Overview
Hospitality hiring isn’t just about filling roles and hitting vacancy targets – it’s about finding the people who’ll make your brand come alive. Help Wanted is an unorthodox hiring guide that reimagines the interview, turning it from a transactional process into one of transformative human connection. Packed with unconventional frameworks, real-world examples, and practical techniques, it shows you how to spot the people with the super skills to turn service into something soulful for your brand. This book gives you the tools to: Look beyond soft skills to unearth the that spark human magic Ask story-rich questions that reveal character, not rehearsed answers Hire people who bring presence and authentic hospitality to every interaction Craft a culture that thrives on connection over compliance Build remarkable teams that create unforgettable guest experiences and brand stories
Full Product Details
Author: Nicole Antonio-Gadsdon
Publisher: Rethink Press
Imprint: Rethink Press
ISBN: 9781781339558
ISBN 10: 1781339554
Pages: 290
Publication Date: 16 December 2025
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Professional & Vocational
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming
Availability: Not yet available
This item is yet to be released. You can pre-order this item and we will dispatch it to you upon its release.
Reviews
‘Help Wanted is a breath of fresh air in a world of stale HR doctrine. It refuses to treat people as data points or hospitality as performance. Instead, it reclaims the soul of service – the spark that turns ordinary encounters into unforgettable experiences. In these pages, you’ll find a brave, human-centric alternative to traditional hiring: one that celebrates curiosity, kindness, and courage as competitive advantages. Nicole doesn’t just challenge the status quo; she offers a practical, poetic roadmap for building teams that thrive. A people-centric future of hospitality is surely what we all crave at a soul level. Read it not as a manual, but as a manifesto for hiring human magic.’ — David Carruthers, hospitality strategist and mentor, and founder, Future of Hospitality ‘Help Wanted is the guidebook maverick leaders have been waiting for. It’s packed with practical tools to help you hire for human magic. At Hospitality Mavericks, we believe the best leaders know that people are their greatest advantage – and work hard to hire, nurture, and lead them with heart and kindness. If you want to build a profitable business as a force for good and dare to be different, this book is for you – because mavericks hire for impact: people, community, and the planet.’ — Michael Tingsager, host and creator of the Hospitality Mavericks podcast and Head of Customer Experience, noon ‘In Help Wanted, Nicole taps into a powerful idea – one with the potential to transform the hospitality industry from the inside. She reminds us that the magic we strive to create for our guests begins long before they arrive. It starts with how we recruit. To deliver unforgettable guest experiences, we must make our hiring process just as thoughtful, personal, and human. That means taking the time to handpick those rare individuals who naturally bring warmth, authenticity, and a genuine human connection to every interaction.’ — Larry Korman, CEO, hotel aka + aka hotel residences ‘Help Wanted is the book our industry has been waiting for. It redefines hospitality from the inside out – reminding us that true luxury begins with how we hire, nurture, and honour people. This is HR with heart, courage, and soul.’ — Paulo de Tarso, restaurateur and founder, Paulo de Tarso Hospitality ‘Every hospitality leader needs to read Help Wanted because doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is, as they say, the definition of insanity. Nicole has always been an HR rebel, and in her exciting new book, she shows from experience how we can all break free from tired recruitment norms and create our own human magic. This is true “hearts and minds” material – a guide to making the difference we all strive to achieve for our people, culture, and businesses.’ — Lizzie Bullen, Group People and Culture Director, Iconic Luxury Hotels ‘This book is a genuine standout. It makes you think differently, see possibilities where others see barriers, and reminds you what authentic leadership looks like. Nicole’s insights are fresh, practical, and full of heart, capturing the same energy and vision she brings to any room. Every travel and hospitality leader will find a new perspective and renewed purpose in these pages. Help Wanted is an instant addition to my “Lucy Library” – the books that inspire me to lead with more humanity and courage. Read it, share it, and let it challenge you to lead with heart.’ — Lucy Wedderburn, Group Head of People, Virgin Limited Edition ‘I couldn’t put this book down! Every HR and hospitality leader needs a copy of Help Wanted. It brings us back to genuine human care and connection. Filled with real stories that remind us of the impact of feelings, not just with guests, but within our teams, this book re-centres what hospitality hiring should be. Nicole shares her years of maverick experience – as she famously often says, “Lift others as you climb.” Help Wanted has lifted and inspired me to new heights – a true nugget of a book.’ — Peter Avis FIH, Business Development and Community Engagement Manager, London Hilton on Park Lane ‘This book is an absolute gem. Nicole’s perspective perfectly captures the importance of hiring the right people to create a successful hotel, showing how personality is as essential as skill and experience in crafting a bespoke guest experience. Her insights reveal how to build your dream team. Help Wanted is a must-read for anyone who wants to level up their hospitality and create unforgettable experiences through their people.’ — Hannah Davies, Managing Director, GH Executive ‘The idea that hiring is an act of human alchemy is pure genius. Help Wanted puts human magic at the centre of how we find and grow teams – a true compass for the people space and a “before-and after” read for leaders everywhere. As we embrace innovation, it reminds us of what truly makes businesses and humans thrive.’ — Simona Barbieri, founder and CEO, HubDot
Author Information
Nicole Antonio-Gadsdon is an HR innovator and founder of Banana Pepper HR, a consultancy designing human-first employer branding and people strategies for boutique luxury hospitality businesses. Born in Antigua, raised in the UK, and rooted in Caribbean culture, Nicole has spent over twenty years reframing HR through a lens of creativity, authenticity, and jazz-inspired improvisation. She has led people and culture teams in eleven luxury hotels, private islands, and boutique resorts across the Caribbean, including Carlisle Bay, Viceroy Anguilla, and Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island. Her ALT-HR insights have been widely featured in publications and podcasts.
