Happy Friday Hospitality Hero,

This week, I’ve been reflecting on the power of resilience and the courage to challenge norms. These themes are evident in the stories of this week’s current guest and founder of ODA Architecture, Eran Chen, and former guest Amanda Knox, who was in the news yesterday.

The Friday Five

1. This Week's Feature: Eran Chen, founder of ODA Architecture, discusses his innovative approach to architecture and urban design. He speaks about pushing the boundaries of traditional design and creating spaces that foster community and connection. Eran’s work is a testament to challenging the status quo and redefining what is possible in architecture. Listen to the full episode.

2. Memory Lane: Amanda Knox, a former guest on our podcast, was found guilty of slander by an Italian court this week. I was really surprised by this verdict, especially since Amanda bravely returned to Italy to face the charges head-on, and these charges were based on an interrogation and statement that were made under extreme duress where, according to an International Court, her human rights were violated. After having been acquitted by the Italian High Court and falsely imprisoned for a crime she didn’t commit, this is a decision she plans to appeal. Despite the ongoing legal battles and intense public scrutiny, Amanda continues to advocate for justice and transparency. Her story is one of resilience and standing firm in one’s truth, regardless of external pressures. Revisit Amanda Knox’s episode.

On her podcast, Labyrinths, you can hear her recounting her experience both before and after the verdict was read yesterday in Italy.

You can donate here to support The Innocence Project, an organization dedicated to exonerating the wrongly convicted and reforming the criminal justice system here.

3. A Dash of Inspiration: This week also marks the 80th anniversary of the Allied Invasion of Normandy, D-Day, a pivotal moment in history that played a significant role in defeating fascism during World War II. If you’ve seen the series “Band of Brothers” on HBO, you’ll recognize this photo of the main protagonist, Dick Winters, played by Damien Lewis. The courage and resilience shown during D-Day continue to inspire us to stand firm against challenges and strive for a better world.

4. Journey Shorteners: Brene Brown’s “Daring Greatly” derives its title from a powerful quote by Theodore Roosevelt:

_{“It is not the critic who counts; not the man [or woman] who points out how the strong man [or woman] stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man [or woman] who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself [or herself] in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he [or she] fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” - Theodore Roosevelt}

I’ve found resilience often comes from a strong sense of purpose. Whether you’re redefining spaces like Eran or standing firm in your beliefs like Amanda, finding your purpose can be a powerful motivator. Brené Brown’s book, “Daring Greatly,” delves into the power of vulnerability and courage, showing how embracing these qualities can lead to greater resilience and success. Order “Daring Greatly” book here.

5. Upcoming Industry Events: Below is a list of exciting industry events where we can connect, learn, and grow together. Let's continue to build our hive and support one another on this incredible journey!

Nota bene - Theodore Roosevelt was born on 20th St in NYC, and so was my son Theodore. Theodore Roosevelt’s son, Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt Jr., died in France a little over a month after storming Utah Beach. Here’s my Theo standing next to Theodore Roosevelt Jr.’s final resting place at the American Cemetary in Normandy.

Naturally,

Dan Ryan