Hospitality Mavericks Podcast Show

In this episode, Michael talks with Greg from 'Only A Pavement Away,' a charity co-founded by Greg and his wife, Jill, to help disadvantaged individuals secure employment in the hospitality sector. Greg shares the story behind the charity's inception and its significant impact, having placed over 800 people into jobs and added £32 million to the economy since its launch in 2018. The discussion covers their process of preparing candidates, the role of relationship managers, and the ultimate goal of expanding their reach across the UK. Greg emphasizes the importance of building quality relationships and offers insights into the challenges and successes they've faced. He also highlights the critical need for funding to continue their mission of transforming lives through meaningful employment.Connect with Greg:https://onlyapavementaway.co.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-mangham-5424402a/A big thank you to our epsiode sponsor Apron.The power tool for payments that helps hospitality operators save time, cut admin, and get back to doing what they love: looking after their guests and teams.Head to their website to sign up.Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, Michael welcomes Henry from Apron to discuss the financial pain points faced by hospitality operators. They delve into how Apron, founded in 2022, helps streamline business payments with consumer-grade simplicity. Henry explains how Apron addresses challenges like managing supplier payments, payroll, and employee expenses from a single platform, drastically saving time for business owners. Highlighting real-life cases, the conversation covers how Apron facilitates ease of financial management, allowing operators to focus on delivering exceptional hospitality. The discussion also explores the future of financial technology in the hospitality sector, emphasizing the need for fewer, more integrated tools. Henry shares his personal journey into FinTech and the profound impact Apron has had on businesses, including a touching story of how it helped a family in need. Listeners are encouraged to explore Apron's offerings at getapron.com and connect with Henry for personalized demonstrations.Connect with Henry:https://getapron.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-matson-1283472/Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here A big thank you to our epsiode sponsor Apron.The power tool for payments that helps hospitality operators save time, cut admin, and get back to doing what they love: looking after their guests and teams.Head to their website to sign up.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, Michael, Joel and Stephen discuss the significant lag in technological advancements within the hospitality industry, particularly in back-office systems and data processing. Despite recent efforts made due to the pandemic to digitize front-of-house operations, the conversation highlights the need to improve operational aspects to enhance customer experiences. Issues such as repetitive WiFi logins and inefficient payment processes are mentioned. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of personalization and exceptional service in fostering customer loyalty, backed by personal anecdotes. The episode concludes with a call for the industry to focus on serving people more effectively.Connect with Stephen:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenjohnrothwell/https://stephenrothwell.ltd/https://eagleeye.com/loyaltyA big thank you to our epsiode sponsor Apron.The power tool for payments that helps hospitality operators save time, cut admin, and get back to doing what they love: looking after their guests and teams.Head to their website to sign up.Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, Michael welcomes Marc Summers, a restauranteur with a bold and ambitious vision, to discuss his journey from a corporate finance career to creating a successful plant-based restaurant chain. Featuring stories of pivotal moments, including being inspired by a chef's table episode and the adrenaline of his first kitchen job, Marc outlines the organic development of his concept, the importance of testing and honing ideas through pop-ups, and the transition to opening brick-and-mortar sites. He shares his strategy for growing gracefully without compromising quality or culture, explains the intentional creation and application of core values, and highlights the excitement of future growth and new opportunities like catering. Marc also discusses the significance of transparency and respect in building a happy workplace, as evidenced by winning the Code People Award for the happiest place to work. Throughout, he reflects on the lessons learned and the importance of staying open-minded and resilient in a challenging industry.Connect with Marc:https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-summers-561366210/https://www.bubala.co.uk/our-restaurantsConnect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here A big thank you to our epsiode sponsor Apron.The power tool for payments that helps hospitality operators save time, cut admin, and get back to doing what they love: looking after their guests and teams.Head to their website to sign up.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, Michael interviews Trudi Parr, a hospitality professional with a vibrant journey that spans across media, tourism, and the evolving hotel industry. Trudi shares her unplanned yet fulfilling entry into hospitality, her roles from operations to sales, and her eventual focus on the people aspect of the business. Emphasizing the need for human-centric approaches in hospitality, she discusses the significance of treating employees well, fostering an inclusive environment, and the impact of nurturing talent from the ground up. With a keen interest in changing the perception of the hospitality industry, Trudi highlights the importance of internally built strong people practices and the challenges of recruiting and retaining talent post-COVID. Closely following the evolution of Mollie's—a motel diner concept—Trudi shares practical insights into their onboarding process, the importance of building relationships, and the excitement around new openings, particularly the upcoming launch in Manchester.Connect with Trudi:https://www.linkedin.com/in/trudi-parr/https://mollies.com/Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here A big thank you to our epsiode sponsor Apron.The power tool for payments that helps hospitality operators save time, cut admin, and get back to doing what they love: looking after their guests and teams.Head to their website to sign up.