Hospitality Mavericks Podcast

With over 18 years experience in the workforce management industry, Andreas Sjölund is a true expert when it comes to digitising the employee experience. As Co-Founder at Quinyx, their motto is “happy workforce, happy business”.Quinyx is a leading workforce management software. Their technology helps simplify scheduling, time reporting, communication, task management, budgeting and forecasting. They help some of the world’s biggest businesses, such as McDonald’s, DHL and Hilton.I was fascinated by what Andreas had to share about building great company culture with the help of technology. Join us as we explore how AI can help read customer trends, the lessons learnt from building his own company culture, how technology has evolved this year – and his former career as an ice hockey player. Links:Quinyx: https://www.quinyx.com/ Erik Fjellborg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikfjellborgWidget Brain: https://widgetbrain.com/ Digital Transformation with Nick Popovici Co-Founder and CEO Vita Mojo:

Dhilon Solanki has been in the hospitality industry for 15 years. As UK & EMEA Director at Sprout, he’s been busy up-serving their customers since the pandemic started. I’m excited to catch up with Dhilon to learn more about where technology and communication sits in the bigger picture for hospitality. From an idea captured on the back of a napkin by the three Founders in 2008, Sprout has since grown to now boast a global workforce to service our growing global client base. Headquartered in Melbourne, and proudly Australian, the company includes operations and offices in the UK and Vietnam. Sprout is a CRM system that simplifies the acquisition and management of customer data allowing marketers to focus on creating customer-centric communications. Join us as we discuss email marketing, focusing on your loyal customers, non-negotiables for daily routines and the rebirth of QR codes.Links:Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter: https://rb.gy/5rqyeq  Join the GameChanger Facebook Group

In this bonus episode CEO and Co-Founder of Vita Mojo, Nick Popovici gives an extensive overview of the wave of digital transformations that have to happen across the industry during the last 3-6 months.Nick shares his views on where the industry will be 3 years from now. He believes that the winners are the brands which have radically changed their approach to how they run and operate their businesses through technology.At the end of the interview, Nick will share some amazing advice on how leaders should approach digital transformation and what needs to be done now to stay ahead in the new now.This episode is brought to you by the wonderful people at Vita Mojo - the digital partners for ambitious operators, helping Leon, Nando’s Yo! Sushi, Boston Tea Party and other leading brands transform their businesses with technology.Email: nick.liddle@vitamojo.comLinks:https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-nick-popovici-902844101/https://www.vitamojo.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/vita-mojo-os/This podcast uses the foll

What is it that’s at the core of a truly happy workplace? This is a question I uncover with today’s guest, Henry Stewart, Chief Happiness Officer at Happy. Happy is an award winning Learning and Development organisation offering fun and engaging computer and management training. Happy's vision is outlined by Henry Stewart in his book, The Happy Manifesto. It outlines our 10 principles to create a happy, empowered workplace. It’s a book that has massively influenced the way I run my businesses, so I can’t wait to catch up with Henry.In this episode we explore the impacts of having a happy workplace. We discuss self-management, 33 ‘liberating structures’, being a good coach, how to overcome the challenge of ‘no going back’ – and why we need to be aware of hippos…Links:Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter: https://rb.gy/5rqyeq  Join the GameChanger Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/2GAvr2WHappy: https://www.happy.co.uk/ ‘The Happy Manifesto’ by Henry StewartHenry’s LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.

In this episode, Michael talks with experienced pub operator Kris Gumbrell, CEO of Brewhouse and Kitchen. They are an award-winning pub group and they operate more than 20 pubs spread all over the south of England with more in the pipeline.Kris talks about how the pandemic impacted them as a business and that they have used a people-first approach to ensure that they can get through this together.We also talk about what his view is when it comes to the future of food and drink and what role technology will play in the years to come. He also opens the lid on their plans in 2021.Links:https://www.brewhouseandkitchen.com/https://www.vitamojo.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/vita-mojo-os/Coming Back Stronger is brought to you by the wonderful people at Vita Mojo - the digital partners for ambitious operators, helping Leon, Yo! Sushi, Boston Tea Party and other leading brands transform their businesses with technology.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.c

Calling in from San Diego, Shawn Walchef is a true maverick when it comes to scaling a restaurant digitally. Since the pandemic, his restaurant Cali Comfort BBQ has been three times more profitable than ever. Within 12 years, it’s gone from $300,000 losing money each year to making $3.3 million in 12 years. His secret? The smartphone.It’s common for people in hospitality to work 80 - 100 hours a week, but it just didn’t sit right. It’s time for restaurants to be reconfigured. Digital hospitality has a huge opportunity for all of us to harness. As we learn from Shawn, it takes consistency and time to learn how to craft your digital story to who you serve. Join our conversation as we discuss partnering with digital suppliers, podcasting, mastering digital marketing, and the days of the Yellow Pages. Links:Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter: https://rb.gy/5rqyeq  Join the GameChanger Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/2GAvr2WRestaurantowner.com: https://www.restaurantowner.com/  Resta

Having been in the hospitality industry for 50 years, today’s guest has seen how the industry can scale. Robin Sheppard launched Bespoke Hotels with Haydn Fentum in 2000, and the group now manages over 9,500 hotel rooms, 8,000 employees and £815 million of assets across the UK. As a soft brand, they’re testament to the sustainability of being bespoke and local.Robin's innovative approach to marketing has broadened the customer base of all Bespoke Hotels and led to several awards and accolades, most notably ‘The RAC Hotel of the Year Award’ and the Caterer and Hotelkeeper ‘Hotel of the Year Award. Join our conversation as we discuss developing new revenue streams, the bigger picture of the hotel industry from a political and social perspective, and the Blue Badge Access Awards.Links:Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter: https://rb.gy/5rqyeq  Join the GameChanger Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/2GAvr2WBook a call with Michael: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/book-a-chat Bespoke Hotels: h

Dialling in from Antigua, today’s guest has been instrumental in the making of the Hospitality Mavericks business. So I’m excited to bring on Nicole Antonio-Gadsdon, the ultimate HR rule breaker and expert in luxury hotels especially in the Caribbean. We connected a few years ago on LinkedIn, and instantly realised how aligned we are. So much so that we put together an article about how Mavericks will shake up the hospitality industry – and in this episode we explore if our predictions were correct.Nicole founded Banana Pepper HR to elevate the game for visionary hotel owners tired of the status quo with a more creative and integrated approach to human resources who want to build remarkable brands through their employees. She’s worked closely with the likes of Rosewood Hotel Group, Virgin Limited and Campbell Gray Hotels.Join our conversation as we discuss bouncing forward, “re-boarding” your staff, attracting different ways of thinking – and handling crises during Category 5 hurricanes and pandemics.Links:Jo

Over the past 25 years, Uncle John’s Bakery has remained a staple household name within the Afro-Caribbean Community, with a community expanding across the UK as well as around the world. Founded by his parents, today’s guest is Samuel Mensah, the MD of the company. From the very start, the ethos of the business is the Ghanian saying “Obeyeyie”, which means “things will get better”. And amidst the pandemic, this ethos has been their North Star.Uncle John’s Bakery retails in major supermarkets such as Morrisons, and has collaborated with brands including Dropbox, Ghana Party In The Park, Unicorn Theatre and many more. They have also received positive recognition from major institutions such as GUBA, 10 Downing Street, British Baker and Time Out magazines. I’m excited to have Samuel on the show to learn more about running a family business. In this conversation we explore being digitally accessible, the future of the high street, his visit to 10 Downing Street – and their signature sweet bread.Links:Euphor

JOIN THE COMMUNITY HERE - FACEBOOK:https://bit.ly/2GAvr2WStaring down the barrel of a 60% permanent closure rate...It's time to fix what's broken.It’s time to change the game.The hospitality industry is at a pivotal point and it has become painfully obvious that business acumen and strategic planning will matter just as much as resilience.There's no shortage of resources ranging from how to apply for loans to how to negotiate with your landlord. At some point, we will turn our sights towards the future and, when that time comes, we’ll need the tools and strategies to thrive, not just survive.  In the hospitality industry, we fix our own problems. This is no different. We’ve created a group called The Hospitality Game ChangersIt’s on Facebook, a platform you already use dailyIt’s a space just for us where we’re tackling the most difficult issues facing our industry and creating solutions. It’s updated daily with the most compelling audio, written and video content to make sur

Today’s guest, Victoria Williams, is on a life ambition to change the world for deaf people. Establishing her company terptree 14 years ago, their goal by 2025 is to positively impact 1 million deaf people’s lives. It’s ambitious, but Covid-19 has highlighted how it affects so many people. The innumerable challenges, such as mandatory face coverings, leave deaf people feeling even more isolated. It’s time for businesses to step up, and better serve this population.I’m excited to have Victoria on the show to learn more about the surprisingly simple things we can do, why tech is not the core solution, and how to better communicate with all members of our society.Links:Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter: https://rb.gy/5rqyeq  terptree: https://terptree.co.uk/ Terptree Blog: https://terptree.co.uk/news-articles/ Access To Work: https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower: https://hiddendisabilitiesstore.com/ Zoom’s Accessibility: https://zoom.us/accessi

There’s often a big stigma behind fast food and QSR, but it’s the best way to be the biggest in the world. As former colleagues, I was super excited to catch up with Mark Hawthorne, Former CEO at McDonald's and Guzman y Gomez. With the fast-changing landscape, we need to rewrite the leadership playbook. Mark has spent decades working with the world leaders of QSR. Currently based in Australia, he’s built successful businesses around the world. Best-known for his forward-thinking approach to leadership, we explore the new opportunities from this new playing field.Join us as we discuss the restaurants doing well right now, mentors, and the biggest surprise he’s seen this year – as well as signing goals with ketchup handprints.Links:Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter: https://rb.gy/5rqyeq  #10: Leadership Advice From Andreas Karlsson, CEO of Sticks'n'Sushi: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/podcast/episode/c2d89fa2/10-leadership-advice-from-andreas-karlsson-ceo-of-sticksnsushi This

With this ongoing crisis, leaders need to develop new skills, such as compassion and a growth mindset, to navigate and rebuild this new landscape. When you feel safe within yourself as a leader, this projects to the rest of your team. In this episode I’m excited to speak with leadership development expert David Klaasen, Founder of Talent 4 Performance. Prior to launching his business in 2004, he was a trained chef and has experienced the intense environments hospitality can run on.Join us as we discuss self-leadership, handling long-term stress, and how everything is much better after a good night’s sleep. Links:Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter: https://rb.gy/5rqyeq  #40 Organisational and Individual Happiness with Lars Kure Juul: https://hospitality-mavericks.captivate.fm/episode/40-organisational-and-individual-happiness-with-lars-kure-juulDavid Rock's SCARF Model: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/SCARF.htmThe Growth Mindset by Joshua Moore and Helen Glasgow: https://www.amazo

Edd Heller joined the hospitality industry late in life – just six years ago. Since then he’s proven to be a real maverick by running the Ethicurean Guild, which cooks delicious food from small farms and producers in other peoples kitchens across Brighton. Since the pandemic Edd and his team have cooked 100,000 meals to those in need – from the homeless to NHS frontline workers.I’m super excited to have Edd Heller, Founder of The Ethicurean Guild, join me today. We uncover VAT in hospitality, the Eat Out To Help Out scheme impacting independents, and the four day work weeks for all his employees. As you’ll notice, it’s the first face-to-face interview since the outbreak so enjoy the ambience!Links:@EthicureanEdd: https://twitter.com/EthicureanEdd@EthicureanGuild: https://twitter.com/EthicureanGuildThe Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), Brighton: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/housing/homelessness-and-rough-sleepers/how-we-help-rough-sleepers-cityThe Prince George: http://www.princegeorge.pub/

In this episode, Michael talks with experienced operator and tech CEO Dan Brookman of Airship & Toggle. Two platforms that enable operators to engage customers by generating pre-sold revenue and recency and frequency of visit. They work with great brands like Boston Tea Party, Roadchef, Leon, Revolution Bars, Byron & Turtle BayDan has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having owned and operated venues in his 20’s.Dan gives an overview on how the pandemic impacted them as a business, and what they have been doing to help operators grow sales as well as being compliant during the pandemic.We also talk about what his view is when it comes to the future of food and drink and what role technology has in the new now.Dan gives a lot of great and practical advice which can be implemented to boost your business performance.  Coming Back Stronger is brought to you by the wonderful people at Vita Mojo - the digital partners for ambitious operators, helping Leon, Yo! Sushi, Boston

There’s a story behind every business, and it’s an area a lot of us neglect to fully communicate with our consumer. So how do we best tell our story? To find out, I catch up with Mark Smith, Founder and Lead Strategist of Double Up Social, an award-winning social strategy and content creation studio. We explore brands that have succeeded with their digital marketing. Tune in to learn more about the role of emotion, how digital marketing has evolved, and where to start with your strategy today.Double Up Social produces effective social media strategies and content pieces, for brands like Kelloggs, Chicken Cottage, and Fine Food Specialist.Links:Double Up Social: https://www.doubleupsocial.com/Mark Smith’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doubleupmarksmith/ Boston Tea Party’s Beekeeper Suits: https://www.instagram.com/p/CEUHjKSnNML/Manju's: http://manjus.co.uk/Innocent Smoothies: https://www.innocentdrinks.co.uk/#29: Enriching Lives With Mowgli's Nisha Katona: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/podc

The hotel industry has faced a big shake up since the outbreak. Now two months after reopening, MD of Dominion Hospitality Drew Brown joins the show to share how technology has helped drive behavioural change for the regional hotel business. As we enter autumn, we look to see what a successful transition looks like. Join us as we discuss the staycation trend, managing people from their homes and partnership opportunities.Dominion Hospitality owns 24 hotels and inns across the south of England. Drew joined the business in 2018 after working with The Bannatyne Group, Whitbread, Travelodge and Thistle Hotels.Links:Drew’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-brown-04030316/ Dominion Hospitality: https://www.dominionhospitality.co.uk/#28: Operational Challenges on a Small Island With Benjamin Heath: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/podcast/episode/4b3f6074/28-operational-challenges-on-a-small-island-with-benjamin-heathThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https

Back by popular demand, Zoey Henderson has worked closely with hospitality brands to be healthier and more sustainable. During lockdown, she launched her own low alcohol beer Fungtn. I caught up with Zoey to learn more about how she came to produce such a drink that is hoppy, textured – and made from mushrooms. The pandemic has made us address our own personal health, and as hospitality business owners it’s our duty to serve healthy, sustainable food and drink. Things look promising: the no alcohol market is growing exponentially, with 58% growth from 2018 - 2019 in the UK alone. Let’s continue to create this new system for positive wellness, mental health and diet. Tune in as we cover her plans to serve the UK and Scandinavia, the no to low alcohol market, and how such a menu can boost drinks sales.Links mentioned:#50 Time for a system change with Zoey Henderson: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/podcast/episode/19a95d25/50-time-for-a-system-change-with-zoey-hendersonFungtn: https://www.fungtn.com/&n

With a background in theatre and acting, today’s guest Tom Lionetti-Maguire fell in love with the immersive piece. In 2013 he launched Little Lion Entertainment, and operates the likes of The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience. Their mission is to provide live entertainment where the audience is at the heart of it.With the social industry crashing to an abrupt halt this spring, we find out how Tom navigated through this period. We explore why immersive experiences open to wider audiences, the need to model on small numbers, and what Tom is optimistic about.Links:The Crystal Maze: https://the-crystal-maze.com/Little Lion Entertainment: https://littlelionentertainment.com/#66 Being an investor during a pandemic with Ali Aneizi: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/podcast/episode/345cf40a/66-being-an-investor-during-a-pandemic-with-ali-aneizi #44 Setting a New Standard for Hospitality Experiences with Matt Grech-Smith: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/podcast/episode/405ceff8/44-setting-a-new-standard-for-ho

We don’t have the answers yet, but we need to ask the right questions in order to navigate through the pandemic. What’s clear is that the hospitality business model of low profit margins needs to change. Today’s special episode is from a webinar Michael had the pleasure of being on with Rob Liddiard, Founder of Yapster, and chaired by Matt Coulthard from Bizimply. They talked about operation transformation, product market fit, the solutions with the rental market and how to serve both your customers and employees. Links:Yapster: https://www.yapster.info/Bizimply: https://www.bizimply.com/Bear KitchenComing Back Stronger Episode 7 with Paul HookerDirty SixthComing Back Stronger Episode 8 with Patrick GrayCommandos & Crisis Communications Webinar with Scottie Mills and Ollie HumphriesLoungers IPO ProspectusThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy