Leadership & Philosophies

While I don’t yet have extensive experience in formal leadership roles, I take pride in the way I show up for others—teammates, members, and guests—and I believe that leadership begins there. I am intentional about learning from those around me and continuously seeking opportunities to grow as both a golf professional and a person.

My Mission

Make the most of each day while respecting myself and those around me. Make myself the best that I can be, both professionally and personally. Take pride in everything I do and constantly raise the bar.

— Sri Amit Ray, Power of Exponential Mindset for Success and Leadership

“If you do not lead by example, you cannot expect your team to follow.”

To me, leadership is about consistency in the small things: showing up with a positive attitude, being willing to do any task, and treating every interaction as an opportunity to make someone feel valued.

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"No job is too small, and no task is beneath anyone who cares about the success of the team."

— Maya Angelou

“People will forget what you said. They will forget what you did. But they will never forget how you made them feel.”

Whether it’s helping a colleague finish a closing checklist or remembering a guest’s name, I aim to create an atmosphere where members, guests, and staff all feel respected and appreciated.

  • Golf is a game, but our industry is service. At its best, service is not a department—it’s a culture. That culture is built through daily habits, meaningful details, and a proactive mindset.

    Small things matter. As Coach John Wooden once taught his players, even how you put on your socks can impact your performance. That lesson applies far beyond sports—it’s about intention, attention to detail, and doing things the right way, every time.

  • I believe that language shapes experience. The way we speak to members and teammates matters—especially when challenges arise. Using positive language helps keep interactions constructive and creates a stronger overall impression.

    Instead of: “That product is backordered.”
    Say: “That product will be available next month—I can place the order now and make sure it’s delivered as soon as it arrives.”

  • Mistakes happen. What matters is how we respond. I approach service recovery as a chance to build trust and turn someone into a “raving fan.” The Seven Steps of Service Recovery are a great starting point.

  • These values guide my daily work:

    • Greet everyone with professionalism and warmth.

    • Use names. Look people in the eye. Step from behind the counter.

    • Take pride in appearance and workspace.

    • Be approachable, helpful, and sincere.

    • Seek to anticipate needs through listening and observation.

Lifelong Learning

I am constantly observing others, reading, listening to podcasts, and studying leadership in and beyond the golf industry. Two influences that have shaped my approach are:

  • Bob Ford’s ABCs of Professional Presentation – A timeless reminder of how small behaviors create big impressions.

  • Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara – A book that deeply resonated with me. One key takeaway: “The greatest hospitality comes not from fulfilling expectations, but from exceeding them in personal, thoughtful ways.”

In Closing

I may be early in my leadership journey, but I show up every day committed to growth, consistency, and care for others. I believe that leadership is about mindset, presence, and the ability to inspire those around you.

“A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential.”
— Brené Brown