Emma’s Torch on the “Science of Service” Podcast

Purpose meets profit: Retention, talent & social impact

If you pick up a newspaper or scroll through your news feed right now, there is a good chance you will find a sobering headline about the labor crisis. Finding and keeping employees is a universal struggle, but in the hospitality industry, it feels like the same problem is on repeat.

High churn, tight margins, and the constant pressure to keep the kitchen moving create a perfect storm. Everyone agrees it is an issue, yet it remains incredibly difficult to solve. But what if solving staffing challenges isn’t just about hiring faster? What if it is about collaborating smarter?

In a recent episode of Science of Service, we sat down with Kerry Brodie, founder of non-profit Emma’s Torch, and Abe Monzon, VP of Talent and Development at Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG). Together, they explored what happens when purpose and partnership meet the realities of hospitality—and proved that doing good doesn’t have to come at the expense of doing well…listen to the full episode.