Stephanie Leese Emrich Interview - Service Speaks!

In this inspiring interview, I sit down with hospitality leader, educator, and author Stephanie Leese Emrich to explore her 25-year journey from the historic Allerton Hotel in Chicago to becoming a transformational entrepreneur and mentor.

Stephanie shares how her early hospitality experiences shaped her philosophy of exceptional service, what motivated her shift from a stable W2 job into entrepreneurship, and how she went on to impact thousands of students through experiential learning and community-focused education.

We dive into her newest book for women leaders, her passion for mentorship, her advice for emerging entrepreneurs, and how she’s integrating AI into modern hospitality training. From career pivots to gratitude, relationships, and leadership, this conversation offers powerful insights for anyone navigating entrepreneurship or service-driven industries.

Timestamps
00:19 – How we first met at the Allerton Hotel
02:00 – From W2 stability to entrepreneurship
03:21 – The service philosophy that shaped her career
12:00 – Teaching, impact, and working with Chicago schools
16:53 – Writing books for women leaders
19:34 – Relationship-driven teaching
26:25 – Advice for new entrepreneurs
34:30 – AI, education, and upcoming projects

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