They say business and pleasure don’t mix. But what about business and friends?
My dear friend Will Guidara is the perfect person to dive into this question because we're actively trying to get into business together. And, let's just say, it requires a lot of effort.
In addition to being someone I love, Will is a renowned restaurateur, known for owning and o ... Show More
Today
Why Good News Is Worth the Effort with Journalist David Begnaud
Some people see a rule and follow it. Some people see a rule and ask what it was for. David Begnaud has built a career out of finding the second kind. For 20 years, David was the lead national correspondent for CBS News, reporting from hurricanes, earthquakes, and mass shootings ... Show More
57m 53s
Oct 20
Revisited: The Power of Doing One Thing Exceptionally Well with Gymshark Founder and CEO Ben Francis
Hello from Team Simon! Brand-new episodes of A Bit of Optimism are back next Tuesday, October 27. Before then, we're revisiting one last favorite: the company Simon names whenever someone asks which business actually lives the ideas he writes about. It's Gymshark, and its founder ... Show More
1 h
Jul 2024
688: The Power of Leadership Through Hospitality, with Will Guidara
Will Guidara: Unreasonable Hospitality Will Guidara is the former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, which under his leadership received four stars from the New York Times, three Michelin stars, and in 2017 was named #1 on the list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. He has co-auth ... Show More
38m 8s
Jun 2025
The Nobility of Service: Finding Magic and Connection in the Smallest Gestures with Will Guidara
What do a fine dining maitre d. A magician burying cards in a backyard and a toddler looking for Elsa have in common? They all show us that magic still exists. If we’re willing to care more, than seems reasonable. In this episode, Will Guidara, who’s a former co-owner of 11 Madis ... Show More
1h 6m
Sep 2017
370: Old-fashioned manners and courtesy with Jack Williams
In this episode, we discuss working with the best to become the best, profit sharing, how being small allows you to be unique, motivating and encouraging your people, being selective with who you allow on your team, having personal high-touch relationships with each of your guest ... Show More
1h 10m