Riding the Elephant: What Hospitality Teaches Us About Great Leadership

In the latest episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the world of leadership with Taylor Scott, an accomplished author and leadership consultant. Taylor brings a wealth of experience from his 20-year career in the hospitality and entertainment industries, including notable roles at Disney Parks and Resorts and the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. His insights on the essence of hospitality and its role in effective leadership are both inspiring and practical.

Taylor introduces a powerful metaphor that compares the human brain to a rider on a six-ton elephant. The rider represents the logical left brain, while the elephant embodies the emotional right brain. He explains that in leadership, if the rider and the elephant ever disagree, the elephant will always win. This highlights the importance of emotional connection in motivating teams and driving action. As Taylor states, ‘We can’t move people into action until we first move them with emotion.’

Throughout the episode, Taylor shares his personal journey and the pivotal moments that shaped his understanding of leadership. He recalls a guest speaker’s advice during his early career: the essence of hospitality is making people feel welcome, comfortable, and important. This wisdom has guided him in his mission to help leaders create environments where employees feel valued and inspired.

The conversation also touches on the significance of aligning personal and organizational values. Taylor emphasizes that great leaders are those who can be human, vulnerable, and authentic. He believes that by fostering a culture of empathy and connection, leaders can transform mere jobs into meaningful work.

Listeners will also gain insights into Taylor’s upcoming book, “Give Hospitality,” which focuses on five core values: compassion, encouragement, kindness, hospitality, and leadership. He provides practical applications for these values, demonstrating how they can be integrated into daily interactions within any organization.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and create a lasting impact in their workplace. Taylor’s approach is not just about leading; it’s about inspiring others to be their best selves. Tune in now to discover how you can lead with hospitality and make a difference in your organization!