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, Michael is joined by Ellie from the Prep Foundation to discuss how the foundation educates young people about nutrition and cooking, especially with the decline in food tech education due to reduced school funding. Ellie shares her journey from being a chef to working with Prep, highlighting the foundation's activities, such as in-school sessions and farm-to-fork days. They also discuss the importance of gut health, the challenges faced by schools, and the crucial role the hospitality industry can play in supporting these initiatives. The episode underscores the broader impact of teaching children healthy eating habits, aiming to tackle obesity and other lifestyle diseases.Connect with Ellie:https://prept.foundation/Become a Prept Partner and make a real difference to food culture in the UK. Find out more here https://prept.foundation/partners/- to find out how your school can take part in the programme, visit Prept’s website (https://prept.foundation/what-we-do/)https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellie-ledden-137329182/Ellie up for an award. Finals on Monday. Voting open until then. Give your vote here:https://www.thestaffcanteen.com/nomination/ellie-ledden-chef-educator-sussex-1757617272#/A big thank you to our epsiode sponsor Apron.The power tool for payments that helps hospitality operators save time, cut admin, and get back to doing what they love: looking after their guests and teams.Head to their website to sign up.Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here Takeaways: Hospitality leaders are on a mission to positively impact society and the planet. We are what we eat, and food education for kids is crucial for their health. Teaching young people cooking skills can transform their relationship with food and wellness. The Prepped Foundation connects chefs with schools to empower children through cooking education. Food culture directly impacts our health, and we must teach kids about nutritious choices. Hospitality can be a powerful force for good, addressing food education and youth empowerment. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, Michael engages in a detailed conversation with Tommy Giraux, the Head of Restaurant Systems at Honest Burgers. Tommy shares his extensive experience in the hospitality and retail industry across France and the UK. The discussion revolves around the integration of technology in the hospitality sector, focusing on how tech can enhance operations without losing the human touch. Tommy elaborates on the use of AI for workforce management, scheduling, and personalized customer experiences. He also reflects on the challenges and benefits of implementing a data-integrated tech stack to improve efficiency and support both employees and customers. The conversation touches on the evolving role of general managers in the age of AI, the importance of maintaining authentic hospitality, and the future outlook of tech in the industry. Tommy emphasizes the significance of networking and adapting to rapid technological advancements to stay ahead in the field.Connect with Tommy:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-giraux-90030526/https://www.honestburgers.co.uk/Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, industry veterans Steve Holmes, and Joel Robinson discuss the rapid evolution in the hospitality sector brought about by technology and the pandemic. They explore how traditional methods no longer suffice and emphasise the need for new thinking and approaches, particularly leveraging technology. The discussion explores the origins and solutions proposed by Azzurri, highlighting the challenges of manual data entry, inefficiencies, and inaccuracies in the current system. They propose a standardised data model for hospitality as a game-changer, akin to revolutionary standards in other industries like barcodes in retail. The conversation also explores the role of AI and the potential for industry-wide collaboration to achieve these objectives. Connect with Joel and Steve:https://www.weareopenr.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareopenr/posts/?feedView=allhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-holmes-a5a13613/https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-robinson-25352237/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, Michael welcomes Filip Linek, a hotel operator turned tech innovator, to discuss the advancements in AI and robotics in the hospitality industry. Filip shares his journey from running a packaging company to owning and managing hotels in the Czech Republic. Highlighting the challenges of staffing and maintaining high-quality service, Filip reveals how AI technology, particularly his creation, BE‑A, is transforming the guest experience by automating responses and improving efficiency without losing the human touch. Filip explains the development and future plans for BE‑A, including its potential to become a virtual receptionist capable of handling multiple languages and tasks seamlessly. The discussion also delves into the broader implications of AI in hospitality and how it might change the landscape of the industry. Filip shares his excitement about presenting BE‑A at an upcoming Hospitality Tech Expo in London and his belief in combining human and robotic efforts to enhance customer service. The episode concludes with his leadership insights on the importance of adaptability, the value of having a visionary team, and his hopes for the future of hospitality.Connect with Filip:https://www.linkedin.com/in/filip-linek-flæ-robotics/https://be-a.ai/Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode of the Hospitality Mavericks podcast, host Michael engages with Jannes Sörensen, founder of Kepler Hotel Group and Kepler International Hospitality Academy. They