Last night was an unforgettable evening as we made our way to Pizza Pilgrims in Canary Wharf for the first Arena Futures event of the year. Arena Futures is all about fostering connections, sharing industry knowledge, and empowering career development for new talent, rising stars, and junior leaders in the hospitality and foodservice industry. And let us tell you, it did not disappoint!
We had the pleasure of listening to Thom Elliot, Co-founder of Pizza Pilgrims, and Daniel Crump, Co-owner of The Greyhound in Beaconsfield, as they shared their inspiring stories over drinks and a feast of delicious pizza. It was a night filled with valuable insights, practical advice, and plenty of food for thought (pun intended). Here are our top 5 takeaways from the evening:
- Nurturing relationships is key to success – Networking is important, but it’s not enough. Building meaningful relationships with others in the industry can be instrumental in your growth. So, go beyond just exchanging contact information and really invest in fostering connections that can mutually add value.
- Be brave and be bold – Playing it safe won’t get you far. Don’t be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone. Believe in your ideas, and don’t shy away from being different. Embrace innovation and be willing to challenge the status quo.
- Authenticity matters – Be true to yourself in everything you do. Authenticity shapes how others perceive you and how you feel about yourself. Embrace your unique qualities and strengths and let them shine. When you are true to yourself, you’ll develop a career with longevity and a network of genuine connections that you can rely on.
- Be kind yourself – Remember to show yourself compassion, especially during challenging times. Your career journey may not always be smooth sailing, and that’s okay. Recognize that you are doing your best, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Practice self-care, celebrate your successes, and learn from your setbacks.
- Be open to people helping you achieve your goals – Don’t go it alone or close yourself off from guidance and opportunities. Substance is in the people.
Overall, the Arena Futures event at Pizza Pilgrims was an incredible experience. We left feeling inspired, motivated, and armed with valuable insights to apply to our own careers in the hospitality and foodservice industry. Remember to nurture relationships, be bold, stay true to yourself, practice self-compassion, and stay tuned for more exciting events from Arena Futures in the future!