Lawrence McFadden, CMC, HoF, offers advice based on his experience sitting through hundreds of interviews.
About The Author
Lawrence McFadden, CMC, Global Hospitality Professional
Lawrence T. McFadden, CMC, is a Master Chef and Global Hospitality Professional. He is the former General Manager/COO of the 146-year-old Union Club of Cleveland. His impressive 30-year career spans the globe with roles in Hong Kong and Singapore as well as some iconic operations state-side, including The Greenbrier, MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, The Ritz Carlton Company and The Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
Staff Are the Organization’s Motivational Posters
Before social media filled our feeds with posts, memes, and TikToks, influence spread through word of mouth. We experienced these “reels” in real life, through colleagues whose excellence spoke for itself—without the need for posters or selfies. The same was true of mentors and heroes: ordinary people around us who quietly set the standard for…
What Is the Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Future?
Lawrence McFadden, CMC, HoF, offers his take on the impact of GLP-1s on the club culinary industry.
Are References Still Relevant?
Lawrence McFadden, CMC, HoF, says digital footprints have rendered references less essential than they once were.
Lawrence McFadden On What AI Can’t Replace
MacFadden says chefs must ask themselves: What do we embrace, what do we leave behind, and what do we endorse for the future?
Lawrence McFadden, CMC, HoF: Why Humility Is Part of Mastery
McFadden says real confidence comes from trusting that you can find the right solution, not from knowing it immediately.
Lawrence McFadden, CMC, HoF, On Being Fired
“Though I am not proud of these endings, I am proud of how I conducted myself and appreciate that the organization had the courage to make the change,” McFadden says.
The Risk of Professional References
Lawrence McFadden, CMC, HoF, says great leadership is a risk to self on behalf of others—a belief in others before they believe in themselves.
Lawrence McFadden, CMC, HoF: What’s the Role of Today’s Executive Chef?
“We must move our kitchens forward with progressive communication and empathy,” says McFadden.
When Did You Do Your Best Work?
Lawrence McFadden, CMC, HoF, says this one question identifies chefs who understand the role of collaboration.
How Heavily Does Atmosphere Affect Diner Satisfaction?
Noise levels are considered the top complaint, ranking ahead of bad food, slow service, and high prices as the factor most likely to ruin a meal.
How Long Should You Stay at Your Club?
Even after living in 12 different places and holding 15 different positions, I still found myself afraid of change. Yet what scares me even more is the idea of becoming institutionalized. I often wonder whether I am truly moving forward or simply running from something. In my first corporate job, before airplanes offered wifi, executives…
Living Your Autobiography
Lawrence McFadden, CMC, HoF, reflects on the power of writing, reading, and personal connection.
Your Communication Will Always Define Your Success
A client once remarked on how calm I appeared, a contrast to my earlier, more energetic leadership style. Having spent the first 20 years of my career as a chef, I understood that challenges appeared within minutes, not days, and there is little room for pause or quiet. Decisions often had to be made in…
Lawrence McFadden, CMC, HoF: The Most Important Meeting
The informal conversations before and after scheduled meetings are essential in leadership. Traditionally, these took place on the golf course or in restaurants and bars. Small talk helps build understanding one word at a time. My greatest mentor used to call our daily executive meeting the “good morning agenda.” We often share that chefs or…