The Tao Te Ching is a central text in Taoist philosophy and religion. It consists of 81 brief chapters or sections that discuss the nature of the Tao, which is described as the source and ideal of all existence. The text emphasizes living in harmony with nature, the importance of simplicity, humility, and the interconnectedness of all things. It critiques unnatural actions and social activism based on abstract moralism, advocating for a life of 'nonaction' (wu wei) and spontaneity. The text has been highly influential in Chinese philosophy and has been translated numerous times, making it one of the most translated texts in world literature[2][3][4].
This book, first published in 1989, outlines seven habits that are designed to help individuals become more effective in their personal and professional lives. The habits are grouped into three categories: Private Victory (habits 1-3), Public Victory (habits 4-6), and Renewal (habit 7). The habits include being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, putting first things first, thinking win-win, seeking first to understand and then to be understood, synergizing, and sharpening the saw. Covey emphasizes the importance of personal integrity, effective time management, empathetic communication, and continuous self-improvement[2][5][4].
This book is a guide to songwriting by Jeff Tweedy, focusing on the process of creating one song. It emphasizes the importance of daily practice, overcoming self-doubt, and finding joy in the creative process. Tweedy shares personal anecdotes and exercises to help readers unlock their songwriting potential.
In 'Unreasonable Hospitality,' Will Guidara shares his experiences as the General Manager of Eleven Madison Park and The NoMad, highlighting the importance of hospitality in any business. The book emphasizes that simply offering a great product is not enough; organizations must also focus on creating authentic connections and memorable experiences for both customers and employees. Guidara provides practical advice on setting expectations, managing teams, and adapting to unexpected situations, all while maintaining a commitment to hospitality that goes beyond mere service. His approach is applicable across various industries, not just limited to restaurants and luxury businesses.
What do a fine dining maitre d. A magician burying cards in a backyard and a toddler looking for Elsa have in common? They all show us that magic still exists. If we’re willing to care more, than seems reasonable. In this episode, Will Guidara, who’s a former co-owner of 11 Madison Park, which was once named the best restaurant in the world, the author of Unreasonable Hospitality and advisor on the hit series The Bear, shares how he transformed a restaurant into the best in the world not through perfection but through moments of radical hospitality. Whether it was sending out hot dogs on fine China or designing hand signals to pour water silently. It was never only about the food, it was about making people feel seen. This is a conversation about joy, about seeing service not as subservience, but as nobility and the kind of creativity that invites connection.
The Tao Te Ching is one of those books I keep coming back to. Ancient wisdom, wrapped in poetry, that somehow feels more relevant every year. Like this line: “If you look to others for happiness, you will never be happy. If your well-being depends on money, you will never be content.“Simple. Clear. Actually useful.I’ve teamed up with Rebind.ai to create an interactive edition of the Tao—forty essential verses, translated into plain, everyday language, with space to reflect, explore, and ask questions. It’s like having a conversation not just with the Tao, but with me too. If you’re looking for more clarity, calm, or direction, check it out here.
Key Takeaways:
- The concept of hospitality and its significance in various aspects of life.
- Insights from the restaurant industry and the transformation of dining experiences.
- The balance between kindness and excellence in service.
- The importance of making people feel seen and valued.
- The idea of “unreasonable hospitality” and exceeding expectations.
- The role of creativity in building meaningful connections.
- The impact of self-care and generosity in service roles.
- Navigating relationships and managing people effectively.
- The value of criticism as an investment in personal growth.
- The importance of community and connection in fostering relationships.
Will Guidara: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
If you enjoyed this conversation with Will Guidara, check out these other episodes:
How to Connect More Deeply With the World with James Crews
How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection with Charles Duhigg
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