On The Pass 121. Laurent Gardinier: Leading Relais & Châteaux
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Mar 5, 2025 Laurent Gardinier, President of Relais & Châteaux and co-owner of Domaine Les Crayères and Le Taillevent, shares his journey in hospitality. He dives into the importance of meaningful connections in travel experiences and how the collection promotes sustainability and local culture. Laurent discusses the upcoming 70th anniversary of Relais & Châteaux, the shift toward boutique hospitality, and the challenges of expanding into new markets like India and China while maintaining high standards. Passion and collaboration are key themes throughout.
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Entering Hospitality
- Laurent Gardinier's family, involved in the wine industry, bought Le Creyers hotel in Champagne 25 years ago.
- Having no hospitality background, they learned the business through trial by fire, realizing the importance of chef relationships.
Legitimacy in Leadership
- Laurent Gardinier learned the importance of legitimacy in leadership, contrasting political and business contexts.
- In business, legitimacy comes from skills and project management, while in politics, it's about connecting with people.
Balancing Act in Hospitality
- The hospitality industry requires balancing financial and design aspects, creating something with soul.
- The guest is the ultimate judge, as even well-intentioned projects can fail due to unpredictable factors.