Hospitality Mavericks Podcast

Ally Gordon has over twenty years of experience helping business leaders, professionals and individuals realise their potential. Through his past experience as a Senior Manager and Director in a number of high profile businesses, Ally has led the growth and redirection of junior management through to board level, in sole traders, start-up businesses right through to global corporates.Ally joins the show for the second time to share how we can all set better goals for ourselves – and how we can actually achieve them this time. We delve into having an accountability partner, setting boundaries, visioning, being clear on your beliefs and values, and the power of writing things down. Links:#95 Ally Gordon, Coach and Mentor, on Your Belief System: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/95-ally-gordon-coach-and-mentor-on-your-belief-system/ #163 Ari Weinzweig, CEO of Zingerman's Community of Businesses, on Visioning and the Myth of the One Thing: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/163-ari-weinzweig-ceo-of

Through consultation, programmes and speaking engagements, Dr Vikki Barnes supports organisations across industries in making the most of people and creating cultures that people are proud to be a part of. It was an honour to have Vikki return to the show for the second time, as we find out what she has been up to since we spoke in July 2020, including some insights from her latest book ‘Free Happiness’.In this episode, we explore how organisations can build a happy culture for their people, what we can learn from the Stoics, having reflective time, why vulnerability is key to navigating the unknown, and why happiness should be an index measured across society. Links:#62 Leading with radical acceptance with Dr Vikki Barnes, Clinical psychologist and Founder of Positive Wellbeing: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/62-leading-with-radical-acceptance-with-dr-vikki-barnes-clinical-psychologist-and-founder-of-positive-wellbeing/‘Free Happiness’ by Dr Vikki Barnes: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0997RJW3L&nbs

Today’s guest, John Mason, has a deep purpose of trying to make learning better and easier for everyone. He is the founder of Sideways, a hospitality learning and knowledge-sharing platform that helps teams to get better every day. We dive into John’s story and why he built Sideways, and how John struggled with the traditional ways of learning in school and the early parts of his career. This was a fascinating conversation where John shares their company philosophy of “Help One Help Many”, how we learn better together, and how we can find knowledge and learning from everywhere, and hospitality brands like Pizza Pilgrims have leveraged learning.Links:John Mason’s LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/masonjohn Sideways: https://sideways.ai/Hospitality Mavericks Reading List: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/p/reading-list/ Connect with the podcast:Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter: https://rb.gy/5rqyeq  A big thank you to our sponsor Bizimply who are helping progressive lead

Paul McCarthy is the CEO and Founder of Snapfix, which is the simplest Facilities and Maintenance Platform in the world. Paul’s background is in software development, and in parallel he has always been involved in managing buildings as part of a family business – both residential and commercial buildings. Tune in to this episode as we explore how Snapfix can assist the operations team in gaining greater visibility and completing tasks more quickly and effectively. We also touch on keeping technology features simple, the power of communicating through a universal language, making space for mistakes, and celebrating the unsung heroes of hospitality: housekeeping teams. Links:Snapfix: https://snapfix.com/‘Good To Great’ by Jim Collins: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0712676090  Hospitality Mavericks Reading List: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/p/reading-list/ Connect with the podcast:Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter: https://rb.gy/5rqyeq  A big thank you to our spon

There are only two kinds of companies: the one that has been hacked… and the one that hasn’t yet. To find out how to keep your hospitality business secure, tune in to this episode as we are joined by Mathieu Gorge, CEO and founder of VigiTrust. The award-winning provider of Integrated Risk Management (IRM) SaaS solutions helps companies around the world in the hospitality, retail, transportation, higher education, government, healthcare, and eCommerce industries.This is a fascinating episode as it affects us all. We take a deep dive into what cyber security is – and why it is important for the C-suite to be heavily involved in this and what the impact can be if you get hacked. We also delve into Mathieu’s Five Pillars of Security framework, what to train your staff, and what to be aware of when collecting sensitive data.Links:‘The Cyber Elephant In The Boardroom’ by Mathieu Gorge: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1950863417VigiTrust: https://vigitrust.com/ Mathieu Gorge’s website: https://mathieugorge.com/&nb

Myles Downey is an authority on Performance Coaching and Leadership. He was the founder of The School of Coaching, for many years, a much-respected provider of coach training and executive coaching in the UK and Europe. Myles is the author of ‘Effective Modern Coaching’, ‘Effective Coaching’ and ‘Enabling Genius – a mindset for success in the 21st Century.I truly enjoyed this reflective conversation as we explored tapping into your own leadership style. Tune in to this episode as we discuss redefining what we mean by ‘authority’, what it means to trust yourself, what we can learn from Myles’ own coaching style, and some great books that have had a huge influence on his success.  Links:‘Effective Modern Coaching’ by Myles Downey: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/190779476X‘Effective Coaching’ by Myles Downey: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Effective-Modern-Coaching-Myles-Downey/dp/190779476X/ ‘Enabling Genius – a mindset for success in the 21st Century’ by Myles Downey: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/19106495

Profit Hound was founded by Simon Elliott in 2020 to help food businesses become more profitable. From being the only boy in Home Economics at 13, to his career in food profit consultancy for 25 years – and then launching Profit Hound – Simon has achieved a lot along his journey. Tune in to this episode as Simon shares some practical tips on how you can boost profitability – from upselling, simple menu changes and keeping consistent. He also shares some common myths about cutting costs, as well as the major challenges hospitality is facing right now, and what to consider for Q1 2023.Links:Simon’s LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/simon-elliott-profithound Profit Hound: https://www.profithound.co.uk/Hospitality Mavericks Reading List: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/p/reading-list/ Connect with the podcast:Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter: https://rb.gy/5rqyeq  A big thank you to our sponsor Bizimply who are helping progressive leaders and operators making every shift

Whether you are a global organization or a small independent, we all need an Employer Brand that reflects the business authentically. Bryan Adams is the CEO and founder of Ph.Creative, a global employer branding agency, working with clients like Continental, Apple and Nike. Bryan is also co-author of two books, ‘Getting Goosebumps’ and ‘Give & Get Employer Branding’. In this conversation, Bryan and I discuss how to make your brand stand out, shape your reputation, and bring clarity to your proposition as an employer. We also discuss the power of communicating challenges and adversity, considering your company's ‘citizenship’, and having a strong, simple employee value proposition.Links:‘Getting Goosebumps’ by Bryan Adams and Dave Hazlehurst: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0993022154‘Give & Get Employer Branding’ by Bryan Adams and Charlotte Marshall: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084ZCJWTJ/ Ph.Creative: https://www.ph-creative.com/‘Peak’ by Chip Conley: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/078798

Loreca is a startup that helps hotels rank higher on travel search engines using an algorithm that today’s guest, Bart-Jan Leyts, had designed – and boosting the revenue of a hotel or Bed and Breakfast by approximately 24%. I had to invite Bart-Jan on to the show to learn more about this platform, and explore the overall bigger picture of tech in the hospitality industry.It was fascinating to hear what Bart-Jan has learnt from working closely with both big and small operators. In this conversation, we reflect on the impact of inflation, flexible pricing models, analysing your company’s data, and some sound advice for young business founders. Links:Loreca: https://loreca.be/ Connect with Bart-Jan Leyts on LinkedIn: https://be.linkedin.com/in/bart-jan-leyts-b427151b1 Connect with the podcast:Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter: https://rb.gy/5rqyeq  A big thank you to our sponsor Bizimply who are helping progressive leaders and operators making every shift run like clockwork. Head

You don’t need Kim Kardashian or Joe Wicks to promote your business – but micro-level independent influencers who resonate with your audience. Nibble was launched in 2021 to make influencer marketing simple and quick for restaurants and influencers. The platform connects brands with the right local influencers to get more customers through the door. Today we’re joined by co-founder Michael Radley to discuss why all hospitality brands need to leverage this marketing channel – and where to get started. Tune in to this conversation as we explore having a list of blunders, why business owners need to keep Instagram and TikTok front of mind, how to market niche products, and some of the common obstacles and misconceptions that stops brands working with influencers. Links:Get your FREE copy of the white paper of ‘The Six Tenets of Agile Hospitality - 6 Tenets Every Leader Needs to Survive and Thrive in the New Era of Hospitality’: https://www.bizimply.com/resources/the-6-tenets-of-hospitality/  

Today I am joined by a fellow Scandinavian, Annica Wainwright, to talk about her business 2Forks, and how she has been able to elevate her business and brand through copywriting. 2Forks offers copywriting, content strategy and consultancy services. They help restaurants and brands connect with consumers through engaging food and drink content. It was great speaking with Annica in person in the Brighton studio. In this episode, Annica talks about the core principles of persuasion, how she trains people to write their own copy, collaborating with clients, her ‘magic two-question survey’, and what developments in tech she’s excited to see. Links‘Influence: Science and Practice’ by Robert Cialdini: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0205609996The Food Marketing Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/foodmarketingclub/ 2Forks: https://www.2forks.co.uk/ Annica’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annicawainwright/ Connect with the podcast:Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter: https://rb.gy/

Join the second part of my conversation with Bo Burlingham – the author of notable books such as ‘Small Giants’ and ‘The Great Game of Business’. Currently a contributor to Forbes, Bo previously worked at Inc. magazine for over 30 years as senior editor, executive editor, and editor at large. In this part of the interview, Bo continues to share his research process for writing ‘Small Giants’. We also talk about having a business ‘mojo’ or ‘magnetism’, how we can apply his timeless knowledge to the current world, making space for innovation, and why he is researching more into  ‘evergreen’ businesses. Links: Get your FREE copy of the white paper of ‘The Six Tenets of Agile Hospitality - 6 Tenets Every Leader Needs to Survive and Thrive in the New Era of Hospitality’: https://www.bizimply.com/resources/the-6-tenets-of-hospitality/ (https://www.bizimply.com/resources/the-6-tenets-of-hospitality/)  The Small Giants Community: https://smallgiants.org/ (https://smallgiants.org/)  The Small Giants Lea

Bo Burlingham’s work has had a huge impact on my work at Hospitality Mavericks. He is the author of notable books such as ‘Small Giants’ and ‘The Great Game of Business’. Currently a contributor to Forbes, Bo previously worked at Inc. magazine for over 30 years as senior editor, executive editor, and editor at large. It’s a great honour to have Bo on the show. This interview will be shared with you in two parts – join me in part one as we delve into his early days of writing, working with Jack Stack’s revolutionary system of Open-Book Management, what inspired Bo to write ‘The Great Game of Business’, and so much more. Links: Get your FREE copy of the white paper of ‘The Six Tenets of Agile Hospitality - 6 Tenets Every Leader Needs to Survive and Thrive in the New Era of Hospitality’: https://www.bizimply.com/resources/the-6-tenets-of-hospitality/ (https://www.bizimply.com/resources/the-6-tenets-of-hospitality/)  ‘Small Giants’ by Bo Burlingham: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010N18JVC (https://www.a

This week's episode takes a different turn – the spotlight is on myself with my amazing co-author Nicole Antonio Gadsdon from BananaPepper HR, hosted by the great John Porter of ShielPorter Communications. In this special episode, we unpack our whitepaper ‘Six Tenets of Agile Hospitality: 6 Tenets Every Leader Needs to Survive and Thrive in the New Era of Hospitality’.  It took more than 12 months of research and writing, plus the team's combined experience and we have hugely appreciated all your great feedback since we released this paper in September. Tune in to this interview as we unpack the key takeaways from this whitepaper, what holds businesses back from growing, and why you need to give yourself the gift of time to reflect. Get your access to the whitepaper in the link below.  Links: Get your FREE copy of the white paper of ‘The Six Tenets of Agile Hospitality - 6 Tenets Every Leader Needs to Survive and Thrive in the New Era of Hospitality’: https://www.bizimply.com/resources/the-6-tenet

Pix Ashworth is the founder of sustainable bath and body brand land&water, and the Director of Watergate Bay Hotel in Cornwall. They’re in the process of obtaining their B Corp accreditation, so I had to have Pix on the show to explore how they’re building a sustainable brand and how they have developed a solid company culture.   In this episode, Pix shares her unusual entry into hospitality, leveraging the advantages of being a small brand, her philosophy on handling challenges, and why we all need to play the long-term game with culture.  Links: B Corp: https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/ (https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/)  #160 Paul Hargreaves, Founder and CEO at Cotswold Fayre, on B Corps and Being a Force For Good: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/160-paul-hargreaves-founder-and-ceo-at-cotswold-fayre-on-b-corps-and-being-a-force-for-good/ (https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/160-paul-hargreaves-founder-and-ceo-at-cotswold-fayre-on-b-corps-and-being-a-force-for-good/) Indep

Thiago Luz Togni is rallying a movement trying to get the government to consider 2-year visas for EU citizens in the UK’s hospitality sector. I’m delighted to have him on the show to find out how he is campaigning for change with a petition which requires 100,000+ signatures. Thiago is also the General Manager at Temper, a barbecue and steak restaurant which specialises in whole animal open fire cooking. In this conversation, we explore the impact of having EU hospitality workers helping our businesses, how to communicate to the younger generation, the long-term investment in training, Thaigo’s experience of working on the frontline… and why you shouldn’t overpromise.  Links: Petition: Allow EU nationals to come to the UK to work in hospitality for up to 2 Years: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/621932 (https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/621932)  Connect with Thiago on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thiago-l-74405a111/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thiago-l-74405a111/)  Conn

Respect, collaboration and listening are some of the key attributes of the culture at Sightline Hospitality. It’s a third-party management company that redefines hotel management and has supported its employees “like a family” over the pandemic. The company’s President, Kirk Pederson, joins me to share how their business is refining and redefining hospitality through its strong employee culture. Catch some of Kirk’s sound advice when it comes to building an environment that leaves his staff feeling respected, trusted and empowered. We also touch on throwback brands, how to grow through word-of-mouth, what it’s like operating as a third party, and how you can make your own “work family”. Links: ‘Good To Great’ by Jim Collins: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0066620996 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/0066620996)  175 Nisha Katona, Founder and CEO at Mowgli, on Big Plans for Small Businesses: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/175-nisha-katona-founder-and-ceo-at-mowgli-on-big-plans-for-small-businesses/ (https://www

Cocoa Runners are the home of the world's finest craft chocolate, working with over 100 makers from all over the world, providing 750 bars through a monthly discovery service, individual bar sales and distribution services for small batch, single estate, craft chocolate. Today we are joined by the remarkable founder of this company, Spencer Hyman, who is on a mission to bring you the world’s best single-estate chocolate. Spencer reveals the negative and positive environmental and social impacts of chocolate production – and how Cocoa Runners are championing the positive side. We also explore why you need to hear the ‘snap’ from a chocolate bar, radical transparency, overcoming the impulse-buying culture, the ‘Salted Caramel Trick’... and we get to try some chocolate on the show.  Links: ‘Cocoa’ by Kristy Leissle: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1509513175/ (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1509513175/) ‘Smellosophy’ by A. S. Barwich: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0674983696/ (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0674983696

It was a true joy to have Mowgli Street Food founder Nisha Katona back on Hospitality Mavericks. Her restaurant is all about how Indians eat at home and on their streets, and it is one of the Top 100 companies to work for in the UK. This time round we catch up on how her life and business has been since covid. In this episode, Nisha discusses how running a small restaurant can still make amibitious plans for the environment and be a reputable employer in the industry. We also explore the differences between being a CEO and a founder, her strategy for high retention rates, doing her own social media – and why she gets outside no matter the weather. Links: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/29-enriching-lives-with-mowglis-nisha-katona-founder-of-mowgli-street-food/ (#29: Enriching Lives With Mowgli's Nisha Katona, Founder of Mowgli Street Food) https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/169-shawn-askinosie-founder-and-ceo-of-askinosie-chocolate-on-whats-enough/ (#169 Shawn Askinosie, Founder and CEO of Askinosie

There is no doubt that ‘Culture’ is a hot topic in business. But what even is it? How do you change a culture? How long does it take to change? In this episode David quizzes Michael with these questions (and many more). We review the ultimate equation of ‘Beliefs x Behaviour = Culture’. Whether you’re a company of one or 100,000 – culture exists in every business, so you need to know whether your culture is built by neglect or conscious intent. Tune in to this episode as we discuss rewarding good behaviour, performance culture, and some examples of amazing companies that have stood by their culture.   Resources mentioned: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/163-ari-weinzweig-ceo-of-zingermans-community-of-businesses-on-visioning-and-the-myth-of-the-one-thing/ (#163 Ari Weinzweig, CEO of Zingerman's Community of Businesses, on Visioning and the Myth of the One Thing) https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/160-paul-hargreaves-founder-and-ceo-at-cotswold-fayre-on-b-corps-and-being-a-force-for-good/ (#16