Calexico

Joe brings 20 years' experience serving Fortune 500 clients to E|H, managing key accounts at Randstad and leading strategic consulting projects at Alvarez & Marsal, Acquis Consulting Group and EY-Parthenon. Through decades of business travel, Joe has curated a deep and personal love of hospitality, connecting with clients, colleagues and friends around the world through shared culinary experiences. At home in NYC, Joe enjoys the city's diverse restaurant scene, and especially loves visiting Empowered's clients with the team. Joe earned a BSc in mechanical engineering from Boston University and an MBA in strategy, with honors, from the University of Notre Dame. Joe is also a PMI-certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) and an ISM Certified Professional Supply Manager (CPSM®).

Ideal Restaurant Experience

The Danish term, hygge, describes my ideal experience - warm, cozy, and inviting. There's nothing I love more in a restaurant. A comfortable, quiet place - with soft lighting, warm colors, and well-designed acoustics - has a tremendous impact on an evening. The ambiance sets the stage for delicious drinks, tasty food, and great conversation.

What does creating workplaces where people thrive mean to you?

To thrive at work, people must feel included, supported, capable, and challenged - in a workplace where the camaraderie of a team and the collective pursuit of an ambitious goal are prioritized. When a company offers these opportunities, the business takes care of itself.

Brittany grew up in her family’s breakfast and lunch restaurant, eventually running the business with her family until its sale, after 38 years in business! Through her early experience at the restaurant, she grew to love the ideas of entrepreneurship, hard work, and hustle, but also wanted to explore other interests. This prompted her to study fashion merchandising in college and later join Elite Model Management NYC as a communications manager, all while supporting the family business as a server on weekends. After a few years in fashion, however, she returned full time to the restaurant as a people operations manager and also established a fashion consulting business, where she would coach women from all walks of life on personal branding and confidence. At this point in her career, Brittany realized that talent development, coaching, and fostering inclusive workspaces were very meaningful to her. This prompted her to pursue a master's in HR management and to join Empowered Hospitality.

Ideal Restaurant Experience

Hotel Ma’Xanab in Tulum, Mexico on the beach, eating freshly caught ceviche for lunch. Or any unique, homey dining experiences with real, fresh ingredients. Being connected to a local culture or family makes it even better!

What does "creating workplaces where people thrive" mean to you?

To me, it means establishing a psychologically safe environment where people are recognized and appreciated for their humanity, and where their contributions are respected and valued. It's a place where people can authentically be themselves and find fulfillment in both their personal lives and their work. When individuals can bring their complete selves to work, it fosters mutual growth for both the people and the business.