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I’ve Been Called Many Things Throughout My Career – Strategist, CEO, Operator – But The Title That Feels Truest To Me Is CEO Of Generosity
Generosity isn’t just about giving money or gifts. It’s about how you show up in every interaction. It’s about leading with empathy, expressing appreciation, and creating space for others to succeed beside you.
When I speak to business leaders, I often ask: When was the last time you made someone feel truly seen? Because that’s the moment that matters most. People might forget the presentation or the metrics but they will always remember how you made them feel.
For years, I’ve watched companies chase growth through performance targets, marketing spend and aggressive competition. But the ones that stand the test of time share something deeper – they give more than they take. They invest in relationships, not just returns.
At Best Restaurants Australia, generosity is our daily language. Food brings people together. It creates connection, trust and joy. A shared meal can do what a meeting sometimes can’t – it softens edges, opens minds and inspires collaboration. Many of the most important business decisions I’ve made started at a restaurant table.
We’ve collected insights from hundreds of businesses that show the ripple effect generosity creates:
- 52 per cent saw higher sales after adding recognition programs
- 67 per cent said it improved their reputation
- 78 per cent of employees felt more valued
- And 80 per cent said it strengthened long-term trust
That’s not luck. That’s leadership.
When people feel appreciated, they stay. When they feel trusted, they contribute. And when they feel inspired, they give back. Generosity multiplies.
I believe generosity should be a core business strategy. Not a once-a-year campaign or a tick-box HR initiative but an everyday behaviour. It changes company culture, fuels loyalty and attracts talent. It’s the foundation for legacy.
Some leaders fear generosity means giving too much. I see it differently. Generosity is not subtraction – it’s multiplication. The more you give, the more value you create. It’s a self-replenishing resource because it’s built on meaning, not money.
As leaders, we have a choice: to compete harder or to connect deeper. I choose connection. Because in a world that moves fast, generosity slows us down long enough to see the human being across the table.
When we lead with generosity, we build more than businesses. We build communities, stories and shared success. And that, to me, is the most rewarding strategy there is.
Rajneen Arora is CEO of Best Restaurants Australia.
Last Updated on November 4, 2025 by Rajneen Arora
