Experience
2001 - 2001
General Manager
AgrodolceGermantown, MD
1999 - 2000
Sous Chef
AgrodolceGermantown, MD
1998 - 1999
Line Cook
AgrodolceGermantown, MD
1997 - 1997
Server
Cafe MilanoGermantown, MD
Education
Advice from Kim DiPalo
Quotes about career path, skills, and teamwork from an industry leader.
I spent 10 years at Gramercy Tavern and have never encountered a more dedicated, smart,
caring and invested group of people in hospitality.
I was able to grow my career because I had many leaders who did not just promote me, but they mentored me and gave me the tools to succeed at each level of the restaurant. I know from personal experience that mentorship has the power to unlock someone’s gifts and full potential. It is why I now work at Drive Change. I want that same thing for our fellows.
When I was coming up in the industry, we didn’t see a lot of women in leadership.
I often found myself in a room full of men, especially when I worked in kitchens. I am happy to see that has changed and to see women being featured as the incredible food professionals they have always been. I was the first female General Manager at Gramercy Tavern (but not the last) and also became a mom while I was there. It meant a lot to me to have support from my leaders/mentors as a female leader and more importantly, as a parent, because my peers saw that it was possible. Many friends and colleagues have told me over the years that it reinforced for them that it is possible to be a GM or a Chef and also a mom.
Know your team as individuals; where they come from, who they are, what is important to them, how they communicate and like to receive feedback, and what they want to do professionally.
Ask for feedback regularly.
It is the only way to keep growing and getting better at what you do.
You can miss really important details if you are not actively listening or watching people’s body language.
At USHG, we were taught to lead with care and it started with listening and paying attention to each other and our guests. You can make magic happen if you catch that small detail.
Never send an email or message when you are angry.
Wait, process and then decide what you want to say!
Take accountability for your own actions - we all make mistakes, but know when you need to apologize.
When hiring, I look for a love for learning and a desire to take care of other people.
I think with
those two skills, you can do very well in this industry and really, any service industry.
I surround myself with smart, motivated people who have different expertise than I do and can teach me every day.
I read and try to stay on top of information that is imperative to doing my job better.
During COVID, I had the time to start running again and now it is something I commit to every week.
My current role requires me to write a lot (something I have never really done in my life). I don’t run with music, I use it as a time to clear my mind, plan my day and reflect. It is time just for me, my thoughts and to tap into my creativity.
Roles in Service
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