What if the fastest way to unlock performance isn’t to lead louder, but to host better? We sit down with best-selling author Steve Fortunato to rethink leadership through the lens of hospitality—not the restaurant kind, the human kind. Steve reveals why so much “look at me” leadership creates a vicious cycle of entitlement, and how the host mindset flips the script to “look at you,” building trust, engagement, and shared ownership.
We dig into three practical principles you can apply today. First, speak the good: start by changing the inner voice you lead from, then actively name strengths in colleagues, clients, and your company to counter negativity bias and build momentum. Second, honor the other: elevate dignity with real curiosity, mine for the gold, and apply what you learn through personalized recognition, better questions, and tailored support. Third, earn respect, don’t expect it: stand in their shoes to understand pressures and constraints, and pursue reconciliation when things go wrong so relationships are restored, not just transactions.
Throughout the conversation, Steve connects leadership and hospitality with vivid stories: power dynamics that make customers feel “lucky to be here,” the ecosystem of value that requires giving before getting, and how small hosting rituals—clear openings, inviting voices, pronouncing names right, closing loops—quietly transform culture. We close with a simple loop to keep you improving: celebrate what worked, then pick one thing to refine next time. If you’re ready to trade performative heroics for meaningful hosting, this one will change how you run meetings, lead projects, and serve customers.
🌐 Connect with Steve:
• Website: https://stevefortunato.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-fortunato-3b990516/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steve_fortunato/
📚 You can purchase Steve's book on Amazon:
• The Urgent Recovery of Hospitality: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1962341526
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📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below.
🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organisation here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers
📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV
If you would like a signed copy, please reach out to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too.
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