India's trajectory toward global economic prominence is unmistakable, propelled by its burgeoning population and dynamic business landscape. Amidst this journey, the hospitality sector emerges as a microcosm of India's growth narrative, with industry stalwarts such as the Oberoi Hotel Group and foodservice organizations like the Compass Group leading the charge. Challenges in India's Foodservice Industry Despite its promising growth, the Indian foodservice industry faces several challenges, ranging from ensuring food safety standards to managing the complexities of a diverse market. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, maintaining consistent quality and safety across a vast landscape poses significant logistical hurdles. Additionally, evolving consumer preferences and regulatory requirements demand continual adaptation and innovation from industry players. Addressing Food Safety with 4xi’s FoodCraft© Practice In response to these challenges, innovative approaches such as 4xi’s FoodCraft© practice offers practical solutions, particularly in ensuring food safety. By implementing rigorous protocols and leveraging technology, 4xi’s FoodCraft© helps streamline processes, enhance transparency, and mitigate risks associated with food handling and preparation. Through comprehensive training programs and cutting-edge monitoring systems, businesses can uphold the highest standards of hygiene and quality, thus fostering trust and loyalty among customers. The Oberoi Hotel Group: Setting Standards for Excellence The Oberoi Hotel Group epitomizes excellence in India's hospitality landscape, setting benchmarks for service quality and guest satisfaction. At properties like the Trident Hotel in Gurgaon, the group's unwavering commitment to personalized experiences and attention to detail has earned widespread acclaim. By prioritizing customer-centricity and continuous improvement, the Oberoi Hotel Group demonstrates how a relentless focus on excellence can propel success in a competitive market. Foodservice: Meeting Evolving Demands Meanwhile, the Compass Group's rapid expansion underscores the growing demand for quality food services and facilities management solutions in India. With a portfolio of 70 new accounts established in the past year, the group exemplifies adaptability and innovation in addressing evolving consumer preferences and market dynamics. By leveraging technology and embracing trends such as sustainability, the Compass Group remains at the forefront of catering to diverse culinary needs while maintaining operational efficiency. Other global players including French giant Sodexo, and ISS Global from Denmark are also making strides in this burgeoning market. Navigating Complexity with 4xi Global Consulting In navigating India's dynamic business landscape, organizations turn to consultancies like 4xi Global Consulting for strategic guidance and operational excellence. Specializing in areas such as strategy formulation, growth acceleration, and sustainability initiatives, 4xi Global Consulting equips businesses with the tools and insights needed to thrive amidst challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Through collaborative partnerships and a commitment to innovation, the consultancy serves as a catalyst for growth and transformation in India's hospitality sector. Charting a Course for Excellence As India continues its march toward unprecedented growth, the hospitality industry serves as a beacon of its potential and promise. With visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to excellence, businesses stand poised to navigate challenges and capitalize on the vast opportunities inherent in India's vibrant marketplace. Through a combination of innovation, adaptability, and collaboration, the industry is primed to redefine standards and shape the future of hospitality in India. Need support navigating the opportunities and challenges that India poses, then contact us at 4xi Global Consulting: hello@4xiconsulting.com We bring a wealth of expertise in the following areas: Contract foodservice in the away from home markets, including: corporate dining higher education sports & leisure healthcare, and senior living Catering and VIP culinary events. Table service and fine dining. Guest experience and hospitality skills training. Food safety and kitchen management. Culinary trends and innovation. Building profitable and cost effective dining programs. Client-side leadership and contract management. Sustainability. Employee engagement and retention. We will help you create world class dining experiences for guests, regardless of market, delivered safely, consistently, and profitably. Here is a quick preview of how we can help. CULINARY OPERATIONS REVIEW We can help with anything from mystery shops to comprehensive program review.  Our team of experts will use our proprietary Craft Success Matrix© and assessment tools to help you identify areas of success and opportunity.  Our suite of technology enablers will help you monitor your ongoing success through customized quality assurance audits that get everyone involved in tracking progress. FOOD SAFETY We can help you evaluate your current food safety progress and plot a course toward exceeding your goals and standards.  Our team can help with measurement, planning, training, and accountability. CULINARY STRATEGY We can help bring your culinary strategy to life with industry trends, professional evaluation, and long-term programmatic planning.  From menu to performance to profitability, we have a solution for you. HOSPITALITY TRAINING Our team of professional experience and training experts can build your virtual and in-person training modules, and help you deploy and deliver the content to your team. Together we can help you deliver the best experiences for your employees, your guests, patients, employees, students, fans, and travelers alike. Reach out today to learn more about our offerings and how we can help you thrive in this ever-changing culinary marketplace. PRACTICE LEADERS Tony Johnson | Chief Experience Officer Tony Johnson, 4xi’s Chief Experience Officer, leads FoodCraft©.  Together we can build culinary programs that deliver safe, innovative, profitable menus to guests of all ages and in all markets.  Tony brings his long experience in culinary, food service, and hospitality to help restaurants and food service operations thrive. Christy Cook | Chief Sustainability Officer in Residence Christy is a globally recognized expert in corporate sustainability with a specialized focus in zero waste. Christy is a veteran of the Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) and sustainability space where she has been working for almost 20 years. Her background is in corporate sustainability and working directly with clients to improve their sustainability performance. She went from creating sustainability solutions at one college campus to 8500 sites in North America across seven business sectors for the 19th largest employer where she also developed the foundation for the largest food waste prevention program in the world. Ann McNally | Operations Coaching & Growth Ann is a soft service subject matter expert with over 25 years of onsite hospitality experience working on both the client side of the business as well as on the operator side. She has worked in the airport, education, and corporate services sectors. As a former Vice President of Amenities at Morgan Stanley, Director of Contract Soft Services at Bristol Myers Squibb, and Vice President of Business Development at Sodexo, Ann offers a unique way of looking at the business from both the client and operators view. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions  is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. WHAT WE DO We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences©  - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©:  Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy, Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©:  Strategic Partnership & Growth Sustainability Simplified©:  Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking Project Management Office Food Craft Culinary Consulting CREATE. : Graphic Design and Creative Services DATAxi: Data Ingestion and Visualization Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

Today almost any discussion concerning corporate campuses and facilities quickly moves from the physical building and campus to the services and amenities being offered. Now more than ever just as much effort and thought is going into the services and amenities being offered on campus as there is in the actual design, restructuring or managing of campus space. The focus on the Workplace Experience and improving it is critical to any company’s success.     Today you want to have a vision for your corporate campus that seamlessly melds the physical space with the services and amenities you offer. It is not enough to design world-class, award-winning structures. The campus needs a vision for top-tier services that reflect your company, culture, values, and goals as well as your clients.  With 5 generations in the workforce, hybrid workforces, increased remote workers, employees expect much more than a desk a laptop and a pen when they are in the office.  Building out a Work Place Experience strategy that engages your employees and keeps you competitive is no easy task. Amenities and services that were nice to have 10 years ago in many cases today are table stakes. The expectations and diversity in today's workforce requires a true understanding of market trends, employee needs, and company goals.     Building out or improving the Workplace Experience (WPX) can be overwhelming to start there is a lot to think about getting started requires a lot of visualization. The days of just upgrading your cafe, subsidizing programs, adding some perks and everyone is happy are far gone.   You need to think about creating a world-class WPX in a more dynamic, comprehensive way.  Before you even start here are just a few questions you want to think about:    What are your goals in building out your services strategy?  What is the value proposition, how do I develop a budget?  How will your plan align with your company values and culture?  How will your strategy impact the Employee and Client experience?  How do I involve key stakeholders?  How do I benchmark against the market and where do we want to position ourselves? (improve but not matched to market - competitive or leading/ disruptive)  What is our stance on coming into the workspace in the post-COVID era?   And most importantly who is the responsible party that will put this all together?    There is a lot to think about before you can even get started,  but the work is worth it, successfully implementing a services and amenities strategy, will net positive improvement in the WPX for your company. You will see improvements in productivity, collaboration, recruiting, retention and the general well being of your teams.    Nothing is more rewarding than creating a workplace environment that energizes, motivates and inspires the workforce.    Being able to work with innovative industry thought leaders helping companies build world class Employee and Client experiences was the driving force in my joining 4xi Global Consulting. As a collective,  with you we can accomplish so much.     Over the next few weeks I look forward to expanding on these thoughts as we embark on this journey together.  John Schmidt Corporate Strategy & Workplace Experience 4xi Global Consulting Global amenity services and operations, transforming the work experience, and leveraging the 4xi strategic and tactical network. You can contact John directly at john@4xiconsulting.com  or learn more about John by reading his bio. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions  is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. WHAT WE DO We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences©  - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©:  Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy, Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©:  Strategic Partnership & Growth Sustainability Simplified©:  Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking Project Management Office Food Craft Culinary Consulting CREATE. : Graphic Design and Creative Services DATAxi: Data Ingestion and Visualization Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

Why taking a hard look at your company's service and amenities plan is critical to your firm's long-term success. No matter the size, industry, or goals of your company, building out the best possible workplace experience (WPx) needs to be front and center in your thinking.  If it isn't you may want to step back and think about the level of priority being placed on employee satisfaction, customer satisfaction, productivity, work-life balance, recruiting, and retention within your firm.  Creating a world-class WPx environment is complex and needs to be thought through comprehensively.  The effort you put into ensuring you are creating the right work environment needs to be equal to the energy you put into building a satisfied loyal customer base.  The level of service and satisfaction you deliver to customers can be directly connected to the level of support and effort you strive to deliver to your employees.  When thinking through a WPx strategy, many factors and variables need to be visualized before you even begin to build out a plan.  It is critical that you include amenities and services in the plan forward. You want to ensure that what you are doing relative to services and amenities is “intentionally” in your strategic plan.  Too often I see elaborate plans around buildings, restructuring, or new buildouts where the plan for the services is treated as a second thought, or reaction to something happening in the market, or treated as a secondary priority once everything else is figured out. By doing that you are limiting the value proposition and ROI you should be getting from said services and amenities.     Picture a bicycle wheel made up of a hub, spokes, rim, and tire. Perfectly balanced when built right, beautiful to look at, efficient in function. Look at this graphic as you look at your workplace experience: The hub in the middle is your employee, the rim is your business or office. The tire is the connection to the world outside of the office. Then there are the spokes tens to hundreds of them not there for looks but there to ensure perfect balance and function.  The spokes are the connection between the employee, the company, and ultimately the customer.  These spokes represent everything you are doing to create the right WPx within the firm.  Every spoke in that wheel should be Intentionally placed, every spoke placed, removed, or not used should be by choice or design.   John Schmidt Corporate Strategy & Workplace Experience 4xi Global Consulting Global amenity services and operations, transforming the work experience, and leveraging the 4xi strategic and tactical network. You can contact John directly at john@4xiconsulting.com  or learn more about John by reading his bio. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions  is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. WHAT WE DO We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences©  - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©:  Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy, Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©:  Strategic Partnership & Growth Sustainability Simplified©:  Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking Project Management Office Food Craft Culinary Consulting CREATE. : Graphic Design and Creative Services DATAxi: Data Ingestion and Visualization Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

We have previously addressed the importance of having a Workplace Experience (WPx) Plan for the success of your company, your employees, and the significant influence it has on your customers' perception and experience with your company. Having clear and well-defined goals is essential for a successful WPx strategy. Clarity regarding your strategy goals is crucial for achieving success. There are numerous resources, published documents, online materials, and training sessions available on creating an effective goal statement (including 4xis TRUE NORTH© and Partnership Optimization Program), so I will refrain from turning this into a blog about goal setting. Instead, I aim to share my insights on goal setting and prompt you to consider setting goals within a WPx strategy. The goals you establish for your WPx strategy should be centered around an outcome you are working towards achieving over time. They should be ambitious, charting the course and destination you are aiming for. Furthermore, they should align with your company's Purpose, Vision, Mission, and Values (P+V+M+V) and your culture, and what you stand for. When defining your goals, it is crucial to not only concentrate on objectives and activities. Be cautious of getting caught up in detailing precise actions to reach your goals right at the beginning of establishing a direction. It is crucial to clarify the level and scope of your goals. Food is often a central point of discussion in any conversation about the workplace experience. Setting a goal to improve your food program will lead to different outcomes than setting a goal to enhance the overall workplace experience, with improving food services being just one aspect of the broader objective. Real-time experiences Several years ago, I took charge of a hospitality program and was assigned the task of enhancing the food program. This initiative emphasized health, safety, scalability, consistency, and quality, all of which the team successfully achieved. However, despite this success, we did not see a significant improvement in customer satisfaction, engagement, and overall experience. Years later, I led a team responsible for reintegrating everyone back into the office, with the goal of creating an environment that would excite people about returning to work. This approach not only facilitated the return to work but also fostered a stronger sense of community, engagement, and productivity. While food played a role in this endeavor, the objectives were more dynamic and innovative, with increased stakeholder engagement and interdepartmental collaboration. The same vendor was chosen for both projects, and they exceeded expectations by adapting well to the new objective. The vendor/partner performed excellently in meeting the performance standards for the updated goal(s). The team eagerly accepted the challenge of creating a more dynamic food program, leading to a considerable increase in customer satisfaction scores, surpassing attendance targets, and effectively integrating the hospitality program into a more holistic workplace experience. By going through this process, we changed our relationship from being a vendor/client to becoming strategic partners with aligned goals. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when establishing the goals for your WPx strategy: Set goals that are clear to everyone. Be sure the entire organization can connect to the goal. Create understanding what achieving the goal will look like.   