Some people are great chefs. Some are great leaders. Matt Gilbert is both.

As the Executive Chef at Medinah Country Club, Matt isn’t just running one of the most well-known kitchens in private clubs—he’s leading a team, creating unforgettable dining experiences, and setting a new standard for club cuisine.

But beyond the accolades, the high-pressure events, and the five-star menus, Matt is just a genuinely great person. He leads with humility, passion, and a deep respect for his team, knowing that the best food comes from a kitchen where people feel valued.

In this episode, we talk about:

*How he went from fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants to private clubs.
*What it really takes to run a high-volume, high-expectation club kitchen.
*The biggest lessons he’s learned about leadership, teamwork, and keeping a cool head under pressure.
*How Medinah balances tradition with innovation in its food & beverage program.

Matt is the kind of leader who gives credit before he takes it and builds people up while delivering world-class experiences. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to run an elite club kitchen—or just want to hear from one of the best in the business—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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This episode focuses on how emotional intelligence can redefine leadership within club management. Geoff Piva shares his personal journey and insights on navigating crises, the importance of mentorship, maintaining work-life balance, and leading with empathy. 

• Exploring the role of emotional intelligence in club management 
• Lessons learned during the COVID-19 crisis 
• Transforming Needham Golf Club through innovation and member engagement 
• The impact of mentorship on professional growth 
• Finding work-life balance in a demanding environment 
• Emphasizing the importance of empathy and communication in leadership 
• Adopting stoicism to guide leadership practices 

Geoff Piva encourages listeners to strive for 1% improvement every day in their personal and professional lives.

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Andrew Streffs shares his journey from restaurants to private clubs and emphasizes the importance of personalization in enhancing member experiences. He discusses the balance between tradition and innovation in club management while providing insights on building a strong culture and engaging members during renovations. 

• Discussing Andrew's journey in hospitality 
• Importance of personalized service in clubs 
• Emphasizing relationship building with members 
• Navigating challenges of club management 
• Balancing tradition and renovations in a historic club 
• Engaging members in decision-making processes 
• The role of trust and communication in club culture 
• Creating a strong team dynamic among staff 
• Advice for transitioning to club management

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This episode explores the inspiring journey of Sam Ohnesorge , the Director of Food and Beverage at Erin Hills, who transitioned from a musical theater major to a leading figure in the golf hospitality scene. We delve into Erin Hills' unique "member for a day" experience, the importance of personalized service, and the preparations for hosting prestigious events like the US Women’s Open.

• Sam shares his path from theater to food & beverage 
• Insights into the "member for a day" concept 
• Importance of mentorship in career development 
• Discussion on operational challenges at Aaron Hills 
• Preparing for the US Women's Open event 
• Emphasis on high-quality, personalized service 
• The role of a sommelier in enhancing dining experiences 
• Building lasting relationships with guests 
• The growth and recognition of women in sports 
• Future plans for enhancing the guest experience at Erin Hills

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This episode highlights key insights from the CMA World Conference, emphasizing the importance of member experiences, safety protocols, and innovative management solutions. Attendees shared valuable knowledge about enhancing club operations through networking and creative perspectives.

• Key takeaways from Marcom session on branding 
• Importance of member experience in referrals 
• Safety in clubs: overlooked yet crucial 
• The necessity of member vetting 
• Solutions for modernizing tee time management 
• Pop culture lessons in club management 
• Networking opportunities and their impact

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What happens when 3,000 industry professionals gather to share laughs, knowledge, and a hearty meal? Experience the infectious energy and camaraderie of the CMAA World Conference in Tampa with me, Denny Corby. From an impromptu dinner with 19 club managers to insightful sessions packed with strategies for navigating identity and mental health, this episode offers a unique peek into the vibrant world of private clubs. The conference is not just about learning; it's about community and the powerful connections we forge with peers across the nation, all while addressing the evolving needs of the industry.

Feel the pulse of the private club community as I recount the highlights of the first day. This year, the conference places a significant focus on mental health and identity, equipping club professionals with the tools they need to thrive in challenging times. Whether you were unable to attend or are just curious about the trends shaping our industry, this recap offers a fresh perspective on the conversations and themes that are setting the pace for the future. Tune in to gain insights and be inspired by the remarkable people who make this industry so special.

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The episode features Tyler Bloom, from Bloom Consulting Partners,  a leader in golf course management and consulting, discussing how he is reshaping workforce development in private golf clubs. With a focus on mentorship and youth apprenticeship programs, he highlights innovative strategies to attract and retain talent in the industry. 
• Tyler’s journey from golf course maintenance to consulting 
• Importance of workforce development in clubs 
• Innovative youth apprenticeship programs as a solution 
• Critical role of mentorship in agronomy careers 
• Addressing misconceptions about careers in golf 
• Future trends in golf workforce dynamics and skills required

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Big changes are happening in private clubs, and Josh Paris, CCM, CCE is at the center of it all. From overseeing massive renovations at his club to running for the CMAA National Board, Josh is leading in more ways than one.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The thought process behind his club’s major renovation—what worked, what didn’t, and lessons learned.
• His CMAA Board campaign and what he hopes to bring to the industry.
• How clubs can evolve with their members while staying true to their culture.
• The key to leading teams through change and keeping communication strong.

Josh brings real insights, fresh ideas, and plenty of experience to the table. Hit play and hear how he’s making an impact on clubs today and shaping the future of CMAA.

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What does it take to lead private clubs across the globe and build teams that thrive?
I sat down with Ed Chapman, CEO of Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club, to talk about his incredible journey through the private club industry.

From the UK to Dubai, Hong Kong, and now New Zealand, Ed has led with a unique blend of empathy, adaptability, and a deep respect for each club’s culture and traditions. He’s managed teams ranging from small groups to over 400 people and shares what he’s learned about creating connections and driving success in vastly different environments.

We talk about:

• The cultural “aha!” moments that have shaped Ed’s leadership style.
• Balancing club traditions with the need for innovation and change.
• How genuine curiosity and care help solve leadership challenges.
• The lessons he’s learned managing teams in some of the most prestigious clubs worldwide.

Ed’s experiences are packed with insights for leaders at every level. 

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