In this deeply human and heartfelt episode, Bart Berkey sits down with the legendary Edward Mady — author of Honing the Human Edge, former GM of The Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air, and a true icon in luxury hospitality. From his humble beginnings in a family diner to leading 128 award-winning teams, Edward shares the powerful principle that shaped his leadership: crack the code of others’ hidden strengths and help them grow. With stories of grit, empathy, and purpose, this conversation is a masterclass in humanistic leadership and emotional intelligence.

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Major Takeaways / Learnings:

• “Cracking the Code”: Great leaders uncover strengths people don’t yet see in themselves.The Power of a
• Name: Using someone’s name validates their identity and worth — whether they’re an employee or a stranger on the street.
• Growth + Value: Every individual deserves a path to grow and add value. That’s the true headline of leadership.
• Onboarding = Culture: Integration isn’t training — it’s energizing people to join your culture with purpose and pride.
• Desire → Momentum → Movement: Leadership isn't about tasks; it’s about sparking desire that fuels momentum and creates collective impact.
• Lead Through Crisis by Showing Up: Sit in the fire with your team. Presence over perfection.
• Fire With Humanity: Even when letting someone go, leaders can do so with compassion, support, and continued belief in their potential.
• Work Can Be Joy: True leaders find joy in their work because it’s purpose-driven and people-centered.

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Memorable Quotes:

• “The most important thing you’ll ever own is your name.”
• “Cracking the code of someone’s hidden strength — that’s what great leadership is.”
• “Desire is when you make a contract with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.”
• “What can I do? How can I help? Who can I call?”
• “You never know what it’s like to work for Edward Mady… until you don’t.”
• “Leadership means sitting in the fire with your team and saying, ‘We’ll figure this out together.’”

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Why It Matters / How to Use It:

This episode is a playbook for anyone who wants to lead with more empathy, resilience, and impact — whether in hospitality, business, or life. Edward reminds us that it’s not enough to manage people — we must see them, support them, and help them discover their own edge. Apply this by:

• Calling people by name.
• Asking what lights them up.
• Creating safe space to grow, even through failure.
• Leading not just with policies, but with presence.

This is not just leadership — this is legacy.

Resources & Links:

• Edward Mady on LinkedIn: Click here
• Edwar Mady Book: Honing the Human Edge: How Leaders Can Unlock Success Through Caring, Coaching, and Accountability
• Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn