Respect, collaboration and listening are some of the key attributes to the culture at Sightline Hospitality. It’s a third-party management company that redefines hotel management, and has supported its employees “like a family” over the pandemic. The company’s President, Kirk Pederson, joins me to share how their business is refining…
Cocoa Runners are the home of the world's finest craft chocolate, working with over 100 makers from all over the world, providing 750 bars through a monthly discovery service, individual bar sales and distribution services for small batch, single estate, craft chocolate. Today we are joined by the remarkable founder…
It was a true joy to have Mowgli Street Food founder Nisha Katona back on Hospitality Mavericks. Her restaurant is all about how Indians eat at home and on their streets, and it is one of the Top 100 companies to work for in the UK. This time round we…
There is no doubt that ‘Culture’ is a hot topic in business. But what even is it? How do you change a culture? How long does it take to change? In this episode David quizzes Michael with these questions (and many more). We review the ultimate equation of ‘Beliefs x…
Earlier this year, I had a fascinating conversation with the CEO at Lead Different, Dave Oakley, about ‘Good To Great’ by Jim Collins. In this episode, Dave returns to the show to delve deeper into this seminal book, and reflect on how it can help you attract and retain great…
I had the great pleasure to be joined by two great guests from Escapism Bar Group – Head of Learning and Development, Flynn Byrne, and Managing Director, Grant Dexter. It was fascinating to learn from the nightlife industry – a sector that hasn’t been fully covered on the show yet.…
Today’s guest has gone through an incredible entrepreneurial journey, which includes having bought a hotel on an island, and how he is trying to find a way to ensure we change the world positively through business. Giles Fuchs is the Founder and CEO at Burgh Island Hotel, as well as…
How do you have a story and a brand that talks to people's hearts? Find out how from Sophia Ahamed, the Principal at Monograph&Co – a Design Agency based in Vancouver, Canada. They produce compelling brand identities, publications, product packaging and digital experiences for clientele both locally and internationally. She…
I’m super excited to have Rachael Nemeth, CEO and Co-founder of Opus, on today’s episode. Opus is a training platform designed for businesses with a desk-less workforce that helps more than 300 businesses boost their training on the frontline. It was fascinating to learn more about Rachael’s background in operations…
Shawn Askinosie left a successful career as a criminal defense lawyer to start a bean-to-bar chocolate business – Askinosie Chocolate. It is a small batch direct trade chocolate maker in Missouri, sourcing 100% of their cocoa beans directly from farmers. Shawn’s commitment to fairness, sustainability, minimal environmental impact, and community…
Today we are joined by the co-founder of a mission-driven fashion brand Thumbprint, as well as Strategy and Brand Consultant for a number of great hospitality brands – Edward Francis. We explore how Ed and his co-founder Evgenia Baydikova have launched a fashion brand that, from the outset, is helping…
Today’s guest, Dan Simons, created and co-owns Farmers Restaurant Group, which includes seven restaurants in DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, including Founding Farmers, Farmers Fishers Bakers, Farmers & Distillers, and their distillery, Founding Spirits. The company supports over 1,500 employees and continues to grow. Dan blogs regularly @Dan Simons Says…
Want to build a brand that people rave about? Dan Nash is the founder of SixEight, an agency that helps food brands turn their customers into a cult of superfans. As a Brand Strategist, it’s Dan’s mission to make food brands become a force for good, behave more like humans…
Many companies are communicating 30 - 40 years out of date. But by bringing more emotion and humanness to your language, your company’s values and ‘soul’ can be brought to the center stage. To learn more about telling stories, I am joined by Anthony Tasgal – Trainer, Author, Speaker, Strategist…
As you know, I’m a big fan of checklists, so it was great having a like-minded guest on today’s show – Tommy Yionoulis – to explore all things Operations Management and ticking things off your list. Tommy is the founder of OpsAnalitica, a platform that helps operators manage their daily…
Joining me on the show for the second time is Ari Weinzweig, the co-founder of Zingerman's Community of Businesses. You have probably heard me reference Zingerman’s on the show about how they are true trailblazers when it comes to building a business from the early days of inception. Ari has…
Peter Georgiou is the Founder and CEO of Supper, a platform which delivers exceptional food in London, from quality casual to Michelin starred, straight to your home or office by their custom-built fleet. They are now known as the luxury delivery company of choice for London’s finest restaurants and retailers.…
With over 30 years of innovating and leading, Mats Lederhausen has a strong belief and commitment to a more long term and more impactful capitalism. Born in Sweden, Mats began his career with McDonald's, followed by working for The Boston Consulting Group. Now based in the US, he is now…
Paul Hargreaves is the CEO at Cotswold Fayre and Flourish, and author of two inspirational books – ‘Forces for Good’ and ‘The Fourth Bottom Line’. As a B Corp Ambassador, he often speaks to leaders who want to change the world through better business. It was powerful to learn more…
What does winning look like for you this year? Today’s guest, Matt Rolfe, invites you to reflect on how you can work on yourself before you work on your team. Through his leadership coaching, Matt helps hospitality leaders and leadership teams achieve the results they want and deserve. His latest…
Creating a green and equal world needs to be a mission for all companies, not a side project. But it’s a courageous mission that can feel overwhelming, so there is a great book that can give you that much-needed direction –‘Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than…
Our guest today shares how hospitality is at the foundation of many great businesses. James Geier is the Founder and President of 555 International, an interior design and specialty manufacturing firm. With over 40 years in launching and running businesses, it was never his original intention to even own his…
I’m super glad I managed to speak with Thom Elliot, the co-founder of Pizza Pilgrims, who makes authentic Neapolitan pizzas in Central London and across the country. Pizza Pilgrims started life in 2011, after Thom and James drove a three-wheeled Piaggio Ape back from Italy on a 6 week ‘Pizza…
Roland Horne’s approach to the pursuit of mastery is fascinating. He entered hospitality because he was a disgruntled customer. Fast forward to today, he is the founder and CEO of the Central London specialty coffee chain WatchHouse. From day one it has been the company’s vision to grow and offer…