Get The Manager

Al DeBerry
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Self-Improvement

Get The Manager is a podcast for anyone who has ever worked a shift, run a shift, or wondered what's really going on behind the front desk, the counter, or the kitchen door. Hosted by Al DeBerry and Raluca Leibowitz — two service industry veterans with decades of hotel, hospitality, and management experience between them — the show pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to lead people, serve customers, and keep a business running. From handling toxic employees and reading the difference between a task-driven worker and a people-driven one, to navigating tipping etiquette, angry customers, and the age-old question of manager versus leader, Al and Raluca bring the hard-won lessons of the front line to every episode. Each episode, they're either talking topics or joined by guests from across the hospitality and service world — hotel general managers, restaurant owners, event planners, tourism executives, and more — who share their own stories from the trenches, along with the wins, the disasters, and everything in between. Whether it's a story about going above and beyond for a guest, a lesson learned the hard way, or a laugh-out-loud tale from behind the scenes, Get The Manager is equal parts education and entertainment for managers, employees, and anyone who has ever asked to speak to one.

Episodes

  1. Oct 30

    Hiring the Right People: Leadership, Team Culture & Finding Hidden Talent | Get the Manager

    In this episode of Get the Manager, hosts Al DeBerry and Raluca Leibowitz continue their conversation about hiring, leadership, and building successful teams. Through personal stories from their years in the hospitality industry, they explore what makes a great employee, why company culture matters, and how recognizing someone's potential can change their career. They share inspiring stories of employees who grew into successful leaders, including Chef Khubilai Onder, the importance of mentorship, and the unexpected journey of a banker who became a successful hotel general manager. The episode also features clips from Steve Jobs discussing hiring, leadership, finding the right talent, and giving employees the tools and freedom to succeed. In this episode, we discuss: What to look for when hiring the right peopleWhy personality and cultural fit matterThe importance of mentorship and developing talentHow great leaders build trust and empower their teamsRecognizing potential beyond someone's resume or experienceWhy hiring from within can create new opportunitiesLessons from Steve Jobs on recruiting and leadershipWhether you're a manager, business owner, or aspiring leader, this episode offers practical lessons on hiring, developing people, and building teams that thrive. Subscribe to Get the Manager for more conversations about employee relations, leadership, and customer experiences. Remember: We are your voice through us!

  2. Oct 19

    Full-Throttle Leadership, Team Culture & Customer Service | Steven Foster

    What makes a great leader, and what separates a strong team from an unsuccessful one? In this episode of Get the Manager, hosts Al DeBerry and Raluca Leibowitz welcome Steven Foster, CMP, managing partner of Foster Fathom, to discuss leadership development, workplace culture, customer service, and the lessons that build successful careers. With decades of experience in hospitality, event management, consulting, and team development, Steven shares valuable insights on building a positive workplace culture, mentoring the next generation, and creating meaningful customer experiences. In this episode, you'll discover: Why punctuality, preparation, and integrity matter in the workplaceHow leaders can build stronger teams through mentorship and collaborationWhy staying calm under pressure is essential for great customer serviceThe importance of accountability and taking responsibility at workWhat separates exceptional employees from those who struggleWhy skills and knowledge matter more than simply knowing the right peopleHow serving others can create a lasting impact on your career and communitySteven also shares a powerful story of customer service and compassion following September 11, 2001, demonstrating how going above and beyond can build relationships that last for decades. About Steven Foster and Foster Fathom Foster Fathom specializes in leadership development, team culture, consulting, and purpose-driven team experiences that connect organizations with nonprofit causes. Its mission is to help people grow, strengthen teams, and lead with passion, power, and purpose. Learn more at https://foster-fathom.com/ Sponsored by: Lorenzo Hotel Dallas, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, and Grit Productions & Expositions. Subscribe to Get the Manager for more conversations about employee relations, leadership, and customer experiences. Like, follow, and share the show across platforms. Remember: We are your voice through us!

