Joanne Migliori is a business executive, entrepreneur, and restaurateur, currently serving on the Ashley Hall board of trustees and executive committee. After nearly 20 years in litigation technology, she co-founded Golkow Technologies, leading its growth to national scale and successful acquisitions. She is now CEO of Special Hands Hospitality, creating inclusive employment through her restaurant group. Migliori holds a master’s from Columbia University and a biology degree from East Stroudsburg University in New York City.
Leadership is making people feel seen and helping them believe they’re capable of more than they thought possible. It’s also about humility. The best leaders aren’t afraid to surround themselves with people who know more than they do. In fact, that’s the goal. I’ve learned that when you build a team of strong, capable individuals — and really understand their strengths — you can put people in positions where they naturally thrive. That’s where the magic happens. At the end of the day, leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room, it’s about creating a room where everyone can be their best.
My greatest strength is that I lead with heart. I truly care about my team and want them to feel proud of what they do every day. I believe when people feel valued, they give their best. What I’m still working on is slowing down. I naturally move fast and get excited about what’s ahead, but I’ve learned that it’s important to explain the “why” and create clarity for my team. It makes everything stronger and more sustainable.
I’ve been shaped by so many people, often in unexpected ways. Some offered guidance directly, but others taught me simply by how they showed up, how they handled pressure, how they treated people, how they led with integrity. And honestly, some of my greatest perspective has come from home. My husband has been an incredible sounding board. He has been my greatest source of perspective and encouragement and constantly reminds me what really matters.
My greatest fear is letting people down. I care deeply about the people around me, and I always want to show up for them. I have learned that fear is usually a sign that something matters. So instead of letting it stop me, I try to lean into it, prepare, and keep moving forward. Courage doesn’t mean you’re not afraid, it just means you don’t let fear make the decisions.
Clarity is kindness. Being honest with your team and not sugar-coating things that are difficult to discuss. It’s something I come back to again and again. Being clear with your expectations, your standards, and your intentions builds trust. It may not always be the easiest path in the moment, but it’s always the right one in the long run.
I’m most proud of building businesses that feel like more than just businesses. Creating spaces where people feel welcomed, where teams feel like family, and where individuals grow into leaders — it’s incredibly meaningful.
That showing up consistently matters more than anything else. There are going to be great days and hard days, but if you keep showing up with intention, with kindness, and with a willingness to keep learning, it adds up in ways you don’t always see right away.
I would have trusted myself sooner, and been more intentional about thanking the people who helped me along the way. There were times early on where I second-guessed decisions or waited longer than I should have. Experience has taught me that preparation matters, but so does trusting your instincts.
That’s something I carry with me now every day. I’ve always felt a deep sense of gratitude, but I wish I had taken more time to formally express it. That’s something I’m very mindful of now.
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