A Bit of Optimism

Should You Work With Your Friends? with my friend Will Guidara

Dec 10, 2024

Will Guidara, renowned restaurateur and author of 'Unreasonable Hospitality,' explores the challenges of mixing friendship with business. He shares insights on balancing humility and confidence, emphasizing how support enhances personal success. The discussion dives into the emotional dynamics of professional partnerships, highlighting the importance of honesty and vulnerability. They also address the complexities of friendship breakups and the necessity of effective communication in maintaining both personal and professional relationships.

49:26

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Episode guests

Will Guidara

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Quick takeaways

Starting a business with friends requires clear communication and understanding to maintain both the partnership and the friendship.

Vulnerability and intentionality in friendships are essential for growth, preventing misunderstandings, and strengthening connections over time.

Deep dives

The Complexity of Friendships and Business

Starting a business with friends can be a complicated decision that hinges on the nature of the pre-existing friendship. When friendships form within a business context, the dynamics can change, as individuals are navigating dual relationships of partnership and friendship simultaneously. Successful partnerships often require clear expectations and a mutual understanding of commitment levels, ensuring that nothing is left to assumption. Open communication about responsibilities and motivations can help prevent conflicts and preserve the friendship during business challenges.

Intro

2min

Friendship and Business: Navigating Complexities

9min

Vulnerability and Confidence in Business Friendships

9min

Navigating Emotional Conflicts in Relationships

2min

Navigating Friendship Breakups and Professional Dynamics

20min

The Dynamics of Collaborative Friendship in Creative Processes

2min

Balancing Humility and Confidence in Achievements

2min

Navigating Friendship and Business: The Courage to Embrace Change

3min

They say business and pleasure don’t mix. But what about business and friends?

My dear friend Will Guidara is the perfect person to dive into this question because we're actively trying to get into business together. And, let's just say, it requires a lot of effort.

In addition to being someone I love, Will is a renowned restaurateur, known for owning and operating Eleven Madison Park, once named the best restaurant in the world. He’s also the author of the brilliant book Unreasonable Hospitality and a co-producer of the FX television series The Bear.

Will and I have worked together before, so I was excited to chat with him about turning friends into colleagues, the reality of friendship breakups at work, and why sometimes showing respect means we have to change the way we treat a friend.

This…is A Bit of Optimism

For more on Will and his work, check out:

Unreasonable Hospitality

The Art of Creating Fiercely Loyal Customers