Feeling Lost? Fears, Values, and the Great Hospitality Exit

Emotions don’t just happen. They emerge when something we care about is at stake.

Fear, in particular, is a signal, a flare-up by our subconscious, warning us that something we value is at risk of being lost. It’s easy to think of fear as an obstacle, but in reality, fear is information. It tells us what matters most.

Imagine standing in front of a crowded room, about to give a presentation. Your heart pounds. Your hands sweat. Why? Because something important is on the line. Maybe it’s your reputation. Maybe it’s your credibility. Maybe it’s your belief in your own ability to inspire and lead.

That fear is whispering: This matters to you. Don’t ignore it.

Share more with me here, and I will share more with you on how you rediscover where you are going.

Now, zoom out.

Consider the hospitality industry. An entire workforce shaken by instability, uncertainty, and loss. When COVID-19 shut down restaurants, hotels, and tourism hubs, it wasn’t just jobs that disappeared. It was careers, identities, and deeply held values; values like service, community, connection, and mastery. Those who left the industry weren’t just chasing stability. They were running from the fear of losing themselves in an industry that no longer reflected the future they envisioned.

And now (STILL), as hospitality struggles to rebuild, we see the consequences. A workforce that was once built on passion is cautious and hesitant. Many haven’t come back, and many aren’t coming in.

Why? Because their values have shifted, and the industry hasn’t shifted with them.

The Real Challenge: Rebuilding with Meaning

It cannot be just about filling roles. It’s about restoring purpose in an industry that has been fractured. Workers who left aren’t looking for a paycheck—they’re looking for a career that aligns with their values.

They want:

• Life-work balance: because they’ve seen what burnout does. (*Yes…Life-Work balance)
• Respect and appreciation: because they know their worth.
• Leadership that listens: because they refuse to be seen as disposable.

Step Into Your Roles That Reflect Real Values

Hospitality requires individuals who understand what it takes to create environments where people not only show up but also grow and stay.

If you’re a hospitality professional navigating your next move, let’s talk, or if you’re an employer looking to create a workplace where values and purpose intersect.

• For hospitality professionals: If you feel lost in the industry, we can help you rediscover the passion that brought you here.
• For hospitality leaders: If you’re struggling to attract and retain top talent, we can help you build workplaces where people want to stay.

Let’s have the conversation that matters.

This isn’t just about jobs.

It’s about redefining hospitality from the inside out.

Are you in?

Be Awesome,

Christopher