Hospitality Mavericks Podcast

We’re going to take a different view of the hospitality industry today – through the eyes of investment. Today’s guest is Ali Aneizi, a M+A and Private Equity specialist, and founder of Tamweel Capital – an investment advisory boutique focussed on brand led consumer facing businesses.As the industry is going through an intense period of natural selection, we explore what future successful operators need to look like. Tune in to learn more about changing consumer behaviours, re-setting the landlord and tenant relationship, and delivering multi-channel offerings. Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alianeizi/#46 The Importance of Net Profit with Charlie McVeigh: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/podcast/episode/fa4d2ff8/46-the-importance-of-net-profit-with-charlie-mcveigh #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-hospitality-experiences-with-matt-grech-smith Tamweel Cap

What do successful leaders look like over the next few months? To get to the heart of this, Michael catches up with leadership expert Caitlyn O'Loughlin to dissect how most often it’s the simple things that stick. As Leadership Trainer at LifeLabs Learning, she’s seen first-hand that people-first companies are succeeding during the pandemic. Tune in to learn more about their learning-approach, what are tipping point skills and dealing with mental health as leaders.LifeLabs Learning has worked with over 700 companies, including Lyft and TED, to help them grow and scale through training and workshops. Links:‘The One Minute Manager’ by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson: https://www.amazon.com/Minute-Manager-Kenneth-Blanchard-Ph-D/dp/074350917X ‘Thanks for the Feedback’ by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen: https://www.amazon.com/Thanks-Feedback-Science-Receiving-Well/dp/0670014664 WorkLife with Adam Grant: https://www.ted.com/podcasts/worklife ‘The Culture Map’ by Erin Meyer: https://www.amazon.c

As Victoria, Australia is in its second week of its second lockdown, Michael catches up with hospitality expert Shaun de Vries to see his current outlook of the hospitality industry. With over 23 years experience in hospitality, he’s a true student of the industry. He’s currently the founder and director of Open Pantry Co. and host of The Open Pantry Podcast. Join us as we explore having a reality check with your business, what he’d like to see the industry take shape in the future, and what positives have developed rapidly over the past four months.Links:https://www.openpantryconsulting.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-de-vries-80bbb685/Surviving The Shit Storm Episode 6 with Ivan Brewer: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/podcast/episode/1e3d2a1e/surviving-the-shit-storm-episode-6-with-ivan-brewerEpisode 63 with Josh Koppal: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/podcast/episode/27f9ad9f/63-setting-yourself-a-long-term-mindset-with-joshua-kopel Episode 62 with Dr Vikki Barnes: https://www.hos

Facing repeat openings and closings in LA, it’s been a tough time for so many restaurant owners. But it’s given today’s guest some serious thinking time about the kind of life he wants to live. For too long, the hospitality industry has been running on long hours, low-profit margins and constant competition. It’s time to change the business model for this industry.Joshua Kopel is an entrepreneur, Michelin-rated restaurateur and podcast host. He founded FLO, a restaurant growth accelerator, to help restaurants optimize their business and dramatically grow sales. Tune in to learn more about the infinite mindset, what opportunities have come out of Covid-19, and living a more balanced life.Links:Full Comp Podcast: https://justcallflo.com/fullcompInterview with Gino Wickman: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taking-entrepreneurial-leap-gino-wickman-bestselling/id1506823506Flo: https://justcallflo.com/‘Good To Great’ by Jim Collins: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996‘Traction

In this episode, Michael has Head of Operations for The Athenian Patrick Gray as a guest. Patrick has a lifetime of experience from many great brands like Bill's Restaurants, Boston Tea Party and many more.The Athenian was born out of love for Greek food. They launched at the business at the end of 2014, as a small street food venture offering freshly made souvlaki prepared in the healthiest, most authentic way possible. And as you will here they have moved very fast since especially in the pandemic.Patrick talks about how they have approached the journey through the pandemic, ensuring that their people are safe as well as future proof the business. He also tells how they have made brave moves to expand number sites rapidly during the lockdown and what their plans are.This conversation with Patrick gives you hope and belief that the industry can rise and become great again!Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-g-4a49bb92/https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-athenian/https://www.instagram.com/theathenianuk

Following months of being on “soldier mode”, we’ve all experienced overwhelm during the Covid-19 crisis. Now more than ever we need to be taking care of ourselves. Michael catches up with clinical psychologist Dr Vikki Barnes – a true expert in positive psychology. She is the Founder of Positive Wellbeing, a consultancy which supports the mental health of organisations and their people. Vikki has also worked with the NHS and Virgin, in clinical and strategic roles.Tune in as we explore Positive Leadership, using mental health language at work, how to switch off as leaders – and Vikki’s experience of meeting Richard Branson on Necker Island.Links:Positive Wellbeing: https://www.drvikkibarnes.com/https://twitter.com/DrVikkiBarneshttps://www.instagram.com/drvikkibarnes/https://www.linkedin.com/in/drvikkibarnes/https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/Last Dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Peh9Yqf1GXc‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho‘Braving The Wilderness’ by Brene BrownThis podcast uses the following third-

In this episode, Michael talks with Amy Ogden. Amy is based in New York City and matches world-class hospitality brands of all sizes with best-in-class agency partners in the areas of digital marketing, web, SEO, paid search, PR, social media, branding and more. Amy gives us an overview of what’s happening in the New York hospitality market, including events of the last 3 months in lockdown, and how they are managing re-opening.Amy and Michael talk about the importance of purposeful storytelling in the time of crisis.She also tells us about her chance meeting (and selfie) with Danny Meyer in one of his restaurants, and what she learned from that conversation.Amy give some stellar advice during the podcast - when it comes to setting standards as a brand and much more.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, we have Operations Director Paul Hooker from Boston Tea Party as a guest. The Boston Tea Party is a purpose-driven cafe operator with 24 units across the South-West of England. Paul has more than 20 years of experience in the industry working with some great national brands. Paul and Michael talked about their approach, principles and mindset to navigate the pandemic and beyond. Paul really underlines that their long term purpose as an organisation of Making Things Better for people, community and planet is at the forefront when difficult decisions have to be made.They also talked about how digital transformation is changing and optimising their operations. They are not only digitalising the customer journey but also the employee journey to ensure a safe and productive environment for employees and customers.Lots of great nuggets in here on how to get ready for bouncing back.Takeaways:The power of leading with purpose and clear principles - especially in difficult timesHow to put people,

In the episode, Michael have a great friend and colleague of his as a guest.Michael knew it would be an out of the box experience, and as you will hear very different than a normal podcast conversation.Martin is the founder YourBigPic a consultancy that helps teams to connect the dots of the bigger picture of so they in a fast and fun way can spot their challenges and opportunities. With colleagues at the centre, they are specialists in connecting People to the success of the business with their amazing Programmes, Workshops and Kits.We talked about the challenges leaders are in right now and the uncertain future they are heading towards and the importance of engaging their teams in helping to solve these challenges.Grab a coffee, pencil, your notebook, a piece of A4 paper if you want to participate in our little exercise during the interview - you might learn something new about your team or business. If you like this check out the weekly webinars that Martin runs collaborating around a big-hitting enga

In this episode, Michael talks with Joshua Jarvis the Co-founder of Wing Shack Co - a QSR concept with 3 units from London. They talked about how the pandemic has impacted Wing Shack Co and how they quickly transformed into delivery and click and collect model. Joshua gives some great advice on how to adjust and simplify your menu, and how to focus on kitchen capacity as you are preparing for the new normal. He also talks about the importance of developing a number of new revenue streams while you have the time.There is also some great advice from Joshua on how to keep yourself in the right mindset and energy levels as a business owner in these challenging times.Takeaways:Getting your menu ready to delivery and to click and collect Understand how to utilise your kitchen capacityHow to develop more revenue streams How to get your mindset right and keep moving forwardLinks:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-jarvis-2b82b6179/https://www.instagram.com/wingshackco/http://wingshackco.com/https://soft

In this episode, Michael will be talking with Davonne Reaves who is the founder of The Vonne Group in Atlanta - A co-author and hospitality consultancy specialising in travel market research, asset and operational management, and brand development for boutique hotels. She has extensive experience from operations, brand to asset management.We talked about how the pandemic has impacted the hotel market in the US, Davonne gives some great example on how the progressive hotel operators have pivoted during the crises, how the coming 12 to 18 months look for the general market.She also gives some great advice to young people how are now entering the job market and how she is keeping herself in a good palace mentally to manage this difficult period.Podcast edited by Let's Talk Video Production: https://letstalkvideoproduction.comLinks:https://www.thevonnegroup.com/https://twitter.com/thevonnegrouphttps://www.facebook.com/TheVonneGroup/https://www.linkedin.com/in/davonnereaves/https://hotelownership.teachable.co

Coming Back Stronger is a special edition podcast series focusing on the way food and drinks businesses are bouncing back as the world slowly starts to re-open from COVID-19.We will especially share great stories on how progressive leaders are bouncing back from the pandemic by utilising the power of technology and delivery. By tuning into these conversations in the coming period you will be able to pick up great stories, insights and facts as well as best practices from industry experts, independent operators to national chains who all are setting a new standard for how to operate in the new normal.Vita Mojo and Hospitality Mavericks joined forces on this project due to we have shared beliefs on how tech plays a massive role in building companies that are good for people, communities and the planet.In this episode, Michael talks with Yazz Abdulla CEO and Founder of Urban Hospitality. A consultancy business that has been focusing on delivering dark kitchen projects over the last couple of years. Yaz

In this episode, we talk with Scott Erwin Founder and CEO of HIre Hand - a tech company that helps companies to staff more flexibly. Prior to Hire Hand Scott work with McKinsey specialising in workforce planning. We talked about how he has seen the pandemic evolve and how to bring staff back. Scott underlines that staffing flexible will become a core discipline to master as hospitality businesses re-opens.Scott gives some great advice at the end of the podcast - you are not in control - get a mentor to help you navigate the storm and have some optimism. Some great thinking about planning your future workforce in this episode.Podcast edited by Let's Talk Video Production: https://letstalkvideoproduction.comLinks:https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottrerwin/?originalSubdomain=ukhttps://www.hirehand.co.uk/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

in this episode, our guest is Rob Kidd, a management consultant and expert in hospitality technology. Rob and Michael talk about how tech is changing the hospitality industry, how progressive operators are using tech to survive and thrive during and in the aftermath of the pandemic. Rob also gives a number of great advice on how to optimise your digital strategies to ensure short and long term ROI.Takeaways:Tech should save you time and moneyDigital tools (apps, services, devices) are now cheaper, better and easier to use than ever beforeUnderstand where your inefficiencies are in your business is key; eliminate inefficiencies before trying to grow sales, so you don’t magnify wasteTechnology should remove inefficiencies - remove spreadsheetsTechnology should be part of the toolkit for progressive leadersLinks:https://software.vitamojo.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/robkiddlondon/https://www.hospitalitytech.uk/https://twitter.com/rubikon_ukhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/robkiddlondon/This podcast uses the

In this episode, I’m talking with the founders of OMFGCO Fritz Mesenbrink and Jeremy Pelley. They run a brand and interior design studio in Portland USA and is doing a lot of work with progressive hospitality and restaurant businesses across the Globe.We talked about how the world is changing due to the pandemic and the importance as an operator to make people feel safe through the way you communicate as a brand as well as how the experience in your physical space is perceived.We also talked about how you more than ever have to stand out, and you no longer can just have fluffy values and claims you hide behind - you need to really care about people, communities and the planet. If you want to thrive and stand out in the new normal this episode is for you.Links:https://omfgco.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/omfgcofritz/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-pelley-94a8594b/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Michael talks with Hugo Engel from Leon Restaurants about how they have pivoted in these challenging times by launching a number of new digital channels as well as feeding our frontline heroes. They also discuss the importance of not only ensure that your operations are safe but also give customers a human experience  - contactless but human.This episode will help you to understand how to approach digitalisation of your revenue streams and what the big trends are digital and much more.Key takeaways from this episode are:The current impact on the restaurant industryHospitality is late to be disrupted by techTech help to get food to people where they want it Tech can help businesses in the future to become more human Own your own delivery and e-commerce channel is keyThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, the guest is Neena Jivraj Stevenson Chief Cultural Officer of Point A Hotels, which is more than just a hotel with rooms - it’s a place where everyone receives heartfelt hospitality, no matter their budget. They now have hotels in London, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Neena and Michael talked about life in hospitality and being part of a family business, how Point A Hotels are navigating the pandemic by putting people first, and their approach to leadership and culture. Neena shares some strong advice on how to keep your people engaged even when you can't meet them in person. This episode will inspire you on how to take a different approach to management and culture - by engaging your people in creating solutions that solve the challenges in your business.Links:https://www.pointahotels.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/neena-jivraj-stevenson-865a4834/https://www.queensway.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, we put together a strong panel with industry experts Peter Backman and Mark McGlinn to discuss the impact of the pandemic on the industry, what operators are doing to survive and thrive now and in the future, the fast evolution of delivery and digitalisation as well as some great advice for operators on how to bounce back.Key takeaways from this episode are:The current impact on the restaurant industryDelivery is changing and third party delivery platforms are losing momentumRemember we are a service business - not just-foodTechnology will be a big part of the futureHow the future of the industry looksLinks:https://www.foodonthemove.today/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ideaspeak/https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-backman-38305a6/https://www.peterbackmanfs.com/https://software.vitamojo.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/vita-mojo-os/Mentions:DeliverooLeon RestaurantsPret A MangerSodexoCompass GroupThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.co

Kieron and Nick talked about Introducing digital into your business. We looked at the opportunities of digital growth and how it has helped Leon, Farmer J & Yes Chef in these trying times.What are the challenges of blending the old & new school to work effectively together, and how operators can overcome them?To be able to marry the two together smoothly we talked through understanding your business Why? And the importance of sharing that with your team to ensure they are bought into the plan. Nick shared stories of the Vita Mojo culture and how is it represented In the business on a daily basis.You can find Nick on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-nick-popovici-902844101 or check out the website www.vitamojo.com to get a feel for what the brand can do for you but most importantly, start the conversation because Vita Mojo aren’t just a tech brand, they are a people driven solutions business and they are ready to help you.This podcast uses the following third-pa

In this episode, our guest is Katy Moses Founder & Managing Director at KAM Media, an exciting boutique creative insight agency working with companies to understand your market and your customers.Katy and Michael talked about the pandemic it impacts on hospitality and retail, how the new normal looks, the post coronavirus consumer, delivery, that employees and consumer well never forget - the power of doing the right thing and the need for working together. Katy also gives some solid advice at the end of the episode on how to survive and thrive in the coming period.Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-moses-4a6444a/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kam-media-208259161/https://www.instagram.com/kam_media/https://twitter.com/KAMMediaInsighthttps://twitter.com/katykammediaThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy