Interview Prep Flashcards
TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF
WITH BREVITY!
I HAD A GREAT WEEKEND HANGING OUT AT A DOG BEACH HERE, HOW ARE YOU?
I’m a culinary professional with over a decade of being lucky enough to be at the right place and right time in curating and executing high-profile dining experiences.
My culinary journey began under the mentorship of the legendary Chef Floyd Cardoz. His commitment to celebrating the richness in his flavors with with warm hospitality ignited my passion for celebrating memorable dining experiences.
This led to successes in exciting projects like JPMorgan Chase’s ‘After Hours’ event at Sundance where I oversaw strategic planning and execution, navigating complex logistical challenges in collaboration with The Infatuation, Parcelle Wine, and Lucali Pizza teams, resulting in rave reviews.
My partnership-drive delivered exceptional results for the Oscar night Gold Party. I recruited 20 award-winning chefs from Kato to Eleven Madison Park lineage AND proactively managed all aspects of the culinary experiences including creative direction, strategy and budget management, staying 8% under budget within a demanding 90-day timeframe.
Throughout my career, I’ve become the go-to person for chefs and restaurants.RESTAURANTS HOLD MY HEART I love the excitement of navigating the industry, helping them succeed, and creating strong relationships. Being a former cook I have a deep respect for the passion, craft, and deeply understand details it takes to make these experiences happen.
My knack for identifying sought-after destinations and negotiating exclusive benefits means Chase cardholders will have access to the best of the best. Plus, with my classic product management background I’ll bring a data-driven, strategic approach to help Chase Travel achieve its goals. That’s a bit about me, happy to answer any questions and chat more.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK HERE?
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN YOUR NEXT ROLE?
I’m passionate about crafting truly special culinary experiences and building strategic partnerships.
My conversations with Erica and Chris Stang on The Infatuation team further fueled my excitement working at JPMorgan Chase.
For example, the VP responsible for a prestigious Builders and Innovators Summit at a top investment bank personally sought my recommendations. Knowing their brand and desired experience, I leveraged my network and recommended a former culinary school colleague, a respected Napa based culinary and wine team. After vetting and discussions, their restaurant group proved to be the perfect fit!
The event was a huge success - their participation not only elevated the Summit, exceeded client expectations and drove business for all and strengthened our partnerships all around too.
It was definitely a cherry on top of the sundae for me to also cook along side my colleague again too at the summit!
I’m excited to use my ability to identify and nurture the kinds of high-value partnerships that Chase Travel seeks and apply this same passion and strategic approach to make Chase THE preferred choice for cardholders seeking extraordinary culinary experiences.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS?
My eagerness to deliver results can sometimes be like wanting to serve braised short ribs right away!
While the final dish would be tasty, allowing time for those rich flavors to develop through a proper braise leads to a truly exceptional and unforgettable experience.
I’ve sometimes jumped into solutions a bit too quickly without fully gathering input.
I recognize the value of collaboration. My experience at Delicious Hospitality Group taught me this – I proactively implemented regular check-ins with key stakeholders throughout projects. This improved communication, streamlined processes, and boosted the success of our restaurant, bar, and cafe openings.
I’m actively working to balance my focus on results with proactive collaboration. This ensures that I gather valuable insights, build strong partnerships, and ultimately deliver the exceptional culinary experiences that Chase Travel strives for.
I’ve learned from working in fast-paced NYC restaurant kitchens how essential teamwork is, and it’s made me a more collaborative team player.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST STRENGTH?
One of my biggest strengths is my ability to forge strong partnerships and proactively anticipate challenges to ensure exceptional experiences. My background in the demanding culinary industry, especially managing high-profile events and VIP clientele, honed my resourcefulness, adaptability, and collaborative spirit.
For the Jay-Z Oscar party. A couple weeks out, our confirmed pizza oven vendor fell through. Thankfully, I always build contingency plans, having already formed a relationship with a potential backup. This catering company doesn’t typically rent their unique oven, but my connection I forged facilitated a creative solution. This year, that partnership blossomed, allowing not only to rent their wood-fired oven but secure their kitchen for high-volume prep, streamlining logistics and enhancing the experience.
My data-driven approach isn’t just about numbers. It’s about understanding trends, guest preferences, and potential risks. This proactive approach allows me to identify the best partners early and build relationships that secure those sought-after benefits for Chase cardholders.
I’m passionate about using my partnership-building skills, proactive planning, and resourcefulness to elevate Chase Travel’s culinary offerings. My ‘always-on’ networking mindset and drive for exceptional experiences aligns perfectly with Chase’s mission to provide world-class benefits to cardholders.
COMPENSATION QUESTION
I’m sure we’ll arrive at a reasonable compensation that works for me and the company. I want to first make sure there’s a mutual fit in terms of the company, team and projects.
I want to first make sure that there’s a great mutual fit in terms of the company, team and product.
Can you tell me more about the team? / what challenges the company or are currently with the products?
High-level share company’s goal for this year?
What are the compensation ranges you’re seeing in the market today?
Is there a target compensation range for this role?
Would you say that the compensation at your company is in the upper range of the market?
Can you tell me about a time when you successfully established a partnership in the hospitality industry?
What was your strategy and how did you navigate any challenges that arose?
My dedication to the Chefs for Kids Cancer gala led me to take the initiative in securing restaurant partnerships. I strategically targeted casual restaurants appreciated by chefs like Shake Shack, Pret A Manger, and the locally-loved Num Pang to provide meals for chefs and the countless volunteers.
Challenges arose with tight timelines and last-minute changes. I relied on clear communication and quick thinking to ensure the culinary aspect of the event ran seamlessly.
I ALSO broadened my scope to include paper supply companies, securing essential donations and even sponsorship opportunities, including artwork for the auction.
I built mutually beneficial relationships, ensuring partners gained visibility on event materials and received special thank-yous from top chefs – even including cookies baked by award-winning pastry chefs!
These partnerships were BENEFICIAL in the gala consistently raising over $1 million annually for pediatric cancer research.
This honed my partnership development, event management, and relationship-building skills – all essential for the Chase Concierge role.
I’ll utilize similar data-driven strategies and my industry knowledge to target restaurants that resonate with Chase cardholders.
In my previous role at the CHEFS’ FOR Kids Cancer Gala for Cookies for Kids Cancer, I was responsible for establishing partnerships with key players in the hospitality industry.
My strategy involved identifying and approaching potential partners who shared our commitment to the cause. I targeted restaurants and chefs known for their philanthropic efforts and presented them with a mutually beneficial partnership opportunity.
By highlighting the visibility and positive brand association they would gain through their involvement, I secured sponsorships from notable companies like Pret A Manger and Shake Shack.
I also negotiated contributions from major suppliers and vendors, which not only increased gala attendance but also boosted donations. My efforts culminated in raising over $7 million for the charity.
This experience honed my skills in partnership building, which I am excited to apply at Chase Travel to enhance the culinary experiences for your cardholders.
Describe a situation where you had to use data to solve a complex problem in the hospitality or restaurant industry. How did you approach it and what was the result?
In my role at Delicious Hospitality, I was tasked with enhancing the dining experience for JetBlue’s Mint class customers.
We faced the challenge of understanding customer preferences and optimizing our menu offerings to increase satisfaction and revenue.
To tackle this, I led a data-driven project where we analyzed customer feedback, sales data, and food cost reports. We identified underperforming dishes and areas where customers desired more variety.
Based on this analysis, my team and I redesigned the menu, introducing over 160 new dishes that better aligned with our customers’ tastes and preferences.
We also negotiated with co-packers to manage the increased volume efficiently.
The result was a 20% increase in annual revenue for the Mint class, and customer satisfaction scores also reflected a significant improvement.
This project not only boosted JetBlue’s revenue but also helped position them as a premium brand airline. The success of this initiative has led to a sustained and growing partnership.
TELL ME ABOUT A TIME WHEN YOU HAD TO DELIVER TOUGH FEEDBACK?
CONFLICT WITH TEAM MEMBER?
I had a co-worker that I was depending on for test kitchen R&D reports, but he would constantly tell me he wouldn’t be able to get it to me in time, right when the deadline was about to hit for our internal review prior to presenting to JetBlue which impacted my ability to do my job in time.
I respected him so I took the concern straight to him to talk it through.
I first showed empathy and said, “I can imagine you have some much you’re working on right now and I can tell that you’re working hard between this project and the PDR dinner services.
Then I was direct about how he was affecting me, so I said and I wanted to discuss the past few deadlines that you were able to meet. When you don’t get the updated reports on time, it delays the entire menu production process and leads the rest of us to take several hours to readjust the schedule. How can we ensure this doesn’t happen in the future?
I was nervous about the conversation but he shared how he was overwhelmed studying for his upcoming US citizenship test. I let HIM know that I was rooting for HIM and understood how stressful AND exciting it
We came up with a streamlined solution in weekly check-ins and submit a quick form with every report and from then on we have been getting the report on time which really helped us overcome getting us the required deliverables to succede in launching the Jetblue mint class experience .
Fun fact! He also is now a US citizen!
Give me an example of a time when you had to complete a project with high-quality standards under minimal supervision.
How did you manage your time and resources to deliver the work?
Certainly. One instance where I had to ensure high-quality standards with minimal supervision was when I led the creative direction for Jay-Z’s Oscar Night Gold Party.
My role encompassed hiring a team of award-winning chefs and overseeing the entire hospitality experience, including budget management and guest interactions.
To manage my time and resources effectively, I established clear priorities and delegated tasks based on the project’s critical path. I focused on high-level strategic planning and then shifted to detailed project management, including vendor coordination.
I utilized a systematic approach to ensure all elements were aligned with the event’s vision, and I held regular check-ins with my team to maintain progress.
Despite the tight 90-day timeline, we not only met but exceeded expectations, delivering an exceptional experience while also coming in under budget.
KPI QUESTIONS
Partnership Building:
You know, building meaningful partnerships has always been a cornerstone of my career. For instance, while volunteering with Chefs’ for Kids Cancer NYC Gala, I was instrumental in fostering partnerships with restaurants and chefs. This role required a deep understanding of both the culinary world and the needs of our partners, leading to the successful raising of over $7M for a cause close to my heart. It’s this kind of relationship-building experience I’m eager to bring to Chase Travel, enhancing the culinary experiences for your cardholders. How does Chase currently approach partnership development in the culinary space?”
Strategy Execution:
“Speaking of executing strategies, one of my proudest moments was orchestrating the Oscar night Gold Party. Managing over 20 top-tier chefs and ensuring everything was delivered to perfection under budget was no small feat. It required meticulous planning, coordination, and a dash of creativity—qualities I’m excited to apply at Chase Travel.
I’m curious, what are some of the upcoming strategic initiatives Chase is looking to implement in the culinary experiences domain?
Data-Driven Decision-Making:
Data has always been a key ingredient in my recipe for success. At Delicious Hospitality Group, I utilized data to revamp our F&B offerings, which led to a significant 20% increase in annual revenue. It’s this analytical approach that I believe can help in identifying and capitalizing on new culinary trends for Chase cardholders. How does Chase currently integrate data insights into enhancing cardholder experiences?
Cross-Departmental Collaboration:
Collaboration is another aspect I thrive on. Working across various departments at Delicious Hospitality Group, I was able to foster a cohesive environment that consistently exceeded guest expectations. I’m keen on bringing this collaborative spirit to Chase, working alongside your team to create unparalleled culinary experiences. Could you share how different departments at Chase collaborate on projects?
Problem Solving:
Problem-solving is second nature to me. For example, at Delicious Hospitality, I was proactive in managing vendor relationships, ensuring smooth operations and minimizing escalations. I’m looking forward to applying this proactive approach at Chase, ensuring that every culinary experience is seamless. What are some of the challenges Chase faces in this space, and how could I contribute to solving them?
Event Attendance and Networking:
Networking has opened numerous doors for me, like leading Chef Dan Kluger’s Tokyo residency. These experiences have not only honed my culinary expertise but also my ability to connect and create memorable events. I’m excited to bring this network and know-how to Chase, enhancing the cardholder’s dining experience.
What networking opportunities does Chase see as pivotal in expanding its culinary offerings?
Time Management:
Time management has been key in my ability to deliver exceptional events, like the Ralph Lauren fashion show reception. Balancing various elements to create a seamless experience is something I’m quite proud of and eager to replicate at Chase.
Ensuring that every culinary experience is not just exceptional but also timely is my goal. How does Chase currently manage the timeline of implementing new culinary experiences?
