Optimizing Human
Potential
OPTIMIZING
HUMAN POTENTIAL
Alex HAS BEEN FEATURED IN
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
060: Evolution of Leadership for Organizational Success with Adam Gollance
Ever wondered how leadership has evolved over the years, and why it matters for business success? In this episode, we dive into the heart of
059: Discover Your Leadership Style with Robert Jordan
Leadership is a critical component of any successful organization. Whether you are leading a team of two or two thousand, the ability to inspire, motivate,
058: Elevating the humanity of leadership with Cindy Whitmoyer
Leadership isn’t about fear or expectations, but the bravery to make bold decisions and adapt to uncertainties. The key attribute a leader needs is willingness—the
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
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