#302 Sam Coulstock Founder at Inspired - Unlocking the Potential of the Next Generation
In this episode, Michael welcomes Sam Coulstock to discuss the challenges and opportunities in preparing the next generation for the workforce. Sam shares his journey from being an aspiring chef to spearheading Inspired Community Group, a Community Interest Company aimed at bridging the gap between young people and the hospitality industry. They discuss the importance of understanding the needs of Generation Z, the perception issues surrounding careers in hospitality, and the impact of targeted career guidance. Sam also elaborates on the motivator program, which trains young professionals to inspire students in schools, and talks about the necessity of a sustainable funding model to support these initiatives. Listeners will gain insights into how businesses can proactively engage with and help shape the future workforce while addressing critical societal needs.Connect with Sam:https://inspiredgroup.org.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/samcoulstock/Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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#301 Jo Harley Co-Founder at Korero - The Power of Value-Led Business and Feedback
In this insightful episode, Michael engages with Jo Harley to discuss the importance of value-led businesses, the power of feedback, and how putting people first can be a competitive edge. Jo shares her journey in the hospitality industry, from starting accidentally in a pub to working with Bacardi and eventually co-founding Korero and Hendrick and Hyde. She emphasizes the importance of having structured conversations to ensure employee satisfaction and retention. Jo also touches on the role of AI in improving business operations and the insights gained from the 'Best Places to Work' survey in hospitality. The conversation is filled with practical tips on how to build a positive work culture and ensure effective communication within organizations.Connect with Jo:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-harley/https://www.hellokorero.co/https://www.hendrickandhyde.com/Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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#300 Greg Früchtenicht COO at Saira Hospitality - Transforming Lives Through Hospitality
In this episode, the guest is Greg from Saira Hospitality, an organization dedicated to transforming the hospitality industry by helping local communities find meaningful employment. Greg discusses the origins of Saira Hospitality, which was founded by Harsha L'Acqua with a revolutionary idea to hire local talent for luxury resorts, avoiding the conventional practice of flying in staff or poaching from nearby operators. The conversation delves into Saira Hospitality's pop-up hospitality school model that partners with hotels to train local community members, focusing on life skills and operational training. Greg shares his journey of joining the organization and his role in expanding its impact, particularly in London. He emphasizes the importance of personal interaction in recruitment and how Saira Hospitality screens candidates meticulously to ensure they are a good fit for the operators they partner with. The episode also touches on the benefits for operators, including lower turnover rates and a more engaged, diverse workforce. Greg offers advice for leaders looking to make a positive impact in their communities and shares personal insights into balancing a demanding career with family life.Connect with Ben:https://www.sairahospitality.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-fr%C3%BCchtenicht-8070569a/https://www.linkedin.com/in/harsha-l-acqua-9719877/Books:Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expecthttps://uk.bookshop.org/a/8596/9781529146813Life on Earth:https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8596/9780008368357Born To Run:https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8596/9781861978776Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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#299 Ben Dixon Co-Founder at Sona - The Future of AI in Hospitality
In this episode, Michael engages in an insightful conversation with Ben, co-founder of Sona, about the transformative potential of AI in the hospitality industry. They explore how AI can serve as an enabler for operators, enhancing the efficiency of hospitality businesses by optimizing workforce management and improving guest experiences. Ben shares his journey from being an engineer to building technology companies focused on frontline workforces, detailing the creation of Sona and its impact on hospitality and retail sectors. They discuss the significant benefits of AI, such as providing data-driven insights and automating scheduling to free up managers' time for more critical tasks. Furthermore, they address the challenges of integrating AI into operations, the importance of involving frontline workers in the adoption of new technologies, and the rapid pace of AI advancements. Ben also emphasizes the need for businesses to adopt AI tools early to avoid being left behind and the potential for AI to revolutionize various business operations.Connect with Ben:https://www.getsona.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/talkingquickly/https://www.getsona.com/resources/reports-and-resources/the-impact-of-artificial-intelligence-in-hospitalityConnect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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#298 Vimal Arumugam Co-Founder and CEO at Baked Bird - Redefining Fast Food with a Healthy Twist
In this episode, we delve into the journey of Vimal Arumugam, the co-founder of Baked Bird, a unique baked chicken concept. Vimal shares the inception story of Baked Bird, which began from a shared love for chicken wings and evolved into a thriving hospitality business. He discusses the challenges faced in transitioning from a corporate career to the food industry, the importance of differentiating from competitors by offering a healthy alternative to fried chicken, and the significance of community support. Vimal also touches on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the strategic decisions behind their business growth, and their future aspirations for Baked Bird. From starting as a weekend market stall to opening their first brick-and-mortar location, this episode captures the essence of passion-driven entrepreneurship and the relentless pursuit of innovation in the food industry.Connect with Vimal:https://www.linkedin.com/in/vimal-arumugam-77a51956/https://www.linkedin.com/company/baked-bird/https://bakedbird.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/bakedbirdConnect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
We wanted to show there was another way to build and lead businesses.
So Hospitality Mavericks was born.
We wanted to gather together the world’s Mavericks who do things differently from the norm.
They are leaders from all walks of life who have shown and proven that there is a better way forward without cashing out on their values; ripping off their people, community and planet.
That was over ten years ago. Since then we've worked with and interviewed more than 200 leaders, thinkers and experts on the best way to build a business that makes a positive impact on all stakeholders.
We are the home to impactful leaders that KNOW and DO things in a better way.
A network for those seeking a different path.
So don’t just be like the others!
Dare to Be Different ✊
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy