Is your next Unicorn founded by a Waiter?
Some of today’s most successful entrepreneurs and CEOs began their careers not in boardrooms or laboratories, but in hotel lobbies, restaurants, and kitchens. What they learned there – the discipline of service, the resilience under pressure, the art of creating memorable client experiences – often becomes a hidden advantage when building and scaling companies in entirely different sectors.
At Kylla, we are often asked what makes one founder stand out over another. Beyond the strength of an idea or the depth of a market, the character of leadership frequently tips the balance. Increasingly, evidence suggests that a background in hospitality – whether managing a five-star hotel, serving in a Michelin-star restaurant, or simply running shifts in a bustling café – can shape leaders who build more customer-centric, resilient, and ultimately successful companies.