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It's Personal Stories, A Hospitality Podcast
At It’s Personal Stories, A Hospitality Podcast, we believe that leadership is shaped as much by setbacks and self-doubt as by achievements and accolades. That’s why we go beyond titles and résumés to uncover the personal journeys of hospitality leaders—the moments of vulnerability, resilience, and courage that define true success.
Since 2022, our mission has been to empower the next generation of leaders by sharing unfiltered stories of growth from across the industry. With more than 250 interviews and counting, we’ve built a library of candid conversations that reveal not only strategies for professional advancement, but also lessons in authenticity, balance, and perseverance.
Recognized each year by the International Hospitality Institute as a top hospitality podcast, It’s Personal Stories continues to inspire dreamers and doers to push boundaries, embrace challenges, and pursue their goals with confidence. Learn more and watch the Interviews at www.ItsPersonalStories.com and Follow Us here on LinkedIn.
It's Personal Stories, A Hospitality Podcast
Chris Hemmeter, Co-Founder & MD, Thayer Investment Partners, interviewed by David Kong
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I recently sat down with Chris Hemmeter, Co Founder and Managing Director of Thayer Investment Partners, and one part of our conversation stood out because it applies to all of us, not just entrepreneurs.
Chris pushed back on the idea that there is a perfect formula for success. Instead, he shared three qualities he consistently sees in high potential leaders:
Integrity: A commitment to truth and accuracy, even when the facts are not as strong as you would like them to be. People can feel that honesty, and it builds the connection necessary to do something together.
Persistence: This is not about long hours alone, but about tenacity and the willingness to take multiple at bats. If you do not get up and swing again, you will never figure it out.
Progress: A relentless focus on moving forward. Every leader should be able to show what they have accomplished in the last 90 days. Momentum is the ultimate indicator of excellence.
What struck me is how simple, and how difficult, these are to practice consistently. We also explored why focus can be a defining inflection point, how to avoid getting stuck, and what it really means to be comfortable in your own skin.
If you are working toward something meaningful, I think you will find this conversation both practical and thought provoking.