discuss how the Kepler brand aims to redefine luxury hospitality by focusing on guests' essential needs rather than mere wants. Topics include the role of AI in hospitality, the importance of plant-based dining, and how businesses can serve as vehicles for positive societal change. They also explore insights on self-leadership and the future landscape of hospitality in a rapidly evolving world. The episode underscores the timelessness of human needs and the transformative potential of conscious hospitality.Connect with Jannes:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jannessoerensen/https://www.learnkepler.com/Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This episode delves into the topic of neurodiversity within the hospitality industry, particularly focusing on ADHD. Michael, alongside guest Gareth, explores how recognizing and accommodating neurodiversity can lead to better business outcomes, improved staff retention, unleashed innovation, and enhanced employee wellbeing. Gareth shares his personal journey from growing up in a hospitality family to experiencing burnout as a hospitality manager, eventually leading to his ADHD diagnosis. He discusses the impact of this diagnosis on his career and personal life, and the steps he has taken to adapt his work environment to his needs. The conversation highlights the importance of creating a workplace culture that is open, understanding, and supportive of neurodiverse employees. Gareth also shares his vision for a neurodiversity-friendly hospitality industry and offers advice for both neurodiverse individuals and leaders in the sector.Connect with Gareth:https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-p-rees/https://www.instagram.com/adhospitalityd/https://adhospitalityd.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/attention-deficit-hospitality-disorder/posts/?feedView=allConnect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, the discussion centers around the significant impact of investing in frontline teams to enhance business performance in the hospitality industry. Geoffrey Toffetti shares their journey from modest beginnings to becoming a leader in optimizing sales through frontline engagement. The conversation covers building a people-first culture, the evolution from consulting to a SaaS model due to COVID-19, and the role of trust and leadership in fostering a productive environment. The episode highlights practical approaches to improve employee engagement, sales techniques, and the importance of consistent customer experiences. Insights into the potential of AI in enhancing operational efficiency and the future focus on integrating food and beverage services into the holistic revenue strategies for hospitality businesses are also discussed.Connect with Geoffrey:https://frontlinepg.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/gtoffetti/Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, James Bates from QVO Hospitality shares the journey from the inception of his business in 2014 to its current status with multiple restaurant locations. Over nearly a decade, James and his team have navigated various challenges, including Brexit, COVID-19, and fluctuating economic conditions. Throughout their journey, they have utilized the EOS framework to systematize and scale their operations. The discussion delves into how the company maintains momentum and clarity in an industry fraught with difficulties, the importance of culture and values, and the strategic moves that have allowed them to expand. James also discusses their latest venture in Chester and offers insights into maintaining drive and ambition in the face of adversity. With stories of daily operations, challenges, and insights into their future plans, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what it takes to grow and sustain a hospitality business.Connect with James:https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-bates-b1128060/https://www.instagram.com/jaymaray_/james@qvohospitality.comwww.maray.co.ukwww.buyers-club.co.ukwww.theoneoclockgun.pubBook:https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8596/9781936661831This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this conversation, Howard and Michael explore the themes of disconnecting from technology, fostering community, and nurturing genuine human connections. Howard, who organised 'offline dinners,' shares insights from his journey from the stock market to co-founding a successful company, Invaluable, and his realisation of the importance of human interaction. They discuss the challenges and rewards of stepping out of one's comfort zone, the pros and cons of technology in our lives, and Howard's book, 'Leave Your Phone at the Door.' The discussion highlights the value of vulnerability, the significant impact of small gestures, and how real life begins beyond the screen. They also touch upon the essence of true success, and the transformative potential of simple, human interactions in making the world a better place.Connect with Howard:https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-lewis-offline/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Leave-Your-Phone-Door-OFFLINE/dp/1635769396Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howardlewisofflinePersonal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009863233117OFFLINE Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064994021337TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howardlewisoffline?_Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, Michael welcomes Sam Coulstock to discuss the challenges and opportunities in preparing the next generation for the workforce. Sam shares his journey from being an aspiring chef to spearheading Inspired Community Group, a Community Interest Company aimed at bridging the gap between young people and the hospitality industry. They discuss the importance of understanding the needs of Generation Z, the perception issues surrounding careers in hospitality, and the impact of targeted career guidance. Sam also elaborates on the motivator program, which trains young professionals to inspire students in schools, and talks about the necessity of a sustainable funding model to support these initiatives. Listeners will gain insights into how businesses can proactively engage with and help shape the future workforce while addressing critical societal needs.Connect with Sam:https://inspiredgroup.org.