Surviving The Shit Storm Episodes

In this episode, Michael introduces Ruth Jacobs, a registered mental health nurse and founder of Certified Minds, to discuss where mental health efforts in industry have landed and how to create behavioral, cultural, and systems change that builds resilience. Ruth shares her background in CAMHS and eating disorder inpatient care, her experience managing during COVID lockdowns, and how gaps in pediatric mental health training led her to train UK medical teams, schools, and workplaces using simul...

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...

Today guest Brian Moore is a very special friend and business connection of Michael. Brian is a global retail expert, analyst, trainer and writer with decades of experience. Brian is the CEO of EMR- NamNews Ltd- a daily and monthly news covering everything from supermarkets to foodservice. Brian and Michael will be talking about the current situation and how to navigate the storm - and the importance of the power of the good old 4 P’s and positioning and much more. Remember if you would like som...

In this episode, Kieron speaks with Kim Scott who happens to be the author of one of his favourite books in the last 2 years, “Radical Candor” is based around a simple idea of Care Personally and Challenge Directly. Kieron and Kim talked through the different scenarios that we are all facing right now could be addressed utilising the Radical Candor model, from leaders having tough conversations with their teams, to the perils of enforcing physical distancing when you are out for your exercise...

Kieron talked with Tim on Saturday 28th March as Yummy prepared to transition to grocery retailers. The pub has always been the heart of the community for some and the greengrocers for the rest, so for Tim and the team to combine the 2 in these times of strife made perfect sense. Kieron and Tim talked culture and how that is the thing that ensures the entire team are on the same page, talked about the fire at Somerstown in 2018 and how that mentally helped the 3 founders be prepared for this ...

In this episode, Michael speaks to Robin Ashton from Ashton Foodservice Consulting in the US. Robin is a consultant and expert that have been advising the industry for decades with insights on what is going on and trends. Robin gives us an overview of what is going on in the US market, gives advise short and long term for operators on how to navigate this storm. He also gives ideas on what you should be doing in the coming period to be ready on the other side. Remember if you would like to check...

In this episode, Kieron talks with Fergal Dooley who is an operator turned hospitality consultant. Fergal spent many years in London as Director of Operations for Valentina Fine Foods before relocating to Washington DC to join The Doyle Collection. Kieron and Fergal discussed the impact on the Washington hospitality scene and how that community has come together through social media to support one another. We covered furlough pay, the industry feeding its people and the National Guard patroll...

In this episode Michael talks with Barry Shuster who is the founding editor and an investment partner of Restaurant Startup & Growth Magazine and RestaurantOwner.com, an online and print media company serving restaurant entrepreneurs. Michael and Barry talks about the current storm and its impact on the industry and especially independent and small restaurant groups. Remember if you would like some help please reach out to Barry on LinkedIn - Barry Shuster. If you have not signed up to the newsl...

In this episode, Michael is talking with Julian Mathews Solicitor and Partner at Wedlake Bell LLP in London. He has for years been advising hospitality and restaurant businesses. We talked about the current storm and what operators need to prepare themself for legally short and long term. We also covered what operators should do in the coming period to be ready when they come out of hibernation. We discuss how all this impact company culture and employee engagement now and long term. Remember if...

In this episode, Michael is talking with Elaine Batho, who is Life and wellness coach that helps hospitality professionals living healthier and happier lives. She has worked in the hospitality industry for decades and really understands how it all works. We talked about how to survive and thrive now and long term. She gives you practical tools for supporting you own as well as your team mental health. Thanks to our partners HGEM, Tahola and Vita Mojo who is making this possible. Extra help My we...

In this episode, we have Ivan Brewer from Australia. Ivan is a restaurant advisor and expert that helps SME food and beverage businesses achieve sustainable profitability. We will be talking about how to survive and thrive the shit storm as an operator. What preparation you can do now to ensure you are ready when business picks up again. Remember if you would like some help or chat, please reach out to Ivan LinkedIn Ivan Brewer. If you have not signed up to the newsletter, go to https://www.e...

In this episode, we have Mark McCulloch from Supersonic Inc who is a very experienced marketing dude in the hospitality and restaurant industry. Mark is a strategist/expert/guru, you decide which of those titles fits him best. In this episode Mark and Kieron had a great chat covering B2C relationships, about why the industry should be helping one another and how we shake off the shock and start moving forward. This podcast is about hope and recognising that the time for defence is done, now we h...

In this episode, we have Lucy Noone-Blake a very experienced Marketing & Communications Specialist in the hospitality and retail industry. Lucy has been through challenges throughout her career with brands like Living Ventures, Hawksmoor and most recently, Pear Communications . She gives her views on where she sees the industry is and some top communications tips to ensure that your brand message is consistent and In line with your values. Remember if you would like some help, please reach out t...

In this episode, we have Frank Bandura which a very experienced CFO in the hospitality and restaurant industry and he have navigated many storms through his career with brands like Gaucho and CAU. He gives his views on where he sees the industry is and some top financial tips to improve chances for surviving short and long term. Remember if you would like some help, please reach out to Frank via Twitter @frankbandura or LinkedIn: Frank Bandura. If you would like more of this; please subscribe to...

In this second episode, Michael talked with one of the most knowledgeable people in the food and drink industry with us when it comes to trends and shift in the economy Peter Backman. He will help us get a grip on the current situation as well as how we navigate the future. We will also be talking deliveries role, and he will be giving top tips for survival in the coming months. Remember if you would like some help, please reach out to Peter via Twitter @PeterBackmanFS or give him a bell on 07 7...

In this special edition podcast Michael interviewed Co-Founder and CEO of Street Feast; Jonathan Downey as our guest - we will be discussing how to navigate the storm during the Corona Virus. He will be giving great insights into where he sees the industry is right now, what you need to do as an operator to keep the doors open, what the government needs to do to keep one of the most important industries and biggest UK employers afloat, and what he is doing himself as a leader to keep head over w...