing, and I do think "workplace wellness" is something very few chat about. With so many hours spent at work, I do believe work should be a place of "wellness" also.

Thoughts on workplace wellness?

Ryan: It is important to create and maintain an environment at work, where people can communicate with their managers and leaders. If someone is not able to have a balanced life, they may have to evaluate what they are doing, and with whom they are doing it, and where.

Working seven days a week, and not taking days off, is not sustainable. Many neglect to talk to leadership.

Communicating to those who support them, is what they are there for. If there is not this environment, then some may indeed need to look at other opportunities, and find work environments that are supportive of who they are, and what they desire in terms of workplace wellness.

My takeaway:

I agree with Ryan on all points. I think workplace wellness is not at the forefront of many conversations at the board rooms of some/many organizations.

#workplacewellness

#goodleadership

Me: Do you think many do not speak up at their jobs, as possibly they tried before and they were met with "shame." Told to "be tougher;" "be stronger;" etc.... like there is something "wrong" with feeling unsupported and overworked? Again, the "robot" culture way of trying to infest great human beings, who have enormous innate potentials, into mere objects and commodities.

Ryan: Unfortunately, some team members may keep things inside as they do not want to 'rock the boat.' It is my priority as a leader, to allow space for my team to give feedback. Good leaders value others' perspectives. Good leaders allow space for receptive feedback. Maybe some processes are not working, so it is productive to have open dialogue and space for ideas. Once someone is in a toxic work culture, it is harder to see their way out of it, in many ways, one can not sacrifice boundaries, and people need to find their way to a middle ground that is sustainable for them personally. When the energy is not right, one needs to find a place where it is right.

Some people want to work in a toxic environment. There are plenty of masochists. They may feel stuck and do not see any other way to do it.

One must remember we all have the ability to choose. With my hard work, and my efforts, I also get to choose a life of wellness and balance. For those who are in sales, business owners, etc.... they also get to choose. They can decide who they work with and who they serve. My wife talks a lot about the power of consumerism. How we spend our money is a choice. The types of people we choose to do business with is also a choice. We get to choose how we best focus on the people and causes, that we most care about.

My takeaway:

I agree with Ryan, that good leaders definitely value others' perspectives, and allow space for receptive feedback. In my previous interview, the topic of managers versus leaders came up. Good leaders lead, and create work environments where people can thrive, and be themselves. Sometimes, as Ryan suggested, once someone is in a toxic work culture, they may have a harder time seeing their way out of it. This could be one of the good things that came from this past year. People became more aware of their roles and positions, and how they are treated in their workplaces.

Many are thriving, and learning and growing through these times, and building better teams. This is a great takeaway.

Ryan touched on the "power of consumerism." More and more people thankfully, are paying attention to where products are made, how they are made, and how are they contributing to the greater good. Whether it is USA made products, or products that are sustainable; or whether it is companies that use simple and ethical supply chains in the manufacturing of their products.... this is also a great takeaway, as to the power of choice in action for the good.

#madeinUSA

#consciousconsumerism

#toxicworkculture

#goodleaders

#goodleadership

#choices

Me: Finally, do you have one quote, or a couple favorite quotes, that you tend to live by, and refer to on a regular basis?

Ryan: I live with the idea of 'surrendering to the flow'. One can swim upstream but it is not worth fighting against the current. When one keeps trying something, and it is not working, one needs to look at the signs. There is definitely a path that makes sense, and the universe will push you in that direction, if one is paying attention, and receptive to the flow.

Me: I am all about the flow. I know when I am in the flow and when I am out of the flow. This is one of the reasons, I think surfers have such wisdom. They go through life with the energy of flow. They intuitively know when they are in the flow, and are great at getting back in flow, if they step out of it. I am not a surfer, per se, but I have always been drawn to the water, and surfers; hence so much time living in Southern CA. Nature holds many secrets, and if we would spend more time in nature, we may be better off as a society, in my opinion.

Ryan: I am a white water rafting guy, so I understand what you are saying about 'water people'. Some of the lessons I learned being on the water I do indeed take into life. I agree about the nature thing. Nature definitely keeps me grounded. People are spending too much time on their computers, and the 'computer world' is not really real. It does have an impact on how people view life, and can change a person's way of thinking since marketing, ads, etc... are all funneled to all who are looking.

Where are our roots, and where do we come from. Spending time in nature, we can ponder some of life's big questions. Looking at a bird on a tree chirping, the bird chirping on the tree is real. There is nothing being 'funneled' to our experience and awareness of the bird in the tree.

My takeaway:

Those who love nature, and love the water, probably understand this section on a deeper level. Whether like Ryan, who white water rafts, or someone who surfs, kitesurfs, swims, etc.... The water energy is vibrant, and special. Many who have a lot of the water element in their birth charts, also have a deep affinity to the wisdom, and awe of the water and know intuitively it holds much of life's keys to being and thriving in the flow of life.

Great insight about the bird on the tree..... Ryan is no doubt a very deep thinker, and has much wisdom to share.

#flow

#nature

#wisdom

I want to thank Ryan for this amazing time spent. It was a joy and fun, and it is my hope that someone else, or many others, can learn or embrace something in this interview that resonates with them.

For more information on Bishops Lodge, please visit:

aubergeresorts.com/bishopslodge/

#aubergeresorts

#bishopslodge

Hospitality Hero

Zack Gilarski

My second spin off interview of my "Hospitality Heroes" piece, is with Zack Gilarski who is Director of Purchasing at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center.

One of my favorite people in the industry, Zack consistently displays a level of service, warmth, professionalism, kindness, as well as true leadership.

Hope you enjoy, and possibly get a tidbit (or more) of wisdom, to help you move forward on your journey in a "people" industry.

Me: So what is the one lesson you learned this past year working in your role within the hospitality arena? If you had to pick one?

Zack: Planning. Planning is the most important thing I learned, and staying ahead. The people in the industry who did not plan well, are suffering now. There are a lot of things going on these past few months especially. Some thought everything in our industry would just die out, and we would not be busy. The fact of the matter is, there is a rush of business, and people are traveling. Many are hurting right now, since they did not plan ahead. I am continually looking for vendors, reviewing lead times on products, etc...It is imperative to look at the future, and review where supply chains are at, and forecasting appropriately to plan out. Looking at products, and where are they coming from. It is imperative to get things that are needed, so it does not hurt the guests or the experience of our guests.

My takeaway:

I agree with Zack on the planning aspect. It has been quite shocking to me these past few months, especially, how numerous Resorts and Boutique Hotels are scrambling so frantically, and even seem quite perplexed. Many of them are not only understaffed, but they did not plan ahead. Hence, they are in a rush for products, in many product categories.

In general, production times are longer, and raw materials are taking longer to arrive from overseas, so for those who did not see this coming, and prepare... it is really hard to deal with on many levels. There are also pricing increases for many product categories, and this is the reality of things. Working with someone like Zack who understands vendors, products, supply chains, timelines and lead times; along with being able to forecast and plan is quite rare in the hospitality industry these days, unfortunately.

For those reading this, I hope they have learned a bit about looking forward, projecting, and forecasting for product needs. Zack is a true leader, as leaders are always thinking ahead, planning, and being realistic; while remaining hopeful.

#planning

#supplychains

Me: Now that people are indeed traveling, and this past year is behind us, with many lessons learned, and many challenges hopefully met, faced, and solved; what is one of the lessons that you would like to share about now moving forward?

Zack: The importance of being flexible. I try and plan out four months ahead, so that there is no stress. I understand that many of the ports are jammed, and many raw materials are not available. I understand the 'ripple effect' of things. I stay ahead, so I do not end up being in a tough spot. Those who do not plan are stressed, and those who can not be flexible are also stressed.

In times like these, especially, flexibility is of the utmost importance.

My takeaway:

Being flexible is one of the many "secrets" in life.

"The green reed which bends in the wind is stronger than the mighty oak which breaks in a storm." - Confucius

The balance is to be flexible, while also planning. Zack seems to have mastered this art. In my opinion, this is an art, and hopefully not a "lost art." We can learn a lot from leaders like Zack.

#flexibility

#planning

#leadershipisanart

Me: Let's talk a bit about the "burn out" that many are feeling after a very tough year, and these last few months, which have indeed added more stress and work overload for many. Thoughts? Advice?

Zack: With many spread so thin, along with the work volume and stress, many are indeed burning out. For these locations, they need to bring in more support and also follow through with support. When many are only bringing back 25 of 50 employees, it is not realistic to continue to cut labor, and cut money. Support to get the job done should be the priority. One person doing the work of four people, or more, is not sustainable. Unfortunately. when individuals are stretched this thin, they can not provide the same level of service they want to, and desire to for the guests.

I put a lot of extra energy into my team. I also remind those that I work with as to why they got into the industry and why they loved the industry before all this. I ask them why they were passionate about the industry to help them bring back their fire and love for this industry. Uptraining, and cross training are also important. I put my trust in my team, and put forth the effort to train staff. I try to address issues before they get to a level that they should not be at. Trusting the team is paramount, and also coming up with solutions.

Finding answers and bringing stuff up to managers is important. Streamlining solutions, proposing ideas, and collaborating with teams is vital. Also listening, and hearing ideas. With the right type of management, there is a sharing of ideas. Many managers do not do some/many of the 'daily tasks' others are struggling with, and may not know or be aware of any issues. Once they are aware, it is easier to fix 'problems.'

Being proactive, solving problems, looking for solutions, and working well together.

My takeaway:

I think Zack is spot on. Many times, we need to remind ourselves why we do what we do, and why we have made some of the choices we have made. Self awareness is always at the center. Zack is someone who is not only extremely self aware, but is also great at helping others be more aware of themselves, their choices, and their environments. On many levels, I think we all need to reflect upon the areas in our lives that are sustainable, and not sustainable.

#burnout

#selfawareness

#leadership #choices

Me: Numerous "people-people" who have been in the hospitality industry many years, are leaving. Whether it is burn out, lack of team support, losing their passion for their work, etc.... whatever the reason, do you think our industry, in general, is not valuing its own people enough?

Zack: Well, everyone on the team needs to be proactive. If we have one 'rotten apple' – you know it can ruin the rest. Sometimes it is good to get the negative ones out. Ultimately, we do not want good people leaving, so it should not get to the point where someone is one last annoyance/disagreement/bad moment, away from quitting. This is one of the many reasons I try and create a friendly atmosphere, where others can enjoy and have some fun, at their work.

My takeaway:

Team work makes the dream work. Zack understands this on many levels. True leadership in action

#teamwork

#trueleadership

Me: Well Zack, as you know, you are one of my favorite people in the industry and a true leader no doubt. One last question, do you have a favorite quote/quotes that you tend to live by? Reflect upon?

Zack: Yes, I do have a favorite one-it is from Simon Sinek. I like to strive to be a leader. There are lots of managers, and very few leaders, as you know.

Simon talks about the difference between managers and leader: ' True leadership starts with distinguishing between being in charge versus taking care of those in our charge'..

#bettertogether

#trueleaders

#leadership

#simonsinek

Me: I want to thank Zack for this interview. It is always so refreshing to speak with someone who is a true leader, and walks their talk. I am so grateful that Zack took the time out of his day to chat with me. He has been a very strong example to me of how grace, knowledge, experience, kindness, humbleness, as well as attitude, optimism, and sense of humor can indeed be consistently lived fully throughout our day, even in challenging times. It is people such as Zack, that also help me to stay grounded in my belief that "all is good" despite many of the circumstances that come rearing up throughout my day.

If you want to learn more about Four Seasons Philadelphia at Comcast Center - check out

https://www.fourseasons.com/philadelphia/

#fourseasons

#fourseasonsphiladelphia