Explain the goals and ensure all levels of your organization understand them. When formulating a WPX strategy, it is crucial to consider both internal and external perspectives. Conducting SWOT analyses and benchmarking are essential tools for this purpose. As vital as having a clear direction is, it is equally important to accurately assess your current position, your competitors' positions, and the market landscape. Many companies tend to overlook this aspect. This groundwork lays the foundation for your future endeavors and is an opportune area to seek external assistance. Engaging with external parties for triangulation will provide a more comprehensive understanding: Where your firm stands in the competitive and local landscape. How your firm is performing in comparison. What learnings can you glean from these insights. Identify trends, initiatives, innovation, and impact. 6 Steps to Success When developing your WPx strategy, six factors should be considered: 1. Set Goals: Establish a set of goals that are clear and easy to understand, indicating the direction you are heading in and what the outcome will be like. 2. Benchmark: It is important to compare, fully comprehend, and align your current performance with the desired goal. 3. Timeline: Setting a timeline is crucial for achieving goals effectively. It creates urgency, accountability, and helps break down goals into smaller tasks for better tracking and progress. Prioritizing activities and allocating resources wisely ensures steady progress. 4. Set Priorities: Establish and prioritize goals based on scale, intricacy, significance, and time commitment for efficiency. Avoid taking on too many tasks at once for better results. 5. Measurements of Success: Ensure that you have considered the method by which you will gauge success. Reflect on the desired results you aim to achieve and establish a system for capturing and evaluating your progress in relation to those outcomes. 6. Execute: Keep in mind that the person is more crucial than the task, which I will discuss further in my upcoming blog post. Consider who will establish this objective, who will take responsibility, and who will be part of the team responsible for its development and execution. Each company follows a procedure to set goals, so make sure to incorporate these six points at least to kickstart your journey successfully. One important thing to keep in mind about goals is that "the journey is the destination." As you work towards your goal, you will refine it and gain valuable insights while pursuing objectives. For many, striving to develop a better WPx strategy is essential in order to increase engagement, foster development, differentiate the brand, and promote personal growth. As you progress towards different goals, you will notice these changes taking place and starting to unfold. The advantages will become apparent and tangible well before you reach your ultimate goal. John Schmidt Corporate Strategy & Workplace Experience 4xi Global Consulting Global amenity services and operations, transforming the work experience, and leveraging the 4xi strategic and tactical network. You can contact John directly at john@4xiconsulting.com  or learn more about John by reading his bio. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions  is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. WHAT WE DO We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences© - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy, Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking Project Management Office Food Craft Culinary Consulting CREATE. : Graphic Design and Creative Services DATAxi: Data Ingestion and Visualization Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

Access to data and insights is essential for most organizations. What do your clients really think? What about your employees? What is the landscape of your existing markets or those you're exploring? What do consumers want? What are the latest sentiments and trends? What acquisition opportunities exist, and which ones are the best fit for you? 4xi can help help you answer all these questions, and more. In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business environment, data and insights are more crucial than ever. They empower businesses to make informed decisions, anticipate market trends, and understand customer behavior with precision. By leveraging data, companies can identify opportunities for growth, optimize operations, and enhance customer experiences. Insights drawn from data help businesses stay competitive, innovate effectively, and navigate uncertainties with confidence. In essence, data-driven decision-making is the foundation for sustainable success and strategic advantage in the modern business world. Data and insights are the lifeblood of modern business strategy. Without them, we are navigating blind in a world that demands precision and agility.   Commissioned Surveys, Research, and Reports At 4xi, we pride ourselves on our commissioned surveys, research, and reports that deliver critical data and insights, essential for informed decision-making and strategic planning. Our extensive work exemplifies our commitment to providing valuable information across various markets. For instance, we conducted a U.S. Foodservice Market Acquisition Research Report offering in-depth analysis for a business that was looking to expand, while our U.S. Senior Living Market Report ( Download ) provided essential insights into the quickly evolving needs of this market as the client was looking to expand into. The U.S. Healthcare Market Report was a vital report to help this client understand trends, challenges, and opportunities within the healthcare sector. We have also conducted projects on brand perception through our Brand Listening surveys, gathering feedback from clients, past clients, consultants, and employees to create a comprehensive picture of existing perceptions, which in turn produces themes and signals and as a result, a roadmap to future success. Additionally, our “What Employees Think (and want)” survey shed light on employee sentiments and desires, aiding this client to create better work terms, conditions, and environments to better attract and retain talent (and reduce the cost of turnover). Moreover, our CRITERION 1.0 Reports have been instrumental in navigating various aspects of the modern workplace. From Return-to-Work sentiments ( Download Report ) and strategies to Employee Amenities, Health & Wellness, and Foodservice, our reports cover a wide range of topics crucial for today’s businesses. 4xi’s Upcoming Bi-annual Surveys The 4xi Annual Customer Experience Survey is coming soon! Released each September, this comprehensive survey remains open until Thanksgiving, with full results and insights unveiled in January. In its second annual edition, the survey focuses on the Away from Home Markets, with results from March available by June. Consistency is key, as the survey retains the same questions year after year, allowing us to track trends, movements, and provide insightful year-on-year comparisons. Participation is not only valuable but also rewarding, as the survey results are free to those who complete the survey. Data and insights are at the heart of our mission, enabling organizations to track trends, make data-driven decisions, and stay ahead in an ever-changing market landscape. In an era where change is the only constant, data-driven insights provide the clarity and foresight needed to steer our organizations towards sustainable growth and innovation. Don't miss out on the invaluable insights 4xi and CRITERION can provide. Get involved, stay informed, and drive your business forward with data-driven confidence. Participate in our surveys, explore our reports, and leverage our research for your strategic advantage! 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions  is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. WHAT WE DO We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences© - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy, Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking Project Management Office Food Craft Culinary Consulting CREATE. : Graphic Design and Creative Services DATAxi: Data Ingestion and Visualization Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

Learn More. Do More.  For independent operators in the hospitality industry—whether you’re running a bustling restaurant, a tranquil spa, a lively golf club, a boutique hotel, or even managing facilities at a school or university—the challenges of staying efficient, compliant, and competitive can be daunting. That’s where the 4xi360 Resource Center comes in. We’re excited to offer a comprehensive digital hub designed to support and enhance your operations, providing enterprise-level tools, insights, and templates at no cost to members. In an industry known for its fast pace and high standards, accessing quality resources without a hefty price tag can be a game-changer. The 4xi360 Resource Center offers free access to the same high-quality tools that large organizations use, specially curated to meet the unique needs of independent operators. Here’s a look at what our Resource Center can do for you. How Can the 4xi360 Resource Center Benefit Independent Operators? Running an independent operation requires wearing multiple hats and juggling everything from staffing and compliance to customer satisfaction and brand consistency. The 4xi360 Resource Center provides tools and templates that save you time, streamline processes, and help you create a smooth, consistent experience for your team and guests alike. Here’s what you’ll find inside: Employee Handbook Templates  – Clearly define expectations and create a cohesive, professional environment, no matter the size of your team. Uniform Job Descriptions  – Attract the right talent with role-specific job descriptions designed for various hospitality functions, from culinary to customer service roles. Job Aids  – Provide your team with handy guides and instructions for day-to-day tasks, ensuring consistency and excellence in service. Business Policies  – Establish transparent, reliable policies to manage operations smoothly and reduce risks, crucial for any independent operator. Research & Reports  – Stay ahead with valuable insights into industry trends and best practices, tailored for hospitality and service operations. Processes & Procedures  – Implement efficient workflows to optimize every aspect of your operation, from front-of-house service to back-office management. Industry Guidelines  – Access standards and best practices that help you stay compliant and competitive, tailored to the unique regulations in sectors like foodservice, leisure, and hospitality. Useful Links & Interesting Articles  – Find curated articles and information that provide fresh ideas and insights relevant to the unique challenges of independent hospitality management. Why Should Independent Operators Join the 4xi360 Resource Center? Tailored for Independent Needs : Unlike generic resource libraries, the 4xi360 Resource Center is crafted specifically with independent hospitality operators in mind, making it directly relevant and immediately useful. Cost Savings : By providing these tools for free, we make high-quality resources accessible to operators of any scale, helping you achieve professional results without the corporate budget. Efficient and Easy to Use : With ready-made templates and guidelines, you can reduce the time spent on creating policies and processes from scratch, freeing you up to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences. Stay Compliant and Informed : With constantly updated resources, you’ll always be equipped to meet the latest industry standards and adapt to evolving market trends. Build a Community of Practice : Joining the Resource Center connects you with like-minded operators who value knowledge-sharing and continuous improvement. Join the 4xi360 Resource Center Today! Ready to elevate your operation? Becoming a free member is easy. Visit 4xi360.com/resourcecenter  to sign up and gain access to resources specifically designed for independent hospitality operators. Whether you’re managing a restaurant, hotel, spa, or club, the 4xi360 Resource Center is here to support your unique needs and empower you to learn more and do more with confidence. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions  is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. WHAT WE DO We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences© - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy, Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking Project Management Office Food Craft Culinary Consulting CREATE. : Graphic Design and Creative Services DATAxi: Data Ingestion and Visualization Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

WPx: The "Who" is far more important than the "What" Working with countless companies and groups I find the most overlooked part of any plan in trying to improve or alter the WPx, is who is actually going to be responsible for the path forward.  - John Schmidt Like Nature vs Nurture, Confidence vs. Success, chicken or the egg, the "Who versus the What" is one of those loops and it's often overlooked as people by nature want to jump in and start working towards something. Especially something as new and exciting as creating a new WPx.   Undoubtedly, you will have no shortage of volunteers and people ready to sign up and be a part of creating a new WPx.  The most important thing you can do is step back and with the most critical hat you can ask these crucial questions:    What are the values I need from this team? What the abilities I need? What are the skills I need? Do I have the right SMEs (Subject Matter Experts)? Do they have a true passion for creating world class experiences? Do the people I am looking at have all of the above but also do they have the capacity? Are we selecting the right responsible party and building a team that will give us the greatest opportunity to achieve the goal? It's not enough to establish just the "what" but more importantly, the "why". Defining your Purpose, Vision, Mission, and Values (P+V+M+V) is a fundamental step in how you craft your overall WPx strategy to gain maximum, long term and sustainable impact." - Simon Elliot, Managing Partner, 4xi Global Consulting In any pursuit of organizational success, there is a tendency to prioritize "what" needs to be done over "who" will do it.  I have learned over time when companies come up short of their goals or struggle with successful completion of projects and diagnose the shortfall, 99.9 % of the time the failure or miss will come down to people somewhere in the machine that failed through execution.   That does not mean the people that failed are not valuable, it does not mean they should not have been part of the process. It usually is tied to under-visualization of what was needed from the people involved to achieve the goal.  You need to have a clear understanding of the values, skills, experience and the capacity that will be needed. Then line that up with the right folks within your organization.     A WPx strategy that is really focused on evolving your suite of services and amenities is no small task, it will ultimately require a team and will most likely involve both internal and external members.  So, when thinking about “the who” I would think in terms of building the most effective flying formation possible.  A solid well thought flying formation will maximize collaboration, engagement, efficiency.  In addition, it will take advantage of cross departmental alignment and strengths of the individuals involved while offsetting weakness.  It will help you identify gaps and allow you to fill those gaps with the right people.    Key elements for a flying formation to execute on WPx or Services and Amenities strategy:  1. Executive Sponsorship Who at the highest level possible will sponsor the initiative, the sponsor(s) are tasked with holding the person responsible accountable.  They are ensuring the aims are aligning with the goals and ensuring that the companies values and culture are in alignment with them.  This roles also is helpful with span breaking and ensuring interdepartmental collaboration is strong (Examples: COO, Chief People Officer). 2. Responsible Party (RP) This is the singular person (in some cases team) who is driving the team towards the goal.  In some firms they call this the Project Lead or Project Manager. This Project Lead or Project Manager should align within the organization as the highest or most prominent point of the pyramid involved in the project, containing strong leadership skills, be a good team builder and a problem solver, and is able to make cross departmental and stakeholder connections.  If your goal aims at a particular department, like facilities, the responsible party should come from facilities.  If your goals’ objectives cross over into multiple departments, you would want to move up a level or possibly have RP from each critical group.  From an accountability and efficiency perspective you want to strive for as few RPs as possible. 3. Project Manager (PM) Manages the project, administratively supports RP’s in timelines, budgets, pulling all the moving pieces into a reportable, measurable document.  They ensure loose ends are closed, changes are captured, etc. 4. Team leaders Own specific objectives which should be closely tied to area of responsibility that aim is changing. 5. Cross functional teams Team members from other departments supporting objective.  One way to look at this is if an objective such as improving the food experience would also involve improving how to order catering and make cafes multi-use for meetings.  In these cases IT would need to be in your flying formation as a cross functional team.  If part of your WPx strategy includes building out a walk up help desk for technology, IT would assign a team lead for that as the responsibility lies inside their purview.   6. Stakeholders Often overlooked, the right representation of the people that will received / be affected by the changes you are making.  You want a VOC in your flying formation.  Bringing everyone along as you evolve is critical, their feedback and buy in is crucial.  Too often the said SMEs put together elaborate plans, that once rolled out do not have the impact expected.  You need constant feedback and communication with your critical stakeholders. 7. Support functions People assigned to the flying formation to help get things done; this could be admins, finance and tax experts and external groups as well. 8. Triangulation I like to see, in any flying formation some level of external believable party triangulation. You want external eyes on your plan and how it progresses.  This could be a board member, a consulting group that has SMEs, someone who used to work for a competitor. You want some level of triangulation outside of your core organization. Vendors and consultants can play a role in your flying formation, they often bring skills, expertise, knowledge and market awareness to a project that you either don't have or that you just don’t have the capacity to in order to move it forward within your timeframe, (everyone on your team is running a business while trying to transform it, which is not easy). While the "what" of your WPx and Amenities objectives and strategies is important, it's the "who" – the individuals, leadership, culture, and relationships – that ultimately decide success. Even the most well thought out goals can fail if you have under visualized who handles executing.  With the right people in place and a good set of objectives you will not only increase your chances of achieving your desired outcomes, you will lay a foundation for long term sustainable excellence in services, amenities and overall WPx.   John Schmidt Corporate Strategy & Workplace Experience 4xi Global Consulting Global amenity services and operations, transforming the work experience, and leveraging the 4xi strategic and tactical network. You can contact John directly at john@4xiconsulting.com  or learn more about John by reading his bio. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions  is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. WHAT WE DO We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences© - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy, Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking Project Management Office Food Craft Culinary Consulting CREATE. : Graphic Design and Creative Services DATAxi: Data Ingestion and Visualization Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

While numerous reflections about 2023 and projections for 2024 abound, I've contemplated my own sustainability considerations for businesses in the upcoming year. Here are my insights. What are your thoughts?       Top 5 sustainability topics I think are important for 2024.    Climate Disclosure: Prepare your Supply Chain  With over 15 years of advising companies on regulatory compliance, I've noticed a unique distinction with the initial announcement of the SEC Climate Disclosure vs other regulations: CEOs are engaged quickly, and companies moved purposefully. The SEC Climate Disclosure rule, expected in April 2024, will mandate disclosures of climate-related risks, including emissions and risk management practices. Even though it begins with disclosure from the largest public companies, they are already requiring their supply chains to provide this data. All companies need to be considering how they are going to prepare to share their data if they aren't already.    Tech Solutions: Unavoidable and Beneficial  While tech solutions take time to learn and implement, I believe they are valuable tools and are incredibly helpful with meeting ESG and sustainability requirements. T ech  solutions are crucial for managing the vast amounts of ESG data, reducing human error, and enhancing traceability. They allow teams to focus on strategic ESG actions instead of data management. While tech evolves and it's sometimes costly, I am hopeful to see pricing lower this year therefore increasing accessibility so more companies, and the planet, can benefit from these tools.  ESG: Persistent and Global  E nvironmental, Social, Governance (ESG), despite politicization and opposition in some states, is here to stay. With a significant portion of companies of all types adopting ESG initiatives, the global interconnectedness of our world ensures the continuation of these practices. Regulatory requirements beyond the U.S. influence this trend, ensuring that ESG is here to stay and the need for ESG expertise  continues.        While the way companies discuss their actions may evolve, the essential work on these efforts will persist.    Diversity Equity and Inclusion – People matter  Lik e ESG, DEI is evolving in company culture even though it is paramount for businesses as it directly impacts their most valuable asset: people. Embracing DEI goes beyond moral obligation; it's a strategic choice that connects businesses with diverse markets and builds a robust, adaptable workforce, thereby fueling long-term success in a dynamic global economy. Organizations will be expected to not only diversify their workforces but create inclusive cultures and address systemic inequalities through their operations, supply chains, and community engagement efforts.     Personally, I think of the exponential impact of positive experiences –something near and dear to my values – when I consider the implications of treatment of people. I believe people influenced positively by kindness and humanity perpetuate those values, creating a community I aspire to be part of.  Corporate Transparency and Accountability: Avoid Greenwashing  As demands for transparency grow, companies must provide detailed and honest reporting on their ESG efforts, including challenges and failures. Regulations are aiming to set clear standards and counter deceptive greenwashing or green-hushing, ensuring that marketing claims align with actual practices. This shift towards genuine transparency and accountability is essential to protect consumers and investors from misleading marketing and ensure that companies' ESG and sustainability assertions align with their actual practices.  These simple, actionable, and impactful steps matter! So, let's get started now. Sustainability Simplified © CHRISTY COOK Christy is 4xi's Chief Sustainability Officer in Residence is the lead of Sustainability Simplified©. Christy specializes in ESG Advisory, Strategies, Sustainability Road Maps, Measurement, Systems, and Reporting. To learn more about Sustainability Simplified© and 4xi visit our website: who we are, what we do, and how we inspire a brighter future, together: www.4xiconsulting.com 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences© - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy , Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Academy Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking FoodCraft Foodservice Consulting CREATE. Creative & Marketing Support 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

In today's fast-paced digital age, the concept of workplace experience has evolved beyond mere physical office spaces. Employees seek seamless, engaging, and personalized experiences that extend from their morning commute to their daily tasks and interactions within the workplace. Just as airline apps revolutionized the travel experience, a comprehensive workplace app promises to redefine how employees engage with their work environment. American Airlines pioneered the airline app trend back in 2009, setting a precedent that transformed the way passengers interacted with airlines. Today, it's hard to imagine air travel without the convenience and efficiency provided by these apps. The question now arises: will the future of work follow a similar trajectory? Experiential Transformation In a competitive business landscape where attracting and retaining talent is crucial, employee experience has emerged as a top priority for organizations. As companies navigate the complexities of a post-pandemic world and the return-to-office transition, digitizing the employee journey becomes imperative. Just as airlines optimized the passenger experience, businesses must now focus on enhancing the employee experience to remain competitive. Next Generation Work Experience Apps Modo Labs stands at the forefront of this transformation, offering a revolutionary solution to manage the entire work experience through a single, integrated app. From streamlining the commute to facilitating desk bookings and fostering collaboration, Modo Labs' platform empowers organizations to create a dynamic and engaging workplace environment. IMAGINE:  seamlessly managing your daily commute, checking real-time weather updates, and receiving important announcements—all within a single app. Modo Labs' solution goes beyond traditional workplace tools by integrating features such as team planning, digital identification, emergency communications, and employee feedback mechanisms. Connect. Collaborate. Evolve. Modo Labs' comprehensive platform is designed to address the diverse needs of modern workplaces: Support Return to Office Goals: Facilitate a smooth transition back to the physical workplace while prioritizing employee safety and well-being.   Improve Internal Communication:  Enhance communication channels to keep employees informed and engaged, irrespective of their location. Support Employee Success:  Provide employees with the resources and tools they need to thrive in their roles and contribute to organizational success. Revamp the Workplace Experience: Transform mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences by leveraging technology and innovation. Make Processes People-Friendly:  Simplify complex workflows and processes to empower employees and boost productivity. Pre-Built Integrations: Enhancing Connectivity and Efficiency In the ever-evolving landscape of workplace technology, interoperability and seamless integration have become paramount. Recognizing the diverse ecosystem of tools and platforms used by modern organizations, Modo Labs offers pre-built integrations with leading solutions across various domains. These integrations streamline workflows, enhance connectivity, and elevate the overall employee experience.   Microsoft 365 and G Suite Integration As staples in the realm of productivity and collaboration, Microsoft 365 and G Suite integrations empower employees to seamlessly access and interact with their preferred productivity tools. Whether it's editing documents, scheduling meetings, or sharing files, Modo Labs' integration ensures a cohesive experience across platforms, eliminating silos and promoting efficiency. Corrigo, Aruba, and ServiceNow Integration Facility management, network infrastructure, and IT service management are integral components of the modern workplace ecosystem. With integrations with Corrigo, Aruba, and ServiceNow, Modo Labs enables organizations to optimize facility operations, streamline network management, and enhance IT service delivery. From submitting maintenance requests to accessing network resources, employees can leverage the power of these integrations within the Modo Labs app. EMS, HID, and SwiftConnect Integration Security and access control are paramount in today's digital workplace. Integrations with EMS, HID, and SwiftConnect enable organizations to enforce security policies, manage access permissions, and safeguard sensitive information. Whether it's securing access to physical spaces or authenticating user identities, Modo Labs' integrations ensure a robust security posture across the organization. MapsPeople Integration Navigating the physical workspace can be a challenge, especially in large corporate campuses or multi-building environments. With the MapsPeople integration, employees can easily locate offices, meeting rooms, amenities, and other points of interest within the workplace. This integration enhances spatial awareness, reduces navigation time, and improves overall workplace productivity. Poppulo Integration Effective internal communication is essential for fostering employee engagement, promoting transparency, and aligning organizational goals. With the Poppulo integration, organizations can deliver personalized and targeted communications to employees, keeping them informed, motivated, and connected. Whether it's company announcements, newsletters, or event invitations, Modo Labs' integration with Poppulo ensures that internal communication remains timely, relevant, and impactful. FM: Systems and Planon Integration Facility management and space planning play a crucial role in optimizing workplace efficiency and resource utilization. Integrations with FM: Systems and Planon empower organizations to effectively manage office space, allocate resources, and optimize facility usage. From desk and room bookings to resource allocation and utilization analytics, Modo Labs' integrations facilitate data-driven decision-making and operational excellence.   By leveraging these integrations, organizations can unlock new levels of productivity, collaboration, and innovation, empowering employees to thrive in today's digital workplace ecosystem. Modo: Making Workplace App Development Easy In the dynamic landscape of workplace technology, simplicity, scalability, and security are non-negotiables. Modo Labs understands the complexities of modern workplace app development and offers a suite of features designed to simplify the process, enhance security, and deliver an exceptional user experience.   Out-of-the-Box Tools Modo provides a comprehensive set of out-of-the-box tools, including starter kits, launch plans, design templates, and workplace modules. These resources empower organizations to kickstart their workplace app development journey with confidence and ease. Whether it's designing user interfaces or defining functionality, Modo's pre-built tools accelerate app development and evolution.   No-Code Development Gone are the days of complex coding and technical expertise. With Modo's no-code development approach, creating a custom workplace app is a breeze. Our intuitive app-building UI enables stakeholders to contribute to content development without requiring technical skills. This democratization of app development ensures that organizations can leverage the collective expertise of their teams to create compelling user experiences.   Enterprise-Grade Security Security is paramount in today's digital landscape, especially when it comes to workplace apps handling sensitive information. Modo's platform is hosted by AWS, ensuring enterprise-grade security and compliance. With SOC2 Type II certification and GDPR compliance, organizations can trust that their data is protected at every touchpoint. All data, whether in transit or at rest, is fully encrypted, providing peace of mind to both users and administrators.   Single, Scalable Solution Modo offers a single, scalable solution for workplace app development and deployment. Build and deploy a custom app tailored to your organization's unique needs, and rest assured that updates are instant across all systems and devices. Whether you're managing a single location or multiple sites, Modo's platform scales effortlessly to accommodate growing user bases and evolving business requirements.   Best-in-Class Support At Modo Labs, we believe that success is a journey, not a destination. That's why our team of digital experts is available 24/7 to ensure your app is a resounding success. Whether you need technical assistance, strategic guidance, or creative inspiration, our dedicated support team is here to help every step of the way. Additionally, tap into our extended community of enterprise users for valuable ideas, insights, and best practices as you build and refine your workplace app. Modo's commitment to simplicity, scalability, security, and support sets them apart as the premier choice for organizations seeking to transform their employee experience. With our easy-to-use platform, enterprise-grade security, and unwavering support, Modo empowers organizations to unlock new levels of productivity, collaboration, and innovation in the digital workplace era. Trusted by Industry Leaders: Modo's Current Customers In the competitive landscape of workplace technology, credibility and trust are earned through proven results and satisfied customers. Modo Labs proudly boasts a prestigious clientele comprising some of the world's most renowned organizations across various industries. These leading companies have chosen Modo as their trusted partner in transforming the employee experience and enhancing workplace productivity.   Modo's esteemed clientele, including Citi, HSBC, UNUM, Merck, Morgan Stanley, Samsung, NBC Universal, and Schneider Electric, serves as a testament to the company's commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer success. By partnering with Modo, organizations gain access to cutting-edge technology, best-in-class support, and unparalleled expertise, empowering them to thrive in today's digital workplace era. DID YOU KNOW? Modo's roots are in higher education. The Modo platform has been pressure-tested by 10s of millions of digital-native end-users, and collectively Modo-powered apps regularly handle 1M+ Weekly Active Users. The university graduates who have built an expectation of a Modo-like experience in their organizational apps are the employees that top global companies want to hire and retain into the future. By leveraging Modo Labs' powerful platform, organizations can create a workplace environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and innovation. From booking meeting rooms to ordering lunch and attending company events, employees can access everything they need within a single, intuitive interface.   In conclusion, the future of work is undoubtedly digital, and organizations that prioritize the employee experience will emerge as leaders in their respective industries. With Modo Labs' innovative solution, like American Airlines did in 2009, those most progressive employers can embark on a journey towards a more connected, efficient, and engaging workplace experience—one app at a time.   Check out our latest article, Work Experience: It's All in the (APP)lication. 4xi Global Consulting is a boutique advisory firm focused on the Human Experience of people away from home: At work, in education, at rest, and at leisure. 4xi’s Explorers Innovation Directory features best-in-class innovators that impact and advance the Human Experience. . If you want to learn more about Employee Engagement Apps for your business then contact us at hello@4xiconsulting.com , visit our website at www.4xiconsulting.com , or click on the following link. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences©: Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy , Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation CRITERION: Market Research Reports & Benchmarking FoodCraft: Foodservice Consulting CREATE: Creative, Design & Marketing Support 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

At the heart of glocal perspectives lies the recognition of diversity – diversity in cultures, preferences, and aspirations. In a world where organizations seek to expand their reach across borders, understanding the local context is paramount. What works in one market may not necessarily translate seamlessly into another. Therefore, having insights into local customs, consumer behaviors, and socio-economic dynamics is essential for success. 4xi Global Consulting's approach exemplifies the importance of marrying global strategies with local needs. By assembling a team with in-country working experience and access to local data and insights, 4xi ensures that its clients receive tailored solutions that resonate with diverse audiences. Whether it's enhancing the employee experience, improving patient care in healthcare facilities, or elevating the student experience in educational institutions, the glocal perspective underscores the need for context-specific strategies. The business, cultural, and human expectations in San Francisco differ from New York, but then take the differences between Paris to Frankfurt, Shanghai, Tokyo, to Sydney to get a true perspective of the these distinct contrasts. One of the key advantages of glocal insights is their ability to facilitate market entry and expansion. In an era where businesses are constantly seeking growth opportunities, understanding the nuances of new markets becomes indispensable. From cultural norms to regulatory frameworks, glocal insights provide a comprehensive understanding of the landscape, enabling organizations to make informed decisions and mitigate risks. Moreover, glocal perspectives allow organizations to decipher the evolving needs and expectations of their stakeholders. What resonates with employees in one region may differ significantly from what motivates individuals in another. By acknowledging these variations, organizations can tailor their strategies and offerings to foster engagement, satisfaction, and loyalty across diverse demographics. Translating global strategies into actionable initiatives at the local level presents its own set of challenges. What works in headquarters may not necessarily resonate with regional offices or subsidiaries. Hence, the ability to adapt and customize strategies according to local needs is imperative for long-term success. 