Alejandro Cantagallo

Motivation doesn’t always mean doing more—it means feeling empowered to grow, take initiative, and see a future for yourself in the work. By centering education and shared learning, I’ve found this to be one of the most effective ways to build strong, motivated teams.

It’s a skill I constantly work to sharpen because, in every role I’ve held, it has been the keystone that unlocks everything else.

Over time, this approach has led me into both positive and challenging work experiences, but I’ve never defined my career by any single job. Instead, I see my career as a collection of experiences that have shaped how I teach, lead, and support others.

A strong team isn’t just built on technical expertise; it’s built on people who take pride in their craft, see their work as meaningful, and are eager to grow alongside others.

So what matters most, is someone’s commitment to learning and growth. I value people who either know who they are or at least know they don’t have all the answers and are willing to learn, adapt, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.

But by being intentional about exposing myself to new experiences and perspectives, I’ve positioned myself to grow, lead, and ultimately shape my own career path in a way that feels both meaningful and impactful.

Even in jobs that weren’t initially educational, I found ways to bring a teaching component into them. That’s because knowledge isn’t just something I pursue for myself—it’s something I leverage to help others grow.

More than any single job title or strategic move, my willingness to say yes to learning opportunities—whether expected or unexpected—has shaped the path I’ve taken.

"I do, we do, you do." I do – I lead by example, showing how a task is done while clearly explaining the why behind it. I believe people are more engaged when they understand the reasoning behind decisions, not just the directives themselves. We do – I work alongside my team, mentoring, coaching, and providing hands-on support. Teaching is central to leadership, and I believe that collaboration in learning builds confidence and trust. You do – The goal is for people to gain independence and mastery in their roles. When team members feel equipped and empowered, they’re more likely to take ownership of their work and grow in their careers.

But what I’ve carried with me is that just because something was "good enough" this time doesn’t mean that should be my standard.

And as life progresses, it changes — some people lose it entirely, disengaging from the world, while for others, it becomes central to how they navigate life and work. For me, curiosity is what allows me to understand, interpret, and work within complex systems. It’s what helps me solve problems, adapt to new challenges, and deploy the right skill sets in different situations.

When someone understands the context of what they do — both personally and in relation to the larger world — it shows in the way they approach their responsibilities.

But across the board, a few key attitudes and attributes stand out to me.

And that pursuit of excellence isn’t just about personal ambition — it’s about responsibility to my community, to my family, to the people I came up with, and to those I mentor and coach. Excellence isn’t just a personal goal; it’s what we all deserve. It’s what my people deserve. And that drive — to always push for something better — is what keeps me moving forward.

It’s great to have a plan, a framework for how you approach things — but, as Mike Tyson famously said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” In hospitality, and really in any career, you have to be ready to take that proverbial punch and pivot when necessary. Rigidity doesn’t hold up in the face of real-world challenges. The second lesson is about empathy and care. Whether it’s mopping a floor or leading an organization, the level of care you bring to a task matters. Empathy isn’t just about understanding others—it’s about being motivated to do the things that aren’t always pleasant but are necessary. When care and empathy are at the center of your work, they fuel a drive for constant improvement, for doing things better not just for yourself but for those around you. These lessons—flexibility, empathy, and care—have shaped how I approach leadership, problem-solving, and the way I move through my career.