JF Restaurants

After studying fashion design at FIT, Michelle worked as a designer for renowned clients such as Givenchy, Ralph Lauren, and Ranjana Khan before pivoting her artistic talents to food. Michelle earned a certificate in pastry arts from the French Culinary Institute and joined an artisanal candy company, where she wore many hats. Upon realizing her strengths -- leading with empathy and compassion, the ability to navigate employee relations issues, and a fearless approach to 'tough conversations' -- Michelle shifted her focus to HR and worked alongside E|H founder Sarah Diehl at the Wythe Hotel. Michelle honed her HR skills at the Wythe Hotel and Troutbeck Resort for nearly four years before joining E|H full-time. Michelle has her bachelor's from FIT, a certificate in pastry arts from the French Culinary Institute (now International Culinary Center), and her SHRM-CP.

Ideal Restaurant Experience

My ideal restaurant experience should feel like being a guest in someone's home. You feel welcomed, the food is comforting yet exciting, and the service is genuine and kind. Your needs are taken care of and you leave feeling replenished.

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

To create a workplace where people thrive means you have created an environment of trust, respect, collaboration and creativity. You've put in the effort to get to know your team and their unique talents and challenges. From there, you've developed systems and strategies to meet those needs, and provided the tools to succeed.

Joe brings nearly 20 years of business development and management consulting experience to E|H, having led teams at dozens of Fortune 500 clients while at Randstad, Alvarez & Marsal, and EY-Parthenon. As a traveler, Joe has curated a deep and personal love for hospitality over the years, connecting with people around the world through shared and memorable culinary experiences. At home in New York, Joe enjoys the city's diverse restaurant scene, especially Empowered's partners and clients. Joe earned a BSc in mechanical engineering from Boston University and an MBA in strategy, with honors, from the University of Notre Dame. In addition, Joe is a PMI-certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) and an ISM Certified Professional Supply Manager (CPSM®).

Ideal Restaurant Experience

There is a Danish term, hygge, that means warmth, coziness, and contentment - the feelings you get when laughing with close friends and family, or enjoying a restful nap on a rainy Sunday. There's nothing I love more in a restaurant than those feelings. A comfortable, quiet place - with soft lighting, cozy seating, warm colors, and velvety textures - has such an impact on an evening out. The ambiance sets the stage for delicious drinks, tasty food, and great conversation, and I feel content.

What does creating workplaces where people thrive mean to you?

To thrive at work, people must feel included, important, capable, and challenged. A workplace where the camaraderie of a team and the collective pursuit of an ambitious goal are prioritized. When a company can offer its employees these opportunities, the business will take care of itself.