C-Suite & Executive Episodes

In this lively episode, I sat down with the multifaceted The Rt Honourable The Viscount Thurso, also known as quite simply, John (Watch how I blunder that at the beginning). This episode takes listeners on a rollercoaster ride through John's unconventional career, filled with hilarious anecdotes, unique experiences, and invaluable leadership insights. From mastering the art of hospitality to navigating the political landscape, John shares his wisdom with a touch of humour that makes this episode...

In this lively and insightful episode of "Hospitality Meets," I welcomed the ever-engaging Conor O'Leary, the Managing Director at the iconic Gleneagles Hotel. Buckle up for a mix of humour, wild anecdotes, and invaluable career lessons as Conor takes us on his remarkable journey through the world of hospitality! Highlights from the Episode: From Tokyo Dreams to Dubai Realities: Conor shares his career trajectory, initially planning a move to Tokyo but ultimately finding himself in the bustlin...

Today, we have a remarkable guest joining us — Claire Llewellin-Davis, the dynamic Managing Director of The Lensbury. Claire's journey is a fascinating tale of resilience, adaptability, and bold career moves. ✨ In This Episode: Adventures in Language and Lands From studying languages in France and Germany to teaching in Japan, Claire's story kicks off with vibrant globe-trotting adventures that would make even Carmen Sandiego jealous. Military Makeover Learn how Claire transitioned to military...

😂 Episode Summary: Have you ever wondered how you can meet Kiefer Sutherland, dodge recruitment woes, and still run one of the world's most historic hotels? Well, grab your aprons and notepads because Franck Arnold, MD of The Savoy, spills the beans (and maybe some champagne!) in this rib-tickling yet insight-packed episode. Spoiler alert: It's not all afternoon tea and cucumber sandwiches (Shame) 🍸 🗣️ Key Takeaways: Four-Day Fantasy or Reality? - Ever dreamed of a four-day work week? Franck r...

Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Simon Numphud, the dynamic Managing Director of AA Media. Join us as we delve into Simon's fascinating journey through the hospitality industry, from his humble beginnings in catering college to becoming a leading figure in the industry. In this episode, Simon shares candid anecdotes about the less glamorous side of constant travel and dining, the rigours of maintaining fitness, and the humorous misconceptions his children have about his job. We discu...

Welcome back to Hospitality Meets where today we have a special treat as we sit down with none other than James Brown (no, not the legendary blues singer - Highly original and never been used before joke) the dynamic CEO of Brewdog's bar division as well as being the co-founder of Tipjar. Join us as James takes us through his remarkable journey, from his humble beginnings at a chip shop in rural Scotland to leading Brewdog’s international bar operations. We'll dive into the fun and innovative cu...

Today, on Hospitality Meets, we dive deep into the fascinating career journey of Phil Murphy, the Managing Director at Hoar Cross Hall Hotel & Spa. Starting his career in leisure and fitness, and facing numerous challenges, including personal tragedy and the unforeseen impact of Covid-19, Phil demonstrates the resilience and dedication required to thrive in the hospitality industry. From restructuring a large spa facility to overseeing a landmark hotel, Phil shares valuable insights into leader...

Another week passes and another superb story for you. Today, we're diving deep into the whirlwind journey of Bharti Radix, the dynamic Founder of Bloomsyard, a café wine bar concept born during the Covid pandemic. Bharti joins me to share her experiences rapidly expanding her business, the challenges of opening new sites, and the hurdles of building and managing a head office team. Bharti's story is one of resilience and ambition—opening multiple locations, facing recruitment struggles, and que...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Hospitality Meets, the podcast where we delve into the inspiring journeys of the industry's most dedicated professionals. Today, I sit down with Guillaume Marly, Managing Director at Hotel Café Royal. Guillaume's remarkable career in hospitality, influenced by early aspirations in the military and an unwavering commitment to excellent service, has led to transformative successes in some of London's most prestigious hotels. In this episode, Guillaume s...

Sometimes the guest chooses you and they don't even know it. I'd been a fan of the work that today's guest had been doing for quite some time so I was beyond thrilled when she said a big Essex yes to coming on the show. I'm joined by the dynamic and Epic Shereen Ritchie, CEO of Buns from Home. Shereen shares her incredible journey in the hospitality industry, emphasising the importance of authenticity, embracing one's uniqueness, and the value of entry-level roles in nurturing future leaders. ...

Welcome to another episode of "Hospitality Meets," where this week we delve into the vibrant world of the hospitality and night time economy. Phil is joined by none other than Michael Kill, the dynamic Chief Executive of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA). Michael shares an array of fascinating stories—from being pranked early in his career at Fifth Avenue to orchestrating his own elaborate pranks as promotional stunts. Listen as Phil and Michael explore how such experiences build res...

What happens when you merge tech, hospitality and proprietary AI? The answer may well be the future of hospitality in the form of short stay power brand Bob W, headed up by todays guest, the awesome Niko Karstikko. Niko and Phil dive deep into the world of innovation in the hospitality industry, featuring an engaging conversation around the continued development of Bob W, a revolutionary hybrid accommodation brand. In this episode, you'll hear all about Niko's journey from an Air BnB Super host ...

