Nxt Gen Hotels - podcast cover

Nxt Gen Hotels

Nxt Gen Hotels with Mark Abraham - brought to you by Shackleexploreshackle.com
Nxt Gen Hotels podcast takes you inside the world of hospitality. We interview hotel managers, industry leaders, lecturers and anyone at the forefront of innovation within hospitality. We share insightful, actionable, pieces of advice as well as the latest trends around the world. Your host Mark Abraham founded the hospitality technology business Shackle. His passion for all things hospitality and technology is clearly evident throughout the episodes. We hope you enjoy.
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Episodes

Creating a cultural icon! With Hanan Eissa - VP of Marketing & PR at Atlantis Dubai

Our final episode of the season has some unmissable insights as we sit down with Hanan Eissa - Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations at Atlantis Dubai. Hanan and her team are behind the creation of one of the world’s most iconic brands: Atlantis Resorts. Learn about her fascinating road to hospitality, the importance of building a brand over time and bringing extraordinary experiences to guests. A fantastic listen and a pleasure to speak to such an inspiring leader. If you enjoyed t...

Jul 03, 202438 min

Don't wait to be discovered - Pavlina Tarabova, GM Meliá Desert Palm

In this week's podcast episode, we sit down with Pavlina Tarabova. Today's conversation features highlights on her career, luxury hospitality in Dubai and it's challenges as well as balancing a career with family life. Loads to unpack! If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to subscribe.

Jun 26, 202432 min

Guests remember service - David Wilson, GM Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah

Sitting down with David Wilson for this week's Nxt Gen Hotels podcast episode, we delve into to the world of luxury hospitality. Today's conversation touches upon leadership, Dubai, the meaning of hospitality, the difference between function and purpose and many more insightful bits. If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to subscribe!

Jun 19, 202439 min

The walking talking hospitality encylopedia - Andy Cuthbert, GM Jumeirah Creekside

The title says it all! In this week's episode we sit down with Andy Cuthbert, GM at Jumeirah Creekside. A visionary who's been there and seen it all in Dubai, having spent 30+ years here. What you can expect from this episode are anecdotes, stories, a re-telling of the history of hospitality in Dubai and insights into a truly illustrious journey. If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to subscribe!

Jun 12, 202450 min

The comfort zone is a killer - with Husam Malki, GM Anantara Downtown Dubai

Packed with loads of wisdom, this week's Nxt Gen Hotels podcast episode with Husam Malki is intriguing to say the least. Topics of conversation ranging from his career, growth, leadership style, advice for aspiring hoteliers, challenges facing the industry - this one's a real learning for all industry professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to subscribe!

Jun 05, 202425 min

Health & Hospitality with Desmond Cawley, Hotel Manager - SIRO, One Za'abeel

In this week's episode, we sit down to chat about all things health and hospitality with Desmond Cawley, Hotel Manager at SIRO One Za'abeel. A one-of-its-kind concept hotel focusing on both physical and mental wellness, there's loads of secrets to know about the newly opened property in Dubai. Fitness enthusiasts, business travelers, industry specialists - this one's unique it's own way with loads of take backs. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe!

May 29, 202428 min

Hospitality comes from the heart - with Tom Roelens, MD - Atlantis the Royal

In this week's episode, we sit down with the renowned Tom Roelens, who's at the forefront of one of the most well-loved hotels in the world - Atlantis the Royal. This episode, filmed in the most expensive suite in the world delves into his career, the meaning of hospitality, property fun facts, the future for the hotel, industry challenges and much more. A glamorous episode, to say the least! If you enjoyed it, don't forget to subscribe.

May 15, 202442 min

An industry that's always playing catch up - with Patrick Antaki, COO HMH Hotels

When we first started this podcast, we knew we'd learn a lot and get incredible insights into hospitality as an industry and the different markets - but we never thought we'd learn this much from one single episode. This week, we sit down with Patrick Antaki, COO at HMH Hotels to deep dive into a range of interesting topics including tourism, Dubai, Saudi Arabia's emerging market, lessons the industry needs to learn and more. We've taken so much from this episode and we're sure you will too. If ...

May 08, 202442 min

In hospitality for money? Big mistake - with Spencer Wadama, GM - SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences

In this week's episode of the Nxt Gen Hotels podcast, we sit down on the 73rd floor with fabulous views of Dubai to chat with the General Manager at SLS Dubai Hotel and Residences. Having worked in the luxury segment of hotels, this conversation explores everything from sustainability vs luxury, market differences across the globe, advice for the industry, tech improvements and more. If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to subscribe!

