In this episode, Christopher McFadden, founder and career coach at the McFadden Group, shares his journey through the hospitality industry, his experiences as a sommelier, and the importance of emotional intelligence in career development.

He discusses the challenges faced by hospitality professionals, the significance of creating memorable guest experiences, and the impact of COVID-19 on the industry.

Christopher emphasizes the need for happy staff and the importance of personal growth and clarity in achieving success in hospitality.

• Christopher McFadden is the founder and career coach at the McFadden Group.
• He emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in hospitality careers.
• Christopher's journey began in retail and evolved into a passion for hospitality.
• He became a sommelier and highlights the challenges of the profession.
• Advice for aspiring sommeliers includes understanding the business and managing alcohol consumption.
• The McFadden Group focuses on career coaching and personal development.
• Christopher believes in putting staff first to create a positive work environment.
• He shares insights on creating memorable guest experiences in hospitality.
• The importance of goal setting for staff to enhance their careers.
• Christopher's tagline for his company is 'Building people, not positions.'

00:00 Early Retail Career Influence 04:39 From Acting to Wine Passion 09:14 Advice for Aspiring Sommeliers 11:24 Wine Expertise without Tasting 14:33 Hands-On Business Management Insights 18:07 Creating Memories Through Hospitality 22:49 Supporting Local Wine Producers 24:01 Collaborative Wine Program Success 29:34 Staff Wine Training Strategies 31:07 "Maximizing 'By the Glass' Program" 34:47 "Building Restaurant Leadership Skills" 37:33 "Aligning Personal and Professional Growth" 42:57 Happy Staff, Stronger Business Model 45:25 "Prioritizing Personalized Goal Setting" 48:15 "Building People, Elevating Performance" 50:04 Explore WISK: Book a Demo