SPARC Book Club - "Unreasonable Hospitality"
Dr. Seuss famously wrote "the more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” We invite our members to "SPARC" new ideas and knowledge through our Book Club, an opportunity to explore a variety of topics to help us individually and collectively grow in our work as leaders, visionaries and entrepreneurs. Our Book Club discussions are facilitated by Laura Kelly, CEO and Founder of The Handwork Studio/DEAN Adventure Camps and Karen McCann McClelland, Director of Auxiliary Programs at Sidwell Friends School.
SPARC Book Club: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
“The remarkable power of giving people more than they expect”
As summer wraps up, grab a favorite beverage, your beach chair, or your cozy corner—and dive into this inspiring read that will get you thinking differently about customer service and community experience.
In Unreasonable Hospitality, restauranteur Will Guidara shares his transformational philosophy of creating extraordinary moments through intentional generosity. As we reflect on our summer and auxiliary programs—from bottle badges to big camp events—this book offers a powerful lens to reimagine how we welcome, serve, and surprise our families and staff.
Key concepts
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Go beyond expectations: The core philosophy is to exceed customer expectations, making them feel genuinely cared for and valued, not just efficiently served.
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Focus on human connection: True hospitality is about building meaningful connections and making people feel seen and belonging, whether it's with customers, clients, or employees.
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Empower your team: A key to creating this culture is empowering employees on the frontline, providing them with both the authority and information needed to deliver unforgettable experiences.
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Intentionality is crucial: Unreasonable hospitality doesn't happen by chance; it requires conscious effort and a commitment from leadership to prioritize it as a core value.
Join us for a feel-good SPARC Book Club session where we’ll share favorite quotes, standout takeaways, and ideas we can carry into the next school year. Whether you’re already offering “wow” moments or looking to infuse your programming with new energy, this conversation will inspire and energize.
Let’s toast to hospitality, community, and starting the school year with heart.
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