In this episode we speak to Michael Flynn, Client Director at Howden, and Paul Davidson, Director & Senior Security and Investigations Consultant (Team 9). We explore what Martyn’s Law will mean for the hospitality sector, and the practical steps hoteliers need to consider to prepare for this - from security measures and staff training to insurance considerations and reputational risk. We also discuss how to cut through the noise, avoid feeling overwhelmed by the volume of information availa...
Jan 26, 2026•44 min•Season 4Ep. 2
In this episode we speak to Richard Ellison, CEO of 7 Hospitality Management. Richard spoke about his early hospitality lessons from unbranded and branded hotels, as well as leading operations at Gleneagles during the G8 Summit, how 7 Hospitality builds trusted relationships by thinking and performing like an owner, and why clarity and a strong roadmap are key to a healthy hotel lifecycle. This episode is brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Howden is a proud Principal Partner ...
Jan 16, 2026•41 min•Season 4Ep. 1
In this episode, we speak to Francisco Macedo, COO of Pavillion Club and Wildernesse Reserve, and chair of the Master Innholders upcoming Hotel Leadership Conference. Francisco discussed what we mean by the 2026 conference theme of ‘Stronger Together, Breaking the Mould’, the key to navigating innovation, and balancing tradition and transformation, and how intuition and empathy will define the leaders of tomorrow.
Dec 12, 2025•48 min•Season 3Ep. 47
On this episode we speak to Natalia Dainty, Learning and Development Manager at Valor Hospitality. Natalia spoke about her journey from operations to HR and beyond, offers insights into how Valor’s training programmes support every individual’s unique learning styles and her pioneering mental health first aider initiative, and the impact it’s having across Valor.
Dec 05, 2025•44 min•Season 3Ep. 46
In this episode we're joined by Henry Matson from Apron to explore one of the biggest headaches in hospitality: managing payments, suppliers and back-office workflows. Hotels often deal with complex structures, fluctuating orders and teams who are rarely behind a desk, making financial admin harder than it should be. Henry breaks down the everyday pressures operators face, how processes can be simplified, and where hotel finance is heading over the next few years.
Nov 28, 2025•36 min•Season 3Ep. 45
In this episode we speak to Anna Corkill, regional vice president, Development UK and Ireland at Hyatt. Anna spoke about Hyatt’s plans to grow its UK portfolio by over 30%, why it’s setting its sights on the UK’s exciting regional destinations, how it is well positioned to capture the burgeoning lifestyle and luxury markets, and how Hyatt maintains the strong partnerships that lie at its core. This episode is sponsored by Apron. Running a hotel means juggling endless payments and expenses - from...
Nov 21, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 43
In this episode we speak to James Cowan, HR director for UK and Ireland, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands at The Ascott Limited. In this episode we discuss what attracted him to HR, the challenges of navigating HR across different countries and cultures and his role in nurturing the next generation of hospitality leaders. This episode is sponsored by Apron. Running a hotel means juggling endless payments and expenses - from suppliers to staff - all while keeping cash flow in check. That’s wh...
Nov 14, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 42
In this episode we speak to Ian Taylor, co-founder of the Kaleidoscope Collection. Ian reflects on his path from corporate hospitality to independent ownership, sharing lessons learned from leading major hotels and building a creative, design-led brand. We discuss how he balances originality with commercial reality — and his advice for hoteliers considering the leap into running their own collection. This episode is sponsored by Apron. Running a hotel means juggling endless payments and expenses...
Nov 07, 2025•44 min•Season 3Ep. 41
In this episode we speak to Josh Renouf, founder of Joy Resolve and circular design manager at Lamington Group. Josh spoke about what first attracted him to the world of product design, and the story behind his viral creation The Barisieur, how Lamington Group embeds circular design into its operations in creative ways and encourages guests to be curious, and what hoteliers should consider when rethinking waste and their own eco innovation.
Oct 31, 2025•44 min•Season 3Ep. 40
In this episode we speak to Mike Baxter, co-founder of House of Gods. Mike spoke about his unconventional route into hospitality, and how being a disruptor paved the way for bringing his creative vision to life, how House of Gods embodies its ‘maximalist by design, boutique in attitude’ ethos with its eclectic style, what can be expected from the brand new Canary Wharf site, and the ways in which House of Gods makes its guests feel like a rockstar.
Oct 24, 2025•50 min•Season 3Ep. 39
In this episode we speak to Olivia Immesi, CEO of Native Places. Olivia spoke about her experience of working with the iconic Hoxton Hotel in Shoreditch and Ace Hotel London, Native’s approach to creative placemaking and the importance of maintaining the soul of the brand, its journey to becoming a net zero carbon operation by 2030, and how a more inclusive industry must start from conversations at the top.
Oct 17, 2025•58 min•Season 3Ep. 38
In this episode of Checking In speak to Karim Kassam, owner of Horwood House Hotel. Karim spoke about his career journey, including the perspectives and lessons gained during his time in Dubai, how the right amount of realism and forward-thinking are key when approaching an investment journey, the ambitious transformation of Horwood House, and how collaboration, respect and transparency foster its strong team culture
Oct 10, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 36
In this episode we speak to Pierre Deburaux, Chief Administration Officer of Accor. Pierre spoke about his career transition from finance roles in transport and beauty to hospitality, the workings behind Accor’s major restructure in 2023, and how this streamlining of operations has strengthened the group, how Accor’s people-centred values create a culture of trust, and what hoteliers can do to maintain financial resilience and agility.
Oct 03, 2025•35 min•Season 3Ep. 36
In this episode we speak to Andrew Eversden, co-founder of Bottle Up, a provider of reusable bottles that are plant-based, BPA-free and pre-filled with pure spring water sourced from the UK. Andrew spoke about the inspiration behind founding the group, the benefits it brings to hoteliers when it comes to improving sustainability and increasing brand visibility, and why more hoteliers are re-thinking their sustainable water offering for guests. This episode is sponsored by Howden, the global insu...
Sep 26, 2025•31 min•Season 3Ep. 35
In this episode we speak to David Orr, CEO of Resident Hotels. He discussed how and why Resident Hotels diversified into the mid-scale segment, and the benefits this brings, why hoteliers must consider lived-in experiences of guests when creating spaces, and why the sector must not forget the importance of empathy. This episode is sponsored by Howden, the global insurance broker and proud official front-of-jersey sponsor of The British & Irish Lions. As the Lions head out on tour, you’ll be ...
Sep 19, 2025•59 min•Season 3Ep. 34
In this episode we speak to David Hart, CEO of RBH. David spoke about his journey from the finance industry to leading RBH today, why the hospitality management group sees great opportunity in the luxury segment, and how a strong team culture has contributed to RBH’s 25 years of operating success. This episode is sponsored by Howden, the global insurance broker and proud official front-of-jersey sponsor of The British & Irish Lions. As the Lions head out on tour, you’ll be seeing plenty of t...
Sep 12, 2025•42 min•Season 3Ep. 33
In this episode we speak to Kellie Rixon MBE, general manager at Marcliffe. Kellie spoke about Marcliffe’s ambitious reinvestment and rebrand, how guest and community input has been central to its transformation, preserving guest loyalty though periods of change, and why compromise and communication are key to navigating team expectations. This episode is sponsored by Howden, the global insurance broker and proud official front-of-jersey sponsor of The British & Irish Lions. As the Lions hea...
Sep 05, 2025•49 min•Season 3Ep. 32
In this episode we speak to Tej Walia FIH MI, Managing Director of Foxhills Collection. Tej spoke about the management lessons learned during his eight years at Hilton, his approach to fostering strong young talent within the industry, how Foxhills has been a pioneer in catering to the 'bleisure' market, and why leadership in hospitality is an ever-evolving learning curve. This episode is sponsored by Howden, the global insurance broker and proud official front-of-jersey sponsor of The British &...
Aug 29, 2025•45 min•Season 3Ep. 31
In this episode we speak to Adam Dyke, General Manager of The Grand, York, where he discusses how the hotel provides a ‘No Fuss Five Star’ experience, the importance of embracing family guests in the luxury market, and how the warmth of Yorkshire hospitality is felt through all aspects of the hotel. This episode is sponsored by Howden, the global insurance broker and proud official front-of-jersey sponsor of The British & Irish Lions. As the Lions head out on tour, you’ll be seeing plenty of...
Aug 22, 2025•47 min•Season 3Ep. 30
In this episode we speak to Peter Zielke, COO of Safestay. He spoke about the drivers behind Safestay’s record full-year performance, including how Safestay has grown its ancillary revenues across the group, how and why today’s hostel guests are more diverse than ever before, and how the hostel industry is breaking down misconceptions and adapting to the modern traveller. This episode is sponsored by Howden, the global insurance broker and proud official front-of-jersey sponsor of The British &a...
Aug 15, 2025•48 min•Season 3Ep. 29
In this episode we speak to Callum McPherson, the founder and CEO of Obvlo, an AI solution that creates travel recommendations for hotel guests. Callum discussed how Obvlo turned from a viral Google Sheet during the pandemic into a global product, how the platform creates personalised, targeted content for any destination, and the key to striking the right balance between AI enhancements and human touch. This episode is sponsored by Howden, the global insurance broker and proud official front-of...
Aug 08, 2025•42 min•Season 3Ep. 28
In this episode we’re joined by Jonathan Raggett, chief executive officer of Red Carnation Hotels. We explored Jonathan's journey to the top, including how he landed the chief executive role without even realising he was interviewing for it. He also shares how he helped build a distinctive and successful company culture, and how he sustains his passion and energy while leading a global hotel group. This episode is sponsored by Howden, the global insurance broker and proud official front-of-jerse...
Aug 01, 2025•51 min•Season 3Ep. 27
In this episode we're joined by Adela Cristea, chief development officer of the UK, Ireland and the Nordics at Radisson, who discusses the group’s focus on converting existing properties into Radisson brands, how stadiums can maximise their use through hotel developments, and the best ways for hoteliers to balance brand identity with guest experience. This episode is sponsored by Howden, the global insurance broker and proud official front-of-jersey sponsor of The British & Irish Lions. As t...
Jul 25, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 26
In this episode, we speak to Simon Grace, the general manager of Hotel Indigo, Leeds. Simon discussed how all aspects of the hotel’s design are inspired by the city, and how this plays into Indigo’s wider vision of bringing local narratives into its sites, navigating the common road bumps ahead of an opening and how to pick an enthusiastic, confident team to get your new hotel off the ground. This episode is sponsored by Howden, the global insurance broker and proud official front-of-jersey spon...
Jul 18, 2025•41 min•Season 3Ep. 25
In this episode of The Checking In Podcast, we speak to Serena von der Hyde, Founder of Your Space, about her journey from leading a hotel at 19 to building an inclusive hospitality brand. Serena shares how celebrating individuality across teams and properties fuels growth, and how Your Space champions DEI. She discusses the power of inclusive leadership and why creating a culture of belonging leads to stronger, happier teams in today’s evolving hospitality landscape.
Jul 11, 2025•46 min•Season 3Ep. 24
In this episode we speak to Dimitris Manikis about his career journey from Greece to Wyndham, the ways in which you can uphold a consistent brand across different countries and cultures, and how the industry must ensure that AI does not scare away the next generation. This episode is sponsored by Howden, the global insurance broker and proud official front-of-jersey sponsor of The British & Irish Lions. As the Lions head out on tour, you’ll be seeing plenty of the Howden name, so what does t...
Jul 04, 2025•50 min•Season 3Ep. 23
In this episode we speak to Richard Harrison, managing director of No Ordinary Hospitality. Richard discussed his approach to assessing risk with new creative ventures, his advice for diversifying your site to maximise sales in all corners of your property, how to build strong symbiotic relationships with brand partners and why hoteliers should embrace the evolution of mixed-use spaces. This episode is sponsored by Rezcontrol. Running a hotel is complex — but your property management system shou...
Jun 27, 2025•50 min•Season 3Ep. 22
In this episode, Philip Turner, the founder of Chestnut Group, discusses his journey from financial services to hospitality, how he has scaled Chestnut Group at speed and is preparing for future acquisitions, and why transparency and accountability are key to securing shareholder support. This episode is sponsored by Rezcontrol. Running a hotel is complex — but your property management system shouldn't be. Rezcontrol is the next-generation, cloud-native PMS designed to put hoteliers in control. ...
Jun 20, 2025•44 min•Season 3Ep. 21
In this episode we speak to Gareth Winebloom and Lewis Bound, general manager and deputy operations manager at Rowton Castle. They discussed how storytelling at the castle plays a key part in enhancing the guest experience, the key behind Rowton’s team loyalty and low turnover, and how their wedding teams are able to balance personal touches with spotless delivery. This episode is sponsored by Rezcontrol. Running a hotel is complex — but your property management system shouldn't be. Rezcontrol i...
Jun 13, 2025•57 min•Season 3Ep. 20
In this episode we speak to Asja Samperi, rooms manager at Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill. Asja spoke about how her love of travel, languages and connection with people has shaped her career path, the key behind building a strong and enthusiastic team as rooms manager, and how AI is shaping the future of guest personalisation in the luxury market.
Jun 06, 2025•43 min•Season 3Ep. 29
