Laboom

Michel discovered his love for restaurants at a young age, holding various positions at local restaurants through high school and college. After earning a degree in organizational leadership, he set out to pursue a career in NYC hospitality. The next 10 years would include leadership roles as the general manager of BRGuest's flagship location in Rockefeller Center, and as an operations leader at Host Restaurant Group's iconic Bill's Townhouse in midtown. Although Michel never lost his passion for hospitality, he transitioned into HR consulting serving many industries, spending 3 years delivering strategic solutions to organizations both domestically and internationally. At Empowered, Michel's unique blend of experiences allows him not only to provide HR best practices and solutions to his hospitality clients, but also to help navigate their operational and people challenges. Michel is a SHRM Certified Professional and specializes in employee relationship management and leadership development.

What is your ideal restaurant experience?

My ideal restaurant experience starts at the very beginning of the journey. When entering a restaurant, I want the same feeling you get when a friend welcomes you into their home. When the experience starts out that way, I know it is going to be a great night! Although I very much love and appreciate a hand-crafted cocktail and an exceptional meal, what is most memorable is how a place made me feel.

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

I believe in creating workplace environments where every individual has the desire to bring their best self to work each day. To do that, it is essential that everyone feels supported, trusted, and valued. Ensuring that organizations have the knowledge, tools, and resources to foster these environments is something I am very passionate about, as this allows individuals to thrive in their workplaces.

Originally from New Orleans, Laura comes to Empowered Hospitality after fifteen years in NYC's renowned theatre industry. Her wide range of experiences — from the front lines of customer service at a Broadway theatre to building a brand-new human resources department at an established licensing company — has given her unique insights into what helps people thrive in every stage of their career. Laura's passion for building community and making local cultures feel invigorating to the people who live in them - and like home to the people who don’t - make her an incredible teammate and resource at Empowered. Laura earned a BA in theatre from City College of New York, an MFA in creative writing from Hunter College, and a PHR certificate from HRCI.

What is your ideal restaurant experience?

New Orleans is famous for its cuisine, and more importantly, its people and culture! My ideal restaurant experience involves a place that has a story: somewhere that has survived storms and setbacks, where the same locals have been sitting at the same tables for decades, and where the bartender has both a drink and an outrageous story ready when you walk in the door. Food is almost secondary to a place where there is always a seat waiting for you.

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

Creating workplaces where people thrive means making space for people to feel confident and grow — both inside and outside of work! Since we spend a lot of time at work, the workplace should be supportive, engaging, and interesting, and still leave space for your other interests, friends, and family.