In this episode, Michael will be talking with Davonne Reaves who is the founder of The Vonne Group in Atlanta - A co-author and hospitality consultancy specialising in travel market research, asset and operational management, and brand development for boutique hotels. She has extensive experience from operations, brand to asset management. We talked about how the pandemic has impacted the hotel market in the US, Davonne gives some great example on how the progressive hotel operators have pi...
Jun 18, 2020•49 min•Ep. 59
Coming Back Stronger is a special edition podcast series focusing on the way food and drinks businesses are bouncing back as the world slowly starts to re-open from COVID-19. We will especially share great stories on how progressive leaders are bouncing back from the pandemic by utilising the power of technology and delivery. By tuning into these conversations in the coming period you will be able to pick up great stories, insights and facts as well as best practices from industry experts,...
Jun 17, 2020•55 min
In this episode, we talk with Scott Erwin Founder and CEO of HIre Hand - a tech company that helps companies to staff more flexibly. Prior to Hire Hand Scott work with McKinsey specialising in workforce planning. We talked about how he has seen the pandemic evolve and how to bring staff back. Scott underlines that staffing flexible will become a core discipline to master as hospitality businesses re-opens. Scott gives some great advice at the end of the podcast - you are not in control - g...
Jun 11, 2020•35 min•Ep. 58
in this episode, our guest is Rob Kidd, a management consultant and expert in hospitality technology. Rob and Michael talk about how tech is changing the hospitality industry, how progressive operators are using tech to survive and thrive during and in the aftermath of the pandemic. Rob also gives a number of great advice on how to optimise your digital strategies to ensure short and long term ROI. Takeaways: Tech should save you time and money Digital tools (apps, services, devices) are n...
Jun 10, 2020•59 min
In this episode, I’m talking with the founders of OMFGCO Fritz Mesenbrink and Jeremy Pelley. They run a brand and interior design studio in Portland USA and is doing a lot of work with progressive hospitality and restaurant businesses across the Globe. We talked about how the world is changing due to the pandemic and the importance as an operator to make people feel safe through the way you communicate as a brand as well as how the experience in your physical space is perceived. We al...
Jun 04, 2020•38 min•Ep. 57
Michael talks with Hugo Engel from Leon Restaurants about how they have pivoted in these challenging times by launching a number of new digital channels as well as feeding our frontline heroes. They also discuss the importance of not only ensure that your operations are safe but also give customers a human experience - contactless but human. This episode will help you to understand how to approach digitalisation of your revenue streams and what the big trends are digital and much mor...
Jun 03, 2020•50 min
In this episode, the guest is Neena Jivraj Stevenson Chief Cultural Officer of Point A Hotels, which is more than just a hotel with rooms - it’s a place where everyone receives heartfelt hospitality, no matter their budget. They now have hotels in London, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Neena and Michael talked about life in hospitality and being part of a family business, how Point A Hotels are navigating the pandemic by putting people first, and their approach to leadership and culture. Neena sha...
May 28, 2020•37 min•Ep. 56
In this episode, we put together a strong panel with industry experts Peter Backman and Mark McGlinn to discuss the impact of the pandemic on the industry, what operators are doing to survive and thrive now and in the future, the fast evolution of delivery and digitalisation as well as some great advice for operators on how to bounce back. Key takeaways from this episode are: The current impact on the restaurant industry Delivery is changing and third party delivery platforms are losing momentum...
May 27, 2020•59 min
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 b...
May 22, 2020•44 min
In this episode, our guest is Katy Moses Founder & Managing Director at KAM Media, an exciting boutique creative insight agency working with companies to understand your market and your customers. Katy and Michael talked about the pandemic it impacts on hospitality and retail, how the new normal looks, the post coronavirus consumer, delivery, that employees and consumer well never forget - the power of doing the right thing and the need for working together. Katy also gives some solid a...
May 21, 2020•44 min•Ep. 55
"Coming Back Stronger" is a special edition podcast series focusing on the way food and drinks businesses are bouncing back as the world slowly starts to re-open from COVID-19. We will especially share great stories on how progressive leaders are bouncing back from the pandemic by utilising the power of technology and delivery. By tuning into these conversations in the coming period you will be able to pick up great stories, insights and facts as well as best practices from industry expert...