4xi Global Consulting's expertise in bridging this gap empowers organizations to align their overarching goals with the intricacies of local markets, thereby fostering synergy and coherence across different regions. Ultimately, the value of glocal perspectives extends beyond business considerations. It embodies a broader ethos of inclusivity, respect for diversity, and appreciation for local cultures and traditions. By embracing glocal perspectives, organizations not only enhance their operational efficiency and market competitiveness but also contribute to the enrichment of human experiences on a global scale. In conclusion, the importance of glocal perspectives cannot be overstated in today's interconnected world. As businesses navigate the complexities of globalization, the ability to leverage global insights while remaining attuned to local realities emerges as a strategic imperative. 4xi Global Consulting's commitment to glocal perspectives serves as a testament to the transformative potential of this approach, paving the way for a more inclusive, sustainable, and harmonious future. Global Strategies and Local Execution: Translating global to Glocal. Global Operating Strategies:  Purpose, Vision, Mission, Values (P+V+M+V). Market Research Reports:  Understanding new and existing markets. Metro Market Overview:  Socio-economic-demographic-competitive landscapes. Expansion Strategies:  Competitive landscape, opportunities, acquisitions. In-Country Support & Execution. PRACTICE LEADERS Barbara Boden | Managing Partner, and Co-founder Barbara is a global amenities executive having led workplace amenities for a global financial services firm for over 300,000 employees worldwide. Barbara has in-country experience across markets worldwide. She is focused on the experiential outcomes and understands how these must be closely aligned to organizational imperatives. Simon Elliot | Managing Partner, and Co-founder Simon is a global citizen having lived, worked or visited 6 of the 7 continents. Formerly Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at one of the Big 3 service providers, Simon advised some of the worlds most progressive organizations on their global amenities strategies in NORAM, LATAM, EMEA, and APAC. 4xi Global Consulting is organized into specific practices. SPx is 4xi's Strategic Consulting & Special Projects practice led by global leaders, Barbara Boden, and Simon Elliot. We work with client organizations, service providers, innovators, and accelerators (investors), navigate global and local markets and opportunities. 4xi Global Consulting  is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. WHAT WE DO We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences©  - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©:  Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy, Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©:  Strategic Partnership & Growth Sustainability Simplified©:  Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking Project Management Office Food Craft Culinary Consulting CREATE. : Graphic Design and Creative Services DATAxi: Data Ingestion and Visualization Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

As a teen and throughout my adult years, I've had the privilege of experiencing the exhilarating camaraderie and unity that comes with playing the beautiful game of Rugby. Beyond its physical demands and adrenaline-fueled moments, Rugby instilled in me a profound understanding of the essence of teamwork and partnership. It taught me that in the realm of collaboration, the whole is indeed greater than the sum of its parts. Rugby, at its core, epitomizes the spirit of partnership. It's a game where individuals unite under a common purpose, driven by a shared vision of collective success. Each player, regardless of their role or position, contributes to the team's greater objective, seamlessly integrating their strengths and abilities to overcome challenges and achieve victory, together. In the world of business, the principles of Rugby resonate deeply, offering invaluable insights into the dynamics of strategic partnerships. Just as in Rugby, effective partnerships rely on cohesion, communication, and alignment towards a common goal. They thrive on the notion that collaboration breeds innovation and resilience, paving the way for mutual growth and success. The parallels between the game of Rugby and the intricacies of strategic partnerships to me are clear. Drawing from my personal experiences on the Rugby field, lets explore the fundamental principles that underpin successful collaborations and how businesses can leverage these insights to forge enduring alliances in today's competitive landscape. Unlock the power of strategic partnerships, guided by the timeless wisdom of Rugby's ethos of teamwork and unity and an introduction to 4xi's Partnership Optimization Program (POP) and discovery of your North Star. In today’s dynamic business landscape, successful organizations understand the pivotal role of partnerships in achieving sustainable growth and innovation. Whether forging new alliances or nurturing existing ones, the essence lies in aligning visions, missions, purposes, and values – the fundamental elements that drive collaboration towards a common goal. Strategic partnerships are not merely transactions; they are transformative journeys where collaboration becomes the catalyst for exponential growth and shared success. At the heart of 4xi’s POP lies a profound understanding that partnerships thrive when built upon a solid foundation of shared aspirations and mutual understanding. Whether embarking on a new venture or recalibrating existing relationships, the POP program serves as a compass, directing organizations towards clarity and coherence in their collaborative endeavors. Vision, Mission, Purpose, and Values (V+M+P+V): The journey with 4xi’s POP begins with a deep dive into the core essence of the partnership – the Vision, Mission, Purpose, and Values (V+M+P+V). These pillars not only define why businesses come together but also delineate the roadmap for their collective journey. By articulating these foundational elements, organizations crystallize their identity and direction, fostering a sense of purpose that galvanizes stakeholders towards a common cause. Shared Goals and Objectives: In the realm of collaboration, clarity is paramount. Through the POP process, organizations delineate their shared goals and objectives, ensuring alignment and coherence in their pursuits. Whether it’s achieving market dominance, driving innovation, or fostering customer-centricity, the POP program serves as a conduit for crystallizing aspirations into actionable milestones. Effective Communication and Accountability: Effective communication serves as the lifeblood of any successful partnership. 4xi’s POP program emphasizes the establishment of clear channels of communication, defining how, when, and by whom information is shared. Moreover, it delineates roles and responsibilities, ensuring accountability at every level of the partnership. By fostering a culture of transparency and responsibility, organizations nurture trust and collaboration, laying the groundwork for sustained success. Wiring of the Relationship and Governance: The POP process goes beyond surface-level interactions, delving deep into the wiring of the relationship and governance structures. By defining decision-making protocols, escalation pathways, and conflict resolution mechanisms, organizations fortify the resilience of their partnerships, ensuring agility and adaptability in the face of challenges. Partnership Charter: At the culmination of the POP journey emerges the Partnership Charter – a sacred covenant that encapsulates the essence of the relationship. Serving as the cornerstone of collaboration, this charter cascades across all stakeholders, from leadership to frontline associates, instilling a sense of ownership and commitment towards shared goals. It becomes the guiding light, steering organizations through the ebbs and flows of the business landscape. Shared objectives illuminate the path towards collective triumph, where individual ambitions harmonize to create a symphony of achievement. Building a Culture of Performance: Ultimately, 4xi’s POP program is not just about optimizing partnerships; it’s about nurturing a culture of performance. By aligning visions, fostering effective communication, and establishing robust governance structures, organizations cultivate an environment where excellence thrives. Each stakeholder becomes a steward of the partnership, contributing their best towards the collective journey towards success. In conclusion, the parallels between Partnership Optimization and the game of rugby are strikingly evident. Both emphasize the importance of teamwork, communication, and alignment towards a common goal. Just as a rugby team functions as a cohesive unit, leveraging the unique strengths of each player to achieve victory, successful partnerships thrive when all stakeholders work together towards a shared vision of success. Through effective partnership optimization, organizations can harness the spirit of collaboration exemplified by the game of rugby, transcending individual interests to achieve collective greatness. By fostering a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement, businesses can unlock the full potential of their partnerships, driving innovation, growth, and resilience in today's dynamic marketplace. As we reflect on the lessons learned from the rugby field, let us carry forward the ethos of teamwork and partnership into our professional endeavors. Whether forging new alliances or nurturing existing relationships, let us strive to emulate the spirit of unity and collaboration that defines the game of rugby. For in the pursuit of shared success, we will find strength in our collective efforts, propelling us towards new heights of achievement and prosperity. Learn more about TRUE NORTH© by clicking on our logo here. Learn more about our Partnership Optimization Program (POP) here: Simon Elliot | Managing Partner | Strategic Partnerships Simon is the co-founder of 4xi and the architect of the TRUE NORTH © Learning Academy including the Partnership Optimization Program (POP). Simon has worked with clients and service providers globally in creating Partnership Charters that transition vendor/client relationships to strategic partnerships. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions  is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. WHAT WE DO We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences©  - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©:  Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy, Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©:  Strategic Partnership & Growth Sustainability Simplified©:  Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking Project Management Office Food Craft Culinary Consulting CREATE. : Graphic Design and Creative Services DATAxi: Data Ingestion and Visualization Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

Becoming a commodity is a business death sentence in today’s evolving economy.  It not only relegates you to competing on price alone but erodes your innovative reputation with customers. Today’s marketplace demands that experience is a part of the organizational calculus for just that reason – to harness the power of CX to differentiate you from all the noise competing for consumer attention. What matters most right now in the market? Personalized experiences that make customers feel welcome and included Attentive hospitality that is prompt and effortless, and Delivers on the basics of hospitality with smiles, kindness, and enthusiasm. It would be easy to jump to the finish line and push the team to deliver on these customer-centric commitments. Now get out there and smile! Go above and beyond! Move faster and be nicer! Demanding your team adopt certain behaviors always works, right?  I hope you are chuckling as loudly as I am right now. But what if I told you there was a strategy that could activate these behaviors. It’s called Employee Experience (EX)! EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE:   The overall perception and journey of the team, including interactions with people, policies, and places. When you can drive a superior Employee Experience, intentionally considering communication, recognition, engagement, and development, you can inspire your teams to want to deliver exemplary experiences not because they have been ordered to do so, but because they want to. Why?  Because motivated, inspired, well-cared-for employees deliver superior outcomes for their customers and are more likely to embrace customer centricity.  It isn’t enough to think about the customer-facing elements of your organization, you have to think about your team, who are the face of those elements. So, what exactly constitutes a positive Employee Experience? It encompasses everything from the onboarding process to day-to-day operations, employee benefits, career development opportunities, and organizational culture. When employees feel valued, supported, and empowered, they are more likely to do just a little extra to take care of customers. But it's not just about creating a pleasant work environment, it's about aligning organizational goals with the needs and aspirations of employees.  When employees understand how their role contributes to the company's success and feel a sense of purpose, they are more engaged and motivated to deliver exceptional service. Investing in the Employee Experience pays dividends in terms of retention and recruitment. In today's competitive job market, top talent seeks employers of choice who prioritize their well-being and professional growth. By fostering positive EX, organizations not only retain their best employees but also attract new top tier talent as well. Let’s start by digging into how Employee Experience impacts Customer Experience: 1. Employee Engagement:  Engaged employees are more connected to their work and the company's mission. They take pride in what they do, which translates into higher productivity and better service delivery. When employees are engaged, they are more likely to use their discretionary effort to care for customers and take more time to solve problems. 2. Productivity and Efficiency:  A positive Employee Experience fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. When employees feel supported and valued, they are more inclined to share ideas, experiment with new approaches, and streamline processes.  3. Empathy and Connection:  Engaged teams are better equipped to understand and anticipate customer needs. When employees feel valued, they are more are more likely to create meaningful connections with customers by seeking to understand them. 4. Brand Advocacy:  Employees who are passionate about their work and proud of their organization are natural brand advocates. They become ambassadors for your business and not only speak positively about you to others, they will recommend you as an employer of choice. As you can see, there is virtue in taking the time to focus inward on your team to influence the external results with your customers. Let’s talk about where you can focus right now to create that sense of culture and community that will drive those outcomes: 1. Start Strong:   New team members can become disenchanted quickly and even leave your organization.  Ensure a strong onboarding + orientation process and focus on closing the gap between offer and first day on the job. 2. Listen to Your Employees:  Solicit feedback regularly through surveys, one-on-one meetings, listening tours, town halls and open-door policies. Then take action on what you hear to show you are listening and open to change. 3. Invest in Learning and Development:  Provide employees with opportunities for growth and skill development. Offer learning programs, mentorship initiatives, and career advancement pathways to help them grow and advance. 4. Foster a Positive Work Community:  Cultivate a supportive, welcoming, and open work environment where teams feel respected, trusted, and empowered. Recognize and celebrate achievements, promote work-life integration, and encourage collaboration across teams. 5. Set the Tone:  Lead by example and embody the values and behaviors you want to see in your team. Demonstrate empathy, integrity, hospitality, and authenticity in your interactions, and prioritize the well-being of your team members.  It is a tough market out there and customers are savvier than ever when it comes to their expectations around experience and hospitality.  They know what best-in-class experience and hospitality looks like and social media has amplified the voices of those who extol the virtues of high-performing service organizations.   In many cases, you are competing against reputation rather than reality, which raises the stakes for your service and execution. By prioritizing the Employee Experience, you create a circle of excellence where your care, communication, and recognition of your team continuously reinforces a people-first culture.   Or put another way, keeping your team at the center of everything you do ensures your customers will be kept top of mind and center stage. Meet Tony Johnson Tony is the Chief Experience Officer (CXO) for 4xi Global Consulting and leader of the Evolving Experience practice. Tony is an internationally recognized thought leader and influencer in Customer and Employee Experience. He hosts the wildly successful Customer Service Academy podcast and is the author of two books on leadership and CX. Tony has worked with some of the top organizations across the globe, including 3M, Baylor Scott and White Health, University of Virginia, Siemens, SHRM, and more. Tony is available to help your organization with: Executive and leadership coaching CX and EX strategy creation Inspirational keynote talks Fractional Chief Experience Officer Fractional Chief Training + Development Officer Evolving Experiences , a 4xi brand, focuses on Customer Experience (CX) and Employee Experience (EX) as growth engines. By creating fierce loyalty with both employees and customers, organization can differentiate themselves in an ever-changing and competitive marketplace. Let’s talk about your employee experience, guest experience, fan experience, student experience, patient experience, or traveler experience to craft compelling moments that build lifelong loyalty. 4xi: Inspiring a brighter future, together. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, creating an impact on the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy; whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences© - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy , Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Orlando | North Carolina | Philadelphia | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Dallas | Santiago | London | Tokyo