A painful corporate workforce reduction after two decades in tech became the unexpected catalyst for Reena Miglani's beautiful reinvention. When her long career at a major Silicon Valley company ended abruptly in late 2023, she found her way to an entirely new path - joining her husband's restaurant business to create Amara, a breathtaking Mediterranean fusion restaurant in Belmont, California.

What makes Reena's story so compelling is her discovery of creative talents she never knew she possessed. Despite no formal design background, she personally curated every aspect of Amara's aesthetic - from custom scents to textiles, lighting, and atmosphere. The result is a sensory sanctuary where hurried Silicon Valley professionals can experience the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, even if just for a few hours.

"We have this notion where we save our best China, best silverware for what, one day?" Reena explains. Her mission is to change that mindset, encouraging people to enjoy life's finest experiences daily. This philosophy guides everything from the restaurant's design to its food presentation, where plates overflow with abundance rather than being strictly coursed in traditional fine dining style.

I love how Reena's corporate leadership expertise enhances rather than conflicts with the hospitality industry. She's reimagined traditional roles (hostesses are now "customer experience officers"), implemented sophisticated CRM technology, and focused on building a culture where transactions become personalized meaningful interactions. "This is not just about cuisine or ambience," she emphasizes. "It's about bringing that Mediterranean way of living here."

Join us for this inspiring conversation about embracing change, discovering hidden talents, and creating community through food and hospitality. Whether you're contemplating your own reinvention or simply appreciate stories of creative transformation, Rena's journey from tech executive to restaurant owner offers a beautiful blueprint for turning life's unexpected turns into opportunities for growth.

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• Restaurant Website: https://www.amararestaurants.com/

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Check out my bestselling book, "AI and the New Oz: Leadership’s Journey to the Future of Work" [https://a.co/d/10u3wGf] available on Amazon. Go to the "AI and the New Oz" website to learn more at https://www.ai-and-the-new-oz.com/!