When Recognition Becomes Opportunity

There is a quote I often reflect on:

"Choose people who will say your name in a room full of opportunity."

In hospitality and beyond, our reputations are built not only on what we achieve ourselves, but also on the way others speak about us when we are not in the room.

Over the years, I have had restaurant managers and owners reach out to me asking for references on former colleagues, cooks, or chefs. When I hear of someone who has performed well, showing integrity and commitment without expecting anything in return, I feel compelled to connect them with the right opportunity. Referring someone to a good match is often the least I can do in gratitude for their dedication. And when no opportunities are immediately available, it is still powerful to make introductions, because when the time comes, those names already carry weight through personal and professional recommendations.

I was reminded of the importance of this idea during a recent task force assignment in Washington, DC. There I worked alongside a chef who left a lasting impression on me. He showed me the ropes quickly and with patience, but more importantly, he demonstrated a passion that was evident in everything he did. His commitment to his team was inspiring. His pride in his food was unmistakable. And his openness to his own growth and enrichment made me respect him even more. I could see how deeply he cared for the success of the property, his craft, and the people around him.

When the time came for the executive committee to make a decision about the open position, his potential was clear. I did not have to advocate for him because his work spoke for itself. The department team members and I all believed he was the right choice, and the committee reached the same conclusion. His promotion was a recognition of the passion and consistency he displayed every day.

The beautiful thing is that this kind of dedication and spirit often creates ripple effects that go far beyond a single promotion. In just a few weeks since that assignment, he has gone out of his way to spread a good word about me and has helped me make connections with some key players in the city. While his dedication and results earned him the promotion, his generosity of spirit continues to ripple outward. This reciprocity is not transactional. It is a reflection of the respect we have for each other’s work and the genuine desire to see one another succeed.

This experience reminded me that support in our industry is not always about the formal recommendation. Sometimes it is about the day-to-day recognition of someone’s potential, their hard work, and their character. When we notice those things and make an effort to highlight them to others, we contribute to their future success without even realizing the impact it can make.

Sometimes, gratitude for someone’s hard work and kindness cannot be measured in material ways. Instead, it can be expressed by setting them up for future successes. Whether that means introducing them to valuable contacts, sharing their strengths in casual conversations with industry peers, or simply remembering their name when opportunities arise, these gestures of support cost us nothing, yet mean everything.

Hospitality is about creating memorable experiences for guests, but it also extends to how we treat one another in our professional networks. The strongest leaders understand that opportunities are not limited resources to be hoarded. Instead, they are doors we can hold open for others, knowing that in doing so we help elevate the industry as a whole.

When you look back on your career, the people who helped you along the way will stand out as clearly as your own achievements. Those who made introductions, who gave you a chance, or who spoke your name in the right room at the right time will have had an impact that lasts far longer than any single service or menu. And the same will be true for those you choose to support.

So, I ask you: whose name can you say in a room full of opportunity? Because those are the moments that can change the trajectory of someone’s career, and they may just come back to change yours as well.

Take the time to notice. Take the time to speak up. And take the time to be that person who makes opportunities possible for others. In an industry built on relationships, there is no better way to honor the spirit of hospitality.