Leadership Built on Courage, Curiosity, and Lifting Others

Craig Bond shares a life and career shaped by early exposure to hospitality, supportive mentors, and a willingness to take bold risks. He describes growing up in Newcastle where his parents worked in hospitality, inspiring him to pursue the industry from a young age. At seventeen, he walked into a beachfront hotel, asked for a job, and earned his first opportunity by proving his work ethic and reliability. That early break led him into banquets, weddings, and hands-on learning that built the foundation of his leadership style today. He credits those beginnings with influencing how he now supports others who are early in their journeys.

He reflects on taking his first general manager role at twenty-three, trusting himself even when the property was in receivership. He recalls paying his own airfare, operating the resort from a petty-cash tin, and doing every job - experiences that taught him resilience, confidence, and the value of doing things that feel uncomfortable. Craig later spent many years across Asia-Pacific, where he learned to embrace diversity, read cultural cues, bring people together through food, and build trust across countries and teams. He sees courage, connection, and respect as essential to leading in multicultural environments.

Notable Quotes/Highlights

• “Someone that took a chance on me… that really resonates with how I am as a leader today.”
• “Do something that scares you.”
• “Food brings people together in most countries.”
• “Confidence comes from doing something that scares you.”
• “It’s okay not to know everything.”

Closing Reflection

Craig’s journey reinforces that great leadership begins with believing in yourself, even when the path feels uncertain. His experiences show that risks often lead to growth and that embracing discomfort can open new opportunities. He reminds us that connection, respect, and listening help leaders succeed across cultures and teams. Through resilience, authenticity, and a willingness to keep learning, Craig demonstrates that success comes from serving others, trusting your instincts, and finding purpose in every step.