Friday Five | Step Out of Your Comfort Zone for Growth

Happy Friday Hospitality Hero,

This week, I’d like to write about getting outside of our comfort zones because that’s where, IMHO, real growth occurs. My roommates and I (aka family) are currently “vacationing” in Antigua, Guatemala, where we’re building a simple home in just five days for a beautiful family (see photo at the bottom of the email) through an organization called “From Houses to Homes.” The experience has been incredible thus far—new experiences, a beautiful environment, hard work, and making a small difference on our big planet. The work was challenging, but we came together as a team, and today, we will hand the keys over to the family after painting the exterior and interior. I’m unsure if this is your idea of a vacation, but I 100% suggest you give it a whirl, whether in Guatemala or elsewhere. I hope to have more photos of the completed house next week.

1. This Week's Feature: Check out this conversation with a dynamic design duo who took the entrepreneurial leap after consulting with a psychic in Atlanta. Taking that first step into the unknown is difficult, and any extra wind in the sails to help take that step is pretty rad. I commend these two entrepreneurs for taking that first step and having success after two years; listen to their story here:

2. Memory Lane: Back in Episode 17, I spoke with Entrepreneur Arnie Malham, who wrote one of my favorite books, “Worth Doing Wrong.” Growth can be uncomfortable, and to build teams that keep growing, Arnie built companies where one of the values was to reward and attract growth. His book is chock-full of ideas for growth. And don’t forget to check out his Better Book Club. 

3. A Dash of Inspiration: While in Antigua, we stayed at a Dutch-founded hotel called “The Good Hotel.” I don’t need to editorialize much here because you just need to read their purpose: “Good Hotel is a social business. This means that our excess profits go to good causes around the world. Good Hotel provides long-term unemployed people with the opportunity to build a career in hospitality and we’re conscious about the way we build our hotels. We find interesting locations to re-use and up-cycle, and from the furniture in our rooms to the food we serve - we source locally and sustainably.” If anybody knows the CEO and founder, Marten Dresen, please send them my email! I want to have them on the pod. 

4. Journey Shorteners: I’m going to keep it with Arnie’s book “Worth Doing Wrong.” Getting culture right and promoting and rewarding growth is so vital that, as the title says, it’s worth doing wrong. This is one of my favorite “business porn” books. Enjoy!

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!

Looking forward to sharing more insights and inspirations with you!

PS - This was one of my roommates on the ride back to the hotel after Day 1 of mixing and pouring concrete footings and laying cinder blocks all day in the sun and altitude:

Naturally,

Dan Ryan

Co-Founder | Agency 967

Global Business Development | BERMANFALK Hospitality Group