Most leaders say they care about people. Far fewer are willing to organize their business around that belief.

At Rancho La Puerta, they’ve been doing exactly that since 1940. That commitment drives a set of operating decisions that, over time, have quietly built one of the most respected wellness destinations in the world.

Barry Shingle, Director of Guest Experience, was clear: “Love is number one. The guest experience and employee happiness come first. Then money.”

That might seem like it’s just a slogan you put on the Boardroom wall—until you see how consistently they’ve lived it.

Do this Self-Check Now

Think of one recent decision you made under pressure.

Now ask yourself: Did your values lead… or did your fear?

Be honest. You already know the answer.

Where Love Actually Shows Up

At the Ranch, love isn’t just expressed in speeches. It shows up in strategic priorities and everyday operations.

Hiring: Co-founder Deborah Szekely has long emphasized hiring for kindness and happiness first. Skills can be taught. Character can’t.

Guest experience: They listen—really listen—and adapt. After 9/11, they expanded meditation offerings dramatically in response to what guests needed; after all it was a bit stressful. Today, those practices are central.

Employee support: During COVID, when they closed for six months, they continued paying hundreds of employees and invited them weekly to collect fresh produce grown on the property.

Environmental stewardship: Under President Sarah Livia Brightwood Szekely, the Ranch made one of its largest-ever investments in wastewater processing—not because it boosted margins, but because it was the right thing for the surrounding ecosystem.

Scaling: They intentionally limit the number of guests—around 150—so the guest experience and sense of community doesn’t get diluted.

That one is really worth pausing on. Most businesses chase growth until culture breaks. The Ranch protects culture—even if it constrains growth.

The real leadership question isn’t whether you have values. It’s whether your decisions—especially under pressure—make those values visible.

Want to lead with more clarity, calm, and intention? The Amare Leadership Lab is a small-group experience for leaders ready to grow beyond nonstop busyness and strengthen how they lead from the inside out. Learn more here: Amare Leadership Lab.

Research – Why This Works

Research consistently shows that when employees feel psychologically safe and respected, performance improves.

A 2023 McKinsey report on organizational health found that environments emphasizing trust, meaning, and belonging significantly outperform peers on long-term financial metrics.

Similarly, research from the University of Warwick has shown that happier employees are about 12% more productive on average.

When people feel safe, seen, and valued, they give more of themselves. While none of that is surprising, it takes committed, principled, and consistent leadership to make it happen.

It can be profitable too. Rancho La Puerta had its best year ever in 2025. Over 60% of guests keep returning for more.

Mirror — Questions to Consider

༄ Where are you saying “people first” but rewarding something else?

༄ What hard decision are you avoiding because it might cost you in the short term?

༄ If someone watched your company for a week, what would they conclude you actually value?

Door into Action — 5 Amare Ways to Profitably Operate with Love

1. Hire for character. Prioritize kindness, curiosity, and emotional steadiness over résumé polish.

2. Listen and take action. Pick one area where feedback is clear—and act on it visibly.

3. Invest beyond the spreadsheet. Make one decision this quarter because it’s right—not just profitable.

4. Limit something. Growth, meetings, scope—create space so quality and connection can deepen.

5. Show up as a cheerleader. Actively encourage your people. Great leaders do this well.

Amare Team Talk

In your next team meeting, ask: “Where are we out of alignment between what we say matters and what we actually reward?”

Then choose one small experiment to close that gap this week.

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

The need for community right now is not subtle—it’s acute.

Loneliness and disconnection are rising across workplaces, even in high-performing organizations.

Most companies try to solve this with programs. The Ranch solves it by protecting conditions.

They limit size so connection can happen.
They hire for warmth, not just competence.
They create spaces where people feel safe to be human.

Your workplace doesn’t need to become a retreat center in order to become a community where people feel a sense of belonging again. That’s not soft. That’s strategic.

Big Amare!

–Moshe

Today’s Amare Wave Wednesday Quote

“Always do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest.”

—Mark Twain

Click here and read more Amare Wave Wednesday newsletters on related topics:

It’s the Little Things: The Secret to Building and Leading a Thriving Team

Put Kindness and Curiosity at the Heart of How You Lead: 5 Powerful Steps to Get Started

Align Your Words, Actions, and Values: The Amare Leader’s Imperative

Get Inspired! A Great Time to Practice Compassion

Stand by Your Values—How to Meet Today’s Chaos with Clarity

   

Original article published on Inc.com.