Many aspire to be leaders and entrepreneurs where they can set the tone of business. This is particularly true in the hospitality industry where entrepreneurship is a dominant force, yet few people understand what it demands to be a leader in the sector

Synopsis - It has become almost a cliche when it is said "we are living in momentous times". It is certainly a time that is challenging everyone in a way that has not happened before but whether it is more momentous than during the Great wars, during the social revolution of the 60s or during the hard economic days of the 70s is for others to debate. Whatever is true about these days, it is acting as a real catalyst to new thinking, new ideas and a greater open mindedness. One can argue that for much of the millennium years has seen quite a narrow focus in business that has, in fact, acted as a barrier to new leaders breaking through as new concepts. Many senior leaders have accepted that business thinking had become too narrow. In hotels, the focus over the last twenty years became dominated by a mentality that focused predominantly on rooms and almost treated hotels as being a retail concept rather than an experience. Suddenly hotels are looking at both new customer services plus also how to maximise revenues in spaces beyond rooms. For restaurants, it is clear that the consumer is seeking genuine, authentic food styles and offers and rejecting some of the brands of the past. In food service, the model has hardly changed for many years and it is now being challenged. Every venue or business today needs to have a food service offer that adds value and makes a difference.

This book is an introduction to the challenge of modern leadership. Leadership has changed from the traditional perspective to be one which is far broader based, with more expected and asked. Leaders today need to consider their stakeholders, their employees, the communities and society in which they operate, the environment, culture, and trends. The world has changed so much in the last ten years and many are lagging behind in their understanding. At the same time, we are about to witness a change in generations and the question arises as to whether industry is ready to empower and pass on the baton of leadership? The main goals are to help students to understand what will be asked of them as they become leaders. It is aimed to challenge perceptions, thinking, and knowledge. Also, it aims to prepare students to identify how leadership has changed people's lives and help develop critical thinking about the role of leaders in business and in society.