Sondre Kasin started working in restaurants at around 15 years old, washing dishes at a local restaurant in Kongsberg, Norway.
He later studied political science while continuing to work in hospitality on the side. Eventually, what had started as a part-time job became the career.
In 2017, Sondre moved to New York. During the interview process for one of his first major opportunities, he was challenged to create a cocktail menu using Korean ingredients he barely knew. Without a bar to work from, he bought ingredients, picked up basic equipment and started experimenting from his apartment.
Today, Sondre is Director of Bars at Gracious Hospitality Management, working across an organization with concepts in New York, Miami, Singapore and Las Vegas.
We talk about why Sondre left Norway, adapting to New York, taking ownership before anyone asks you to, the difference between confidence and being loud, direct feedback, surrounding yourself with people who compensate for your weaknesses, changing drinking habits and why some people seem to accumulate more trust and opportunity over time.
Sondre also explains why patience matters more than most people think, why being present can become a competitive advantage, and why the people around you may matter as much as talent itself.
A conversation about hospitality, but even more about craft, responsibility, patience and building a career one step at a time.
Music licensed through Soundstripe.
Code: ORBXUF2HYVEPRYDF
