Join us for an enlightening discussion as we explore the intersection of hospitality and leadership with our latest guest, Taylor Scott. Taylor, an accomplished author, keynote speaker, and leadership development consultant, shares insights from his rich career spanning Disney Parks and Resorts, Gaylord Hotels, and Las Vegas landmarks like Wynn and the Cosmopolitan. He reveals the inspiration behind his latest book, "Give Hospitality," a Hawaiian-themed fable that draws on real-life experiences and relationships with influential leaders. Listen in as we discuss the art of storytelling and its power to convey essential leadership principles, while Taylor highlights the role of mentors and personal connections in shaping his narrative.

Discover the transformative essence of hospitality in leadership as we reflect on its role in creating welcoming and inclusive environments. Inspired by a memorable pre-opening speech at Gaylord Palms Resort, we explore how the spirit of hospitality can bridge divides in both personal and professional settings. This conversation emphasizes the importance of generosity, kindness, and the spirit of Aloha in fostering meaningful relationships and driving performance. Taylor shares personal anecdotes that illustrate the impact of empathy and authenticity in leadership, revealing how these qualities build trust and foster a culture of connection.

We also touch on the importance of intentional leadership and organizational transformation, as Taylor shares his journey from Walt Disney World to the bustling scene of Las Vegas. He emphasizes the significance of gratitude and intentionality in overcoming challenges and achieving desired outcomes. In addition, we discuss the dual aspects of giving and receiving hospitality through effective feedback, underscoring the importance of dialogue and constructive conversations. Finally, we highlight the role of personal and organizational values in creating a culture of hospitality, offering practical exercises and metrics to measure success. Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation that promises to inspire and inform.

Key Takeaways

– Hospitality is the ability to make people feel welcome, comfortable, and important, a core competency of transformational leadership that applies across all industries

– Emotional connection drives behavioral change; Jonathan Haidt's "rider and elephant" metaphor shows how emotion (the elephant) provides the energy while logic (the rider) provides direction

– Consistency in leadership behavior, not initial perfection, builds trust and credibility; keep showing up authentically even when facing initial skepticism

– Remote leadership is possible when leaders commit to three non-negotiables: one-on-one meetings, team meetings, and strategic digital communication

Chapters

02:21 Guest Introduction: Taylor Scott's Background and 20-Year Hospitality Career

03:54 The Inspiration Behind Give Hospitality: Hawaiian Theme and Fable Format

05:25 The Story of Kauele Resort: Character Development and Core Values

12:31 The GIVE Framework: Hospitality Rooted in the Spirit of Aloha

14:21 Business Results and Hospitality: The Inseparable Connection Between Relationships and Performance

18:33 Empathy as a Learnable Skill: Building Authentic Connection in Stressful Times

21:01 Consistency in Leadership: Why Daily Behaviors Build Trust More Than Words

27:33 Intentional Leadership: Vision, Mission, and Values as Accountability Anchors

45:50 Leading with Hospitality in Remote and Hybrid Environments

Connect with Craig Dowden and the Do Good to Lead Well Podcast

Website: https://www.craigdowden.com

Guest Contact Information

Taylor Scott: Founder Hospitality, LLC

Website: https://www.leadwithhospitality.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tscott1502/

Email: info@leadwithhospitality.com

Books:

- Give Hospitality

- Lead with Hospitality

- Ball Games to Boardrooms