ServiceOffice & Admin
Erica James
General Manager | Momotaro and the Izakaya
Experience
Education
Advice from Erica James
Quotes about career path, skills, and teamwork from an industry leader.
When hiring, I look for authenticity.
That moment in an interview when a candidate shows me their true self, rather than their interview persona. I love to see candidates laugh too loudly at their own jokes, share a very personal story, or get too real when we talk about their “areas for improvement.” That is when interviews get exciting and both of us can then decide if the restaurant is a good fit. Remember, great candidates are also interviewing you.
In this industry, we are continually creating and developing relationships, so having the ability to communicate with empathy and respect for others are important skills to have to succeed in this industry.
It’s an on-going process that doesn’t seem to get easier, just more rewarding.
I couldn't do this job without my talented, unique, inclusive team.
Maybe I could work around that, but I wouldn’t want to.
The job that has the largest impact on my career was my first job right out of college.
I started hosting with a young and growing hospitality group in DC. The opportunities felt limitless, and I was learning every day. The restaurant was busy, sexy, and fun. That’s where my love of the industry all started.
A healthy work/life balance is a work in progress for me.
I love my job, but I also love self-care (I’m a Taurus, we can’t help it). Right now, I’m working on appreciating the small moments of balance and trying to remove my self-imposed pressure.
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