We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alberto Battaglini a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alberto, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Experience – Trying things, succeeding, failing, and learning that you can handle both. Specifically the failing part and understanding my strengths and weaknesses
Positive reinforcement – Encouragement from others, especially early on, it shape how you see myrself and what u can do if I put my back into it.
Discipline and Learning to analyze criticism as a feedback rather then just negativity.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Hi! I’m Alberto, and I’m the owner and creative lead at PONY COCKTAILS + KITCHEN, a modern California ranch-style restaurant in the heart of Santa Ynez. What I do is a blend of hospitality, artistry, and culture—I curate experiences that bring people together over beautifully crafted cocktails and globally inspired food that feels both comforting and fresh.
What excites me most is creating a space where people can relax, connect, and feel something special—whether that’s through the first sip of a perfect Negroni or a dish that reminds them of travel, family, or discovery. At PONY, every detail matters—from the ice in your glass (literally—we use craft ice from ICE THIEVES) to the vibe of the room. It’s elevated, but never fussy.
What makes PONY unique is that it’s not just another restaurant—it’s a reflection of my background in hospitality, my love of global flavors, and a deep respect for California’s laid-back, natural elegance. Locals come to feel at home, and travelers walk in and feel like they’ve found a hidden gem.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Adaptability
The hospitality industry is always shifting—trends change, guests evolve, unexpected challenges (like a pandemic) show up. Being able to pivot, stay calm under pressure, and rethink your approach without losing your core vision is absolutely essential.
Advice: Stay curious. Don’t get too attached to one version of your plan. The best operators and creatives are the ones who can evolve without losing their essence.
Emotional Intelligence
Running a restaurant—or any brand built around people—requires understanding human behavior. Whether it’s leading a team, navigating conflict, or reading the energy of a dining room, emotional intelligence makes everything smoother. I m not a genius but I recognize when people are hungry 😜
Advice: Practice listening more than speaking. Watch body language. Ask questions, not just to solve problems but to understand people. The better you connect, the stronger your business becomes.
Vision with Follow-Through
Having a strong creative vision is powerful—but the real magic is in executing it consistently. It’s easy to dream big. It’s harder to stay disciplined, especially when the work gets exhausting or things don’t go as planned. Just don’t half ass it. If you start it. You need to finish it.
Advice: Write your vision down. Refer back to it when you’re tired or distracted. Break it into small, manageable steps and commit to showing up every day, even when no one is
You can learn the business. The heart is what sets you apart.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
In a remote island, away from everybody, developing my inner strength.
I would buld a statue of some sort that will longer last me for people to see and reflect on.
I would surf everyday of course.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pony-cocktailskitchen-106136.square.site/
- Instagram: Ponysyv
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