Hospitality Mavericks Podcast

What’s it like to run a business with your closest family members? Brooks Kirchheimer, Co-Owner at Hearth and Hill, shares their approach to growing the business and building a unique culture that people want to support and join. Located in Park City, Utah, the independent restaurant has a revived take on contemporary American cuisine that's locally driven. Before opening his own restaurant business he worked for great hospitality businesses like Merriman's Hawaii, and as general manager for Robert Redford’s Sundance Mountain Resort. I had a great time catching up with Brooks to learn more about the future of the independent food scene, being a community restaurant, what growth means to them and the rise of comfort food. Links:‘The Great Game of Business’ by Bo Burlingham and Jack Stack: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385348339 #114 Ari Weinzweig, Co-Founder of Zingerman's, on Self-Leadership: https://hospitality-mavericks.captivate.fm/episode/114 Hospitality and The Infinite Game #007: Small

Brindisa has been the home of Spanish food in the UK for over 30 years. It was set up by Monika Linton in the 1980s to share her love for quality Spanish produce to the UK, and her aim has always been to bring excellent food and ingredients from the most remote parts of Spain to Britain and to champion selected smaller producers and their skills.It was amazing to learn how she structures her business with 120 employees through open-book management. We explore working with small producers, growing your business in the right direction, the power of having an HR department, and eating strange foods as a child.Links:#114 Ari Weinzweig, Co-Founder of Zingerman's, on Self-Leadership: https://hospitality-mavericks.captivate.fm/episode/114 ‘The Great Game of Business’ by Bo Burlingham and Jack Stack: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385348339 ‘The Greens Cookbook’ by Deborah Madison: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0553051954‘Brindisa: The True Food of Spain’ by Monika Linton: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0008244170/ 

Dino Joannides is a Senior Executive with over 25 years of experience in sales, marketing and general management. He has developed skills in creating a number of high performance teams as well as key relationships with customers, partners and distributors. Currently, he is the Advisor and Senior Executive at Bizimply and rezexe.In this fascinating discussion, we explore the new culture of bookings, being open-minded, how to think like an ally, how we can make the industry an employer of choice – and his former American accent. Links:‘Semplice’ by Dino Joannides: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1848094205 Dino’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinojoannides1/ Dino’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gastro1/ Dino’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/gastro1 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 t

Tim Vasilakis, Founder and CEO of The Athenian street food brand, explains how he pivoted his business into a dark kitchen. Through their award-winning gyros, The Athenian has grown from a humble market stall to a small network of locations, earning the title ‘Deliveroo Restaurant of the Year 2020’. In this episode, we discuss reconsidering the positioning of your business, the rise of dark kitchens, focusing on your best dishes, their generous employee loyalty scheme – and the mouthwatering Greek cuisine. Links:‘Born a Crime’ by Trevor Noah: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0399588191 The Athenian’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theathenianuk/ The Athenian Plant Based’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theathenianukpb/ Tim’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-vasilakis-4275b5108The Athenian: https://www.theathenian.co.uk/#126 Simon Mitchell, CEO at KERB Food, on Nurturing Future Food Businesses: https://hospitality-mavericks.captivate.fm/episode/126 Connect with

As many of you know, ‘Good To Great’ by Jim Collins has had a huge impact on me and how I operate my business, so I couldn’t wait to have the ‘Good to Great’ Sherpa Dave Oakley on the show today. Dave helps leaders create breakthrough performance and cultures with his approach called LeadDifferent, and he is the CEO at DOC Inc.If you find your copy of ‘Good To Great’ is gathering dust on the shelf, or you're simply stuck with executing your ideas, this episode will give you some great practical wisdom about how to apply the leadership principles from Jim Collins. Tune in to this episode to learn more about Dave’s unique hiring process, having a do-not-do list, Packard's Law – and what Dave learnt from his high school Russian teacher.Links:‘Good To Great’ by Jim Collins: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0712676090/ ‘Built To Last’ by Jim Collins: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1844135845/ ‘Great By Choice’ by Jim Collins: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0062120999 ‘First, Break All The Rules’ by Marcus Buck

In this conversation, the insights of Joel Robinson, Digital & Technology Director at Azzurri Group which operates the Zizzi, Ask Italian & Coco di Mama brands, will make you reflect on and revisit your digital transformation journey. In this conversation, Joel and Michael dive into the definition of what digital transformation means and touch on these topics and their impact on business results:The power of having clear digital transformation outcomes Megatrends in hospitality technologyChallenges around implementing technologyThe role of tech in helping solve the staffing crisisCyber security If you are a hungry learner when it comes to digital transformation in hospitality I would recommend downloading a copy of the free report ‘DIgital Transformation of Hospitality’, created by Vita Mojo, Hospitality KAM-Media and us here at Hospitality Mavericks. We have interviewed more than 100 leaders across the hospitality industry to understand where they are, how they are adapting to cha

Lorraine Copes has a far and wide background in procurement and diversity and inclusion. She’s the Founder of Be ​​Inclusive Hospitality – a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to accelerate racial equality in the Hospitality sector – and a Procurement Consultant. I’ve had Lorraine on previously on the Hospitality and the Infinite Game series discuss the role of diversity and inclusion, so I’m excited to have Lorraine on again to explore how the supply chain is an extension of your business. In this episode we discuss the overall role of the supply chain in hospitality, building fair and transparent relationships, scrutinizing bottom line costs, running a social enterprise – and the future of sustainability.  Links:Hospitality and The Infinite Game #008: On Diversity and Inclusion with Lorraine Copes, Founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality: https://podcasts.apple.com/id/podcast/hospitality-and-the-infinite-game-008-on/id1350669816?i=1000539765687 #134 David Lockwood, MD of Neal's Yard

Josh Sharkey is the founder and CEO of meez, the recipe tool for professional chefs. With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Josh launched the culinary technology company in 2020 to provide chefs the home for all their recipes, menus, and ideas. The interactive database helps users ideate, organise, search, collaborate, share, and ultimately execute their vision.  Josh has learnt a lot about starting and scaling a startup, which he shares on the show. We also explore the books that have made an big impact on him, the role of AI, the disruption of hospital food – and how cultures are finally changing across kitchens.Links:Peter Drucker: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Peter-F-Drucker/e/B000AP61TE ‘Crossing the Chasm’ by Geoffrey Moore: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0062292986 ‘The Innovator's Dilemma’ by Clayton Christensen: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1633691780  ‘Play Bigger’ by Al Ramadan, Dave Peterson, Christopher Lochhead, Kevin Mane: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/

Today we’re joined with the Founder of The Pioneers, Matt Grimshaw. The Pioneers are a team of culture engineers who help scale-ups to design and build the People Operating System they need to drive rapid and sustainable growth. It was great having Matt on the show to discuss how your company culture is a source of competitive advantage.We explore how to avoid burnout when scaling, meta cultures, having the courage to be different, open book management, defining growth – and lessons learnt from a philosophy teacher.Links:‘Good to Great’ by Jim Collins: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0066620996/ ‘Team of Teams’ by Gen. Stanley McChrystal, Tantum Collins and David Silverman: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1591847486/The Pioneers: https://thepioneers.co.uk/ #80 Henry Stewart, Chief Happiness Officer at Happy, on Freedom and Trust: https://hospitality-mavericks.captivate.fm/episode/80 Connect with the podcast:Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter: https://rb.gy/5rqyeq  Download Your Free Copy o

Hourly makes hiring easier for everybody by turning the hiring process – from explore-to-offer – into a single mobile conversation that removes the dependency on legacy processes that can slow hiring. Today I’m joined by Hourly’s VP of Product Sales Alexandra Berger to learn more about how to best optimise the hiring process.In this discussion we explore what makes a good recruiting process, the power of human interaction, how to find candidates at high volume, positioning your employer brand – and what candidates are looking for in jobs. Links:#56 Heartfelt Hospitality with Neena Jivraj Stevenson, Chief Cultural Officer of Point A Hotels: ​​https://hospitality-mavericks.captivate.fm/episode/heartfelt-hospitality-with-neena-jivraj-stevenson Alexandra’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrakayberger Hourly: https://www.hourly.io/ AMS: https://www.weareams.com/ Connect with the podcast:Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter: https://rb.gy/5rqyeq  Download Your Free Cop

It was a great pleasure for Michael to connect with an old colleague of his from McDonald’s to talk about digital transformation and how we as leaders can make it happen more effectively.In this conversation, Phil Le-Brun Enterprise Strategist at Amazon Web Services and the former international CIO at McDonald's shares how hospitality businesses now are so dependent on technology and when it breaks down it has huge consequences for business performance.Phil and Michael have a deep dive into digital transformation touching these subjects:The definition of digital transformation The need for a new leadership paradigm to be successful with digital transformationMegatrends in hospitality technologyChallenges around implementing technologyWe also talk about their next big move when it comes to Digital Transformation in restaurants and much more.If you are a hungry learner when it comes to digital transformation in hospitality I would recommend downloading a copy of the free report DIgital transformation of Ho

What does it take to make a business that works for you, and not the other way round? Find out what’s holding you back with today’s guest, Nick Cramp. He’s the author of ‘Better Before Bigger: Rethinking Business Success’ and a Transformation Coach. Having worked previously as a business owner, Nick understands that running a company can sometimes feel overwhelming. I had a great time speaking with Nick to learn more about his latest book. We also explore Nick’s coaching process with his clients, what to do when you hit a ‘business plateau’, scaling your story, and why you should dedicate at least one day a week stepping away from work and strategizing.Links:’Better Before Bigger’ by Nick Cramp: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B093WQFN74 ‘The Great Game of Business’ by Jack Stack and Bo Burlingham: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00DIZQVP2/  #134 David Lockwood, MD of Neal's Yard Dairy, on Having a 10-year Plan: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/podcast/episode/2879b6d8/134-david-lockwood-md-o

From chefs to bartenders, live musicians to DJs, HOMEtainment helps create memorable events from the comfort of your own home. Today I’m joined by the co-founder, Antoine Melon, who has over 25 years of experience in opening and running restaurants and hotels all over the world. Antoine launched HOMEtainment during the pandemic, so I can’t wait to learn more about his experiences.In this episode we explore how to stand out as a premium provider, the home entertainment market, how the HOMEtainment platform works and mental health in hospitality.  Links:HOMEtainment: https://www.hometainment.com/ #121 Daniel Hulme, Founder of On Air Dining, on Agility and creating Experiences at Home: https://hospitality-mavericks.captivate.fm/episode/121  Antoine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinemelon/ 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 oper

It’s great to have another deep dive into digital transformation with Hugo Engel who is Digital Executive at Leon restaurants where he is part of building the restaurant for the future.We will be talking about: how Leon is using digital ordering capabilities to serve and understand customers better.Michael and Hugo talk about:How to use digital ordering capabilities to serve and understand customers betterHow to put digital tools in the hands of the frontline How data can transform your customer exspirenceHow digital learning can improve the onboarding process The importance of stopping up and sorting out your tech stack.We also talk about their next big move when it comes to Digital Transformation in restaurants and much more.Please note that this interview was recorded back in Marts 2021, so lots of things have changed for both LEON & the industry.If you are a hungry learner when it comes to digital transformation in hospitality I would recommend downloading a copy of the free report DIgital t

Today’s guest David Lockwood has been involved with the British cheese scene for 25 years – and is currently the Managing Director of Neal's Yard Dairy. The artisanal cheese retailer works with about 40 cheesemakers. They select, mature and sell farmhouse cheese from the UK and Ireland. Their secret to their success? Always have a clear, long-term plan in mind.I had a great time meeting David in person, checking out their dairy in London. Tune in to our conversation as we explore the history of Neal’s Yard, mission statements, paying your staff good salaries, being flavour-driven, treating your suppliers like they are your partners – and his brief stint working on Wall Street. Links:Neal’s Yard Dairy: ​​https://www.nealsyarddairy.co.uk/ #114 Ari Weinzweig, Co-Founder of Zingerman's, on Self-Leadership: https://hospitality-mavericks.captivate.fm/episode/114 #91 Pim de Morree, Co-Founder of Corporate Rebels, on Progressive Missions: https://hospitality-mavericks.captivate.fm/episode/91 David

Lee Curtis, CCHP, co-founded RESIDE in November 2017. RESIDE’s core purpose is to fundamentally change the short-term rental and alternative accommodation marketplace by leveraging their operational expertise, 3SIXTY technology platform and globally vetted supply chain to deliver a curated, compliant and high-touch, hyper local experience to guests anywhere in the world.In this fascinating conversation, I explore with Lee about the future of travel and the short stay trends we are now seeing across the industry. We also touch on compliance, embedding human touch points within technology, the range of consumer ‘travel skillsets’, sustainable trips – and David Brent.Links:RESIDE: https://staywithreside.com/ Lee’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-curtis-cchp-17196210 #88 Larry Korman, President of AKA Hotel Residences, on Being 3D: https://hospitality-mavericks.captivate.fm/episode/88 Connect with the podcast:Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter: https://rb.gy/5rqyeq  A big

In this Digital Titans conversation, our guest is James Sandrini Co-Founder & Strategy Director at 48.1. They are a creative agency in London that helps companies to get clarity on their brand and positioning and help to tell their story clearly to customers and employees.In this conversation, we talk about the power step back start to get the strategy right before just doing it.  We talk about too many leaders just trying to copy what works somewhere else and don’t strategise on what is the right solution for their brand. He shares examples of companies that use this time to work on strategy instead of just putting out the fires.James shares how he has observed that the consumers now have accepted and expect that digital ordering and sees it as a fundamental factor when they engage with hospitality businesses.We also talk about their next big move when it comes to Digital Transformation in restaurants and much more.If you are a hungry learner when it comes to digital transformation in hospitali

The GC Index® is the organimetric that empowers organisations to drive performance and achieve innovation by creating game-changing teams and cultures. Today we’re joined by the Co-Founder and Chief Polisher, Nathan Ott. His fundamental belief is that everyone can make an impact in their world. As such, he has created a global community of GC Partners and GCologists, who are committed to fostering the impact and contribution from everyone around the globe.In this conversation we unpack how the GC Index works and the five different business owner types. Live on the show, we also go through my results from the test to find out about my ‘Game Changer’ tendencies. Don’t forget to also check out my interview with the other Co-Founder, Dr John Mervyn-Smith, linked in the show notes below.Links:Nathan’s LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/nathanott The GC Index: https://www.thegcindex.com/ #31: Making Your Impact With Dr John Mervyn-Smith, Director of The GC Index: https://hospitality-mavericks.captivate.

Welcome to this special podcast series, Digital Titans, brought to you by Vita Mojo and Hospitality Mavericks.Tune into Amie from Vita Mojo who is excited to take you on this journey, as we explore the digital transformation within hospitality.During this series, you’ll hear from industry leaders from the likes of Leon, the Azzuri Group and Amazon. We’ll talk through how they transformed their business with digital solutions while meeting the changing needs of the market.If you have not yet got your version of the new free report “Digital transformation in hospitality” get it here now

There’s one thing using technology in your business, and there is another thing implementing it. The Food and Beverage Global Business Unit at Oracle helps organizations connect every guest interaction to your back-of-house operations. With me today is Tim Brown, the unit’s Vice President of Global Solution Engineering. He leads an international team of experienced technical sales consultants dedicated to devising and deploying pioneering IT solutions that accelerate innovation for food and beverage customers.I’m excited to learn from Tim how the industry can get the best out of technology. We also talk about dealing with ‘spaghetti’ architecture, how to help your staff with technology, voice-activated devices, revenue forecasting, and building loyalty.Links:Oracle for Food and Beverage: https://www.oracle.com/industries/food-beverage/ Tim’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timpbrown69/ Tim’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/timpbrown #83 Mark Gausden, Vice President at Oracle, on Your Digital