Rob Leon’s Post

I don’t think people who work in hospitality and retail get enough hype. This weekend I completed a 9 hour plate waiting and catering shift for a large wedding with over 100 guests. On your feet for 9 hours, serving food, pouring wine, navigating demands and requests by guests, going on side quests to find water bowls for dogs, washing up, carrying food and large boxes up and down stairs, tidying smashed and disgarded glasses, polishing over 300 glasses.... The list could go on forever. 🔁 All I want to say is working in hospitalty is bloody hard but so rewarding. 💭I sparked conversation with a number of guests and it was really wonderful to hear that they were enjoying themselves and having a great time. Makes the huge blisters worth it. I absolutely loved my retail job with Sweaty Betty and would jump at the opportunity to work with such a supportive team again in a heartbeat. 💜 Working on the Sweaty Betty floor, I learnt: 🤍 to communicate with a range of people 🤍make personal reccomendations based on my product knowledge 🤍learnt everything there is to know about leggings 🤍be organised in the stock room and precise when stocking the store floor 🤍work as a team to manage store operations 🤍provide excellent customer service- you never know when a mystery shopper will walk through the door! My video below displays my entire day worth of work sorting and preparing for a stock take. After being called to work in Bristol to support the team after their staff had fallen ill. 🫶 Working for a company like Sweaty Betty where i can combine my passion for sport, people and branding is a dream✨ Basically my point is, working in these jobs are amazing for character building, developing strong communication skills and helping you work out what kind of people and industries you want to work with in the future. 💪 Sometimes your interactions with people are not great but most of the time there are. So be kind! It will make someone’s day 💛 🌟When someone comments on your service and smile after spending 4 hours serving them, it makes the blisters, sore arms and archy legs worth it. 🌟 Another shift this weekend before I finally sign off for three weeks to solo travel around Portugal 🇵🇹 #hospitality #retail #characterbuilding #communication #careerdevelopment #earlycareers

You don't JUST have restaurant experience: You have experience working in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment while handling numerous tasks simultaneously. You don't JUST have retail experience: You have experience aligning synergies with clients to identify their needs and offer product solutions. You don't JUST have warehouse experience: You have experience managing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of inventory while fulfilling over 50 orders daily. You don't JUST have experience staying home with the kiddos: You have experience managing the household's day-to-day operations while ensuring alignment with meetings, appointments, and other crucial events. My point is: STOP saying you "JUST" have experience in something. Your experience is valid; you just need to phrase it correctly. Have the confidence to step outside your comfort zone and apply to the job you want.

A few weeks ago, I took on a part-time position as a Front of House staff at a bustling restaurant. The atmosphere, patrons, and cuisine have made it a very enjoyable work experience. But beyond the delicious dishes and friendly banter, I’ve discovered an unexpected skill transfer from waiting tables: I am better at chess. Yes, chess! 🤔👑 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐭𝐬: 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 At first glance, you might wonder how a checkered restaurant floor relates to the chessboard. Allow me to unravel the mystery. 𝑀𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑠𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔: As a waiter, I’ve become a maestro of multitasking. Balancing multiple tasks—taking orders, serving dishes, and ensuring everyone’s dining experience is top-notch—requires finesse. It’s juggling plates (literally!) while maintaining a smile. 🍽️🎪 𝐶ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑠: 𝐴 𝑀𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐺𝑦𝑚: During my daily bus commute, I’ve been immersed in chess battles via a mobile app. The pieces dance across the board, each move a calculated step, a new threat, and a new plan. And guess what? My victories have multiplied! 🏆♟️ 𝑃𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑙 𝑈𝑛𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑠: Here’s the magic: the skills I’ve honed as a waiter—anticipating customer needs, strategizing table assignments, and managing time—are eerily similar to the mental gymnastics of chess. Just as I navigate a bustling restaurant floor, I maneuver my chess pieces, anticipating threats and seizing opportunities. 🌐🔍 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 So, why does this matter? Because it’s all about transferable skills. As I am darting between tables, I’m not just serving food—I’m mastering the art of multitasking. It's fascinating to realize that, when I sit down for a game of chess, I’m channeling that same focus and adaptability.

