In this episode, Dan sits down in person with Foreman Rogers, Principal at Blur Workshop, to discuss his career in hospitality design and the firm's recent milestone of celebrating their 10th anniversary! Foreman shares insights on the founding of Blur Workshop, the significance of blurring the lines between architecture and interiors, and the importance of empathy and listening in their design process. He also highlights the firm's collaborative culture, high retention rate, and the wide spectrum of projects they handle, from boutique hotels to large convention centers. Join us as we explore Foreman's reflections on the last decade, his excitement for the future, and the values that drive Blur Workshop's unique approach to design.

Takeaways:

• Create a workplace culture that aligns with a larger mission, such as caring for people or creating meaningful experiences. This can elevate the sense of purpose and motivation among employees.
• Promote an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, and providing feedback. Emphasize that there are no bad questions or ideas to foster innovation and collaboration.
• Develop active listening skills and emphasize their importance across all levels of the organization.
• Acknowledge the emotional aspects of work, especially in industries focused on hospitality and customer experience. Support your team in creating emotional connections through their work by understanding and empathizing with client and customer needs.
• Cultivate a humble work environment where egos are checked at the door. Ensure that the focus remains on collective success rather than individual accolades.
• While fostering a collaborative environment, ensure processes are in place to maintain efficiency and meet deadlines.

Quote of the Show: “The hospitality, it’s in our blood I think.” - Foreman Rogers

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/foreman-a-rogers-iii-56001b2a/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blurworkshop/
• Website: https://www.blurworkshop.com/

Shout Outs:

• Liz Neiswander https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-neiswander-36477112/
• Scott Morris https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-morris-27a555/
• Ryman Hospitality https://www.rymanhp.com/
• Marriott https://www.marriott.com/
• DC Convention Center https://eventsdc.com/venue/walter-e-washington-convention-center
• Columbus Crew Soccer Stadium https://www.columbuscrew.com/stadium/

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419
• Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/