Resilience, Grit, and Leading Through Service

Scott Berman highlights how discipline, gratitude, and perseverance have shaped his personal and professional journey. From his early years as a student athlete to navigating formative roles across the hospitality industry, he credits the rigor, focus, and grounding influences of teachers, coaches, and family for guiding his path. He emphasizes that early adversity helped define who he became as a leader, instilling humility and purpose.

Scott shares how giving back, especially through his work helping establish the Howard University Center for Hospitality Leadership, has become a defining chapter of his career. Supporting students, honoring mentors, and carrying forward the legacy of leaders who shaped him now fuel his commitment to developing the next generation. His story is a reminder that meaningful success is built through steady growth, staying grounded, and remaining deeply connected to community.

Notable Quotes/Highlights

• How sports helped him develop his work ethic early on: “I use the word discipline… it required every bit of my focus and my grit to grind through it and succeed.”
• “I took some risks and I stepped up to the challenge . . . in markets that very few people knew anything about.”
• “Givers give for the benefit of others, wanting to do the right thing, no matter the circumstances.”
• “You don’t know success until you’ve failed.”
• “Be flexible, be agile, say yes more than you say, no.”

Closing Reflection

Scott’s insights remind us that adversity can sharpen purpose, and careers grow through service, resilience, and steady commitment. He encourages us to honor those who shaped us, stay open to new experiences, and pursue growth with humility and courage.

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