Hospitality Mavericks Podcast

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

Earlier this year, I had a fascinating conversation with the CEO at Lead Different, Dave Oakley, about ‘Good To Great’ by Jim Collins. In this episode, Dave returns to the show to delve deeper into this seminal book, and reflect on how it can help you attract and retain great talent. Dave shares how to get talent right by using the ‘Talent Matrix’ and what we can do to build a great company. Tune in to this episode as we talk about the role of responsibility, asking good questions, Dave’s Talent Matrix, collective success, and how to bring the principles of ‘Good To Great’ to reality. We also touch on how to best reread this impactful text so you can best leverage its key insights.  Links: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996 (‘Good To Great’ by Jim Collins) https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/141-dave-oakley-ceo-at-doc-inc-on-going-from-good-to-great/ (#141 Dave Oakley, CEO at DOC Inc., on Going From Good to Great) https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-oakley-2b77b87 (Dave’s

I had the great pleasure to be joined by two great guests from Escapism Bar Group – Head of Learning and Development, Flynn Byrne, and Managing Director, Grant Dexter. It was fascinating to learn from the nightlife industry – a sector that hasn’t been fully covered on the show yet. Escapism Bar Group was founded in 2004 by husband and wife team Phil and Mel Harrison. Since the opening of their first bar Mean Eyed Cat, they have gone on to open seven other unique bars which all offer something totally different in Leeds, UK.  Flynn and Grant talk about how they have bounced back from lockdown and what they have done to ensure they create a working palace that people love and support. Tune in to learn more about creating experiences through great culture, American hospitality, training from the bottom-up, and creating a strong group of brands. Links: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/167-dan-simons-co-owner-and-ceo-of-farmers-restaurant-group-on-slowing-down-to-go-deeper/ (#167 Dan Simons, Co-Owner and

Today’s guest has gone through an incredible entrepreneurial journey, which includes having bought a hotel on an island, and how he is trying to find a way to ensure we change the world positively through business. Giles Fuchs is the Founder and CEO at Burgh Island Hotel, as well as Office Space in Town and Gunner Cocktails. Burgh Island Hotel is a unique Art Deco hotel on its own private island in South Devon. With notable past guests including Winston Churchill, The Beatles and Agatha Christie – Giles took on the exciting challenge of restoring its reputation and service excellence when he became co-owner in 2018. In this episode, we explore how he’s pledging to be net zero, supporting the local community – and some of the key challenges he has faced with transforming a company’s culture.  Links: https://www.amazon.com/Speed-Scale-Action-Solving-Climate/dp/0593420470 (‘Speed & Scale’ by John Doerr) https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/160-paul-hargreaves-founder-and-ceo-at-cotswold-fayre-on-b-corps

How do you have a story and a brand that talks to people's hearts? Find out how from Sophia Ahamed, the Principal at Monograph&Co – a Design Agency based in Vancouver, Canada. They produce compelling brand identities, publications, product packaging and digital experiences for clientele both locally and internationally. She is a Designer and Artist with over a decade of experience building brands and crafting design-specific pieces for the hospitality, food and beverage, and retail sectors It was fascinating to learn how storytelling bleeds into all parts of a business. Tune in as we discuss behavioural theory, how good storytelling helps retain your employees, why ‘bespoke’ is now an expectation, finding your voice as an introvert, and life lessons from the Stoics.  Links: https://www.amazon.com/Stillness-is-the-Key/dp/1788162064 (‘Stillness Is the Key’ by Ryan Holiday) https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/163-ari-weinzweig-ceo-of-zingermans-community-of-businesses-on-visioning-and-the-myth-of

I’m super excited to have Rachael Nemeth, CEO and Co-founder of Opus, on today’s episode. Opus is a training platform designed for businesses with a deskless workforce that helps more than 300 businesses boost their training on the frontline. It was fascinating to learn more about Rachael’s background in operations from hospitality where she worked with some great brands like Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality.  In this episode we explore more about the training platform, and how it delivers mobile-first learning through chat-based microtraining. We also chat about building your own skill portfolio, addressing some of the common challenges with training frontline staff, and why you need to develop a strong onboarding experience.   Links: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/160-paul-hargreaves-founder-and-ceo-at-cotswold-fayre-on-b-corps-and-being-a-force-for-good/ (#160 Paul Hargreaves, Founder and CEO at Cotswold Fayre, on B Corps and Being a Force For Good) https://www.hospitalitymaver

Shawn Askinosie left a successful career as a criminal defense lawyer to start a bean-to-bar chocolate business – Askinosie Chocolate. It is a small batch direct trade chocolate maker in Missouri, sourcing 100% of their cocoa beans directly from farmers. Shawn’s commitment to fairness, sustainability, minimal environmental impact, and community enhancement is undeniable.  It was great catching up with Shawn to learn more about his work ethic and advice on leading purpose-driven initiatives. Tune in to learn more about the dangers of the ‘cult’ of goodness, the sufficiency economy, reversing the inequality train in the cocoa supply chain, how he is open about the company’s finances with his employees – and baking in monasteries. Links: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meaningful-Work-Quest-Business-Calling/dp/0143130315/ (‘Meaningful Work’ by Shawn Askinosie) https://askinosie.com/ (Askinosie Chocolate) https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/163-ari-weinzweig-ceo-of-zingermans-community-of-businesses-on

Today we are joined by the co-founder of a mission-driven fashion brand Thumbprint, as well as Strategy and Brand Consultant for a number of great hospitality brands – Edward Francis. We explore how Ed and his co-founder Evgenia Baydikova have launched a fashion brand that, from the outset, is helping the world become a better place. Thumbprint Apparel breaks the mold of the fashion industry, by building a business around the people who make your clothes: young women from low income communities in India, initially in south Mumbai. Tune in to this episode as Edward talks candidly about running a founder-led business, making space for experimentation, dealing with the complexity of the supply chain, and how he is intentionally living a simpler life.   Links: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/134-david-lockwood-md-of-neals-yard-dairy-on-having-a-10-year-plan/ (#134 David Lockwood, MD of Neal's Yard Dairy, on Having a 10-year Plan) https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/161-mats-lederhausen-founder-and