Optimizing Human
Potential
OPTIMIZING
HUMAN POTENTIAL

Who Is Alex?
Alex Atwood is a multifaceted, purpose-driven leader with more than 20 years of experience as a serial entrepreneur who helmed four startups in the hospitality and staffing space. He’s also a coach in the emerging psychedelics field whose focus is on optimizing human potential. Other roles include podcaster, public speaker, angel investor in firms that help build a better world, and philanthropist with a soft spot for owners and operators of family businesses.
Opportunities for Collaboration
My Startups
GravyWork
GravyWork connects hospitality businesses to an experienced on-demand workforce.Our streamlined staffing technology serves DC, Virginia, Maryland, and Central FloridaWe partner with our talent, clients and the community to create opportunities for growth and mutual success.


Sanistaff
Sanistaff was my response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This service connected businesses with disinfection technicians and supplies which allowed them to keep serving customers safely. Sanistaff also provided disinfection training and employment to displaced hospitality workers.
Hospitality Training Institute
I founded this school to provide skills & experience to new hospitality professionals. Students received training from professionals with extensive experience in the hospitality industry.
HTI was involved in the Virginia Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) and The National Restaurant Association (NRA)


Penguin Services Group
Penguin supplied trained professionals to private events, hotels, caterers, and managed food service providers. Our services encompass staffing, training, and executive search services for the hospitality industry.
Penguin Service’s talent base served as the foundation for my other staffing startup, GravyWork.
Testimonials



Testimonials



In the Media
The Alchemist Lounge

056: Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges Through Trauma-Informed Leadership with Heather Lynn Wagner
For years, we have ignored the impact of trauma in our lives, believing it only affects a select few. But in reality, trauma manifests itself

057: Unveiling the Mind: Hypnotherapy, Personal Transformation, and the Power Within with Matthew Brownstein
Have you ever pondered over the untapped potential of your mind? Curious about how to access the hidden layers of your subconscious and instigate enduring

055: Hold Me Tight®: A Journey to Reconnect with Your Partner – Mark Beck, LMHC, LPC
Is your relationship with your intimate partner at risk of failing? Whether you’re married or not, some practices and professionals can guide you to be

054: Attract Success in All Areas of Life Through Manifestation with Daniel Mangena
Like a ship, life is about navigating known and uncharted waters, overcoming changing conditions, and reaching desired destinations. But what can you do to ensure
Articles

How Empathy is a crucial leadership skill, especially in times of uncertainty and change
As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing pandemic, social unrest, and rapidly changing technological advancements, leadership skills that foster connection, understanding, and trust

Embracing AI in the Workplace: Creating a Connected and Efficient Future
The world is abuzz with discussions about artificial intelligence (AI), from the groundbreaking ChatGPT to Bing’s resurgence and Bard’s emergence as a Google competitor. As

Celebrating Bicycle Day: Accidental Discoveries and the Alchemy of Medicine
April 19th marks an extraordinary day in the world of science, discovery, and human ingenuity. It’s Bicycle Day, an annual celebration of the serendipitous discovery

A Gig Worker’s Guide to Saving and Investing: Rethinking Retirement Strategies
As the CEO of GravyWork, an on-demand staffing platform for the hospitality industry, I have observed firsthand the challenges faced by gig workers when it