Michelle Durpetti on Hospitality, Leadership & Resilience | At the Table with Sarah Bradshaw
Michelle Durpetti recently joined Sarah Bradshaw for Volume 38 of the At the Table interview series, discussing hospitality, leadership, family business, resilience, and the values that shape her work as a Chicago wedding planner, restaurateur, and entrepreneur.
Some conversations feel less like an interview and more like sitting down over a long meal with an old friend.
I recently had the pleasure of joining my friend Sarah Bradshaw and over the course of our conversation, we explored topics that have shaped both my personal life and professional journey: hospitality, family business, leadership, resilience, grief, and the responsibility that comes with caring for people well.
For me, hospitality has never simply been about events or restaurants. It is a way of approaching life. Growing up in a family business, I learned early that creating meaningful experiences starts long before a guest arrives and continues long after they leave. Whether through Michelle Durpetti Events, Gene & Georgetti, or the many organizations and communities I have the privilege to serve, that belief remains at the center of everything I do.
Sarah and I also spoke candidly about leadership during seasons of change. The past few years have brought moments of tremendous growth, incredible opportunities, unexpected challenges, and profound personal loss. Those experiences have reinforced something I have always believed: leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about showing up consistently, treating people with respect, and continuing to move forward with integrity even when the path is uncertain.
One of the themes that surfaced throughout our discussion was the idea that relationships are ultimately at the heart of every successful business. Weddings are, of course, celebrations. But they are also deeply personal moments entrusted to us by our clients. The same can be said of hospitality, family business, and community leadership. At their best, all of these endeavors are rooted in connection, trust, and genuine care for others.
I am grateful to Sarah for creating a space where conversations like these can happen and for the opportunity to reflect on some of the experiences that have shaped who I am today, both personally and professionally.
Read the Full Interview
If you’d like to read the full interview, I hope you’ll take a moment to do so. I’m honored to be part of this series and grateful to Sarah for the invitation. Read the full At the Table with Sarah Bradshaw interview to explore the complete conversation on hospitality, leadership, and resilience.
