All Episodes

This episode delves into the intricate process of creating standout hospitality concepts in a competitive market, emphasizing the importance of human connection in the digital age. The guest, Holly Hallam, Managing Director of Design LSM, shares her unique journey from TV and marketing to redefining the hospitality design experience. Through strategic focus on brand and guest experience, Design LSM collaborates closely with clients like Gaucho and the RFU to innovate and create spaces that foste...

In this episode, Josh shares his journey from fashion to founding Wingshack and later Big Appetite, focusing on how AI has been instrumental in driving business innovation, optimizing operations, and improving customer relationships. Additionally, Josh advocates for the positive impact of AI on life, promoting travel, new experiences, and the embrace of technology for a better living. He also introduces a newsletter from BigAppetiteCo.ai aimed at offering AI insights to business owners. The narr...

In this episode, you will hear from Feri Naseh, the founder and CEO of MeTime Healing, an innovative platform addressing mental health concerns. MeTime Healing aims to make emotional and behavioral guidance accessible and affordable. Our discussion covers the platform’s genesis, its mission to provide healing without borders, and how it connects users with licensed clinicians for online therapy. Feri shares her personal journey and the challenges in finding the right mental health support, leadi...

In this episode, Michael is joined by guests Chef Ajay Walia and his wife Reena Miglani to learn about their entrepreneurial journey from Silicon Valley to opening Saffron Indian Bistro, serving northern and southern Indian cuisine. The conversation highlights the importance of creating a heart-centered and profitable business, the power of human connection and experiences in hospitality, and the unique challenges and gratifications of transitioning from tech to the hospitality industry. The cou...

Cristian Grossmann,, Co-Founder & CEO at BeeKeeper, joins Michael in this week's episode. Christian shares insights on the journey of creating Beekeeper, a platform designed to transform communication and engagement with frontline hospitality teams. The discussion covers the challenges faced by frontline workers, including the lack of digital tools tailored to their needs, and how Beekeeper addresses these gaps by providing a simple, effective technological solution. The episode explores various...

Today we're joined by Matthew Cameron, a consultant dedicated to improving employee retention, performance, and well-being in hospitality businesses. They explore Matthew's transformative journey from a challenging hospitality career, marked by a personal crisis, to his current mission of enhancing the work environment for others. Matthew shares the concept of job crafting, his personal daily routines for maintaining well-being, and effective strategies for leaders aiming to create a supportive ...

Dan Simons, the co-founder and CEO of Farmers Restaurant Group, known for its unique business model and dedication to sustainability, joins Michael again on the podcast. Nearly two years since their last discussion, they delve into how the business has evolved. Instead, the conversation highlights Dan's commitment to improving mental health in the workplace, its direct impact on business operations, and the innovative practices that set the group apart. Dan shares insights into the company’s st...

Tai Ricci, partner at Hi Neighbor Hospitality Group, joins us for this episode. Tai explores a range of topics critical for success in the hospitality business, focusing on innovation, culture, leadership, and the impact on communities. She shares her journey from her creative background into the world of hospitality, highlighting how personal experiences and a desire to create a heart-centered business led her to co-found Hi Neighbor Hospitality Group. She discusses the mission behind the group...

In this episode, Dr. Vincent Walsh, a UK-based circular regenerative food and agriculture expert, shares his journey, insights, and aspirations in making a positive, everlasting impact on the food system through consulting with major UK food and beverage companies. Dr. Vincent discusses the significance of understanding nature's evolution, circular and regenerative practices, and the potential transformative impact on food systems and the climate. This conversation will encourage hospitality le...

Dan Newman, the Managing Director of Hospitality Rewards, the UK's first employee benefits platform for the hospitality trade joins us in this episode. Dan and Michael discuss the mission of Hospitality Rewards to improve financial, mental, and physical health benefits for employees in the hospitality sector, moving beyond traditional compensation platforms. The platform offers unique benefits like a cash-back card and industry-specific discounts, focusing on enhancing the employee experience an...

Larry Korman is back on the podcast for this week’s episode to talk all about the value of maintaining consistency in business operations, regardless of external circumstances. He provides insights into the importance of humanizing the hospitality experience, especially in unprecedented times, like during the pandemic. Larry also reiterates his commitment to upholding transparency and honesty in all his business dealings. The episode ends with a reflection on the importance of allowing the compa...

Natalie Campbell and Charlotte Harrington, Co-CEOs of BELU, join Michael today on the podcast. BELU is a Social Enterprise focusing on transforming the hospitality industry's approach to water, using an innovative business model to deliver top-notch water service to venues while contributing significantly to social and environmental causes. The episode discusses the unique approach to distributing leadership, the journeys of Natalie and Charlotte as Co-CEOs, and the importance of purpose-drive...

