Leadership Shows Up in Meaningful Ways, at Times Unexpectedly but With Great Transformation.

​     Mark Canlis, owner of Canlis, Seattle’s premier restaurant shared on a Zoom call hosted by KIROS today his personal identity with leadership. Mark shut his restaurant down due to the current pandemic and had to pivot the way in which he normally conducted business (transitioned from fine dining to takeout, home delivery, Bingo sessions, to holding fundraisers at drive-in movie theaters – a multi concept approach) in order to keep his staff employed and to maintain the operations of his business. One thing that remained steadfast and guided his remarkable and creative ways to continue to serve the community and keep his staff working was to remain soft hearted. Not failing at love gave him the space to divert his eyes on the right things, faith, and hope. His focus and values were recognized by his staff inspiring them to turn toward one another giving them the confidence and trust of self and of collaborative effort to see the hard times through.
     Mark believes in remaining curious which can break down the barriers of fear. When working with a growth mindset, fear can transform into hope which then elevates confidence. Canlis has a mindful Mission, “Inspire all people to turn toward one another”. For him, means to “know you”, “see you”, and “gain your trust”. Between the mission that drives his approach to business and personal relations, and the old adage “Ancient Hospitality – to make space for the other”, proves a great value system for him and in turn seen as a great leader to others.
     While Canlis’s doors will remain closed likely through the end of this year, Mark’s leadership and multi concept approach to a new way of doing business created a new path, a new vision, perhaps a new business model. This pivotal moment became a vessel of curiosity, certainly a path making space for the other. What is exciting, will lay in anticipation of what hope brings next for Mark and his team.
     I am reminded by a comment made by mark during today’s zoom meeting, “becoming to our own desire leads our journey to faith” and through faith, hope inspires us to be better, to love greater, and to except others. I find tremendous value as a leader myself in the leadership values I learned of today.

    Author; Sabrina L. Matson

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