May 20, 2020•30 min
This episode our guest is Gina Gardiner which is a force of nature, and you will soon find out why. She is a No1 International Bestselling Author, Motivational Speaker, Empowerment and Relationship Coach and Transformational Leadership Trainer with well over 30 years of experience helping people experience happiness, success and fulfilment. She’s the founder of the Thrive Together Tribe membership and personal and spiritual development programme and The Enlightened Leadership Programme. Gin...
May 14, 2020•42 min•Ep. 54
In this episode, Michael have Robert Hall as a guest, he has decades of experience as a restaurant operator in Washington DC. In 2014 was nominated as Manager of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. Robert has worked a number of renowned chefs and restaurateurs such as Todd English, Jonathan Waxman, Jose Andres and many more. We talked about the current pandemic and impact on restaurants now and long term as well as how to re-boot your business and get back into act...
May 07, 2020•36 min•Ep. 53
We are a group of likeminded people who decided to put this special episode together due to our love for the industry and in the hope that our thinking and ideas could help independent and smaller restaurant groups to bounce back and not only survive but thrive in the current COVID-19 storm as well as create a new future. The Danish Trade Council UK took the lead to bring us all together. We are order technology Take-Out Group, pos-systems QuickOrder, consultancies FoodOnTheMove and Hospit...
May 05, 2020•1 hr 2 min
In this episode, Michael talks with CEO and Founder of On-Purpose Tom Rippin. He runs an award-winning organisation that believes in putting purpose before profit and are helping people find work that matters and they will care about. They do that by helping them building new mindsets and skills around leadership with a clear focus on doing good for people and the planet. They talked about the turmoil the world is and what it means to organisations, a need for new business and economic par...
Apr 30, 2020•43 min•Ep. 52
In this episode, we have a very special guest Ken Burgin. Ken has a wealth of experience in the industry from operating his own businesses and been an adviser and consultant for smaller independent restaurants. He is now part of Silver Chef as Strategic Partner and Event Manager. He also runs a number of workshops online to better inform operators on how to navigate the ever-changing markets. We talked about the current storm in the industry - how to survive and thrive in it. How to manage...
Apr 23, 2020•36 min•Ep. 51
In this episode, Michael talks with Zoey Henderson Founder of CleanSlate which is a consultancy working for a sustainable future within food and drinks. She as a wealth of restaurant and hospitality experience creating and running her own businesses as well as recently being the head of operations for Redemption Bar. We talked about the current storm in the industry - how to survive and thrive in it. Attitude to employees, Mindfulness and mental health, The way we will have to ...
Apr 16, 2020•47 min•Ep. 50
In this episode, Michael talks with HR Executive Marco Reick on the Podcast. He has a wealth of leadership experience from brands like The Restaurant Group, Bill’s, Leon and Black Sheep Coffee. He now running his own consultancy MR Consult UK as an advisor and consultant helping companies to boost performance through their people. We talked about the current storm in the industry - how to survive and thrive in it, how to developing your company values and use them to navigate through the current...
Apr 09, 2020•31 min•Ep. 49
Today guest Brian Moore is a very special friend and business connection of Michael. Brian is a g lobal retail expert, analyst, trainer and writer with decades of experience. Brian is the CEO of EMR- NamNews Ltd- a daily and monthly news c overing 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 s...
Apr 07, 2020•43 min
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 or...
Apr 06, 2020•1 hr 1 min
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 cri...
Apr 03, 2020•48 min
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...
Apr 02, 2020•36 min
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 patr...
Apr 01, 2020•53 min
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 n...
Mar 31, 2020•34 min
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...
Mar 30, 2020•34 min
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...
Mar 27, 2020•30 min
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://ww...
Mar 26, 2020•34 min
Carlene Jackson, CEO Cloud9 Insight, an award-winning business change consultancy, helping SMEs grow profitability through the use of Microsoft cloud technologies. In this episode Michael sat down with Carlene to discuss the current storm in the world and how to survive this, how to develop a company's purpose, how to build culture, people practices and how making food together in a workplace can boost engagement and productivity. Podcast edited by Let's Talk Video Production: https:...
Mar 25, 2020•40 min•Ep. 48
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...
Mar 25, 2020•58 min
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 o...
Mar 24, 2020•27 min
