Afleveringen
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In this episode of Suite Talk, hosts Tom Woolin and Declan Wale are joined by Mike Baxter, founder of House of Gods, for a candid and entertaining conversation on building one of hospitality’s boldest boutique brands.
Recorded at the soon-to-open House of Gods in Canary Wharf, Mike shares the unconventional journey from nightclub promoter and hostel founder to creating immersive hotels built around escapism, storytelling and “treat me like I’m famous” luxury. From chaotic opening nights and accidental Rolls-Royce purchases to rethinking what boutique hospitality should actually mean, this episode dives into the realities of building a disruptive hotel brand without following the traditional rulebook.
At the heart of the conversation is one core belief: hospitality should make people feel something.Key topics include:
✅ Mike’s unconventional journey from nightlife to boutique hospitality
✅ Building House of Gods around experience, escapism and storytelling
✅ The lessons learned from launching hotels without traditional industry experience
✅ Why modern luxury should feel fun, immersive and emotionally engaging
✅ Scaling a disruptive hotel brand while protecting creativity and identity
✅ How AI will reshape hospitality, and why human connection will matter even more
From entrepreneurial mistakes to creative breakthroughs, Mike offers an honest look at what it takes to build a hospitality brand that genuinely stands out.🎧 Listen now to hear the full conversation with Mike Baxter at House of Gods.
Read more episodes and hospitality insights at Hotel Magazine.
Key Moments:00:00 - Chaos, luxury and the opening weekend that changed everything
02:32 - Discovering hospitality through nightlife and events
05:22 - Building The Baxter Hostel with zero hotel experience
08:23 - The disastrous first weekend: “You’re in my bed!”
14:48 - Creating House of Gods and putting experience before rooms
19:06 - Why everyone wants a little luxury and escapism
21:54 - Scaling House of Gods without losing its identity
29:48 - The new castle hotel concept inspired by witchcraft and wizardry
31:52 - Launching a champagne brand and the surprising history of champagne
50:55 - AI, human connection and the future of hospitality📩 Like, comment and subscribe to stay up to date on leadership, design and innovation in hospitality.
🔗 Learn more at House of Gods and Hotel Magazine. -
In this episode of Suite Talk, hosts Jade Evans and Declan Wale sit down with Kurt Macher, Area General Manager of Operations for Paris and London and General Manager of Shangri-La, The Shard, for a conversation on what modern luxury hospitality really demands.
From early beginnings in Austria to leading teams across continents, Kurt shares how his global career has shaped a leadership style grounded in openness, adaptability and people-first thinking. Recorded high above London, this episode explores the complexity of today’s hospitality landscape, where leaders must balance commercial performance, team culture and exceptional guest experience all at once.At its core, this conversation is a reminder that while the industry continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: great hospitality is built on human connection.
Key topics include:
✅ Kurt’s early career and apprenticeship in Austria
✅ The importance of teamwork and learning multiple disciplines early on
✅ Leading global teams across cultures and markets
✅ Why hospitality leaders today must be “jack of all trades”
✅ Balancing commercial performance with guest experience and team wellbeing
✅ The role of community, charity and giving back in hospitality leadership
✅ How technology should enhance, not replace, human interaction
✅ Why personalisation begins before a guest even arrives
✅ Adapting to constant change in an evolving industry
✅ The enduring importance of human connection in luxury hospitalityFrom leadership philosophy to the future of the industry, this episode offers a grounded and honest perspective on what it takes to succeed in hospitality today.
🎧 Listen now to hear the full conversation with Kurt Macher at Shangri-La.
See more episodes and industry insights at Hotel Magazine.Key Moments:
00:00 – Why modern hospitality requires a “jack of all trades” approach
02:08 – Introducing Kurt Macher and his global hospitality career
03:23 – Apprenticeship in Austria and early lessons in teamwork
06:38 – What success means: beyond commercial performance
08:18 – A global career and becoming an open-minded leader
10:31 – Giving back: community, charity and purpose in hospitality
13:27 – Technology in hospitality: frictionless, not faceless
16:58 – Quick fire: personalisation, design trends and guest experience
20:57 – Leadership today: agility, teamwork and constant change
25:54 – Defining hospitality: it’s all about people📩 Like, comment and subscribe to stay up to date on leadership, culture and innovation in hospitality.
🔗 Learn more at Shangri-La and Hotel Magazine. -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In this special International Women’s Day episode of Suite Talk, hosts Jade Evans and Declan Wale bring together a panel of inspiring women from across the hospitality industry to discuss leadership, representation and the realities of building a career in hotels today.
Centred around this year’s theme, Give To Gain, the discussion reflected on what it means to build a career in hospitality with generosity, resilience and purpose, and how we can continue to support and elevate the future women of our industry.
Recorded at the Library at Montcalm Mayfair, the conversation explores the progress hospitality has made towards gender equality, and where the industry still has work to do. The panel share personal stories from their own careers, reflecting on the mentors who shaped them, the challenges they’ve faced, and the opportunities they see for the next generation of women entering hospitality.From breaking stereotypes to building supportive cultures and redefining what leadership looks like, this episode offers an honest and hopeful perspective on how the industry can continue to evolve.
Key topics include:✅ Personal career journeys and the moments that shaped each leader
✅ The role of mentorship and sponsorship in hospitality careers
✅ Progress made towards gender equality in the industry
✅ Breaking stereotypes and challenging outdated leadership models
✅ Creating inclusive cultures where diverse voices are heard
✅ Balancing career growth with personal priorities
✅ Why representation matters at every level of hospitality
✅ Advice for the next generation of women entering the industry
✅ The responsibility leaders have to lift others as they riseThrough candid discussion and shared experiences, the panel highlight how collaboration, visibility and supportive leadership can help create a more inclusive future for hospitality.
🎧 Listen now to hear the full conversation celebrating International Women’s Day on Suite Talk.
Read more episodes and industry insights at Hotel Magazine.
Key Moments:00:00 – Introduction to the International Women’s Day special episode
03:05 – Meet the panel and their hospitality journeys
07:10 – Early career challenges and defining moments
12:45 – The mentors and role models who shaped their careers
18:30 – Breaking stereotypes in hospitality leadership
23:50 – The importance of representation across the industry
29:40 – How workplace culture has evolved in recent years
34:15 – Supporting the next generation of women in hospitality
39:20 – Advice for young professionals entering the industry
43:30 – Reflections on the future of hospitality leadershipConnect with Our Guests:
Samantha Van Exter
Joanne Taylor-Stagg
Anne Golden
Eljesa Saciri
📩 Like, comment and subscribe to stay up to date on leadership, culture and innovation in hospitality.
🔗 Learn more at Montcalm Mayfair and Hotel Magazine. -
In this episode of Suite Talk, hosts Jade Evans and Declan Wale sit down with Fergus Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of the Lancaster Landmark Hotel Company, for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about leadership, resilience and redefining hospitality culture.
From a paper round in Scotland to leading one of London’s most iconic landmark hotels, Fergus shares the formative experiences that shaped his work ethic, philosophy and people-first approach. He reflects candidly on a career-defining tragedy overseas, the mentors who influenced him, and why humility remains one of the most important traits in leadership.
This episode explores what great hospitality really means beyond chandeliers and suites, and why the way you make someone feel will always matter more than the physical product.
Key topics include:
✅ Growing up in Scotland and the work ethic that shaped his career
✅ From aspiring footballer to hotel management graduate
✅ The power of early responsibility and resilience
✅ A defining tragedy overseas that reshaped perspective
✅ Why humility is essential in leadership
✅ The difference between luxury and emotional connection
✅ Moving away from “command and control” leadership
✅ Why hospitality must end bullying culture for good
✅ Lessons from working in 11 different countries
✅ How to attract young talent back into hospitality
✅ Integrity, trust and earning followership
Fergus speaks openly about loss, accountability and culture, reminding us that hospitality is not about status or ego, but about lifting others and creating environments where both guests and teams thrive.
Whether you’re leading a landmark hotel or building your career in hospitality, this episode offers a masterclass in grounded leadership and long-term impact.
🎧 Listen now to hear the full conversation with Fergus Stewart.
Read more episodes and industry insights at Hotel Magazine.
Key Moments:
00:00 - From Scotland to CEO: Early life, family influence and work ethic
04:30 - Football dreams and choosing hospitality as a career
08:15 - Paper rounds, resilience and responsibility at a young age
12:40 - Mentorship and the £100 leadership lesson
18:50 - A tragic loss in Egypt that reshaped Fergus’ perspective
27:30 - Humility, grief and what truly matters in hospitality
31:45 - Defining great hospitality: It’s about how you make people feel
36:20 - Evolving leadership: From command and control to collaboration
44:10 - Changing hospitality culture and ending toxic kitchen behaviour
52:00 - Technology, personalisation and the future guest experience
📩 Like, comment and subscribe to stay up to date on leadership, culture and innovation in hospitality.
🔗 Learn more at The Landmark London and Hotel Magazine.
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In this episode of Suite Talk, hosts Jade Evans and Declan Wale are joined by Samantha Van Exter, Head of Hotels at Montcalm Collection, for a thoughtful conversation on what luxury hospitality looks like today, and where it’s heading next.
With more than 25 years of experience across Southern Africa, Europe and the Middle East, Samantha shares her journey from growing up in a hospitality family in Cape Town to leading one of London’s most design-led hotel collections. She unpacks Montcalm’s philosophy of sensitive luxury, where intuition, empathy and clarity matter more than excess, and explains why making guests feel “seen” is the true marker of great service.
From leadership and culture to AI, sustainability and wellness, this episode explores how hospitality leaders can balance operational excellence with human connection, and why kindness and curiosity remain powerful competitive advantages.
Key topics include:
✅ Growing up in a hospitality family and finding a career through service
✅ Defining “sensitive luxury” and why intuitive service matters more than opulence
✅ How guest expectations have shifted from formality to comfort and familiarity
✅ The small details that create memorable guest experiences
✅ Building strong partnerships rooted in sustainability and shared values
✅ Leading teams through change with clarity, empathy and communication
✅ Using AI to remove friction and create more time for human connection
✅ Why wellbeing and wellness are shaping luxury hospitality in 2025
✅ Developing future leaders through curiosity, openness and mentorship
Whether you lead a boutique hotel or a multi-property portfolio, this episode offers grounded insights on delivering modern luxury through people-first leadership and thoughtful service.
🎧 Listen now to hear the full conversation with Montcalm Collection’s Samantha Van Exter.
Read more episodes and hospitality insights at https://thehotelmagazine.co.uk/
Key Moments:
00:00 - Introduction & Opening01:47 - Early Life in Cape Town04:00 - Discovering the Power of Hospitality07:26 - Montcalm Mayfair & Design Philosophy08:53 - Sensitive Luxury Explained13:28 - Evolution of Guest Experience18:20 - Partnerships & Sustainability20:20 - Overcoming Industry Challenges23:58 - The Future: AI & Sustainability30:30 - Leadership & Legacy📩 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date on leadership, design and innovation in hospitality.
🔗 Learn more at https://montcalmcollection.com/ and https://thehotelmagazine.co.uk/.
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In this candid leadership conversation, Foxhills Managing Director Tej Walia joins hosts Jade and Declan to unpack how a modern country club and resort can feel like a thriving village. From “accidental hotelier” to MD, Tej shares the mindset, investments and people-first practices behind Foxhills’ growth.
With a major multi-million pound redevelopment completed and more on the way, this episode explores how to balance shiny new facilities with relentless attention to basics, and why culture, training and community are the true differentiators.
Tej doesn’t sugarcoat it. He talks staff retention and promotion from within, the realities of post-pandemic hiring, and why AI should power the back office so teams can spend more time with guests. He also reframes wellness for today’s guest — from Pilates and paddle to a well-earned cocktail with friends.
Key topics include:
✅ The “accidental hotelier” journey and Atithi Devo Bhava — guest as God
✅ What makes Foxhills feel like a village and how that shapes service
✅ Redefining wellness for business, members and families
✅ Investing in facilities while never dropping the basics
✅ Staff retention at scale, training, and promoting from within
✅ AI as a facilitator for better human service
✅ Mentoring, mental health, and making hospitality a chosen profession
Whether you lead a hotel, club or resort, this episode offers practical lessons on culture, consistency and community that you can apply right away.
🎧 Listen now to hear the full conversation with Foxhills MD Tej Walia.
Read more episodes and hospitality insights at Hotel Magazine.
Key Moments
00:00 – Tej’s origin story and the principle of Atithi Devo Bhava
00:42 – Introduction and career highlights to date
01:41 – Three things people may not know about Tej
02:54 – What makes Foxhills a “village” for members and guests
04:01 – Inside the Pavilion family building and estate facilities
05:17 – Hospitality as a lifestyle, not just a job
07:35 – Balancing community feel with national events and tournaments
08:43 – A broader definition of wellness that meets guests where they are
10:33 – Lessons from major refurb and development projects
14:04 – Staff retention, perks and why familiarity matters to members
16:28 – Training that sticks and promoting supervisors from within
18:57 – Trends to watch and why “bleisure” fits Foxhills
19:56 – Where AI helps — and where only people will do
22:21 – Commuting, work rhythms, and family support
24:42 – Quick-fire: habits, myths, first impressions
25:39 – AI: threat or opportunity
27:27 – A favourite hotel and early career foundations
28:29 – Mentors then and now — and mentoring others
31:54 – Leading millennials and Gen Z with open feedback
33:02 – Learning to support mental health at work
34:37 – Nurturing talent with clear pathways and the “Passport” program
35:54 – Hotelier Hall of Fame pick — Tej’s mum
37:12 – What Tej is doing to better the industry
39:01 – The biggest frustration and the promise of hospitality as a profession
40:25 – Career highlights and hosting major events
42:25 – Tej’s definition of hospitality today
📩 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date on leadership, wellness and innovation in hospitality.
🔗 Learn more at Foxhills Club & Resort and Hotel Magazine.
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In this energising leadership conversation, The Mandrake General Manager, Eljesa Saciri, joins,Tom and Declan to explore how a 34-key boutique property can feel larger than life. From law student to bar back to GM, she shares how tenacity, curiosity and people-first leadership power an avant-garde hotel where art, nightlife and deep restoration live side by side.
This episode is produced in partnership with Agilysys, helping hotels bring guest, spend and operations together on one platform so teams can understand the whole guest journey and drive smarter revenue decisions.
The Mandrake is not just a stay. It is an experience. Think two bars, two restaurants, a new members’ club and Dharmā, the world’s first immersive spa with an Origin Pool designed for full sensory reset. By day guests restore. By night they lean into the darker, playful side with DJs and performances. Through it all, service remains human and precise.
Key topics include:
✅ The boutique GM journey and owning your difference
✅ The art-led vision behind The Mandrake and its private collection
✅ Sexual wellness and safe, expert-led programming
✅ Dharmā immersive spa and the Origin Pool experience
✅ Building team energy and psychological safety on every shift
✅ Commercial acumen without losing the human touch
✅ Community work, mental health advocacy and empowering women in hospitality
Whether you lead an independent hotel or a branded property, this episode offers practical ideas on culture, programming and leadership that create memories from moments.
🎧 Listen now to hear the full conversation with The Mandrake’s GM, Eljesa Saciri.
Read more episodes and industry insight at Hotel Magazine.
Key Moments
00:00 – What hospitality means to Eljesa, creating memories from moments
00:41 – From studying law to the first female GM of The Mandrake
01:39 – Three things you did not know about Eljesa
02:43 – Inside The Mandrake: bars, restaurants, members’ club and greenhouse
03:18 – World’s first immersive spa and the new members’ club
03:47 – “I always said I would run it”
04:49 – The art-led vision and founder Rami’s personal collection
05:24 – Learning the building and its stories
05:35 – Sexual wellness at The Mandrake Salon with expert-led sessions
07:16 – First month as GM and the transportive feel of the hotel
07:46 – The all-encompassing experience: dark and light, last Friday package
08:35 – Late-night DJs and performance, then sleep and restore
08:53 – Breakfast on Jurema Terrace and restoration in Dharmā
09:53 – The Origin Pool: multi-sensory reset and ancient rituals with modern tech
11:19 – Early life as a refugee and seeking powerful female role models
14:04 – The pivot from law to hospitality and the first big break
15:28 – Ten years of rapid progression: asking questions, knowing where you fit
17:53 – Keeping it fun as a leader and setting the energy for the team
19:23 – Doing every job, leading from the floor
19:44 – Partner break: Agilysys on unified platforms and revenue clarity
23:01 – Being labelled “difficult,” age and leadership, proving commercial acumen
25:44 – Why luck meets hard work and being seen at the right time
26:08 – Community impact: women’s shelters, mental health and schools outreach
29:22 – Transparent leadership: open P&Ls, late-night support, umbrella mindset
30:48 – Learning from poor management to lead differently
32:24 – Two changes to fight for: women in leadership and real allyship
33:24 – Barriers to change and why women must champion women
34:29 – Mentors who changed the trajectory
35:58 – Midnight fox fiasco and the realities of GM life
37:29 – What has changed in a decade and why difference now leads
38:01 – Why you have to experience The Mandrake to understand it
38:40 – Career highlights: Acorn 30 Under 30 and a team award that mattered
40:08 – Quick fire: essentials, favourite cities, Hall of Fame pick, travel musts
42:17 – Question for the next guest
42:40 – Definition of hospitality: changing lives, not saving them
📩 Like, comment and subscribe to stay up to date on leadership, creativity and wellness in hospitality.
🤝 This episode of Suite Talk is in partnership with Agilysys.
🔗 Learn more about The Mandrake and Hotel Magazine.
