Pre-Meal by Will Guidara

Happy Wednesday!

     Recently, I had the chance to speak at a gathering hosted by Marriott’s luxury division, including senior leadership from some of their most iconic properties. They invited me to join them afterward at dinner on the beach, so after the Q&A, I wandered down for a glass of wine. 

     I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I was absolutely stunned by the beauty that greeted me: long tables stood right on the sand, set with pristine white cloths and overflowing with flowers. Candlelight flickered, a live band played, and impeccable wines flowed as the sun set over the ocean. 

     It was a setting worthy of the world’s most discerning guests, the kind of night that reminded everyone in attendance just how special this business can be when we get it right. Except the people enjoying it were the ones who usually work, unseen and unrecognized, behind the scenes. 

     That alone moved me —  but the best was yet to come. As the dessert plates were cleared and wine glasses topped off, the music changed. A hush fell. 

     Then, from a distance, the faintest hum, followed by a collective gasp as a cloud of thousands of illuminated drones rose into the sky, choreographed to create a series of stunning visuals —  the company’s annual awards ceremony. 

     I watched with a child’s wonder as the names of the distinguished recipients shimmered in the night sky, written in light over the ocean. 

     This wasn’t a plaque handed out from behind a podium in a hotel ballroom. This was magic. 

     And the message Marriott was sending to the employees receiving the awards came through crystal clear —  as clear as the recipients’ names, which were spelled out for all to see, old Hollywood style, in lights: Thank you for what you do, and for the light you bring every day to the people you serve. Like our guests, you’re a star. 

     I came away asking myself (and everyone I know): are you investing as much creativity, energy, and resource into celebrating the people who work for you as you are in the people they serve? 

Have a good service,

Will