  3. Oct 7

    Hiring the Right People: Culture, Character & Finding the Right Fit | Get the Manager

    What really makes someone the right hire? In this episode of Get the Manager, Al DeBerry and Raluca Leibowitz dive into the hiring process and the qualities that can make or break a great employee. With decades of HR experience, Raluca shares her perspective on what to look for beyond a resume—from personality, work ethic, integrity, and communication to cultural fit and a candidate’s genuine interest in the organization. They discuss the importance of being on time, making a strong first impression, preparing for an interview, and simply being yourself. The conversation also explores internal promotions, salary versus hourly roles, employee trust, workplace culture, referrals, interview processes, and the growing role of AI in hiring and resumes. Plus, the episode wraps with a Spotlight Karen of the Week and a conversation about handling difficult moments professionally—even when you've just lost your job. In this episode: What HR professionals really look for when hiring Why personality and culture can matter more than experience The importance of integrity and work ethic Interview etiquette and common hiring mistakes How to make a strong first impression Internal promotions and the Peter Principle Building trust between employees and HR Why referrals can be valuable in hiring AI, resumes, and the future of hiring Why sometimes not getting the job is actually a good thing

    Hiring the Right People: Culture, Character & Finding the Right Fit | Get the Manager

  4. Sep 24

    The Power of Hospitality: Leadership, Events & Creating Unforgettable Experiences

    What does it take to create an exceptional customer experience, build a strong team, and make every event memorable? On this episode of Get the Manager, Al DeBerry and Raluca Leibowitz welcome Monica Leibowitz, a sales and events expert with more than 20 years of experience in hospitality and event planning. Monica shares how growing up around hospitality shaped her career, from managing a bed and breakfast to working in catering, events, and large-scale experiences. She discusses her servant leadership approach, the importance of hiring the right people, building a strong workplace culture, and why communication and empathy are essential when working with both employees and customers. The conversation also covers networking and professional associations, learning from mistakes, handling customer complaints, creating memorable experiences, and the importance of staying calm when things go wrong behind the scenes. Plus, the team takes on another “Spotlight Karen” moment, breaking down a viral customer-service encounter and discussing how employees and managers can navigate difficult situations with professionalism and empathy. Tune in for practical lessons on leadership, hospitality, customer service, event planning, and creating experiences people remember. #GetTheManager #Hospitality #Leadership #CustomerService #EventPlanning #EventManagement #EmployeeExperience #CustomerExperience #ServantLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #BusinessLeadership #HospitalityIndustry

    The Power of Hospitality: Leadership, Events & Creating Unforgettable Experiences

  5. Sep 10

    Meet Your Hosts | The Story Behind Get The Manager

    Welcome to the very first episode of Get the Manager, hosted by Al DeBerry and Raluca Leibowitz! With decades of combined experience in hospitality, management, customer service, and employee relations, Al and Raluca kick off the podcast by sharing their personal career journeys, the mentors who shaped them, and the lessons they've learned along the way. In this episode, they explore what really makes a great customer and employee experience—and why exceptional service is about more than simply completing a transaction. They introduce the idea of the “Service Champion,” discuss the importance of leadership, culture, kindness, and accountability, and share their approach to handling difficult customers and supporting employees. Whether you've worked in hospitality, managed a team, or simply been a customer, Get the Manager is a conversation about the experiences we all share—and how we can make them better.

    Meet Your Hosts | The Story Behind Get The Manager
  • 5 Episodes

About

Get The Manager is a podcast for anyone who has ever worked a shift, run a shift, or wondered what's really going on behind the front desk, the counter, or the kitchen door. Hosted by Al DeBerry and Raluca Leibowitz — two service industry veterans with decades of hotel, hospitality, and management experience between them — the show pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to lead people, serve customers, and keep a business running. From handling toxic employees and reading the difference between a task-driven worker and a people-driven one, to navigating tipping etiquette, angry customers, and the age-old question of manager versus leader, Al and Raluca bring the hard-won lessons of the front line to every episode. Each episode, they're either talking topics or joined by guests from across the hospitality and service world — hotel general managers, restaurant owners, event planners, tourism executives, and more — who share their own stories from the trenches, along with the wins, the disasters, and everything in between. Whether it's a story about going above and beyond for a guest, a lesson learned the hard way, or a laugh-out-loud tale from behind the scenes, Get The Manager is equal parts education and entertainment for managers, employees, and anyone who has ever asked to speak to one.

Information

  • Creator
    Al DeBerry
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Al DeBerry
  • Show Website
    Get The Manager