David Grutman: The Career Advice Everyone Gets Wrong (#1 Key to Opening Doors That Lead to Success)

About this episode

What if everything you’ve been told about success is missing one key ingredient, how deeply you care?  Jay sits down with David Grutman, one of the most influential names in global hospitality, who built a world-renowned empire from the ground up. Together they unpack a powerful idea that challenges conventional wisdom: what if the real secret to success isn’t detachment, but deeply caring? From his early days as a bartender to creating iconic experiences that shape culture, David reveals how taking things personally, your work, your relationships, and every detail of what you put into the world, can become a driving force for growth. While most people are taught to brush things off, David chose the opposite, turning mistakes, rejection, and feedback into fuel to sharpen his craft and raise his standards. Jay highlights how David’s success wasn’t built on titles or transactions, but on genuine human connection. From remembering a guest’s drink to building long-term relationships with artists and entrepreneurs, David reveals that real influence comes from adding value without expectation. Jay reflects on how many people chase quick wins or surface-level networking, but true impact lies in playing the long game, showing up consistently, investing in others, and creating meaningful experiences that people never forget. In this episode you'll learn: How to Turn Mistakes Into Growth How to Build Relationships That Last How to Make People Feel Seen and Valued How to Build Confidence Without a Title How to Give Feedback That Actually Works How to Stay Grounded While Winning Every setback carries a lesson, and every interaction is an opportunity to build something meaningful. When you focus on adding value, staying curious, and giving your best, you begin to create momentum that others can feel. If you’re ready to level up how you show up in life and relationships, don’t miss David Grutman’s latest book, Take It Personal. Pre-order your copy today, visit: https://zandoprojects.com/books/take-it-personal-hardcover  With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe here: https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe   Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast  What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:11 Why You Should Take It Personal 05:26 The Small Details That Make People Feel Seen 07:48 The Real Path to Self-Improvement 08:47 Turning Anger Into Growth 09:55 How to Give Feedback That Actually Works 11:22 Creating a 10/10 Customer Experience 12:41 Every Day Is a New Opportunity 14:20 Always Bet on Yourself 16:14 Building Something From Nothing 18:06 The Power of Genuine Relationships 21:33 Does Networking Actually Work? 24:09 How to Play the Long Game  28:31 The Truth About Real Success 31:10 Lessons From a Difficult Childhood 32:36 Becoming the Parent You Needed 33:57 Balancing Ambition and Family Life 35:12 Evolving Into Your Next Chapter 38:01 The Power of Being a Connector 39:35 Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindset 41:27 Check Your Ego at the Door  43:36 Staying Grounded While Winning 45:38 The Strength of a True Partnership 48:23 What Makes a Truly Great Idea? 50:19 What Makes Someone Worth Betting On? 51:40 Learning to Slow Down and Reflect 52:52 Finding Joy in the Present Moment 54:17 The One Rule to Live By: Just Be Good 56:14 David in Final Five  Episode Resources: Website | https://groothospitality.com/  Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/davegrutman/  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/davidgrutman/  X | https://x.com/DaveGrutman  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices