Afleveringen
-
Almost 2 years ago to the day, I was lucky enough to get the industry legend that is Danny Pecorelli on the show to tell his story. Within that story we got talking about a very special event that was about to happen called Back to the Floor and he kindly invited me to join his table.
What unfolded at that event was what undoubtedly makes Back to the Floor one of the most celebrated events on the hospitality calendar. Fun and Carnage in equal measure, all whilst raising some much needed funds for those legends over at Hospitality Action.
2 years on, and it's nearly time for 2024's version to take centre stage, this time hosted at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge. With all that in mind, I thought it'd be great to shine a light on the event again through the GM of that very hotel, James Clarke.
In this special we talk about
James' StoryPark Plaza Westminster BridgeThe history of Back to the FloorWhat to expect on the nightThe auction prizesWhat it’s like as a waiter or sommelier at the eventStories of the CarnageHow to support the eventNo doubt James has his work cut out for him keeping scores of our industry's finest under control for the evening but 2024's Back to the floor promises to be quite magnificent.
Enjoy!
To get behind this quite magnificent event, head to https://www.hospitalityaction.org.uk/events/2024/april/back-to-the-floor/
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy -
Today marks the end of season 5 of the show and we are signing off with a bang. I welcomed Hamish Anderson to the show, CEO of Tate Enterprises. This episode was a totally joyous education from the outset and represents another wonderful corner of the industry, where art and hospitality collide, in glorious fashion (Have I just inadvertently written a tagline for next years fashion week?).
Hamish is brilliant, he oozes effortless passion for hospitality all the way through and with some cracking stories too.
We cover:-
JanuaryThe many enterprises of TateEarly careerGetting into wineStock taking evolutionBibendumWriting a book about wineClimbing the ranks at TateDeep thinkingLeadership LessonsFinding a bottle of Dubonnet for the queenMagnums of BollingerThe evolution of TateAnd so much more.
I can't sign off season 5 without thanking you all for listening, this has been the most incredible season of the show, climbing into the top 1% of all podcasts and more of you are listening than ever before which I'll be forever grateful for. A huge thank you also goes to our Headline Sponsor, RotaCloud. Without the support of sponsors, it makes it very difficult to run the show.
I'll be back in the summer with more fun and shenanigans from the world of hospitality.
Enjoy!
The Guest
Hamish Anderson is the CEO of Tate Enterprises, a diverse business running Tate's commercial activity - Events, F&B, Retail, E Commerce, Publishing, Merchandise, Product & Image Licensing, a coffee roasting business (Coffee by Tate)
The Sponsor
Today’s episode comes to you in partnership with RotaCloud, the people management platform for shift-based teams.
RotaCloud lets managers create and share rotas, record attendance, and manage annual leave in minutes — all from a single, web-based app.
It makes work simple for your team, too, allowing them to check their rotas, request holiday, and even pick up extra shifts straight from their phones.
Try RotaCloud’s time-saving tools today by heading to https://rotacloud.com/phil
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
-
Another treat for you this week as I got some time with the wonderful Zoe Watts, Managing Director of Bennett Hay
Zoe's rise to MD has seen her take in some quite amazing places to work. In addition to her journey we also get through:-
Exploring being a nurseThe BHS Coffee ShopOff to UniBeefeater RestaurantsSavill garden RestaurantBecoming a GMThe people who see something in youThe Royal Society of ArtsTateEventsThe Adaptability of HospitalityMeetings with RoyaltyThe move to contract cateringBennett HayAnd a whole lot more. Zoe's got some great stories up her sleeves which she recounts with us and in amongst all of that is a just wonderful career journey so far.
Enjoy!
The Guest
Zoe Watts is the Managing Director of Bennett Hay, an independent contract caterer specialising in workplace catering.
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zo%C3%AB-watts-fih-96613615/
The Sponsor
Today’s episode comes to you in partnership with RotaCloud, the people management platform for shift-based teams.
RotaCloud lets managers create and share rotas, record attendance, and manage annual leave in minutes — all from a single, web-based app.
It makes work simple for your team, too, allowing them to check their rotas, request holiday, and even pick up extra shifts straight from their phones.
Try RotaCloud’s time-saving tools today by heading to https://rotacloud.com/phil
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy -
Time for a cheeky bonus and this week I welcomed the absolutely epic, and my good friend, Dr Lizzy Bernthal who is a resilience specialist to chat through work place Toxicity and how to eradicate it (Amongst other things).
Lizzy has an amazing story of how she ended up specialising in this under discussed, but relevant topic and we cover a lot including:-
The ArmyFighting back against ToxicityResilienceForms of ToxicityThe Drama triangleEmpowermentLanguageChoicesThe signs of ToxicityCulture & ValuesCoachingAnd so much more. If you're in place that's toxic or just want to learn more about improving your resilience, Lizzy is THE person to ignite this within you.
Enjoy!
The Guest
Dr Lizzy Bernthal is a resilience coach who is on a mission to help 1 million purpose driven business owners and leaders to find their confidence and resilience already within them whilst working with values driven businesses to flourish in line with their vision and purpose
Website - https://rypotential.co.uk/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzybernthal-resilience-specialist/
The Sponsor
Today’s episode comes to you in partnership with RotaCloud, the people management platform for shift-based teams.
RotaCloud lets managers create and share rotas, record attendance, and manage annual leave in minutes — all from a single, web-based app.
It makes work simple for your team, too, allowing them to check their rotas, request holiday, and even pick up extra shifts straight from their phones.
Try RotaCloud’s time-saving tools today by heading to https://rotacloud.com/phil
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy -
It's Valentines day and so I got to talk to someone about a subject I LOVE! That being, People!
I welcomed the quite superb Jo Harley, Co-founder of Korero and Hendrick & Hyde, to the show. Jo was nervous about coming on the show as she's never had the confidence to do this sort of thing before but she needn't have worried as she brought her natural, chatty self and we laid into a lot, including:-
Brewdog WaterlooMarketingMeasures of successComing to workWhat good looks likeLeisure Management DegreesCheerleadingGreeceWorking in barsHospitality as National serviceFunInevitable evolutionKoreroResting bitch faceAnd so much more. Jo is the very epitome of a people person and she brings the fun from the outset in what is another wonderful career within hospitality.
Enjoy!
The Guest
Jo is the Co-Founder of Korero, a new standard in career conversations and Hendrick & Hyde, who help businesses become great places to work.
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-harley/
Email - [email protected]
The Sponsor
Today’s episode comes to you in partnership with RotaCloud, the people management platform for shift-based teams.
RotaCloud lets managers create and share rotas, record attendance, and manage annual leave in minutes — all from a single, web-based app.
It makes work simple for your team, too, allowing them to check their rotas, request holiday, and even pick up extra shifts straight from their phones.
Try RotaCloud’s time-saving tools today by heading to https://rotacloud.com/phil
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy -
On a cold January day in 2024, I whisked myself off to enjoy the hospitality offered by the wonderful Tej Walia, Managing Director of Foxhills Collection. Whilst there, Tej and I had a chat about his career story so far, and what a story it is too.
We get through:-
GolfHotel Management as 2nd choiceWorking through the departmentsImpatienceThe foundation yearsGuernseySweatingHiltonConfidence and leadershipThe Many forms of MentoringFawsley HallDartington estateFoxhillsEvolution to MDAnd so much more. I called this episode "Getting the foundations set" as we talk about the importance of the what Tej calls, "the Foundation years" as they really can set the tone for your career ahead.
It's another wonderful chat with someone who cares deeply about the world of hospitality.
Enjoy!
The Sponsor
Today’s episode comes to you in partnership with RotaCloud, the people management platform for shift-based teams.
RotaCloud lets managers create and share rotas, record attendance, and manage annual leave in minutes — all from a single, web-based app.
It makes work simple for your team, too, allowing them to check their rotas, request holiday, and even pick up extra shifts straight from their phones.
Try RotaCloud’s time-saving tools today by heading to https://rotacloud.com/phil
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy -
I properly love the people this little show has introduced me to and today you are all the wonderful benefactors of listening to my chat with "wee Scottish livewire", Rachel Thomson.
Rachel really brought the triple threat (Passion, Energy and Fun in abundance) to our chat, leaving nothing but gold in her wake. She's got great lessons all the way through in addition to that A game on fun.
We get through:-
ChristmasManaging a pub within the first year of her careerThe pub lifeDrive & ResilienceThe early career lessonsThe Foodie inspirationAbu Dhabi & DubaiMaking the Women in F&B Power listRecognitionBeing true to yourselfHospitality CareersOps Director Skill SetThere really is so much to love about this chat and there's no wonder that she was recognised on that Middle East F&B Power List!
Enjoy!
The Guest
Rachel Thomson is an Operations Director. Having spent years in the UK and Middle East, she has had the pleasure of having quite a diverse career span. Brought up in a fishing village in East Fife, Scotland, who would not be delighted that your mum and you went every Saturday to the fish shed to collect fresh scallops! She has worked with some large corporate companies and some independents so has tasted both worlds of doing your own P&L's to having the most advanced systems in the world! She wouldn't change it for the world.
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelthomson727/
The Sponsor
Today’s episode comes to you in partnership with RotaCloud, the people management platform for shift-based teams.
RotaCloud lets managers create and share rotas, record attendance, and manage annual leave in minutes — all from a single, web-based app.
It makes work simple for your team, too, allowing them to check their rotas, request holiday, and even pick up extra shifts straight from their phones.
Try RotaCloud’s time-saving tools today by heading to https://rotacloud.com/phil
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy -
Up until around 2 years ago, I can't say that I'd even heard of the company that today's guest comes from, but when I learned what they do and how well they are doing it, I just had to get him on.
I welcomed Max Lawrence, Director of Hospitality Assured to the show and we get through a lot, including:-
What is Hospitality Assured?Knowing what you want to doThe privilege of giving serviceLearning the ropes with Holiday InnAccountingFascinating challengesMoving to Independent businessForensics and hospitalityStarting businessBusiness Challenges and SurvivalTaking on a hotelAttention to detail and consistencyThe IOH and Hospitality AssuredHospitality is everywhereInverness AirportAnd so much more. There are some twists and turns in Max’s story and some things I thought I’d never hear mentioned in the same breath as hospitality. The work that Hospitality Assured is doing is exactly what the industry needs right now and I wish Max and the team all the best for the year ahead.
Enjoy!
The Guest
Max Lawrence FIH MTMI, is an Assessor & Director of Finance at Hospitality Assured. Hospitality Assured is the quality standard created by the Institute of Hospitality specifically for customer facing businesses. They inspire and enable organisations to maximise their full potential by following world class processes, customer service standards and enhancing employee engagement. They help all businesses offering a service.
Instagram Max - @maxlawrence14
Instagram Hospitality Assured - @ha_hospitalityassured
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxlawrenceuk/
The Sponsor
Today’s episode comes to you in partnership with RotaCloud, the people management platform for shift-based teams.
RotaCloud lets managers create and share rotas, record attendance, and manage annual leave in minutes — all from a single, web-based app.
It makes work simple for your team, too, allowing them to check their rotas, request holiday, and even pick up extra shifts straight from their phones.
Try RotaCloud’s time-saving tools today by heading to https://rotacloud.com/phil
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy -
What a story and career journey we have for you this week as I got some time with Andrew Munt, CEO of Penta Hotels.
When we initially recorded this, Andrew was Chief of Operations & Commerce. A week before I was scheduled to air our original chat, Andrew let me know that he was going to be stepping up into the CEO role. As a result, we thought it was relevant to get him back for a quick round off of his story to include that wonderful news.
So this week, we have two distinct parts which will become obvious as you listen.
Beyond that, Andrews story is inspiring and educational all in one go. He lives with Cerebral Palsy and has rarely found this to be a barrier and there's some interesting stuff in here around the changing perceptions over his career around this.
In addition, we cover:-
Washing upFinding BanquetingInquisitive mindsCerebral PalsyUnnecessary rejectionFurther educationInternship in the USARelationshipsJarvisWorking through the divisionsIndustry ConnectionsBecoming a General Manager at 28The varying support structuresInitial StyleThe Devere Transition & The Devere YearsThe Penta Love affairThe Penta JourneyTwo way career buildingBecoming CEOThere's something in here for you whether you are at the beginning of your career or you have risen the ranks.
Enjoy!
The Guest
Andrew was the COO/CCO for Pentahotels when we initially recorded this but rose to CEO early 2024. He joined Penta in 2010 when they just opened their first hotel in the UK and were looking to further develop the brand. Prior to this he did a BSc Hons degree in Hotel & Catering Management in Manchester, which included an amazing one year internship in New Mexico, a tennis resort in summer, switching to ski resort in winter. After graduating he joined Jarvis Hotels, which later became Ramada and worked his way through 4 hotels before getting his first GM position in Chichester. From there, he joined Initial Style Conferences, which were soon sold to MWB and then became De Vere Venues. He led 3 different venues over his time there, Staverton Park (which he describes as being a bit of a gamechanger for him) 60 meeting rooms, taking it open market, plus taking on a golf and leisure club.
With Penta, they acquired 5 Ramada Encore Hotels in 2013 and he was promoted to lead the UK and manage the transition over 1 year. In 2017 he got the chance to relocate to Frankfurt and take on VP Ops, later COO for Penta, overseeing Europe and Asia. Earlier in 2023, Penta restructured and the role of CCO was added into his role as well and introduced a new leadership team set up below me.
In early 2024, Andrew steps up into the CEO role for Penta.
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-munt-4a108821
Instagram - @munt.andrew
The Sponsor
Today’s episode comes to you in partnership with RotaCloud, the people management platform for shift-based teams.
RotaCloud lets managers create and share rotas, record attendance, and manage annual leave in minutes — all from a single, web-based app.
It makes work simple for your team, too, allowing them to check their rotas, request holiday, and even pick up extra shifts straight from their phones.
Try RotaCloud’s time-saving tools today by heading to https://rotacloud.com/phil
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podcorn -... -
A real treat for you this week as I got some time with Alison Cullin-Woodcock who is a Food & equipment development consultant, an area of the industry we have not really explored.
And I'll bet that some of this will blow your mind but more than that, Alison really brings the energy and passion so it's very easy to get on board with her journey.
We cover:-
The dogs in our lifeEquipment & InnovationKnowing what you want to doDeveloping the paletteCollegeGetting the basics rightTHE Mayonnaise disasterWorking through the sectionsHierarchyMoving into Equipment SalesRebuilding the TitanicHeadhunted to the US8ft RatsMeeting Paul BocuseToilets of the worldThe Development processProblem solvingAnd so much more. Alison is at the top of her game and has fantastic knowledge within her field which comes across effortlessly all the way through out chat.
Enjoy!
The Guest
Alison has been in the industry for over 35 years, classically trained Chef, City and Guilds 706/707/717 at Cassio College (now West Herts College). For the past 20 years she has worked for one of the worlds' largest foodservice equipment designer and manufacturer.- called Welbilt. They supply to some of the worlds largest QSR's. The role resulted in a move to Tampa, Florida for 9 years as their Corporate Executive Chef . In 2014 Alison relocated back to the UK. In 2018, after a redundancy, she set up her own consulting business and for the past 6 years has been focussing on food and beverage menu development - equipment solutions - packaging challenges and solutions - and foodservice operational support, plus anything else that she gets asked to do!
Website - www.cliftonfoodserviceconsultants.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-cullin-woodcock-151789b/
The Sponsor
Today’s episode comes to you in partnership with RotaCloud, the people management platform for shift-based teams.
RotaCloud lets managers create and share rotas, record attendance, and manage annual leave in minutes — all from a single, web-based app.
It makes work simple for your team, too, allowing them to check their rotas, request holiday, and even pick up extra shifts straight from their phones.
Try RotaCloud’s time-saving tools today by heading to https://rotacloud.com/phil
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy -
My life are we kicking 2024 off in style!
I was beyond thrilled to get some time with one of the USA's pre-eminent Hoteliers in the form of the wonderful Vaughn Davis, Managing Director of Dream Hollywood.
And this chat is rammed full of inspirational thinking from the work the outset.
As well as sporadically covering Vaughn's amazing journey, we get through:-
AI & RoboticsRoots in GuyanaMoving to New YorkStarting in acting & ModellingDiscovering hospitalityHospitality the healerDropping barsPhilosophyIdea sharing & having an Open Source MentalityUsing DataBecoming a HotelierInnovationSpace TourismUsing Sports to create leadersMoving to LAEntertainment as MotivationCollective brandingThe Dream HollywoodAnd so much more.
We really left no stone unturned in our chat and I could have quite literally chatted to Vaughn for days. I'm sure there will be something of interest for everyone here.
Enjoy!
The Guest
As the Managing Director of Dream Hollywood, Vaughn Davis is a seasoned leader in luxury hospitality, with over a decade of experience at prestigious lifestyle hotels in New York and Los Angeles. He began his career in 2010 with Royalton Park Avenue NYC (Formerly Gansevoort), moving to Dream Hotel Group’s Dream Downtown in 2011. Vaughn’s exceptional vision and attention to detail have led to the successful opening of hotels across North America, collaborating with renowned names such as Dream Hotel Group, Gansevoort Hotel Group, Hyatt, and Two Roads Hospitality.
Vaughn Instagram - @vtothe2ndpower
Hotel Instagram - @dreamhollywood
The Sponsor
Today’s episode comes to you in partnership with RotaCloud, the people management platform for shift-based teams.
RotaCloud lets managers create and share rotas, record attendance, and manage annual leave in minutes — all from a single, web-based app.
It makes work simple for your team, too, allowing them to check their rotas, request holiday, and even pick up extra shifts straight from their phones.
Try RotaCloud’s time-saving tools today by heading to https://rotacloud.com/phil
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy -
Merry Twixmas to you all!
Something a little different for you this week, a monumental story of strength and hope!
When Charlie Hodson (Owner, until the end of 2023 at least, of Hodson & Co) reached out to me to see if his story merited an airing on the show, a quick call got me questioning whether this show is big enough for his story.
There's a lot to get through in this chat including:-
The Cheese RoomBeing a ChefOpening the smallest restaurant in the UKCommunity SpiritFalse economies of convenience shoppingBuying LocalRelying on AlcoholPlanning suicideThe Life saving words of strangersThe return to darknessHospitality Action interventionWe’ve Got youThe joy of lifeSocial connectionCharlie has been to hell and back and he talks about about his demons openly and in detail so fair warning, please don't listen if you don't feel ready to listen. But do try if you can as the learning through here is quite remarkable.
You might also wonder how this chat fits into the category of up beat and positive but as you will learn, there's so much positivity available, even in our darkest moments.
Enjoy!
The Guest
A chef by trade and a lover of all things pork and cheese, Charlie is a Norfolk boy with the heart and soul of the beautiful county running through his veins.
After being awarded 2 rosettes in 2013, awarded Champion of Norfolk Food & Drink in 2014, going on to win the Sausage Roll Off title at the Red Lion at Barnes in 2017 and being a finalist in Visit Britain in 2018, Charlie has been co-hosting the Big Norfolk Sausage bash in Aylsham since 2019.
Instagram - @hodsonandcofinedining
The Sponsor
Today’s episode comes to you in partnership with RotaCloud, the people management platform for shift-based teams.
RotaCloud lets managers create and share rotas, record attendance, and manage annual leave in minutes — all from a single, web-based app.
It makes work simple for your team, too, allowing them to check their rotas, request holiday, and even pick up extra shifts straight from their phones.
Try RotaCloud’s time-saving tools today by heading to https://rotacloud.com/phil
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy -
I cannot even describe what a total joy recording this podcast was with 2023 AICR Receptionist of the Year, Chelsea Lacey. Chelsea is also Front of House Receptionist at the quite fabulous Pennyhill Park.
Chelsea oozes natural fun and authenticity (Two traits that I'm sure serve her well in her role) all the way through our chat and she's got some cracking stories to boot.
We get through:-
Midweek weekendsMaking Rota’d shifts work for youThe (Genuine) Joy of working ChristmasHaving no planShoe shops in travel agentsThe Covid periodRejecting collegePubsPennyhill ParkReception for learning lifePillow Cases & VasesStaring at Guests handsAICR Receptionist of the yearWorld Receptionist of the yearHorse MasksChelsea's energy for hospitality is incredibly infectious and I'd challenge anyone to sit through our chat and not have a big beaming smile on their face. Chelsea really brings the joy and fun to our conversation and it's easy to see why she was crowned this years UK champion.
We wish her the very best of luck in 2024 at the World Finals in Nice.
Enjoy!
The Guest
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-lacey-6bbb41113
Instagram - @chelly_bean07
The Sponsor
Today’s episode comes to you in partnership with RotaCloud, the people management platform for shift-based teams.
RotaCloud lets managers create and share rotas, record attendance, and manage annual leave in minutes — all from a single, web-based app.
It makes work simple for your team, too, allowing them to check their rotas, request holiday, and even pick up extra shifts straight from their phones.
Try RotaCloud’s time-saving tools today by heading to https://rotacloud.com/phil
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy -
A quick Bonus for you this week as I was lucky enough to catch up with Chris and Robbie, the crew behind Spirit of Hospitality, a few days before they set off on the the worlds toughest row across the Atlantic, all to raise money for the wonderful Hospitality Action.
I caught them in the middle of their pre departure preparation but they were kind enough to take a few moments out for us to catch up and find out how things have been since we last chatted.
We covered:-
Clothing and HygieneLa GomeraThe Build UpThe BoatThe logistics of getting to the start lineThe unsung HeroesHospitality ActionThis really is a phenomenal effort from Chris & Robbie and whilst there's no doubt that it is going to be an incredible, life changing experience for them, their true purpose is to raise as much money as possible for the Hospitality action, such a vital charity for our industry.
Please do get behind them and donate anything you can at their just giving page which is:-
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/spiritofhospitality
You can follow their progress on their instgram page @spirit_of_hospitality and at the website of the worlds toughest row https://www.worldstoughestrow.com/
At time of writing this, 2 days into the race, They are sitting 2nd overall in the race and 1st in the Pairs class which I think we can all agree is just a phenomenal effort!
Enjoy!
The Sponsor
Today’s bonus episode comes to you in partnership with RotaCloud, the people management platform for shift-based teams.
RotaCloud lets managers create and share rotas, record attendance, and manage annual leave in minutes — all from a single, web-based app.
It makes work simple for your team, too, allowing them to check their rotas, request holiday, and even pick up extra shifts straight from their phones.
Try RotaCloud’s time-saving tools today by heading to https://rotacloud.com/phil
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy -
What a cracker of a chat I have for you this week!
When Daniel McLoughlin (Owner of Rocksalt Cafe's & Restaurants in Ireland) reached out to me earlier this year to see if I'd have him on the show, a quick bit of research (And some discussion points from Daniel) highlighted what an interesting chat it could be.
And it does not disappoint as we get through:-
Early Entrepreneurial spiritShannon CollegeIroningFinding your feetTenacityVincent Madden & Arora Hotel GroupDavid Connell & Exclusive HotelsThe people you learn fromJames Horler & Ego restaurantsRunning a restaurantMoving back to IrelandThe start of RocksaltThe thin line between success and failureExpansionPivoting to Take awayBoldnessWedding cakesAnd so much more. Daniel demonstrates a boldness all the way through his career so far and it's clear that it has served him well to date. There are also so many great lessons from his journey.
Enjoy!
The Guest
Daniel is the owner/creator of RockSalt Cafes and Restaurants. Starting off with a team of 7 including himself in a small 20 seater café, they now have 5 outlets with a team of over 80 and growing.
Website - www.rocksaltcafe.ie
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-mcloughlin-83797528/
Instagram - @caferocksalt
The Sponsor
Today’s episode comes to you in partnership with RotaCloud, the people management platform for shift-based teams.
RotaCloud lets managers create and share rotas, record attendance, and manage annual leave in minutes — all from a single, web-based app.
It makes work simple for your team, too, allowing them to check their rotas, request holiday, and even pick up extra shifts straight from their phones.
Try RotaCloud’s time-saving tools today by heading to https://rotacloud.com/phil
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy -
We are back in the world of tech this week but have added in more than a pinch of creative and entrepreneurial into the story too. I got some time with the awesome Inge Meijs, Co-Founder and Managing Director of the quite magnificent platform Gastronomixs, the inspiring recipe database for professional chefs.
Inge has a great story and there are more than enough lessons and stories from her life as an entrepreneur to whet the appetite here, as well as some great insight into Gastronomixs,
We get through:-
The NetherlandsGrowing up on a farmChoosing schoolsStarting a business straight out of UniversityCreativityRecipesThe origins of GastronomixMoving to subscriptionHow it worksEntrepreneurial lessonsThe importance of visualBullying drivers (Sort of)And so much more. Inge's story is brilliant and it's yet another insight into the incredibly varied roles and business there are in this wonderful industry.
Enjoy!
The Guest
Inge Meijs is the co-founder and managing director of Gastronomixs.com, the inspiring recipe database for professional chefs. They empower chefs to create, with recipes in the form of building blocks. Inge has a background in digital marketing and studied food design & innovation. Right now she is leading and managing the team and working to expand their platform from the Netherlands towards the UK and throughout Europe
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingemeijs/
Instagram - @ingemeijs
X - @ingemeijs
The Sponsor
Today’s episode comes to you in partnership with RotaCloud, the people management platform for shift-based teams.
RotaCloud lets managers create and share rotas, record attendance, and manage annual leave in minutes — all from a single, web-based app.
It makes work simple for your team, too, allowing them to check their rotas, request holiday, and even pick up extra shifts straight from their phones.
Try RotaCloud’s time-saving tools today by heading to https://rotacloud.com/phil
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy -
Despite being a UK based podcast, we've now been downloaded in 137 countries, that's 70% of the worlds countries, which absolutely blows my mind (Still no Greenland though).
So I thought it was a good idea to go hunt out a superstar from a different part of the world and found that in the form of the totally awesome Eddy Tannous, COO at Rotana Hotel Management.
It was a chance meeting as Eddy was in London for World Travel Market and we met up in a public space in the stunning Kimpton Fitzroy London, as such it's a live environment so forgive the atmosphere at times.
This chat is packed and we get through:-
The FutureCab DriversStarting in FitnessDepartment Cross TrainingFinding the spark in Revenue ManagementBecoming a GMManaging Multiple BrandsEconomy v LuxuryGoals and AttitudeMoving into Regional RolesRotanaSaudi ArabiaInnovationThe Haircut IncidentEddy is a class act and there are so many amazing lessons all the way through our chat from someone who clearly cares deeply about Hospitality and the people who work within it.
Enjoy!
The Guest
Eddy Tannous is the COO of Rotana Hotel Managment Corporation. He has been working in the hospitality industry for the last 23 years, during which, he has been fortunate to grow through various entry level, managerial and leadership roles across several disciplines. His journey has taken him through hotel based, cluster and regional roles, both in commercial and operational fields. He believes that the most important catalyst for success in our industry is "People" and likes to build connections with people around him and unlock the full potential of the collective capabilities combined for achieving the best possible outcome from any situation. An approach he applies to his professional and personal life.
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddy-tannous-643b7710/
Instagram - @tannouseddy
The Sponsor
Today’s episode comes to you in partnership with RotaCloud, the people management platform for shift-based teams.
RotaCloud lets managers create and share rotas, record attendance, and manage annual leave in minutes — all from a single, web-based app.
It makes work simple for your team, too, allowing them to check their rotas, request holiday, and even pick up extra shifts straight from their phones.
Try RotaCloud’s time-saving tools today by heading to https://rotacloud.com/phil
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy -
I can't quite believe it took me as long as it did to reach out to todays guest, CEO of AES and The Residence Apartments, none other than Stephen Lowy.
Being a 3rd generation Hospitalitarian might lead you into believing that Stephen's route was always mapped out for him but how wrong you would be. There are wonderful lessons all the way through this chat and we get across:-
Struggling at schoolFinding hospitalityFinding out about DyslexiaSalford UniversityBlack EyesTravellingAnthony BourdainHostelsUmiAES & The Residence ApartmentsThe Klopp EffectThe lessons of othersThe Savoy Educational TrustAnd so much more. Stephen handles his story with a wonderful grace and humility throughout and I am sure that there is something in here for everyone, whether starting out or already well on your path.
Enjoy!
The Guest
Stephen Lowy is the CEO of AES & The Residence Apartment with experience of operating across the sector over the years (including restaurants, hostels, budget hotels and now serviced apartments and student accommodation).
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevelowy/
Instagram - @steviejlowy
Twitter - @SteveLowy
The Sponsor
Today’s episode comes to you in partnership with RotaCloud, the people management platform for shift-based teams.
RotaCloud lets managers create and share rotas, record attendance, and manage annual leave in minutes — all from a single, web-based app.
It makes work simple for your team, too, allowing them to check their rotas, request holiday, and even pick up extra shifts straight from their phones.
Try RotaCloud’s time-saving tools today by heading to https://rotacloud.com/phil
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy -
What a total thrill it was this week to open my little black book of old work mates and get one of the nicest gents on the planet onto the show in the form of Marc Thompson. He also has a wonderful job title, Manager - Enrichment Programming which he does for the quite marvelous Seabourn Cruise Line. You can learn all about what enrichment programming covers in this episode as well as:-
Marc's awesome jobThe cruise industryIndirect Marketing TaglinesThomson Holiday ReppingJobs on a Cruise ShipMoving to P&OThe (Not so) Friendly FoursThe stuff that happens at seaHarvey NicholsFuturist LeadersRevenue GenerationAnd so much more. Marc has had a stellar career so far and has covered off a lot of different things culminating in him taking on this wonderful role he has now. As an ex ship mate, Marc and I also spend a short time reminiscing over some of the amazing things we used to get up to whilst working on a ship in early career.
Enjoy!
The Guest
Marc Thompson is the Manager - Enrichment Programming for one of the worlds most luxurious cruise companies, Seabourn
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-thompson/
The Sponsor
Today’s episode comes to you in partnership with RotaCloud, the people management platform for shift-based teams.
RotaCloud lets managers create and share rotas, record attendance, and manage annual leave in minutes — all from a single, web-based app.
It makes work simple for your team, too, allowing them to check their rotas, request holiday, and even pick up extra shifts straight from their phones.
Try RotaCloud’s time-saving tools today by heading to https://rotacloud.com/phil
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy -
We wouldn't have had todays conversation had our guest not reached out and asked if she could come on the show. And I'm so glad that she did.
I chat to Clare Coghill, Chef & Owner of Café Cùil on the Isle of Skye.
And what a chat it is, it's got everything, a great story, so many lessons and some cracking anecdotes. We get through:-
Island life and weatherPositive Social MediaBeing born into the industryFormative yearsGoing into TVLondon and the Spark for foodMoving into the kitchenThe first businessThe deep endOpening your first business in a pandemicForced return to SkyeReconnecting with local produceCafe CuilGaelicControlled firesTV competitionsStaffing & CultureAnd so much more.
Clare's story is so positive, along with her general outlook and there's something for everyone in this chat.
Enjoy!
The Guest
Clare Coghill is the owner and head chef of Café Cùil on the Isle of Skye. Café Cùil began its story in the heart of Hackney, East London in 2019. Hailing from the Isle of Skye, Clare's passion for Hebridean produce combined with her Gaelic influences created a unique café space in London that fast became a hotspot for brunch lovers around the city.
Now based back on the Isle of Skye, the café has been reborn in the idyllic setting of Carbost.
Drawing inspiration from the wild, natural larder that Skye has to offer, Café Cùil uses locally-sourced, sustainable produce combined with traditional ingredients to give its own refreshing take on brunch & lunch
The Sponsor
Today’s episode comes to you in partnership with RotaCloud, the people management platform for shift-based teams.
RotaCloud lets managers create and share rotas, record attendance, and manage annual leave in minutes — all from a single, web-based app.
It makes work simple for your team, too, allowing them to check their rotas, request holiday, and even pick up extra shifts straight from their phones.
Try RotaCloud’s time-saving tools today by heading to https://rotacloud.com/phil
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy - Laat meer zien
