Hiring Awesome! with Brett Batterson of Orpheum Theatre Group
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Brett Batterson, President and CEO of the Orpheum Theatre Group. Throughout the show, we hear some of the ways he’s responded creatively to the adversity facing the hospitality industry these last few years.
As performing arts venues, the theaters Brett manages faced some of the toughest challenges of the pandemic. Whereas many businesses were able to make minor adjustments to their practices in order to continue operating as normal, entertainment venues were largely shuttered altogether.
Brett was unfazed by this adversity and developed creative solutions to his industry’s worst problems. He transformed one of his theaters into a miniature golf course for several months, and hosted outdoor candlelit concerts in the parking lot. Few leaders might be willing to so drastically alter their business model, but, to Brett, creativity and adaptability are the keys to survival in a volatile industry.
This creativity also extends to his hiring practices. Brett often looks beyond on-paper qualifications and pursues candidates with certain intangible qualities, like determination and adaptability. He’s willing to train people into their ideal role, rather than only looking for the perfectly qualified candidate.
This outstanding adaptability has brought the Orpheum Theatre Group consistent success in an inconsistent industry.
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