Great Hotel Brands

With Luis Tello

Following is my interview with Luis Tello, Assistant Director of Purchasing, The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows and Hotel Bel-Air. Hope you enjoy!

Me: So you know in my last series, "Hospitality Heroes," I interviewed Veronica (Hotel Bel Air Boutique Clerk), who is such a pleasure to work with. You also were so kind to offer a great quote which I included in the main piece of that series. This last year and a half has been quite challenging for those in the hospitality arena as you know, and many have come out of this last year stronger, and learned a lot. What do you think are the most important things you have learned through all this so far?

Luis: I think patience. So much of what has gone on, and continues to go on is out of our control. What is in our control? Obviously we need to know patience, and to not stress about certain things. Understanding that things come up that are out of our control, and I control what I can and what I can't is really out of my hands. Each day is a blessing, and I am grateful first. At any moment, things can change. Gratitude is very important. This past year has made a lot of people better, and a lot of us are coming out better people.

My Takeaway:

Patience and gratitude! Also, letting go and surrendering are key takeaways, especially from this past year.

#patience

#gratitude

#bestrong

#bettertogether

#gratitude

#patience

#lettinggo

#surrender

Me: In my opinion, Dorchester Collection, is one of the best brands. I know that so many employees stay for so many years and there is loyalty, as well as longevity. I think this speaks volumes to the management, leadership, and also work culture at Dorchester.

Luis: Yes, indeed. There are over fifty people who are part of the Quarter Century Club. Another forty team members are here more than twenty. I've been here thirteen plus years.

Me: Yes, I think Arnel Ramirez who you work with, has been there a long time right? He is an awesome guy too!

Luis: Arnel is part of the Quarter Century Club, and has been here since the renovation in 1996. Without a doubt the work culture is great and the company is terrific to work for. This does indeed play a huge part in the retention of employees such as myself, Arnel, and many others. The longevity and the environment here is also great for our guests.

My Takeaway:

Great leaders, and great brands inspire and create loyalty, longevity among their people. This also creates loyalty, longevity among guests.

#longevity

#workculture

#corporateculture

#bettertogether

#corporateresponsibility

#leadership

Me: There is a quote on your website from Denise Flanders, who is the General Manager of Hotel Bel Air. She says "the emotional attachment that some have for Hotel Bel Air is so very special." I was so intrigued by this, as I feel emotions and emotional connections are extremely important in business. Working with many of the individuals at your hotel brand since the early 2000s, I know building, establishing and maintaining connections are important to your brand. Thoughts about this quote?

Luis: We genuinely care about people and understand the importance of emotional connections. Every person is different, and appreciates different things. It is the emotional connection that drives people to come back, and we build connections from an emotional level. We have many locals that come just for dinner, or for a night, and we respect the community and the community respects us. I believe we all do a great job here, in how we treat and service our guests, so they keep coming back.

My Takeaway:

Actions speak way louder than words. I still remember Regina Davis, who worked in the boutique at The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows, who wrote me a handwritten thank you note on their pink and white striped stationery, back in 2005/6. To this day, I remember the impression that it made on me. I mentioned this to Luis during our interview, as he worked with Regina, and is familiar with that pink and white stationery. True connection, appreciation, and caring, will always be evident and felt on a deep level. This is why i believe that robots will never replace human connections!

#actionspeaklouderthanwords

#connection

#emotionalconnection

#appreciation

#caring

#environmentsthatfosterconnection

#norobots

#peoplepeople

Me: Knowing that we are all doing our best to navigate these times, and with almost everyone in our industry spread so thin, how do you prioritize your workload each day? Do you have a daily to do list? weekly calendar? monthly?

Luis: At the end of the day, I send an email to myself. I set it up as a draft, and I add to it during the day. I put on there the things that are still pending, any new projects that come in that I need to follow up on. Things that I did not get to, I set reminders for myself. I also recap what I took care of and what needs to get done. What is pending, done, what is urgent, etc...

My Takeaway:

Priorities are important and staying in the day. One day at a time works well for me, and I think what Luis does to manage his work load is a great and empowering practice. This way, one gets to review, and acknowledge what did get done, and what moves into the next day/future. Unreasonable expectations we may put on ourselves, or others' unreasonable expectations projected upon us, does not serve anyone well. Daily progress and process!

#dailyprogress

#onedayatatime

#workyourland

#breathe

#stayintheday

#enjoytheprocess

#embracetheprocess

Me: As you know, there are many delays with production, and all that is involved with that. I know your property does appreciate USA made products, and I think more and more are understanding the benefits of buying made in the USA. Thoughts on this?

Luis: Yes, with all the delays getting products from overseas, with freight, shortages, etc... I think buying USA is a better way to go about business. I think there is a shift over to USA/ locally made. In general, I believe people are starting to care more about where products are made, whereas in the past many looked at what is cheaper. Even with our food, we have been looking for more options, more local farmers markets, supporting local breweries, etc...

My Takeaway:

Supporting USA made and locally made/grown is hopefully a trend with many, that will continue.

#USAmade

#locallymade

#buylocal

#buyUSA

#madeintheUSA

Me: As you probably know from many of my other interviews, I love nature. Big fan of art and nature. Tell me a bit about your swan pond.

Luis: Yes, our historic swan lake. We have three swans in there. A majestic walk across the bridge and it transforms our guests beyond Los Angeles. Our plush gardens really help to make our guests feel like they are on a real get away, away from city life.

My Takeaway:

Along with the historic swan lake, Hotel Bel-Air has twelve acres of tropical gardens, 483 specimen trees, more than four thousand plants. One of my favorite Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes: "Accept the pace of nature – her secret is patience."

#ralphwaldoemerson

#patience

#flow

#nature

#simplicity

#beauty

I want to thank Luis for his time, as I truly enjoyed this interview. Luis is a joy, and a true professional! What an asset to the Dorchester brand!

Hotel Bel-Air is celebrating its 75th year anniversary this month August.

For more information on The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows and Hotel Bel-Air, visit:

www.dorchestercollection.com/en/los-angeles/the-beverly-hills-hotel/legendary-bungalows/

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

Good Leadership, Part Five of Series

My next interview of this series, is with Tom Kabbash; Designer, Entrepreneur, Visionary, and Leader. Hope you enjoy, as much as I did!

Me: This is a real treat, and I am so glad we are doing this interview. As you know, I think you are a truly exceptional leader, and you are an example of how good leaders are there for others and inspire people to be the best they can be. This is something you have done for me, like no other person in my life. So, thank you for that Tom.

Me: So, what is your definition of a good leader?

Tom: Good question..... I think a lot of this is about context. Initially, when I think of a leader, I think of people who 'report' to someone, in a corporate setting. There is a 'head' of a group and this person leads people. I don't see myself in that vain. I don't have a company where I am employing people. So, I do not fit this mold. And then, I think what else is a leader, and I think everyone is a leader in their life- whether in a community, family, sports, hobbies, etc... Everyone gets to be a leader somewhere.

My takeaway:

Great points Tom makes and so true- " everyone gets to be a leader in their life."

#everyoneisaleader

#leadership

Me: So I know you follow Simon Sinek's work, and I was listening to his podcast and the interview he did with his sister.

https://simonsinek.com/discover/episode-16-moving-forward-with-my-sister-sara/

This interview reminded me of you a bit. You understand on a deep level, like Simon does, the power of being there for another person. You have shown up for me repeatedly in many of my darkest moments. You were fully present for me, when I was going through my trademark infringement case with my Eyes Cream Shades, you were fully present for me after my dad's passing, and you showed up for me after a car accident coming to help me. You were present for me, after a fire that had devastated my life, and you were present for me many other times, and I remember all of them. The gift of having a person in one's life who shows up during the tough times, and not just the good ones, is the mark of a true leader in my opinion. One never really knows, how many lives they truly touch, unless they are told. I reflect on some of the advise you have given me through the years, which possibly at the time, you may have thought I was not deeply listening, but I was. You have been such an instrumental person in my life, and one of the most inspiring people on my journey. So with regards to Simon Sinek's work- what do you think inspires you about him?

Tom: If anything, it is the ‘Johnny Bravo' story – a fighter pilot goes into an intense situation laying down ground fire to protect ground troops illustrating the type of fearless leader that puts himself at the ultimate risk in order to save others. When I was a kid, in a very limited way, I had the experience of helping someone else and I learned early on, that I felt good by doing so. Simon Sinek's video "Leaders Eat Last," I watched no less than nine or ten times. In his video, he talks about the chemistry in the brain and the chemicals which can become addictive, and can be prevalent in a capitalist culture. Leaders put others before themselves, and I, like many probably, grapple with this concept, as it is a challenging one. How can I be of service to others? How can I get my needs met, and meet the needs of others? With the company I am building, I am manufacturing eyewear domestically, which as you know well, is uncommon. My product is going to be made of plant based sustainably sourced materials. So the concept of putting others first, within the context of my eyewear company- my ego can get attached to the outcome, while I also want to provide beautiful frames for men and women to enjoy and feel good about wearing.

My takeaway:

I agree with Tom, in that the concept of being of service to others, while also getting needs met is a challenging one for many. This is why I am asking my next question......

#needs

#leaderseatlast

#simonsinek

Me: So, some are good at being of service to others, and they can get a bit out of balance in understanding they have needs too. Thoughts on this?

Tom: I do think if it comes from a healthy place, and not an insecurity – it is natural, and there is no need to think about maintaining balance. Sometimes giving can be 'people pleasing' and this is driven by our own insecurity and our own personal issues. We can give and care for others, while taking inventory of our own wellbeing. Within a company, a leader needs to know how to balance the books, or else they can not take care of all the employees, and end up bankrupt. This idea can be the same for myself and managing my own wellbeing.

My takeaway:

Terrific insights!! Definitely worth a listen to Simon's "Leaders Eat Last". Also great points that Tom makes on how being of service needs to come from a healthy place- "we can give and care for others, while taking inventory of our own wellbeing." Taking inventory and self awareness is always good.

#takinginventory

#healthygiving

#balanceneeds

#simonsinek

#leaderseatlast

#selfawareness

Me: You, like myself, have a deep spiritual side. Do you think there is a spiritual component to leadership? In my interviews thus far, no one has mentioned God or the spiritual aspect(s) of leadership.

Tom: Yes, I do believe there is a spiritual aspect to leadership. What is spirit.... breathe of life. For me personally, being spiritually fit requires maintenance. Being in a good place spiritually for me is when I am coming from a very positive place, looking for solutions, seeing the greatness in others and being outside myself, outside of looking to have my own needs met. In turn, when I can come from a spiritual place my own needs always get handled. This is often an idealized state or way of being that I strive for. I have found a few ways to recharge and this most definitely takes me out and away from the 'corporate rat race’. Connecting with nature, meditation, outdoor activity and music are some of the ways that help me come from a healthier more spiritually fit place. Connection to other people can also provide me with a spiritual boost. Connection with people or nature. I can get caught up in the game of business and be driven solely by the opportunities of capitalism, money and the successes defined by these pursuits. The struggle is real, haha! With regards to multi-national corporations, if there is a spiritual aspect present in the leadership I would imagine the results could be positive. These large corporations can provide massive levels of assistance, help and product for developing nations, while they also can really be seen as monsters with one thing in mind, profits at all costs. Again, spirituality to me is more defined by nature and life, when a leader not only considers but prioritizes the impacts on our planet, the environment and the wellbeing for our people, and looks at the larger more holistic picture, I can only imagine what the results can be because I am not sure this really exists in our world right now. Many of the corporate problems may even be rooted in the larger issues of spirituality. In our capitalistic society, corporations want to gain more and more for themselves, more for the bankers and the wealthy. Those who look for their own gain, end up betraying others. So spirituality can also come from a moral place, and conscience- what is right versus what is wrong morally. I like to support B-Corporations, the idea of B-Corporations, the corporate by-laws as I understand them, benefit the employees and the environment as a priority over the shareholders where C-Corporations prioritize the shareholders over everything else. I can get tied up between the joy of creating new products for people to love while also having an anger towards our capitalistic system that has generated massive wealth for many. The 'more, more' for ourselves culture is highly addictive. Listening to Simon Sinek's video on 'Leaders Eat Last' , helps me understand this on another level.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gUL76lV7gk

My takeaway:

I agree with Tom, there is indeed a spiritual aspect to leadership. As Tom shares- spirit is breathe of life. Tom inspires, and he is one of the most spiritually based leaders that I know. I also agree with Tom about our capitalistic society, and large corporate greed. I know many creatives, entrepreneurs, minority owned businesses, small businesses, that reflect upon this, and are frustrated by systems that are not based upon spiritual principles.