QUESTIONS TO ASK SAM
What are the key priorities for this role?
How is success measured?
Could you tell me more about the team I would be working with?
IF NOT CLEAR ON ANSWERING QUESTION - REDIRECT. CONFIDENCE AND BREVITY IS KEY!!!…re: skill…“LOVE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE REASONS NEEDING THIS EXPERIENCE?
Outside of the people, what’s the one thing you’re grateful for celebrating right now at BentoBox?
What are some of the biggest challenges for the company or product right now?
Has the search for this role been moving quickly or have you been interviewing for awhile?
If it’s been taking a while, then ASK - What have candidates been consistently missing when you interview them?
Next steps of the hiring process?
WHY ARE YOU LEAVING YOUR JOB?
While I’ve gained valuable experience at Claritiv, my true passion lies in crafting extraordinary culinary experiences.
Restaurants hold my heart.
Chase Travel’s focus on exceeding expectations with world-class dining partnerships aligns perfectly with my goals. I see myself identifying target restaurants that resonate with Chase cardholders, collaborating across teams to create unforgettable dining events, and leveraging data to ensure the Concierge program offers top-tier value. I’m eager to combine my passion for the culinary world with my proven strategic and analytical skills to make Chase THE destination for discerning diners
Top 7 Interview Questions the Skip Manager Might Ask About the Deck:
Question 1: Can you elaborate on how you selected the top 20 US restaurants for our partnership target list?
Response (PAR Method): Problem: Identifying key culinary partners for Chase. Action: Utilized a data-driven approach, considering awards, industry insights, and proximity to Sapphire Lounges. Result: Curated a list of potential partners offering exceptional dining experiences to cardholders.
Question 2: How do you plan to leverage your culinary expertise to negotiate partnerships with these top restaurants?
Response (PAR Method): Problem: Securing valuable partnerships. Action: Engage my network and industry knowledge to identify mutual benefits. Result: Establish long-lasting partnerships enhancing the Chase culinary experience.
Question 3: What strategies do you propose to mitigate the impact of cancellations and no-shows for our restaurant partners?
Response (PAR Method): Problem: Cancellations/no-shows affecting partners. Action: Implement a system to back VVIP reservations, reducing operational and revenue impacts. Result: Improved efficiency and stronger partner satisfaction.
Question 4: How does your communication tool proposal align with our goal of enhancing VVIP cardholder experiences?
Response (PAR Method): Problem: Enhancing VVIP reservation process. Action: Develop an AI-driven tool for seamless booking and personalized service. Result: Increased satisfaction and loyalty among cardholders.
Question 5: Can you discuss how your approach will drive commission for the firm while maintaining strong restaurant partnerships?
Response (PAR Method): Problem: Balancing revenue generation with partnership integrity. Action: Craft win-win strategies that offer value to both Chase and restaurants. Result: Boosted commission and sustained, mutually beneficial relationships.
Question 6: How will you ensure your strategy stays adaptable to evolving industry trends and business needs?
Response (PAR Method): Problem: Industry and business dynamics change rapidly. Action: Establish a flexible, data-informed approach that can pivot as needed. Result: Chase stays ahead in offering premier culinary experiences.
Question 7: What measures will you take to foster deeper collaboration between Chase Concierge and restaurant partners?
Response (PAR Method): Problem: Enhancing partnership depth. Action: Initiate a relationship management program focusing on mutual goals and challenges. Result: Stronger, more effective partnerships enhancing the overall dining experience.
REFINE BUILDERS AND INNOVATORS SUMMIT QUESTION
SAME ANSWER USING BUILDERS AND INNOVATORS
I’m passionate about crafting truly special culinary experiences and building strategic partnerships. Chase Travel’s mission to elevate its dining offerings with world-class benefits aligns perfectly with my expertise.
My work with a top global investment firm speaks volumes. I orchestrate intimate events for their president and contribute strategic vision for their prestigious Builders and Innovators Summit. This role leverages my extensive network, as evidenced by my recommendation of a former CIA classmate and his acclaimed Napa Valley culinary team. Their involvement secured a highly successful event, proving my ability to deliver on discerning expectations
FAVORITE RESTUARANT AND WHY?
BAVEL
lively ambience
FOOD
HOSPITALITY
THE RESTAURANT GROUP known for - excellent time each time
