Hospitality Mavericks Podcast Show

Epizode

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  #329 Pete Hurley Founder at Well Seasoned - Fractional Leadership in Hospitality 06.08.2026 59min

  Michael and Pete Hurley discuss how hospitality organizations may shift away from large full-time head offices toward fractional and project-based senior talent to improve flexibility, innovation, and profitability amid tight margins and job insecurity.Hurley shares his career from launching a hospitality tech startup in 2004 that evolved into a cultural-venue operator business he ran for nearly 20 years and sold three years ago, before moving into consultancy and noticing the growing “fractional” trend and the lack of a dedicated marketplace for hospitality expertise.He built and coded the Well Seasoned platform in a week, launching in February and growing to about 550 consultants, around 25 hospitality businesses engaging, and regular projects posted.They cover benefits like faster hiring/onboarding, niche expertise, reduced risk, consultants collaborating to fill skill gaps, and fractionals sometimes converting into full-time roles, while emphasizing the need for a core in-house team and an active community to avoid the platform becoming a static directory.Lodgify is the headline sponsor for the Hospitality Mavericks Podcast Show.Lodgify is an all-in-one hosting platform built on one promise, minimum hassle, maximum independence. We help independent vacation rental hosts and small-scale property managers run and grow their business with 0% Lodgify booking commissions, an AI Co-Host (COMING SUMMER 2026, early access open now), and direct booking websites built to get found by AI.For Mavericks listeners, there's a special offer: 20% off all yearly and bi-yearly plans - Use code MAVERICK20.Learn more at https://lodgify.com/Connect with Pete:https://www.linkedin.com/in/petehurley/https://wellseasoned.work/Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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  #328 Ruth Jacobs CEO & Founder of Certified Minds - Mental Health, Burnout, and Resilience in Hospitality and Beyond 23.07.2026 58min

  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 simulations and practical skills.They focus on hospitality’s risk factors—high emotional demands, unpredictability, staff shortages, long hours, poor sleep, and normalized frontline abuse—and discuss proactive leadership, psychological safety, and embedding resilience and check-ins into inductions.Ruth distinguishes everyday mental health issues from disorders, highlights early burnout signs, stresses the cost of inaction, recommends better listening and language for difficult conversations, and raises concerns about normalized cocaine use. She directs listeners to certifiedminds.co.uk and previews the Safer Faces app for lower-cost mental health support.Lodgify is the headline sponsor for the Hospitality Mavericks Podcast Show.Lodgify is an all-in-one hosting platform built on one promise, minimum hassle, maximum independence. We help independent vacation rental hosts and small-scale property managers run and grow their business with 0% Lodgify booking commissions, an AI Co-Host (COMING SUMMER 2026, early access open now), and direct booking websites built to get found by AI.For Mavericks listeners, there's a special offer running until July 30th: 60% off on Ultimate and Professional yearly and bi-yearly plans with the code MAVERICKS60.Learn more at https://lodgify.com/Connect with Ruth:https://saferfaces.com/https://certifiedminds.co.uk/Book:https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8596/9780008667290Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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  #327 Yazz Abdulla CEO at Urban Hospitality - Discipline Over Emotion 09.07.2026 1h 38min

  In this episdode, Michael welcomes his longtime friend Yazz Abdulla, previously a guest during the pandemic to discuss food delivery and dark kitchens.They reflect on Copenhagen Street Food’s grassroots style, then focus on founder-led hospitality businesses: founders often stay emotionally attached, operate like self-employed workers, lack systems (ops, HR, marketing, supply chain), misunderstand cashflow, and fail to plan an exit; Yazz advises emotional detachment, self-leadership, discipline, rituals, and valuing time and peace over status.They discuss the “lost art of hospitality,” arguing technology and transactional service have eroded human connection, while Gen Z is highly influential and brands like Blank Street succeed by designing for Gen Z.AI is seen as useful for optimization but unable to replace the human element. They compare struggling UK hospitality—blaming poor adaptation and leadership—against UAE hospitality, where conflict briefly crushed tourism but decisive government support enabled recovery.Lodgify is the headline sponsor for the Hospitality Mavericks Podcast Show.Lodgify is an all-in-one hosting platform built on one promise, minimum hassle, maximum independence. We help independent vacation rental hosts and small-scale property managers run and grow their business with 0% Lodgify booking commissions, an AI Co-Host (COMING SUMMER 2026, early access open now), and direct booking websites built to get found by AI.For Mavericks listeners, there's a special offer running until July 30th: 60% off on Ultimate and Professional yearly and bi-yearly plans with the code MAVERICKS60. Learn more at https://lodgify.com/Connect with Yazz:https://www.linkedin.com/in/yazz-abdulla/https://www.linkedin.com/company/urban-hospitality-group-ltd/posts/?feedView=allPrevious episode with Yazzhttps://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/coming-back-stronger-episode-5-with-yazz-abdulla-ceo-and-founder-of-urban-hospitality/Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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  #326 Tom James Managing Director at Bill's - Putting Guest Happiness at the Center 25.06.2026 52min

  Michael welcomes Tom James, to discuss winning in a hyper-competitive hospitality market through counterintuitive strategy and team buy-in.Tom shares his 30-year hospitality journey, joining Bill’s five years ago as operations director before becoming managing director, and describes the shift from an ops-only lens to leading cross-functionally with a two-year plan.Bill’s distilled 257 actions into one message—“everyone leaves happy”—and made guest satisfaction the core KPI, built from reviews, surveys, and mystery diners, tying incentives to guest metrics rather than financial ones.He explains how visibility, consistent recognition, and culture drove adoption, alongside behind-the-scenes improvements to systems, booking, website, SEO, and cost controls. The turnaround included difficult restructuring and site closures, followed by renewed energy, cover growth, and a strong Christmas.They discuss change management, process discipline (why/who/what/how/when), technology and AI’s potential, and Tom’s leadership takeaways: headspace, networking, and investing in team growth.Connect with Tom:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-james-5388b256/https://bills-website.co.uk/Eps 23 Bill Collison - Founder of Bill’shttps://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/videos/23-the-bills-story-with-bill-collison/Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here A big thank you to our episode sponsor Monotree.They help hospitality operators strengthen operations and scale company culture by creating a "Branded Front Door" for your workforce.Head to their website to sign up.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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  #325 Stephen Logue Consultant at Hospitality Blueprints - Why Cleanliness and Service Can Beat Food 11.06.2026 57min

  Michael interviews Stephen Logue, an economist and former FMCG marketer who became marketing director at Berni Inns, founded a research-led consultancy, and later owned restaurants.Logue explains how market research identified five consistent drivers of restaurant success—cleanliness, service, atmosphere, food quality, and value for money—and how redesigning and standardizing Berni Inns (including work with Conran) lifted sales and won a Catey.He argues hospitality underinvests in service, emphasizing “hire character, train skills,” building staff confidence and self-belief, and using tools like mystery visits and customer research.He shares “runners and riders” concept testing, a successful Greek concept at Meadowhall, lessons from Wetherspoon’s standards and value focus, and the financial importance of repeat customers. Logue now supports independents via pro bono work and promotes simple cost control, menu margin analysis, and clear service promises.Connect with Stephen Logue:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-logue-47227757/https://www.hospitalityblueprints.com/https://youtu.be/2_E_EBbdXpU?si=_0cECaQouijt_8LShttps://www.hospitalityblueprints.com/masterclass-videosBook:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magic-Malls-Incredible-Customer-Service/dp/1910090638/ref=sr_1_3?crid=GEM2XLEJMP0P&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lw06nq8ML3KTk_rhrQVeIK8X9HSz5KW3t9INoXg7iSTGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.bEQQL7nAGqgyohrPiRxbrwgf3N_jm-_O3tqE8QOnVBw&dib_tag=se&keywords=Stephen+Logue&qid=1780948637&sprefix=stephen+logue%2Caps%2C232&sr=8-3Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here A big thank you to our episode sponsor Monotree.They help hospitality operators strengthen operations and scale company culture by creating a "Branded Front Door" for your workforce.Head to their website to sign up.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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  #324 Sam Jett Executive Chef at Audrey - Appalachian Cuisine, Local Sourcing, and Circular Restaurant Systems 28.05.2026 51min

  In this episode, Michael speaks with chef Sam Jett about building restaurants that serve communities, people, and the planet.Sam shares how he shifted from a planned healthcare path into cooking, credits McDonald’s for teaching standards and systems, and recounts formative time in Copenhagen kitchens including Relæ and Noma.After years as Sean Brock’s right-hand leader across multiple brands, Sam took over Audrey and refocused it on Appalachian heritage: removing luxury imported ingredients, tightening sourcing “guardrails,” and adopting a zero-waste mindset.He describes a network of about 26 regional farms/producers supplying roughly 95% of the menu and a CSA-style budgeting approach where farmers send what they choose, including imperfect crops that the team transforms using the restaurant’s lab.Sam explains making the economics work through circular “mini-ecosystems” and multiple revenue streams, and emphasizes relationships and trust as the core leadership principle.Connect with Sam:https://www.instagram.com/samuel.jett/?hl=enhttps://www.audreynashville.com/Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here A big thank you to our episode sponsor Monotree.They help hospitality operators strengthen operations and scale company culture by creating a "Branded Front Door" for your workforce.Head to their website to sign up.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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  #323 Alexander Kjerulf Chief Happiness Officer at  Woohoo Inc. - Stop Putting the Customer First 14.05.2026 1h 5min

  In this episode, Michael interviews Alexander Kjerulf, a former tech entrepreneur who founded a company in 2003 focused on happiness at work and has delivered talks and workshops in over 50 countries for clients including Microsoft, IKEA, IBM, Hilton, and Shell.They discuss research linking workplace happiness to higher productivity, creativity, retention, lower absenteeism, and stronger company results including profitability, growth, employer brand, and stock performance, alongside an ethical responsibility for leaders.A central theme is improving customer experience by putting employees first and rejecting “the customer is always right,” which can betray staff and reward abusive customers; examples include a hotel manager enforcing rules, Southwest Airlines “we will miss you” letter, and buying a rude passenger a competitor ticket.Practical practices include training and culture immersion (Zappos), celebrating great service stories, giving frontline autonomy (Nordstrom, Middelfart Sparekasse), measuring care over efficiency, hiring carefully, and using weekly feedback tools like Heartcount.Connect with Alexander:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiefhappinessofficer/https://positivesharing.com/2006/07/why-the-customer-is-always-right-results-in-bad-customer-service/https://woohooinc.com/https://heartcount.com/Books:Everybody Matters - Bob Chapmanhttps://uk.bookshop.org/a/8596/9780241975411Hug your customers - Jack Mitchellhttps://uk.bookshop.org/a/8596/9781401398040Hug your people - Jack Mitchellhttps://uk.bookshop.org/a/8596/9780553820089Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here A big thank you to our episode sponsor Monotree.They help hospitality operators strengthen operations and scale company culture by creating a "Branded Front Door" for your workforce.Head to their website to sign up.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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  #322 Graziano Cocco Performance Mental Coach - Lessons from Elite Sport for Hospitality Leaders 30.04.2026 59min

  Michael interviews performance mental coach Graziano Cocco about what separates thriving “maverick” leaders from those merely surviving and how to build high-performance teams.Graziano shares his journey from London hospitality roles (including Head of People) to founding Inside Up, coaching football for 10 years and working at Crystal Palace plus athletes in sports such as tennis and rugby, while consulting hospitality businesses including ARO QD and DRG in Glasgow.They discuss why mental toughness matters in today’s pressured hospitality environment, reframing “I have to” to “I get to,” and prioritizing self-management because leaders can’t pour from an empty cup.Key team elements include trust, conflict navigation, commitment, clear goals and accountability, and praising effort. Graciano introduces the “Plan–Do–Review” habit using a plus/Kaizen reflection and recommends setting daily intentions and visualization.Connect with Graziano:https://www.linkedin.com/in/graziano-cocco-b6b39158/https://insightup.co.uk/Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here A big thank you to our episode sponsor Monotree.They help hospitality operators strengthen operations and scale company culture by creating a "Branded Front Door" for your workforce.Head to their website to sign up.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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  #321 Anthony Collins Founder at Work Better Studio - Lean Thinking in Hospitality: Fix the System, Not the People 16.04.2026 1h 5min

  Michael interviews Anthony Collins, founder of Work Better Studio, about applying lean thinking and the service-profit chain in hospitality and service businesses by focusing on processes and resources rather than blaming people.Collins shares his path from graphic design to founding DirectSki.com, acquiring Ski Beat, and becoming group CEO of Topflight Travel Group, then leaving to advise companies on productivity, quality, and process improvement.He explains lean’s roots in postwar Japanese quality-first principles and describes using Enterprise Ireland training and Toyota-led practical problem-solving to build capability before crises like COVID.A key case study shows how small chalet maintenance issues hurt both staff workload and NPS, leading to a preventative maintenance program, revised seasonal hiring, fewer management layers, and improved autonomy.The conversation covers PDCA, frontline observation, controlled tension, recruitment and training (one-point lessons), and why AI can optimize the wrong work and reinforce silos without system thinking.Connect with Anthony:https://www.linkedin.com/in/antocollins/https://www.workbetter.studio/Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here A big thank you to our episode sponsor Monotree.They help hospitality operators strengthen operations and scale company culture by creating a "Branded Front Door" for your workforce.Head to their website to sign up.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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  #320 Gregers Knudsen Co-founder and CEO at Monotree - Powering Frontline Culture in Hospitality 02.04.2026 1h 10min

  In a Copenhagen podcast, Michael interviews Gregers Knudsen, co-founder of Monotree, about creating a platform that unifies frontline communication, onboarding/learning, checklists, and events on top of workforce management systems to replace fragmented tools like Facebook, WhatsApp, and overpowered enterprise software.Gregers traces his path from hospitality into tech (via Planday), where he saw multi-site operators struggling with too many disconnected systems, unused spend, and GDPR risks.He and two senior tech partners began building Monetary in 2018, launched in 2019 with a 1,500-employee customer, stayed self-funded for control, long-term product quality, and customer service, and have grown to nearly 300 customers and about 85,000 users across 18 countries, with UK as a key growth market.They discuss engagement drivers, manager enablement, using video content, culture as an amplifier, and cautious, practical AI use focused on removing boring work rather than automating human relationships.Connect with Gregers:https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregers-knudsen-9a0a23148/https://monotree.com/A big thank you to our episode sponsor Monotree.They help hospitality operators strengthen operations and scale company culture by creating a "Branded Front Door" for your workforce.Head to their website to sign up.Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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  #319 Bjarke Just Nielsen Founder at Norrlyst Koncernen - Scaling Restaurant Quality with Tech and Culture 19.03.2026 1h 8min

  Michael interviews Bjarke Just Nielsen, founder of Norrlyst Koncernen in Copenhagen, about building a fast-growing restaurant ecosystem and related tech companies. Nielsen left corporate roles at Novo Nordisk and TDC, opened his first restaurant about five and a half years ago, then pivoted during COVID—without government support—by keeping staff and launching a deli that succeeded, accelerating his focus on online customer acquisition and data. Today the group operates about 20 restaurants with roughly 550 employees, serves around a million guests yearly, and runs centralized systems where a small team drives demand using a toolbox of 16 traffic levers while restaurants focus on delivering the promised experience. He discusses agility over rigid planning, professionalizing the organization through disciplined hiring, pursuing Michelin recognition with intense preparation, leadership role clarity, and upcoming projects including new tech initiatives, convenience stores, and a large all-day restaurant.Connect with Bjarke:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjarke-just-nielsen-6a71445b/https://norrlyst.dk/https://freetable.com/https://eater.dk/Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here A big thank you to our episode sponsor Monotree.They help hospitality operators strengthen operations and scale company culture by creating a "Branded Front Door" for your workforce.Head to their website to sign up.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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  #318 Lars Kure Juul Founder at GNTL - Gentle Giants and Purpose-Driven Leadership 05.03.2026 1h 7min

  Michael welcomes returning guest Lars Kure Juul, author of The Happiness Sweet Spot and his new book Compassion in Action, to discuss why leaders gravitated most to the compassion chapter and how it led to deeper work on self-compassion and implementation.Lars argues compassion is active (beyond empathy): interest in others’ difficulties plus a desire to act, building trust, psychological safety, and high-performing teams.They explore leadership challenges amid rising burnout, declining engagement and belonging (citing Gallup), and why strong leaders aren’t loud.Practical themes include presence and deep listening, avoiding distractions like phones and laptops, asking better questions (“tell me more”), and servant leadership as serving others and the future by downplaying ego.They critique leaders hiding behind complex systems, emphasize belonging (seen, able to contribute, proud), and frame compassion and humanity as the next leadership revolution.Connect with Lars:https://www.gntlgiant.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/gntlgiant/?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAAAASe5YB8EcFe2HlD2gLYVSp9OeaRmTXCxcConnect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here A big thank you to our episode sponsor Monotree.They help hospitality operators strengthen operations and scale company culture by creating a "Branded Front Door" for your workforce.Head to their website to sign up.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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  #317 Nicole Antonio-Gadsdon Founder at Banana Pepper HR - Hiring for Human Magic and Hospitality Alchemists 19.02.2026 1h 14min

  Michael welcomes Nicole back to discuss her new book, "Help Wanted," focused on finding “human magic” in hiring—going beyond technical skills and surface-level values fit to build teams and cultures that can withstand challenges. Nicole, a culture architect and founder of Banana Pepper HR, argues hospitality is at risk of becoming transactional and has an opportunity to re-center belonging and human connection. They critique standard, rushed recruitment as soulless and misaligned with brand promises, emphasizing “hospitality begins in-house” and that recruitment is a brand’s first act of hospitality. Nicole highlights “super skills” often dismissed as soft skills—empathy, kindness, curiosity, creativity, vulnerability, resilience, and more—and explains how missing them can lead to poor service, brand damage, and commercial loss. Practical ideas include slowing down hiring, doing stronger reference checks (including peer references), interviewing for stories by creating psychological safety, and using a three-course interview framework (appetizer/entrée/dessert). Nicole shares why she chose 10 super skills, drawing inspiration from Danny Meyer’s “HQ” and behavioral science (including Brené Brown). The episode ends with where to find Nicole and the book at bananapepperhr.com/book (and retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Waterstones).Connect with Nicole:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleantoniogadsdon/https://www.bananapepperhr.com/Book:https://www.bananapepperhr.com/bookhttps://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/help-wanted-the-rule-breaking-guide-to-hiring-an-extraordinary-team-of-hospitality-alchemists-nicole-antonio-gadsdon/1f7ae8fc32978cb1?ean=9781781339558&next=tConnect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here A big thank you to our episode sponsor Monotree.They help hospitality operators strengthen operations and scale company culture by creating a "Branded Front Door" for your workforce.Head to their website to sign up.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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  #316 Jack Stack CEO at SRC and The Great Game of Business - Unlocking Business Success with Open Book Management 05.02.2026 1h 3min

  In this episode, Michael engages in a fascinating conversation with Jack Stack, a pioneer of open book management and the author of 'The Great Game of Business.'Jack shares his journey from working for a Fortune 500 company to turning around a factory on the brink of closure through employee buy-in and financial transparency. He discusses the importance of teaching employees to understand financial statements and the mechanics of business to create a sense of ownership and drive success.The conversation highlights how open book management has been implemented in various industries, including hospitality and manufacturing, leading to improved employee engagement, productivity, and company profitability. Jack also touches on the expansion of these principles globally and the future direction towards digitalizing these training processes for broader reach and impact.Connect with Jack:Bookshttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Great-Game-Business-Sensible-Company/dp/1781251533/ref=sr_1_1?crid=12LO8KHUQ4X6C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.l14EYCEUXQeMGe266YAfUsufnURJZmZtpRVe5tQj54T3dV9QDF0a00xGZgV5DveZelu8kMgJLP_yDc7YAmg8CRzO2_HojgaTCWrTrFJlDkQ8ajBs-OFDdhOSHfIpepV4FE6FRplqa_qAMm2ht0a6kMLemdfY1lJgf-iwxlEY93G8qVbTXjm1rOBOsto5WczajL8D9Y6ypPXuB4jJmDqMT8Nsu-Hxj80PuT039d9wRPU.lJlqC6wR8JcHIusRIX8oF99ySnXDO1Vhovk3_jbIs_s&dib_tag=se&keywords=jack+stack&qid=1770065971&s=books&sprefix=jack+stack%2Cstripbooks%2C119&sr=1-1https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stake-Outcome-Building-Ownership-Long-Term-ebook/dp/B004SOVCJW/ref=sr_1_2?crid=12LO8KHUQ4X6C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.l14EYCEUXQeMGe266YAfUsufnURJZmZtpRVe5tQj54T3dV9QDF0a00xGZgV5DveZelu8kMgJLP_yDc7YAmg8CRzO2_HojgaTCWrTrFJlDkQ8ajBs-OFDdhOSHfIpepV4FE6FRplqa_qAMm2ht0a6kMLemdfY1lJgf-iwxlEY93G8qVbTXjm1rOBOsto5WczajL8D9Y6ypPXuB4jJmDqMT8Nsu-Hxj80PuT039d9wRPU.lJlqC6wR8JcHIusRIX8oF99ySnXDO1Vhovk3_jbIs_s&dib_tag=se&keywords=jack+stack&qid=1770066026&s=books&sprefix=jack+stack%2Cstripbooks%2C119&sr=1-2Companyhttps://www.greatgame.com/books/the-great-game-of-businessA big thank you to our episode sponsor Monotree.They help hospitality operators strengthen operations and scale company culture by creating a "Branded Front Door" for your workforce.Head to their website to sign up.Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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  #315 Ally Gordon Coach | Confidant | Mentor - Embracing Change and the Power of the Nervous System 22.01.2026 1h 5min

  In this insightful episode, Michael and Ally discuss their annual meetings focused on self-improvement and navigating life transitions. They reflect on the last year's theme of managing transitions, driven largely by personal changes such as moving countries and taking on new projects. The conversation delves into understanding change versus transition, with an emphasis on the significance of the nervous system in handling life's challenges. They introduce six pillars crucial for transformation: origin story, value system, nervous system management, vision roadmap, identity and foundations, and implementation. Practical advice is shared for managing stress, the importance of morning routines, and the critical need for self-awareness to achieve long-term growth. Listeners are encouraged to focus on incremental improvements and regularly reassess their goals to maintain a healthy balance in life and work.Connect with Ally:https://allygordoncoaching.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ally-gordon-coaching/Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here A big thank you to our episode sponsor Monotree.They help hospitality operators strengthen operations and scale company culture by creating a "Branded Front Door" for your workforce.Head to their website to sign up.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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  #3 A Podcast Series with Openr & Mark Felix, CCO of The AA - Unlocking the Secrets of Effective Pricing Strategy in Hospitality 15.01.2026 56min

  In episode three, host Michael and special guests Mark Felix and Joel Robinson dive into the intricacies of pricing strategy, drawing valuable lessons from the retail and hospitality sectors. Joel, founder of Openr, shares insights from his extensive experience in both grocery and hospitality, emphasizing the transformative potential of sophisticated pricing management. Mark Felix, with a rich background in various retail roles including Chief Commercial Officer at the AA and positions at Sainsbury's and John Lewis, brings his expertise to the conversation. The discussion covers key value indicators, the importance of continuous experimentation in pricing, leveraging customer loyalty data, and the potential impact of AI and technology on optimizing pricing strategies. Key takeaways include the necessity for dynamic and data-driven approaches to pricing in the face of economic challenges, and the importance of creating a culture of experimentation to drive business value.Connect with Mark:https://www.linkedin.com/in/markfelix/Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here A big thank you to our episode sponsor Monotree.They help hospitality operators strengthen operations and scale company culture by creating a "Branded Front Door" for your workforce.Head to their website to sign up.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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  #314 Cassie Davison Founder Kith & Kin Hospitality - Crafting Purpose-Driven Success 08.01.2026 54min

