Disclaimer: This conversation discusses the topic of suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide Crisis and Prevention hotline 988

In this episode of Hospitality Bites, host Colleen Silk sits down with Sean Finter, a hospitality leader whose story challenges the way we define success in the industry. From washing dishes at the age of 12 to building a multi-million-dollar restaurant group and founding a respected consulting firm, Sean’s journey is one of drive, resilience, and reinvention.

After facing a major health scare, Sean learned the hard truth that leadership without balance isn’t sustainable. He and Colleen delve into the importance of mental health, creating supportive environments, and leading with empathy in a field characterized by constant pressure. Their conversation reframes what it means to “make it” in hospitality—placing health, happiness, and humanity at the center of lasting success.

This is a conversation for every hospitality professional and leader ready to move beyond the burnout.

What We Talked About

• Sean’s humble beginnings in hospitality and his climb through the ranks
• Building and leading a $33 million restaurant group
• How mentorship, goal setting, and gratitude shaped his career
• Facing a life-changing health scare and rediscovering purpose
• Consulting as a tool for transforming both people and businesses
• Why mental health is essential for sustainable leadership
• Sean’s next chapter: writing, coaching, and continuing to inspire change

Takeaways

• The power of mentorship and clear goals.
• Built a $33 million restaurant group from the ground up.
• Health scares can reveal what truly matters
• Empowering teams builds loyalty and longevity.
• Mental health awareness is key to growth.
• Consulting can reframe the fundamentals of business and life.
• Success means sustainability—professionally and personally.

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction to Hospitality and Personal Journeys

01:54 — Early Beginnings in the Hospitality Industry

03:55 — Building a Successful Restaurant Empire

07:24 — Personal Challenges and Reevaluation of Life

11:27 — Creating a Healthy Work Environment

17:52 — Empowering Employees and Building Future Leaders

20:53 — Reflections on Industry Growth and Personal Growth

22:04 — Life-Changing Moments and Health Crises

24:54 — The Journey to Recovery

31:41 — Lessons from Mental Health Challenges

36:40 — Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health

42:24 — Global Impact and Personal Growth

45:37 — Future Endeavors and Coaching Philosophy

🌐Website seanfinter.com

New episodes of Hospitality Bites drop every Monday, now proudly under the Walk-In Talk Media umbrella.

Watch the full episode on YouTube the following week.

About Hospitality Bites: Hosted by Colleen Silk, Hospitality Bites is an honest and restorative space for voices within the hospitality industry. More than just a podcast, it serves as a storytelling platform for changemakers, risk-takers, and hospitality professionals who are approaching their work in innovative ways. Each episode features guests ranging from chefs to advocates and media personalities, focusing on mental and physical health, personal experiences, and the realities of thriving in the hospitality industry and beyond.

Keywords: hospitality, mental health, restaurant industry, personal growth, leadership, self-care, consulting, empowerment, work environment, career development