Today marks the end of season 5 of the show and we are signing off with a bang. I welcomed Hamish Anderson to the show, CEO of Tate Enterprises. This episode was a totally joyous education from the outset and represents another wonderful corner of the industry, where art and hospitality collide, in glorious fashion (Have I just inadvertently written a tagline for next years fashion week?). Hamish is brilliant, he oozes effortless passion for hospitality all the way through and with some crackin...

Another treat for you this week as I got some time with the wonderful Zoe Watts, Managing Director of Bennett Hay Zoe's rise to MD has seen her take in some quite amazing places to work. In addition to her journey we also get through:- Exploring being a nurse The BHS Coffee Shop Off to Uni Beefeater Restaurants Savill garden Restaurant Becoming a GM The people who see something in you The Royal Society of Arts Tate Events The Adaptability of Hospitality Meetings with Royalty The mov...

It's Valentines day and so I got to talk to someone about a subject I LOVE! That being, People! I welcomed the quite superb Jo Harley, Co-founder of Korero and Hendrick & Hyde, to the show. Jo was nervous about coming on the show as she's never had the confidence to do this sort of thing before but she needn't have worried as she brought her natural, chatty self and we laid into a lot, including:- Brewdog Waterloo Marketing Measures of success Coming to work What good looks like Leisure M...

On a cold January day in 2024, I whisked myself off to enjoy the hospitality offered by the wonderful Tej Walia, Managing Director of Foxhills Collection. Whilst there, Tej and I had a chat about his career story so far, and what a story it is too. We get through:- Golf Hotel Management as 2nd choice Working through the departments Impatience The foundation years Guernsey Sweating Hilton Confidence and leadership The Many forms of Mentoring Fawsley Hall Dartington estate Foxhills ...

What a story and career journey we have for you this week as I got some time with Andrew Munt, CEO of Penta Hotels. When we initially recorded this, Andrew was Chief of Operations & Commerce. A week before I was scheduled to air our original chat, Andrew let me know that he was going to be stepping up into the CEO role. As a result, we thought it was relevant to get him back for a quick round off of his story to include that wonderful news. So this week, we have two distinct parts which will b...

My life are we kicking 2024 off in style! I was beyond thrilled to get some time with one of the USA's pre-eminent Hoteliers in the form of the wonderful Vaughn Davis, Managing Director of Dream Hollywood. And this chat is rammed full of inspirational thinking from the work the outset. As well as sporadically covering Vaughn's amazing journey, we get through:- AI & Robotics Roots in Guyana Moving to New York Starting in acting & Modelling Discovering hospitality Hospitality the healer ...

We are back in the world of tech this week but have added in more than a pinch of creative and entrepreneurial into the story too. I got some time with the awesome Inge Meijs, Co-Founder and Managing Director of the quite magnificent platform Gastronomixs, the inspiring recipe database for professional chefs. Inge has a great story and there are more than enough lessons and stories from her life as an entrepreneur to whet the appetite here, as well as some great insight into Gastronomixs, We g...

Despite being a UK based podcast, we've now been downloaded in 137 countries, that's 70% of the worlds countries, which absolutely blows my mind (Still no Greenland though). So I thought it was a good idea to go hunt out a superstar from a different part of the world and found that in the form of the totally awesome Eddy Tannous, COO at Rotana Hotel Management. It was a chance meeting as Eddy was in London for World Travel Market and we met up in a public space in the stunning Kimpton Fitzroy ...

I can't quite believe it took me as long as it did to reach out to todays guest, CEO of AES and The Residence Apartments, none other than Stephen Lowy. Being a 3rd generation Hospitalitarian might lead you into believing that Stephen's route was always mapped out for him but how wrong you would be. There are wonderful lessons all the way through this chat and we get across:- Struggling at school Finding hospitality Finding out about Dyslexia Salford University Black Eyes Travelling Anthon...

You'll most likely know today's guest as Co-Founder of Honest Burgers but he's been working away on something transformative and has also Co-Founded another business in the form of Pineapple described as "future proofing hospitality through people data and research". I am of course talking about Philip Eeles. Philip is high on energy from the outset and to the backdrop of his balcony in Brighton, and a Gin & Tonic, we set to getting through his rather wonderful story. There's so much to love, ...

Hospitality is awesome isn't it? And as if to prove that theory, In was on the receiving end of top class hospitality as I was welcomed to Pan Pacific London to chat to their amazing Director of Marketing Communications, Michelle Whittemore. Michelle oozes hospitality and our chat is packed full of stories and learning from someone who has forged a superb career so far. We get through:- Welcomes - Pan Pacific Style Starting in medicine Moving into Marketing Dictation Experiencing Agency Ma...

Goodness, have I got a beast of a chat for you this week. After much "toing and froing" of diaries, I finally got some time with one of the Pre-Eminent Hoteliers of our time, all round legend David Taylor, CEO of Lore Group. And I really don't know where to begin with this chat as there were so many wonderful takeaways both in story terms and some general career and business learning. It's an epic chat and we get through loads including:- Boarding school A hotel glimpse Being bold Taking ...