#spiritualprinciples

#spiritualityinbusiness

#corporategreed

#equality

#spiritualmaintenance

#spiritualfitness

Me: So, this brings me to the question of nature and leadership, and how they relate to one another. I love nature, and I know you do too. Do you think there is any correlation to leadership, nature, and creativity?

Tom: What is better than being in nature? I remember growing up in LA, and I would go down to Orange County to surf, so I was going south on the 405, and all the traffic was going north. I remember reflecting upon how I am going into the ocean, at the end of my drive, and these people are all sitting in traffic to go into a room with florescent lights. This has had a profound affect on me and I feel very fortunate to have been able to have this perspective. Even when someone lives in a city, they can experience nature. They can see weeds come through the sidewalk, breathe the fresh air, look at the blue sky/ clouds, .... I think what is important is to have some consistent interaction with nature. To enjoy beauty and nature is part of leadership, and part of being a healthy human. So even walking instead of driving or taking a bus, one can get this connection. As you know, I have been fortunate to have surfed all over the world. Whether I am alone on the Oregon coast, or in South Africa, it is really hard to describe how wonderful I feel. It is such a great feeling, and it changes who I am when I come back home. I value things differently, and many of the decisions I make are different. My perspectives on things are better.

My takeaway:

Totally agree, and what Tom shares is deep wisdom- "to enjoy beauty and nature is part of leadership and part of being a healthy human". California is one of the most beautiful states, and whether it is driving down the coast, being by the ocean in San Diego; appreciating art in Laguna; walking the boardwalk in Newport Beach; surfing great waves, as Tom does - those who love California know the vital importance of nature. Home is where the heart is, and many have their hearts in this beautiful state. I totally get on a very deep level Tom's description of his driving down to OC to surf. I agree with what Tom says about perspectives on things are better, when we are able to spend time in nature. My best ideas and perspectives I have gotten while being in nature. To Tom's point, for those who live in a city, they can also experience nature. I was telling Tom about my last interview with Paul Patino, who is the GM of the popular Palm Springs Saguaro Hotel. Paul understands this concept of nature, creativity, and leadership, and put this into action at his hotel. In his employee hallway to the cafeteria, he hired a local tattoo artist to do a beautiful mural on the walls. I will post photos and a bit about the artist, in another blog. It was very inspiring to me, to see a leader of an organization, make this a priority. Rare indeed in the corporate world. This is very special, and totally in line with what Tom shares so eloquently.

#art

#creativityinleadership

#beauty

#natureandleadership

Me: There is a great quote from Henry David Thoreau, who is one of my favorites. He wrote Walden, and he says "You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land." Thoughts on this, as I know you are a surfer, and also creative, and an entrepreneur; so I though you would appreciate this question, on many levels...

Tom: That is an awesome quote. I actually have some of Thoreau's quotes at the bottom of my website.

Me: Wow! That is incredible – I love Thoreau!! I will check out those quotes, and put them here to share with others. There is deep wisdom in Thoreau's words. Here are the one's Tom has on his website: “I think that I cannot preserve my health and spirits, unless I spend four hours a day at least – and it is commonly more than that – sauntering through the woods and over the hills and fields, absolutely free from all worldly engagements." – Henry David Thoreau. “I have met with but one or two persons in the course of my life who have understood the art of Walking, that is, of taking walks – who had a genius, so to speak, for sauntering.” – Henry David Thoreau.

Tom: Yes, so I never heard the quote you mentioned, and it is really good. There is a lot in there. There is always a goal to be in the moment, and this is a lifelong process. The island of opportunity and looking to the other island, means we never really get anywhere unless we really commit. For me, I did not want to be 'pigeon holed' as 'the eyewear designer', but then decided to double down on eyewear. Sometimes things are right there in our face, and we do not see it- this is when the island of opportunities is looking at the other islands. The name of my eyewear collection - Saunt, comes from the word sauntering. The art of walking. Being present in the moment, and the world we live in along side nature. The process of sauntering- meandering. This is what emerged and it works. The balance and blend of connecting and being with nature, and the experience of being alive.

