315. Culture Isn’t a Vibe—It’s a Strategy (Here’s How to Build It Right)
Let’s talk about a tough truth in the events and hospitality world:
Burnout has been worn like a badge of honor for way too long. We’ve called it passion. We’ve justified toxic work environments in the name of excellence. But what if there’s another way to lead?
In this episode, I’m joined by Anthony Lambatos, CEO of Footers Catering and founder of Make It Better Every Day. Anthony is on a mission to prove that building a high-performing team doesn’t require chaos or compromise — and that culture isn’t just something you talk about at orientation. It’s something you live.
He’s created a workplace where people want to show up. One where laughter, trust, and accountability coexist — and where the health of the team matters just as much as the bottom line.
Whether you're currently leading a team or dreaming of doing so, this conversation will shift the way you think about leadership, culture, and what’s truly sustainable in this industry.
In this episode, we cover:
✔️ Why fun and productivity can (and should) go hand in hand
✔️ The biggest hidden threat to a healthy culture — and how to spot it
✔️ A practical matrix to assess both culture fit and job performance
✔️ What it actually looks like to live your company values
✔️ How to create team-wide buy-in when evolving your culture
✔️ Anthony’s go-to hiring question that reveals so much more than a resume
✔️ A more honest approach to “balance” in hospitality
✔️ The advice he’d give his younger self about leadership
Resources & Links:
Episode Timeline:
00:00 – Redefining success in an industry that glorifies burnout
03:38 – Why outdated leadership styles stick around — and how to change that
05:24 – How to gain traction when shifting team culture
08:07 – The “culture vs. performance” quadrant every leader should use
13:25 – Moving from value statements to value actions
17:04 – Fab Tigers, Jimmy Bucks, and storytelling as a leadership tool
19:15 – The power of shared meals and intentional time together
23:45 – How the Footers team fosters real feedback and vulnerability
25:41 – Behind the scenes of their hiring process
30:00 – The four traits they look for in top performers
33:48 – Lessons Anthony learned the hard way about leadership
36:00 – How they’re bringing joy (and pom poms) back into the workplace
38:36 – The three cornerstones of a strong company culture
This episode is presented by The Planner’s Vault.
If you’re a wedding planner ready to grow your business with more support and less hustle, explore what’s waiting for you inside. Membership is currently open — learn more at The Planner’s Vault.
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The For Real Podcast is powered by The Planner’s Vault and produced by Walk West.