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. 

His feel for business took root in elementary school when he bought and resold candy and bubble gum from the grocery store at a 150% markup. Since then, Atwood has fostered skilled, efficient teams as founder and CEO of Sanistaff, co-founder of Gravy Work, CEO of PSG Inc. and CEO of the Hospitality Training Institute.

One of his proudest achievements includes a pandemic pivot for the hospitality staffing agency he founded not long before COVID-19 decimated that industry. Atwood drew upon his resilience to keep the company afloat after losing its entire client base. Within 21 days at the height of massive lockdowns, 75% of his workforce was back to work – retrained in eco-friendly disinfection services for businesses when fear mounted about safely returning to office spaces.

Dramatic stories like these, along with team building tips, have become a hallmark of his Alchemist Lounge podcast, which features spirited conversations with business leaders. Atwood also has been a featured speaker at numerous events and recently became a Third Wave certified guide – helping leaders improve their wellbeing and productivity through microdosing psychedelics.