Colin Burns on Authentic Leadership, Member Experience & Industry Trends

In this conversation, Colin Burns opens up about his remarkable 30+ year career in the private club industry, charting an unexpected path from his family’s restaurant business in New Jersey to becoming the youngest General Manager in the history of Winged Foot Golf Club at just 32 years old. Over more than three decades at the helm, Colin oversaw multiple major championships, spearheaded $100M+ in capital improvements, and helped shape one of the most storied clubs in the world.

Beyond his personal journey, Colin shares hard-earned leadership lessons—why authenticity matters more than polish, how building real relationships can open doors, and why a culture of fun is essential in an industry that exists to create memorable experiences. He also dives into the realities of member culture, from aligning boards with management to the importance of every touchpoint in shaping satisfaction.

Looking ahead, Colin offers a candid take on the future of the club workforce, including opportunities for women and Latinas in leadership roles, concerns about losing long-standing multi-generational staff traditions, and the challenges of recruiting and retaining quality talent in today’s labor market.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• How Colin’s unconventional journey led him to one of the most prestigious GM roles in the world of private clubs

• Why authenticity and relationships are more important than résumés in career advancement

• The hidden gaps in board-management communication—and how to fix them

• Exciting opportunities for women, especially Latinas, in club management

• Why long-term staff relationships are fading—and what that means for the future of clubs

• Practical advice on aligning culture, member experience, and staff engagement

 

Links mentioned in this episode:

Colin Burns Consulting - https://colinburnsconsulting.com/

Colin Burns LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/burns-colin/