Welcome to episode 3 of the Special Edition podcast series “EXPANSION THROUGH CULTURE - The Scandi Way”. We are joined by owner/operator Morten P. Ortwed, founding partner at DiningSix, a Danish restaurant company redefining the dining experience. Morten and Michael dive into: The journey of DiningSix and how they came to expand into multiple countries. Why DiningSix's vision and mission are so powerful in building their culture. Why culture is a hardcore business skill. Explore the challe...

In this episode, Michael has a conversation with Rob Liddiard about applying the principles of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in businesses to increase profitability and create heart-centered operations. EOS, is a holistic system that organisations can employ to realize visions, increase accountability and strengthen team health. Rob shares his experiences transforming struggling businesses into thriving ones using EOS principles and discusses the importance of strong leadership duri...

The conversation revolves around Jennifer's journey from an English major to the dynamic world of entrepreneurship. She discusses her passion for solving problems in the hospitality industry with the establishment of Croux. Croux is a platform that bridges the gap between businesses in need of temporary staff and individuals craving job flexibility. It offers a unique solution to the industry's personnel challenges intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Jennifer emphasizes the value of staying f...

Ed Barry, the owner of Edify, a business analytics tool for hospitality businesses, discusses his experiences as a former operator. He shares the insights gained from running his coffee shop chain, Over Under Coffee, and how they led him to envision a technology solution to address various operational challenges in hospitality. Ed also highlights the importance of precise data, efficient management of resources, and a cohesive team for the success of any business. Furthermore, he explains how E...

Welcome to episode 2 of the Special Edition of “EXPANSION THROUGH CULTURE - The Scandi Way”. Michael talks with Simon Wanler, Co-Founder and CEO of Bastard Burger: They Delve into the story of Simon and the renowned burger chain, exploring the vision, mission, and success driving Bastard Burger's rise. Uncover how Bastard Burger's mastery of culture and people in hospitality translates into a hardcore business strategy with a clearly defined people strategy and innovative workplace practices....

Welcome to the Special Edition of “EXPANSION THROUGH CULTURE - The Scandi Way”. In this kickoff episode, your hosts Christopher Cato Lavebrand and Michael Tingsager spill the beans on why Ziik and Hospitality Mavericks joined forces for this exclusive podcast series. They discuss how hospitality is facing its toughest challenges ever! Why today's employees want more from their jobs, and businesses need to level up when it comes to compensation, training, culture, values, and social impact. W...

In this episode, Kyle Grant, the founder and CEO of Oxwash, a company revolutionizing the laundry industry, discusses the environmental impact of traditional laundering methods and how his company strives to significantly lessen it. Kyle details several of Oxwash's innovations, such as cold washing, the use of ozone super saturation, net zero laundries, and inventory management. These innovations not only benefit the environment but also prove advantageous for Oxwash's margins and their clients...

In this insightful episode, renowned chef and founder of the globally acclaimed Frenchie restaurant group, Greg Marchand, reflects on the landscape of high end dining and its numerous challenges. Greg discusses his entrepreneurial path and strategic responses to global events and consumer preferences evolution. He also highlights the importance of maintaining values such as genuine hospitality, 'why' in decision-making and serving emotions to customers. Greg stresses the constant need for self-...

In this honest and informative conversation, Wayne Baker, author of the transformative book 'All You Have to do is Ask', delves into key themes of his work and the integral part they play in personal and organizational success. Discussing reasons why people struggle to ask for help, he points out factors such as societal pressure, innate fears, and common misconceptions. He also shares valuable tips on overcoming these barriers to unlock potential for tremendous success, emphasizing the importa...

Jeannette Hyde, Nutritional Therapist and Writer, shares her journey from being a journalist to a nutritional therapist fascinated with gut health. This episode delves into the relationship between food, the microbiome, and one's overall health. Jeannette's approach to better gut health involves consuming a variety of plants, including 'live' food, and reducing intake of processed foods. She stresses the importance of eating food grown in a healthy natural environment and warns against the pitf...

Ally Gordon, a successful coach and mentor, returns to discuss how to create a vision and set goals that align with our values, aspirations, and future plans. He stresses on the importance of recognizing our limitations and working around them, as well as challenging our beliefs and understanding our identity and purpose. He shares practical tips such as using vision boards and affirmations, while also acknowledging our imperfections, flaws, and understanding that perfection is not the goal. Th...

Today we speak with Darren Spicer bout redefining the drive-thru beverage experience with Clutch Coffee Bar. In this episode, Darren Spicer, CEO and co-founder of Clutch Coffee Bar talks about his U.S. based coffee company’s mission to redefine the drive-thru beverage experience. He discusses their emphasis on human interaction over AI technology in their services, their methods to ensure positive customer interactions and their ventures into energy drinks. Reflecting on the company’s rapid exp...