  In this episode, we dive deep into the world of hospitality with Cassie Davison, the author of 'Standout Hospitality.' Cassie brings over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and shares insights from her journey, including owning and operating award-winning venues, consulting, and building a community for independent operators. We explore the five pillars of wisdom outlined in her book, fundamentals of setting high standards, standing out in a crowded market, defining your identity, building belonging, and telling a great story. Cassie emphasizes the importance of being purpose-driven and building meaningful connections with customers. The discussion touches on the challenges and joys of hospitality, the evolving landscape post-pandemic, and the unique strengths of independent operators. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone passionate about creating impactful and profitable hospitality businesses.Connect with Cassie:https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassiedavison1/Visit her webpagehttps://www.kithkinhospitality.co.uk/Get your hands on a free copy of the book:https://standouthospitality.scoreapp.com/Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here A big thank you to our episode sponsor Monotree.They help hospitality operators strengthen operations and scale company culture by creating a "Branded Front Door" for your workforce.Head to their website to sign up.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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  #313 Greg Mangham Founder & CEO at Only A Pavement Away - Transforming Lives Through Hospitality 18.12.2025 49min

  In this episode, Michael talks with Greg from 'Only A Pavement Away,' a charity co-founded by Greg and his wife, Jill, to help disadvantaged individuals secure employment in the hospitality sector. Greg shares the story behind the charity's inception and its significant impact, having placed over 800 people into jobs and added £32 million to the economy since its launch in 2018. The discussion covers their process of preparing candidates, the role of relationship managers, and the ultimate goal of expanding their reach across the UK. Greg emphasizes the importance of building quality relationships and offers insights into the challenges and successes they've faced. He also highlights the critical need for funding to continue their mission of transforming lives through meaningful employment.Connect with Greg:https://onlyapavementaway.co.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-mangham-5424402a/A big thank you to our epsiode sponsor Apron.The power tool for payments that helps hospitality operators save time, cut admin, and get back to doing what they love: looking after their guests and teams.Head to their website to sign up.Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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  #Bonus Episode with Henry Matson Apron. - Solving Financial Pain Points in Hospitality 16.12.2025 50min

  In this episode, Michael welcomes Henry from Apron to discuss the financial pain points faced by hospitality operators. They delve into how Apron, founded in 2022, helps streamline business payments with consumer-grade simplicity. Henry explains how Apron addresses challenges like managing supplier payments, payroll, and employee expenses from a single platform, drastically saving time for business owners. Highlighting real-life cases, the conversation covers how Apron facilitates ease of financial management, allowing operators to focus on delivering exceptional hospitality. The discussion also explores the future of financial technology in the hospitality sector, emphasizing the need for fewer, more integrated tools. Henry shares his personal journey into FinTech and the profound impact Apron has had on businesses, including a touching story of how it helped a family in need. Listeners are encouraged to explore Apron's offerings at getapron.com and connect with Henry for personalized demonstrations.Connect with Henry:https://getapron.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-matson-1283472/Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here A big thank you to our epsiode sponsor Apron.The power tool for payments that helps hospitality operators save time, cut admin, and get back to doing what they love: looking after their guests and teams.Head to their website to sign up.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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  #2 A Podcast Series with Openr & Stephen Rothwell, Founder of Eagle Eye Solutions - Enhancing Operational Efficiency and Customer Experience in Hospitality 09.12.2025 59min

  In this episode, Michael, Joel and Stephen discuss the significant lag in technological advancements within the hospitality industry, particularly in back-office systems and data processing. Despite recent efforts made due to the pandemic to digitize front-of-house operations, the conversation highlights the need to improve operational aspects to enhance customer experiences. Issues such as repetitive WiFi logins and inefficient payment processes are mentioned. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of personalization and exceptional service in fostering customer loyalty, backed by personal anecdotes. The episode concludes with a call for the industry to focus on serving people more effectively.Connect with Stephen:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenjohnrothwell/https://stephenrothwell.ltd/https://eagleeye.com/loyaltyA big thank you to our epsiode sponsor Apron.The power tool for payments that helps hospitality operators save time, cut admin, and get back to doing what they love: looking after their guests and teams.Head to their website to sign up.Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to check out here This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy