Celebrating Women Episodes

What do dough balls, coffee, Covid crisis meetings, global expansion, and one very determined mum have in common? This week's guest is Caroline Ottoy, Managing Director of WatchHouse. Today, WatchHouse is one of the most exciting hospitality brands on the planet, with 29 locations across the UK, USA and Dubai, and ambitious plans to reach 100 sites globally over the next few years. But Caroline's journey started in a very different place. A teenager destined for a science degree, a year spen...

This week, I sat down with the brilliant Dawn Lister - and honestly, I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to get someone from the world of sales on the show. And what an introduction to it this was. From wanting to be an air stewardess at 10 years old, to building a 20+ year career in hotel sales, Dawn’s journey is packed with graft, growth, resilience… and a lot of persistence (some might call it “relentless follow-up” 😅). Now Sales Director for B&B Hotels UK, Dawn brings a no-nonsense, p...

This week I sat down with the brilliant Gemma Glasson, Managing Director of Wahaca and one of those leaders whose journey reminds you that careers rarely move in straight lines… and thank God for that. From starting out in the world of KPMG and Ernst & Young, to stepping into hospitality with a desire to have more impact, more energy, and a bit more colour in her working life, Gemma’s story is packed with intelligence, curiosity, self awareness, and the kind of warmth that makes you understand ...

Building a Regenerative Farm Stay This week on Hospitality Meets, Phil sits down with Caitlin Owens, Managing Director and co-owner of Fowlescombe Farm, a luxury farm stay in Devon built on regenerative farming principles. What started as a family meat farm became a pub What started as a consulting career became a hospitality adventure. What started as “how hard can it be?” became… chlorine spraying out of beer lines. This episode is about naivety, chaos, regenerative farming, and why hospit...

Prepare. To. Be. Happy. Returning to Hospitality Meets, Klaudia Mitura - work psychologist, L&D leader at the Science Museum Group, host of The Happiness Challenge podcast, author of The Alphabet of Happiness, and an actual Certified Chief Happiness Officer (yes, really) delivers one of the most uplifting, honest, and quietly powerful conversations we’ve ever recorded. This episode is not about toxic positivity, pretending everything’s fine, or slapping a smile on life’s messier moments. It’s...

This week on Hospitality Meets, Phil sits down with Dulcie Swanston, bestselling author, executive coach, leadership trainer, neuroscience and psychology “magpie,” and one of the clearest thinkers you’ll ever meet in hospitality. Dulcie’s career spans 23 years at Bass PLC / Mitchells & Butlers, senior HR leadership, graduate programme design, global executive coaching, and now running multiple businesses that all share one simple mission: Make complicated things simple, and usable now! From ac...

This week, we’re talking about something every hospitality person knows all too well: pain. Back pain. Neck pain. Shoulder pain. “I’ve been on my feet for 14 hours” pain. But what if… most of it isn’t actually coming from your body? Enter Gemma McFall (Gemma McFall – Pain Reprocessing Therapist)— Chronic Pain Recovery Coach, former hotel HR leader, Disney alum, and the only person whose first hospitality shift involved covering herself in six bowls of soup. A true industry baptism. 😂 Gemma l...

This week, I sat down in The Den at The Other House, South Kensington, with the wonderful Jo Morgan, owner of Meliora Consultancy Services, coach, advisor to Tech on Toast and all round powerhouse of positivity. Jo’s journey is one of those you could never script. From becoming the youngest female GM in her company at 27, to running seven floating hotels for TUI Cruises, to heading up operations for The Other House and launching her own consultancy, Meliora (“the pursuit of the better”) her car...

Episode Summary In this very special episode of Hospitality Meets, I sit down with the incredible Maya Gilbert, hospitality lifer, dog lover, and now… coastal legend! Maya recently completed a jaw dropping walk around the entire English coastline, that’s over 2,700 miles, to raise funds and awareness for Hospitality Action. With a £10 a day budget, a dodgy tent, and a heart full of purpose, she set off from Liverpool armed with nothing but determination, humour, and (possibly) too much stuff in...

Episode Summary: In this heartwarming and hilariously honest episode of Hospitality Meets, I sit down with the brilliant Abigail Tan, CEO of St Giles Hotels — a woman who’s equal parts rock star, rebel, and real-deal leader. From dreams of fronting a band to running an international hotel group, Abigail’s journey is a masterclass in following your heart (and occasionally your vacuum cleaner). Expect laughter, leadership lessons, and the occasional toilet paper obsession as Abigail opens up abo...

Episode Summary In this sparkling episode of Hospitality Meets, I sit down with the unstoppable Michelle Moreno, founder of QAB Leadership (Is that really it's name Michelle?) From accidentally elbowing Leonardo DiCaprio to fangirling over Sarah Jessica Parker in the dark, Michelle’s journey through hospitality is as wild, funny, and inspiring as it gets. With a career that’s taken her from London’s hottest openings to Mykonos, India, and Mauritius, Michelle’s story is one of resilience, humo...

We're back! And we're back for at least another year thanks to the legends at Rotacloud!!! And what a way to welcome us back with none other than the beyond epic, deep thinking and hilarious Gina Knight, Head of People at Flat Iron. Gina brings a big dose of warmth, humour, and honesty as she takes us from reception desk chaos to Ibiza career pact holidays, via Girl Guide hooch smuggling and a heated broccoli debate. This episode is proof that hospitality is never boring and that laughter rea...

Episode Summary: In this lively and insightful episode of Hospitality Meets, I sit down with the incredible Bernadette Gilligan, General Manager of Conrad London St. James. From humble beginnings in hospitality to leading one of Hilton’s most prestigious luxury hotels, Bernadette shares her journey with humour, wisdom, and a few unexpected twists along the way. Expect career-defining moments, leadership insights, and a deep dive into the camaraderie that makes hospitality such a unique indust...

Welcome back to Hospitality Meets, where we dive into the stories behind the people who keep the hospitality world buzzing! 🍻 In this episode, Phil sits down with Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association (https://beerandpub.com/) and all-around pub enthusiast. We chat about: 🍺 Why the pub is the heart of every community (and why you should probably visit yours more). 🏛️ Emma’s whirlwind journey from studying law to being elected the youngest UK MEP (via a ch...

Ever wondered how a dishwasher at age 10 ends up running the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts? Well, Lisa Jenkins (CEO of The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts) is here to spill the tea (and maybe a few kitchen secrets). We get through a lot and I chat with Lisa about: 🍽️ Why hospitality careers are more than just chefs & managers (yes, journalists count too!) ✈️ How working too hard at the Singapore Air Show got her a business-class flight home (note: not a recommended career strategy) 💡...

Welcome back, Hospitality Meets fans! In this delightful episode, I sat down with the effervescent Clare Downes, a dynamic executive coach and founder of Martlet.Life and who excels in guiding leaders to their full potential. We go on an engaging journey through Clare's fascinating career path—from her entrepreneurial roots on a farm, into the bustling world of food and drink, and finally to becoming an inspiring executive coach! Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store: The Serendipitous S...

In this cheerful and engaging episode of Hospitality Meets, Phil catches up with the delightful Jane Pendlebury, CEO of HOSPA (https://www.hospa.org/). Get ready for a conversation filled with laughter, intriguing experiences, and valuable insights into the world of hospitality. Highlights: 1. Career Pathways and Unexpected Turns: Jane takes us through her colourful journey in the hospitality industry, complete with unexpected opportunities and memorable moments. Whether it's working a night sh...

Well, have I got an absolute feast for your ears today! I welcomed the incomparable Kate Austen to the show. Kate is a culinary maven whose journey from a kitchen newbie has taken her on to become the youngest ever 2 Michelin Starred Female head chef and the First Female to win the main course at the awesomeness that is, The Great British Menu. Join us as we dive into Kate's hilarious anecdotes, heartfelt reflections, and invaluable industry insights. 🍴 Highlights of the Episode: 1. From "Naïv...

Someone once said to me that coffee tastes better when it's doing some good. Well today, we can apply that same mindset to Tea. Summary: In this engaging and insightful episode of "Hospitality Meets," Phil sits down with the inspiring Roshana Gammampila, who shares her incredible journey from a corporate career in London to managing a tea estate in Sri Lanka. This episode is filled with fascinating discussions, enlightening takeaways, and a sprinkle of fun as Roshana dives into the world of tea...

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...

Join us for a laughter-packed and enlightening episode I dive into the captivating world of Trudi Parr, Head of People at Mollie's (https://mollies.com). Trudi takes us on a rollercoaster ride through the hysterical, the surreal, and the downright cool moments that define her journey in the hospitality industry. 🎤 In This Episode: High-Profile Shenanigans: Trudi spills the beans on the unique perks and backstage drama of working at iconic events like Radio 1's Big Weekend and Glastonbury. From ...

In this weeks Hospitality Meets, we have a very special guest - Sally Abé, renowned chef and author who has recently released her memoir - A woman's place is in the kitchen. Throughout her career, Sally has worked at some of the most prestigious restaurants in the UK, including the Savoy, Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's, and the Ledbury. She's here to share her journey, from working as a waitress in golf clubs and bars to becoming a junior sous chef and eventually the head chef at the Harwood Arms...

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...

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. ...