麻豆传媒

By Matt Palmer on October 20, 2022

Danny Meyer has a simple philosophy for those working in the business world.

鈥淣o matter what your business card says, it should read Chief Problem Solver,鈥� the New York businessman and hospitality executive said. 鈥淭he best teams enjoy solving problems with each other.鈥� 

Meyer conveyed that message on Oct. 18 to hundreds of enthusiastic audience members at the Columbus Center in Baltimore at an event hosted by the Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute titled 鈥淯plifting a Region Through Courageous Leadership 鈥� A Conversation with Danny Meyer.鈥� The event format centered around a chat between Meyer and Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute Executive Director Erin Moran.

鈥淲e had the opportunity to learn from one of the most influential leaders in the country, Danny Meyer, as he spoke about the courageous decisions he made as a business leader to help uplift New York City,鈥� said Moran. 鈥淪uch values-driven courageous decisions made by leaders can have incredibly positive, meaningful and lasting impacts on communities.鈥�

Meyer is the founder and executive chairman of Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG); co-founder of hamburger chain Shake Shack; and chairman of USHG Acquisition Corporation. Moran served with Meyer for seven years at USHG as its chief culture officer. There she provided oversight for all aspects of the employee experience for the company that created Shake Shack, known globally for its culture, before being selected to head up the Institute anchored at Towson University.

The Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute, founded in 2021, is building a community of values-aligned people passionate about investing in developing competent and ethical leaders. The Institute provides thought leadership in the field of leadership development and hosts engaging events and experiences for individuals and organizations to move the region forward.

Meyer shared his leadership vision, having opened his first restaurant, Union Square Cafe, at the age of 27 in New York during the 1980s. Union Square Hospitality Group has since launched several other beloved restaurants to help uplift neighborhoods in the Big Apple. Meyer has since transitioned to executive chairman and is more engaged with the creative aspects of Union Square Hospitality Group.

Recounting a story Meyer told a journalist, he said, 鈥淚鈥檓 stepping up because I can do a better job if I鈥檓 on top of the tree looking at everything. It鈥檚 basically giving me optionality. I鈥檓 doing the stuff I love doing the most.鈥�

Reflecting on his career and what he鈥檚 learned about leadership, it鈥檚 mistakes that have been his biggest teacher.

鈥淢istakes are like waves,鈥� Meyer told the crowd gathered in Baltimore. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the greatest renewable resource. There鈥檚 always another one. You just don鈥檛 know how big it鈥檚 going to be or what kind it鈥檚 going to be. As long as that鈥檚 the case, what if you could actually use mistakes to your advantage as opposed to pretending, they never happened?

Helping to grow the next generation of leaders, the Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute offers customized leadership development and programming for individuals and organizations. In addition to opportunities like the conversation with Danny Meyer, the Institute offers 鈥渙ne size fits one鈥� solutions for all levels of leaders, from new supervisors to seasoned executives. Regardless of the industry, business model, size or geography, the Institute provides proven skills rooted in values and focused on results.

鈥淭he Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute was founded to help uplift our region by investing in the development of competent, ethically-driven leaders,鈥� reflected Moran. 鈥淲e hope this conversation provided practical advice and inspired leaders in our region to make courageous decisions that will benefit our community.鈥