It doesn't have to be this way?   The word is PROUD, not SILLY.    Or excited, happy, hopeful, forward thinking, constantly growing, kicking ass, delighted, ecstatic... This particular guy had left a 4 career in home health care to return to the industry.    "Why" I asked? "So many reasons!" he excitedly started listing off with big bright eyes! - More money - Easier path to management - Better schedule - Learning every day - Way more fun - Help so many people at once - New adventure every day But he seemed shy about the fact he left a "real job" to come back to working in a restaurant.   Are you kidding me? Hospitality is the REALEST job of all.   - People skills - Management skills - Finance skills - Negotiation skills - Budgeting skills - Training skills - Marketing skills - Community involvement skills - Entertaining skills - Creative skills - Menu knowledge skills - Multi tasking skills And he is right where he needs to be! For his personal and career growth. But also for me, and all the other guests he impacts daily. Excelling in his role, delighting guests, growing everyday and the future is beyond bright for him! He created a great experience for me on one of the hardest days I have had in a long time.   His upbeat and positive attitude was exactly what I needed.   He didn't know that... He just followed his passion in his role. Let's develop more of this guy! Heck ya!   Whose with me? 👊 #restaurants #careers #hospitality #growth

#Loyalty for Yogurt Over the past year, my team and I have been working #remotely from different cities around the planet. Last week, I found myself in Tbilisi, and instead of a hotel, I rented a cozy apartment. I checked in late at night (this is important). In addition to standard amenities like Wi-Fi and towels, there were some non-trivial things: - In the fridge — cheese, bread, and yogurts - In the bathroom — hand and face cream - In the wardrobe — a lint roller for clothes And other conveniences throughout the apartment Of course, I gave a 5-star rating on the booking service, handed the hostess a gift, and will recommend this apartment to all my friends. What did the hostess do from a #product perspective? She anticipated more user scenarios than other landlords. When we arrive at night, we want to eat, but all the shops are already closed. She left us dinner and breakfast. When we came for a vacation, we hardly brought a lint roller with us, but hair continues to stick to our clothes. She prepared a roller. And so on. Conclusion — how to develop a product so that customers are delighted? We need to cover even more user scenarios. We find out what new tasks arise for clients as they use the product — and solve these tasks (or #jobs) #jtbd #remoteworking #productgrowth #maxonmission

🎯 Nailing Your “Day in the Life” Visit at a Restaurant Interview 🎯 As a manager candidate in the restaurant industry, being asked to do a “day in the life” visit is a big opportunity. It’s your chance to show more than what’s on your resume and prove that you’re the right fit for the team. Here are a few tips to make sure you shine: 1️⃣ Be Curious, Ask Questions: Show your interest by asking about everything from daily challenges to brand standards. Understanding the restaurant’s culture and operations can set you apart. 2️⃣ Engage with the Team: Interact with team members at all levels. Building rapport and showing respect for every role will demonstrate your leadership qualities and team spirit. 3️⃣ Observe and Adapt: Pay close attention to the flow of service and the restaurant’s vibe. How do the team members communicate? What’s the customer experience like? Adapt to the environment to show that you’re quick on your feet. Help as needed! 4️⃣ Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills: If you see something that could be improved, mention it tactfully. It’s not about criticism—it’s about showcasing your problem-solving mindset. 5️⃣ Standards: Don't be afraid to pick up trash on the floor if you see it. Refill paper towels while washing hands if empty. You might not know their standards but you understand the basics of any restaurant. 6️⃣ Bring the Positive Energy: Smile, stay enthusiastic, and remain engaged. Talk to team members and guests in order get to know them. 7️⃣ Follow Up: After the visit, send a thank-you note that includes specifics about what you observed and appreciated. This will reinforce your interest and attention to detail. Make your “day in the life” experience count by going beyond the basics and showing that you’re already thinking like a team member. Good luck! 🍀 #restaurants #restaurantjobs #careermatchmaker #restaurantrecruiterguy #superiortalentsource #recruitinghospitality #restaurantrecruiter #hospitalityrecruiter #recruiter #hospitalityopportunities #restaurantopportunities #hospitality #talent #opportunities #recruiting

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Imagine being hired as a chef and then asking your client, “What’s for dinner?” That’s not why they brought you on board! They hired you to figure it out and create something amazing. The same applies when you’re hired for a job. Your employer or client brought you in because of your expertise, creativity, and ability to solve problems. Don’t ask them what to do—show them your value by delivering solutions and innovative ideas. Take the lead, showcase your skills, and prove why you’re the right person for the job. #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalDevelopment #TakeTheLead #JobSuccess #ShowYourValue

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 📈 Imagine you’re planning a special family dinner at your favorite restaurant, which opens just a bit earlier than the others. You decide to get there right when the doors open and to your delight you receive: • 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 🍽️: You’re the first to choose the best table. • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 ✨: You sample the chef’s latest dishes before the evening rush. • 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 🌿: You enjoy a quiet ambiance, free from the usual crowd. This experience highlights an important lesson: 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗢𝗳𝗳 🚀 Just as arriving early at the restaurant gives you the best experience, being proactive in your professional life can set you up for success: • 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 🌐: Engage with potential clients and connections ahead of others. • 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 📈: Apply for roles and projects early to stand out. • 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 🎯: Take on new challenges before they become competitive. Being prompt and taking the initiative can open doors to opportunities that others might miss. So, just remember that an early start can often lead to the most rewarding experiences. #CX #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalDevelopment #Networking