The future is yours to create: Leo Ko

The recent winner of the IBA (International Bartenders Association) World Cocktail Championship The Director of Beverage of the Cordis Hotel, Hong Kong, Leo Ko shares his philosophy working in the hospitality industry. With a career spanning over a decade as a bartender, he has actively participated in local, regional, and international competitions, continuously refining his skills and gaining invaluable experience. 

A little bit about me

I started out as a sommelier in a restaurant, where I gained a deep knowledge and appreciation for wines. It was only after I joined Cordis (previously Langham Place, Hong Kong) and took on the role of bartender that I really began to learn about liquors. This was thanks to the mentorship and support of a colleague there, who helped cultivate my interest in the world of spirits and cocktails. Their guidance sparked a new passion in me, and it was this growing interest in liquors that ultimately led me to transition into becoming a full-time bartender.

I enjoy talking to guests and getting to know their preference for a cocktail, then I create a drink based on their preference. When I see that a guest gets the first sip of my drink and their face lights up with pleasure, there will be a sense of fulfillment because I know I am able to transport them to a new sensory experience.

What makes me happy is seeing the joy and delight that I bring to my guests through exceptional drinks and hospitality. In my role, I find satisfaction in crafting cocktails that push the boundaries of flavour and technique.

What makes me happy is seeing the joy and delight that I bring to my guests through exceptional drinks and hospitality. In my role, I find satisfaction in crafting cocktails that push the boundaries of flavour and technique. As an individual, the opportunity to share my knowledge and passion with others makes me truly happy. To me, it is very rewarding to learn from and inspire those around me, which plays an important role in elevating the bartending industry and pushing it forward.

As an individual, what drives me is the deep passion for continuous growth, innovation and making a meaningful impact on those around me. I’m not only always curious and eager to learn new things, but I’m also driven by a desire to make positive difference through bartending. Especially after I was entitled the IBA World Bartender of the Year last year, I see my role more than just creating cocktails, I want to inspire those around me, push the boundaries to the world stage.

How I approach my work

Many factors count to making me feel like I’m progressing – firstly, continuous learning is essential. You need to expand your knowledge and develop your skills to cope with the dynamic industry. Secondly, taking part in bartending competitions is also important because the process of researching, developing and executing not only pushes me to innovate, but also provides valuable feedback and recognition from the industry. But to me the most important factor is the ability to make a meaningful impact through mentoring the new

What can employers do to motivate you at work? First of all is to provide an environment that values continuous learning and professional development e.g., opportunities to join the industry events and workshops which keep me stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques. What is equally important is to foster a culture of recognition and appreciation and to provide a clear pathway for advancement. No matter if it’s a big or small achievement, through recognition, I will feel motivated to grow and exceed expectations within the company and even the hospitality industry.

What is equally important is to foster a culture of recognition and appreciation and to provide a clear pathway for advancement.

Brands are crucial in supporting my career. Partnerships with different brands have been valuable in helping me expand my knowledge and access resources that are instrumental to my growth, which are not just the equipment, but also the ingredients, special training and mentorship opportunities.

Brands are important supporters for the bartending and hospitality industry. As I shared, not only the advanced equipment, but also technologies and global reach through sponsorships, advertising and media campaigns, which help elevate the public profile and bartending profession. 

My thoughts on mentorship

I would define “role model” as someone who not only excels in their craft, but also inspires and motivates others to reach new heights. 

What do I look for in a mentor or leader? First and foremost, this person should possess deep industry knowledge and expertise. Also, this person should have genuine passion for the hospitality industry and a commitment to its advancement.  He/She should have the ability to listen, emphasise and provide thoughtful guidance. In short, the ideal mentor or leader is someone who has exceptional industry expertise, a strong commitment to positive change and ability to ignite a sense of passion in those they guide.

In short, the ideal mentor or leader is someone who has exceptional industry expertise, a strong commitment to positive change and ability to ignite a sense of passion in those they guide.

In my opinion, there are some areas that the leaders can make a difference in nurturing up-and-coming bartenders, managers and industry professionals. They include mentoring and coaching, as well as networking and connections. Mentoring and coaching could be anything from one-on-one guidance or counselling, hosting workshops and masterclasses which all provide opportunities to learn. Networking and connections refer to introducing mentees to stakeholders, connecting them with potential partners and helping them build up their own industry network. For the second part of your question, to me, I think there is still room for improvement. Sometimes leaders do not focus a lot on fostering a more diverse pipeline of talent but a few rising stars. This is a challenging task though as it requires a genuine and long-term commitment but I believe we can get this right in the future.

My hopes for the future

If I could change one thing about our industry, I would like to place more emphasis on building sustainability in the industry, not just the environment but also the social aspect. Maintaining sustainability should be the core factor of running business – to reduce the environmental impact, to source sustainable ingredients and to create a healthy and diversified workplace culture.

I believe that bartenders can and should play a role in shaping the future of the industry. Why? They are the front-line ambassadors, they interact with guests, they create the drink profiles and define the drinking experience; they are also the storytellers who share the story behind their drinks and have the ability to create a positive impact on the culture and industry as a whole.

My personal achievements are not just for myself, but recognition or a milestone in driving impossibilities to possibilities.

As for my legacy, I want to bring a positive and transformative impact, I want to be remembered not just as a skilled bartender, mixologist or beverage director, but someone who contributed to meaningful changes in the industry. I want the people who I’ve worked with and learned from to remember me as someone who always strives for improvement, creations and is willing to empower and inspire those around me. My personal achievements are not just for myself, but recognition or a milestone in driving impossibilities to possibilities.