The Virtuous Act of Hospitality: Restoring Generosity and Culture with Steve Fortunato

👤 Guest:

Steve Fortunato
Founder & CEO, Hospitality Collaborative
Author of The Urgent Recovery of Hospitality

📝 Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Leadership Table, Jason E. Brooks sits down with Steve Fortunato to explore hospitality as a virtuous act—one rooted in generosity, intentionality, and human connection.

From his early experiences in a hosting home to founding roomforty, Pharmacie Bar + Kitchen, and the broader Hospitality Collaborative, Steve’s journey reframes catering not as an afterthought—but as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for meaning and impact.

Steve also shares insights from his book The Urgent Recovery of Hospitality, unpacking how value creation, not value extraction, defines the future of great leadership. The conversation covers practical frameworks for speaking the good, building team culture, and creating virtuous cycles that elevate both guest experience and internal growth.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Hospitality is fundamentally about creating meaningful, affirming experiences.
• Foundational moments—especially in childhood—shape leadership instincts.
• Catering should be mind-blowing, not “good for catering.”
• Intentionality matters more than appearance or volume.
• Value creation is the defining trait of future-ready leaders.
• Recognizing and celebrating others fosters lasting loyalty.
• Small, authentic check-ins build strong team culture.
• Leaders grow by noticing, affirming, and re-centering on purpose.

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 – The Essence of Hospitality
01:59 – Foundational Experiences in Leadership
04:56 – Convergence of Values and Intentions
07:57 – Redefining Catering in Hospitality
13:50 – The Virtuous Act of Hospitality
19:48 – Creating a Virtuous Cycle in Leadership
26:22 – Building Culture and Accountability
30:38 – Leadership Lessons from Influential Figures

💬 Sound Bites:

“It’s a virtuous act.”
“Catering should be mind blowing.”
“We are encouraged into growth.”

🔗 Guest Links:

• Website: stevefortunato.com
• Instagram: @steve_fortunato
• LinkedIn: @Steve Fortunato

📣 Subscribe & Share:

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.

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For more insights, tools, and frameworks to scale smarter and lead stronger, visit jasonebrooks.com and check out the weekly coaching circle at aimdrivescale.com.