The Nobility of Service: Finding Magic and Connection in the Smallest Gestures with Will Guidara

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

For full show notes, click here!

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