May 01, 202426 min

Revolutionising Dubai's dining scene with Tom Arnel, CEO - EATX

For all of you watching from Dubai, you're definitely familiar with Common Grounds, Tom & Serg, The Guild and more. For those from elsewhere, these are amongst the most well known and well loved restaurants in Dubai. In this week's episode, we sit down with Tom Arnel, Founder at EATX to learn all about how he revolutionised Dubai's dining scene, his story, the market and much more. This one's for all you food and dining experience lovers. Bon appetit!

Apr 24, 202431 min

How to be a memory maker, with James Berry - Radisson Blu Media City

In this week's episode of the Nxt Gen Hotels podcast, we sit down with the lively GM at Radisson Blu, Media City Dubai - James Berry. With a ton of experience under his belt, having worked across geographies plethora of tips and advice we can all learn a great deal from. Delve into his career journey, leadership style, tech and lots more!

Apr 17, 202431 min

What exactly is "Prideology?" with luxury hospitality leader - Bill Walshe

Introducing our Hospitality Hall of Fame series with the legendary *drumroll please*, Bill Walshe 🙇‍♂️ . Deep dive into what hospitality means to him, his journey, his renowned concept of "Prideology" and lots more. This episode is the longest one we've recorded so far and for good reason: it's inspirational, informative and incomparable.

Apr 10, 20241 hr 6 min

How to stand out & get a job in Dubai's hospitality industry with Jeff Strachan

All aspiring hoteliers or ambitious ones - this one's for you! In the this episode, you will gain invaluable insight on to the Dubai job market, and understand what helps candidates stand out to secure jobs. Jeff, AVP Business Operations at Dubai College of Tourism delves into the topics about the industry, career development and how to gain a competitive edge.

Apr 03, 202423 min

Sustainability is about creating guilt-free luxury - Mark Hehir, GM at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

In this week's episode (and one of our favourite episodes this season), we chat with the magnanimous Mark Hehir - General Manager, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. With a plethora of fascinating experiences under his belt, he shares his journey from being a chef in the kitchen to managing one of the most beautiful properties in Dubai. It would be an understatement to call this chat interesting! We've watched it many times over, and have a feeling you'll thoroughly enjoy it too.

Mar 06, 202435 min

"If you don't innovate, you die" - Manish Jha, NH Collection Dubai The Palm

In this week's episode, we sit down with Manish Jha, General Manager - NH Collection Dubai The Palm. Amongst the various discussion topics, Manish speaks to us about his journey in hospitality, managing crisis like the 2004 tsunami a GM in the Maldives, how fitness integrates into his work ethic and of course sustainability. There's this and loads more to unpack in this episode. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Mar 01, 202424 min

Leading with Happiness - Mark Lee, GM Media One Hotel

Tune in to the latest episode of the Nxt Gen Hotels podcast. In today's episode, Mark Lee - General Manager at the iconic Media One Hotel in Dubai sits down with Mark to discuss his journey. Topics of conversation here range from sustainability in hospitality to banter between two football team rival supporters. This one's a must watch!

Feb 21, 202430 min

Inclusivity in Hospitality, with Sophie Blondel

Touching on a topic that's never been discussed on the Nxt Gen Hotels podcast previously, Mark and Sophie sit down to have a conversation about inclusivity in hospitality. As the GM of the first and only property in Dubai to be certified as an autism friendly hotel, delve into the depths of Sophie's journey, her and her teams passion and how they address a very real challenge.

Feb 15, 202421 min

"I like to break rules". Judit Toth, CEO & Founder - INK Hotels

Join us as we speak to Judit Toth, CEO & Founder at INK Hotels. In this podcast episode, she shares her incredible story of how she likes to break the rules and has paved her own path in hospitality. From building a homegrown brand INK hotels, setting it up in a new location - get ready for insights, laughter, and an inspiring story to say the least.

Feb 07, 202425 min

Painting the town RED with Stuart Birkwood

Launching into the New Year with a bang! 🚀 Tune in to our latest episode featuring the incredible Stuart Birkwood, Curator (or as we know it, GM) at Radisson RED, Dubai. Join us for an insightful chat about his career journey, the unique Radisson RED brand, and a sneak peek into what's on the horizon. Stick around for some rapid-fire fun to wrap things up!

Jan 04, 202435 min

“Happy Staff. Happy Guests” - Mohamed Awadalla, CEO - TIME Hotels.

Embark on a captivating journey with Mohamed Awadalla, CEO of Time Hotels. From humble beginnings to leading a global brand, explore the pivotal moments that define his remarkable career. In this episode, Mohamed unveils the intricacies of his journey, offering an insider's perspective into his rise in the hospitality industry. Gain exclusive insights into Time Hotels' exciting future as he shares strategies and innovations that redefine the landscape of modern hospitality. The episode also serv...

Dec 14, 202321 minSeason 4Ep. 3

“Mummy WANTS to go to work”. Jaime Simpson, General Manager - Jumeirah Mina A’Salam

Get ready to be inspired (once again)! Join us in celebrating the extraordinary Jaime Simpson, General Manager of Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, in our latest podcast episode. Today, we re-welcome her as she shares her incredible journey of seamlessly balancing motherhood with a flourishing career in hospitality. Discover the secrets to her success, staying relevant as a leading woman in the industry, and the exciting milestones as Jumeirah Mina A’Salam commemorates its 20th anniversary. Tune in to this...

Dec 06, 202338 minSeason 4Ep. 2

"Hotel ops: There's an awakening that needs to happen." - Rob Paterson, Global Hospitality Advisor

In this episode, Rob Paterson shares 30 years of industry wisdom, discussing the internet's impact, COVID challenges, and the evolving hotel landscape. Dive into the rebalance of ops vs. commercial focus, the tech revolution, and the awakening needed in the industry. 💡 Don't miss his take on why hotels shouldn't compete with OTAs but should instead run their own race. Join us for a game-changing conversation on the mindset shift, industry fragmentation, and the urgent need for change in hospita...

Nov 30, 202348 minSeason 4Ep. 1

Purpose is not a destination, it’s a journey with Augusto Valverde, Creator & Host - Global Child

We say this every time, but this episode really isn’t one to miss. A slightly different format than usual, where we step away from the hospitality industry and dive into the world of travel and experience; the craft of curiosity; discovering our purpose and what it takes to build a brand from the ground up. With a whole ton of insights in between. Our guest, Augusto Valverde, Creator & Host of Global Child has gone from filming with a selfie stick to building one of the top travel shows arou...

Feb 09, 20231 hr 1 min

The role technology plays in creating a seamless experience with Thomas Greggory - Directeur Général, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi

Thomas Greggory, Directeur Général at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas joins Mark to discuss the role technology plays in creating a seamless experience within hospitality. Thomas shares a wealth of knowledge, outlining the importance of investing in your team and how this translates into the hospitality guests will receive. Thomas’ hospitality journey started by accident back in 1999, where he has since gone on to work in a multitude of incredible locations across the globe; Monaco, Tuni...

Feb 03, 202327 min

Hospitality, your passport to the world! With Pascal Eggerstedt - Director and General Manager, Paramount Hotel Dubai

This week on Your Next Generation Hotel podcast we sat down with Pascal, Director and General Manager of the amazing Paramount hotel Dubai, a flagship property and extension of the iconic Paramount Studios. Pascal shares insight into the properties’ link to the cinematic era and how this is reflected throughout. Falling in love with the industry at just 12 years old, Pascal shares a wealth of knowledge to young and aspiring hoteliers, shining a light on the wonderful opportunities a career in ho...

Jan 25, 202328 min

Focusing on the end destination, not the next step with Mads Wolff - General Manager, 25Hours Hotel Dubai One Central

Another episode for all young hospitality professionals! Your Next Generation Hotel Podcast is delighted to welcome Mads Wolff into the hot seat for this week's episode. Mads, who served as Hotel Manager since 2019, now sits at the helm as General Manager for 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central. Mads joins Mark to discuss his journey from trainee chef in a Michelin Star restaurant in Denmark; to now overseeing Ennismore’s flagship property in Dubai! A shorter episode but packed full of great insight...

Jan 13, 202314 min

Creating unforgettable guest experiences and the importance of ‘the personal touch’ with Recep Pamukcu, General Manager, Ajman Hotel

Calling all young hospitality professionals! This week’s guest Recep Pamukcu shares his philosophy and expertise on the key behind creating an amazing guest experience and getting the best out of your team. Recep, General Manager of the breathtaking Ajman Hotel has a wealth of experience across all areas of the hospitality industry, and also happens to share some Irish roots having previously worked at The Croke Park Hotel, spending 10 years in Ireland before settling in Dubai.

Jan 05, 202322 min
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