My takeaway:

Having built a successful niche sunglass brand, from the ground up, I know what it takes to build a niche in the eyewear arena. There are always riches in niches, and while some are "monetary" riches, others are riches that can not be "measured" in terms of dollars and cents. And then there are riches in niches that bring forth the fruits of both- the measurable and the immeasurable. The monetary, and the invaluable. Tom will no doubt make this a success in all aspects, as he has the experience, wisdom, creativity, inspiration, spiritual foundation as well as talent, heart, and class. I am so excited for Tom's new endeavor, as I know what a blessing his vision truly is.

#sauntering

#saunte

#nichesunglass

#richesinniches

Me: So what about passion and the importance of passion in leadership and being creative ?

Tom: I do not think it is just creatives who need to feel passionate about what they are doing- I think it is everyone. We can all draw passion from different things. I myself, need a bigger vision, for what I am up to. After I closed Pleasure Ground Eyewear, I had quite a hard time professionally. I was going through the motions to make a living, and something sparked in me two years ago. The spectrum of experiences has been a process. I wish I had bounced back sooner, with the closure and completion that I needed, as to what had happened. I had a lot of disempowering stories I was telling myself based upon closing the company. To put it simply, we didn’t generate enough sales and interest to keep the doors open and I was sitting in failure, disillusioned to try again. So this next venture, Saunt Eyewear, has been a different experience. I have energy, passion, and also fear but I do not feel pressure. Passion comes from a goal being bigger than self, and also comes from a challenge. I am able to saunter in the context of my business. I am excited that I am able to make sustainably sourced frames, which are stronger than nylon. I do not have the same financial liability since there are no mold costs. I am manufacturing myself domestically so minimums are quite a bit less. So less pressure, all the way around, as you know. Also, nature and conservation is very important to me, so I have the drive, and will do it in a sauntering way and let the brand and product progress organically.

My takeaway:

I love what Tom has shared! During and also after my trademark infringement case, I had a very hard time as well. Like Tom, the spectrum of experiences was a process for me, and I wished I had bounced back sooner too. On some level, I did not get the actual "closure" that I wanted, and was extremely disappointed as to how trademark laws really work, but I did go through the process and I did learn a lot. I think with entrepreneurs especially, those who work diligently at creating and building a brand, when it does not "work out" how they had planned or foreseen, there is a period of time that they need to process things, until they can get that passion and inspiration back for something else. Whether it takes a year, or many years, what is important is that they do get it back. I am glad that something sparked in Tom to ignite him into another passion project, as usually the next one is way better than the prior one , as the lessons learned are invaluable. No one can teach heart, passion, inspiration, vision, from a book or in a class.. For those who are blessed enough to embrace the process of discovery, growth, and knowledge; they come out on the other end wiser, and are able to help others who may have gone through something similar. There is a shared empathy and compassion. Many entrepreneurs go though this, and I am glad Tom is brave and vulnerable enough to share his journey. Ultimately, we all want to be whole healthy individuals, and that is something that exceptional leaders like Tom understand fully.

Me: So as you speak about Saunte, and how you will "do it in a sauntering way" – I think of the documentary "Down to Earth" with Zac Efron, where they did a segment in Sardinia Italy on the Blue Zones, and the gentleman they featured, Francesco Paba, sauntered daily. It was really cool, and quite intriguing!!

Tom: Yes, I did see it. It was with Darin Olien too. Great stuff!

My takeaway:

For anyone who has Netflix. check out Zac Efron's "Down to Earth." Be sure to watch the segment in Sardinia, with Francesco Paba who "saunters."

Me: So last question, any good podcasts you listen to?

Tom: Rich Roll, and also Finding Mastery Podcast.

My takeaway:

Here are the links to Tom's recommended podcasts:

Rich Roll: https://www.richroll.com/

Finding Master Podcast: https://findingmastery.net/tianna-bartoletta/

My final takeaways:

I want to thank Tom so much for taking the time to do this interview. I believe like Tom, we are all born leaders, and we all have something unique to contribute. Unfortunately, many do not have someone who sees them for who they really are- their innate gifts, talents, etc... Tom has always been able to see and honor my sensitivity, creativity, passions, and spirituality. So, in essence I think a great leader is one who helps inspire and build others. Ralph Waldo Emerson has said that "our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be." Tom does this for me, and I know for many others who are blessed to know him.