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/samcoulstock/Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this insightful episode, Michael engages with Jo Harley to discuss the importance of value-led businesses, the power of feedback, and how putting people first can be a competitive edge. Jo shares her journey in the hospitality industry, from starting accidentally in a pub to working with Bacardi and eventually co-founding Korero and Hendrick and Hyde. She emphasizes the importance of having structured conversations to ensure employee satisfaction and retention. Jo also touches on the role of AI in improving business operations and the insights gained from the 'Best Places to Work' survey in hospitality. The conversation is filled with practical tips on how to build a positive work culture and ensure effective communication within organizations.Connect with Jo:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-harley/https://www.hellokorero.co/https://www.hendrickandhyde.com/Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, the guest is Greg from Saira Hospitality, an organization dedicated to transforming the hospitality industry by helping local communities find meaningful employment. Greg discusses the origins of Saira Hospitality, which was founded by Harsha L'Acqua with a revolutionary idea to hire local talent for luxury resorts, avoiding the conventional practice of flying in staff or poaching from nearby operators. The conversation delves into Saira Hospitality's pop-up hospitality school model that partners with hotels to train local community members, focusing on life skills and operational training. Greg shares his journey of joining the organization and his role in expanding its impact, particularly in London. He emphasizes the importance of personal interaction in recruitment and how Saira Hospitality screens candidates meticulously to ensure they are a good fit for the operators they partner with. The episode also touches on the benefits for operators, including lower turnover rates and a more engaged, diverse workforce. Greg offers advice for leaders looking to make a positive impact in their communities and shares personal insights into balancing a demanding career with family life.Connect with Ben:https://www.sairahospitality.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-fr%C3%BCchtenicht-8070569a/https://www.linkedin.com/in/harsha-l-acqua-9719877/Books:Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expecthttps://uk.bookshop.org/a/8596/9781529146813Life on Earth:https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8596/9780008368357Born To Run:https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8596/9781861978776Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, Michael engages in an insightful conversation with Ben, co-founder of Sona, about the transformative potential of AI in the hospitality industry. They explore how AI can serve as an enabler for operators, enhancing the efficiency of hospitality businesses by optimizing workforce management and improving guest experiences. Ben shares his journey from being an engineer to building technology companies focused on frontline workforces, detailing the creation of Sona and its impact on hospitality and retail sectors. They discuss the significant benefits of AI, such as providing data-driven insights and automating scheduling to free up managers' time for more critical tasks. Furthermore, they address the challenges of integrating AI into operations, the importance of involving frontline workers in the adoption of new technologies, and the rapid pace of AI advancements. Ben also emphasizes the need for businesses to adopt AI tools early to avoid being left behind and the potential for AI to revolutionize various business operations.Connect with Ben:https://www.getsona.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/talkingquickly/https://www.getsona.com/resources/reports-and-resources/the-impact-of-artificial-intelligence-in-hospitalityConnect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, we delve into the journey of Vimal Arumugam, the co-founder of Baked Bird, a unique baked chicken concept. Vimal shares the inception story of Baked Bird, which began from a shared love for chicken wings and evolved into a thriving hospitality business. He discusses the challenges faced in transitioning from a corporate career to the food industry, the importance of differentiating from competitors by offering a healthy alternative to fried chicken, and the significance of community support. Vimal also touches on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the strategic decisions behind their business growth, and their future aspirations for Baked Bird. From starting as a weekend market stall to opening their first brick-and-mortar location, this episode captures the essence of passion-driven entrepreneurship and the relentless pursuit of innovation in the food industry.Connect with Vimal:https://www.linkedin.com/in/vimal-arumugam-77a51956/https://www.linkedin.com/company/baked-bird/https://bakedbird.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/bakedbirdConnect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode of the Hospitality Mavericks podcast, host Michael welcomes guest Natalie Dunning, who shares her journey of growing up in a hospitality family and building her agency, Kitch Social. They discuss the importance of creating super fans, engaging with communities, and the crucial role of maintaining a human connection in the hospitality industry. Natalie emphasizes the significance of clear purpose, strategy, and team alignment in fostering customer loyalty and a supportive work culture. The conversation also explores practical advice on leveraging technology, empowering teams, and maintaining work-life balance.Connect with Natalie:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliedunning/https://kitchsocial.com/Book Recommendation:https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8596/9781780725901Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy