Hospitality Mavericks Podcast

Jennifer Ryan turns the tables and interviews the host, Michael, about his fascinating journey in the hospitality industry. Michael shares his experiences growing up in a family-run food business in Denmark, holding leadership roles at McDonald's, and launching his own ventures. Key lessons include the importance of continuous improvement, humility, and people-focused leadership. The conversation extends to daily routines, self-reflection, and balancing work with personal life through team sports. Michael also touches on his personal mottos, favorite inspirational reads like 'The Obstacle is the Way' by Ryan Holiday, and the struggle to relax amidst relentless self-improvement. Themes from over 300 podcast episodes emerge, emphasizing the power of incremental progress and the human touch in effective leadership. The episode concludes with a thoughtful discussion on overcoming doubt, growth, and the value of venturing beyond one's comfort zone.Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-ryan-0b444417/https://ww

In this episode, Michael interviews Mark, a civil engineer and former managing director in the environmental consultancy sector who introduces Wizso, an innovative solution aimed at transforming the way water is used in toilet facilities. Mark narrates his unexpected journey from McDonald's water-saving initiatives to developing Wizso—an environmentally friendly, fizzy tablet designed to reduce toilet flushes and conserve water efficiently. The discussion covers Mark's inspiration, the development process, and the positive reception received through various trials. They delve into the environmental and financial benefits of Wizso, its potential impact on global water conservation, and strategies for effective implementation in households and commercial establishments. Mark also shares insights on behavioral change, the importance of collaboration, and his vision for making Wizso a household name synonymous with sustainable living.Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-gilligan-5662098/https://www.wizso.com/A

This episode delves into the intricate process of creating standout hospitality concepts in a competitive market, emphasizing the importance of human connection in the digital age. The guest, Holly Hallam, Managing Director of Design LSM, shares her unique journey from TV and marketing to redefining the hospitality design experience. Through strategic focus on brand and guest experience, Design LSM collaborates closely with clients like Gaucho and the RFU to innovate and create spaces that foster community and memorable moments. Holly also discusses the significance of leadership balance, empowering teams, and the role of optimism in navigating challenges. Additionally, the discussion touches on the transition of business ownership and the vital role the hospitality industry plays in society, advocating for greater recognition of its value and diverse career opportunities.Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyhallam/https://www.designlsm.com/A big thank you to our sponsor Bizimply who is helping progressive

In this episode, Josh shares his journey from fashion to founding Wingshack and later Big Appetite, focusing on how AI has been instrumental in driving business innovation, optimizing operations, and improving customer relationships. Additionally, Josh advocates for the positive impact of AI on life, promoting travel, new experiences, and the embrace of technology for a better living. He also introduces a newsletter from BigAppetiteCo.ai aimed at offering AI insights to business owners. The narrative overall highlights the significant potential of adopting AI to thrive in business and enrich personal experiences.Links:https://bigappetiteco.ai/https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-jarvis-2b82b6179https://www.wingshackco.com/https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/coming-back-stronger-episode-6-with-joshua-jarvis-founder-and-co-owner-of-wing-shack-co-be-on-trendcom/A big thank you to our sponsor Bizimply who is helping progressive leaders and operators make every shift run like clockwork. Head to our website at www.b

In this episode, you will hear from Feri Naseh, the founder and CEO of MeTime Healing, an innovative platform addressing mental health concerns. MeTime Healing aims to make emotional and behavioral guidance accessible and affordable. Our discussion covers the platform’s genesis, its mission to provide healing without borders, and how it connects users with licensed clinicians for online therapy. Feri shares her personal journey and the challenges in finding the right mental health support, leading her to create a solution that’s now helping others globally. The episode also touches on the vital role of mental health in the workplace and how businesses, including those in hospitality, can partner with MeTime Healing to support their teams. Connect with Feri:https://www.linkedin.com/in/feri-naseh-mba/https://www.linkedin.com/company/metime-healing/Book Mentioned:https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/rumi-s-little-book-of-life-the-garden-of-the-soul-the-heart-and-the-spirit-kahlil-gibran/6772774?ean=9789389647037This

In this episode, Michael is joined by guests Chef Ajay Walia and his wife Reena Miglani to learn about their entrepreneurial journey from Silicon Valley to opening Saffron Indian Bistro, serving northern and southern Indian cuisine. The conversation highlights the importance of creating a heart-centered and profitable business, the power of human connection and experiences in hospitality, and the unique challenges and gratifications of transitioning from tech to the hospitality industry. The couple discusses how leveraging technology and their passion for food has helped build a successful business, cultivate raving fans, and maintain high standards over two decades. Links:https://www.thesaffronrestaurant.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/reenamiglani/details/experience/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajay-walia-113563/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 sponsor Bizimply who

Christian Grossmann, Co-Founder & CEO at BeeKeeper, joins Michael in this week's episode. Christian shares insights on the journey of creating Beekeeper, a platform designed to transform communication and engagement with frontline hospitality teams. The discussion covers the challenges faced by frontline workers, including the lack of digital tools tailored to their needs, and how Beekeeper addresses these gaps by providing a simple, effective technological solution. The episode explores various aspects, such as the importance of understanding and valuing frontline employee feedback, the role of artificial intelligence in improving the employee experience, and the impact of technology on operational efficiency and employee job satisfaction. 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 sponsor Bizimply who is helping progressive leaders and operators make every shift run lik

Today we're joined by Matthew Cameron, a consultant dedicated to improving employee retention, performance, and well-being in hospitality businesses. They explore Matthew's transformative journey from a challenging hospitality career, marked by a personal crisis, to his current mission of enhancing the work environment for others. Matthew shares the concept of job crafting, his personal daily routines for maintaining well-being, and effective strategies for leaders aiming to create a supportive and fulfilling workplace. Connect with Matthew Cameron: Website: https://thatmattcameron.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thatmattcameron/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 sponsor Bizimply who is helping progressive leaders and operators make every shift run like clockwork. Head to our website at www.bizimply.com or email them directly at podcast@bizimply.com.This po

Dan Simons, the co-founder and CEO of Farmers Restaurant Group, known for its unique business model and dedication to sustainability, joins Michael again on the podcast. Nearly two years since their last discussion, they delve into how the business has evolved.Instead, the conversation highlights Dan's commitment to improving mental health in the workplace, its direct impact on business operations, and the innovative practices that set the group apart. Dan shares insights into the company’s structure, its focus on quality and sustainability, and how addressing mental health and fostering a supportive culture has been crucial for their success. The discussion also covers practical strategies for business leaders to prioritize mental health, including normalizing conversations around it, proactive interventions, and leveraging technology. Connect with Dan:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dansimonssays/https://www.dansimonssays.com/https://www.farmersrestaurantgroup.com/Books:One minute manager:https://www.amazon.co.

Tai Ricci, partner at Hi Neighbor Hospitality Group, joins us for this episode. Tai explores a range of topics critical for success in the hospitality business, focusing on innovation, culture, leadership, and the impact on communities. She shares her journey from her creative background into the world of hospitality, highlighting how personal experiences and a desire to create a heart-centered business led her to co-found Hi Neighbor Hospitality Group. She discusses the mission behind the group, their approach to crafting a supportive culture, and the lessons learned through challenges and successes. Connect with Tai Ricci:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tai-ricci-730a1210b/https://www.hineighborsf.com/https://hi-neighbor.thethirdplace.is/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 sponsor Bizimply who is helping progressive leaders and operators make every shift run like clockwo

In this episode, Dr. Vincent Walsh, a UK-based circular regenerative food and agriculture expert, shares his journey, insights, and aspirations in making a positive, everlasting impact on the food system through consulting with major UK food and beverage companies. Dr. Vincent discusses the significance of understanding nature's evolution, circular and regenerative practices, and the potential transformative impact on food systems and the climate. This conversation will encourage hospitality leaders to engage deeply with supply chains, fostering innovative, sustainable farming practices. Dr. Vincent also highlights the urgent need for collaborative efforts among industry players to rebuild food systems for a sustainable future and offers actionable insights for businesses to incorporate circular and regenerative principles.Connect with Dr. Vincent:Website: www.drvincentwalsh.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentwalsh001/www.mycoloops.comwww.herblabism.comwww.regenfarmco.comA big thank you to our s

Dan Newman, the Managing Director of Hospitality Rewards, the UK's first employee benefits platform for the hospitality trade joins us in this episode. Dan and Michael discuss the mission of Hospitality Rewards to improve financial, mental, and physical health benefits for employees in the hospitality sector, moving beyond traditional compensation platforms. The platform offers unique benefits like a cash-back card and industry-specific discounts, focusing on enhancing the employee experience and retention in hospitality. They talk about the importance of supporting the workforce better to create a ripple effect that attracts more people and customers to the hospitality industry. The conversation also touches on the challenges the industry faces, such as staffing and inflation, and the role of benefits in addressing these issues. Connect with Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-n-1b82b3130/Check out Hospitality Rewards: https://hospitalityrewards.co.uk/Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospit

Larry Korman is back on the podcast for this week’s episode to talk all about the value of maintaining consistency in business operations, regardless of external circumstances. He provides insights into the importance of humanizing the hospitality experience, especially in unprecedented times, like during the pandemic. Larry also reiterates his commitment to upholding transparency and honesty in all his business dealings. The episode ends with a reflection on the importance of allowing the company culture to evolve, bringing onboard competent leaders who can improve business operations and sharing his personal contact information for further interactions.Links:https://www.stayaka.com/https://www.instagram.com/stayaka/Books:Good to Great by Jim Collinshttps://uk.bookshop.org/a/8596/9780712676090Alchemy: The Magic of Original Thinking in a World of Mind-Numbing Conformity by Rory Sutherlandhttps://uk.bookshop.org/a/8596/9780753556528Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via yo

Natalie Campbell and Charlotte Harrington, Co-CEOs of BELU, join Michael today on the podcast. BELU is a Social Enterprise focusing on transforming the hospitality industry's approach to water, using an innovative business model to deliver top-notch water service to venues while contributing significantly to social and environmental causes. The episode discusses the unique approach to distributing leadership, the journeys of Natalie and Charlotte as Co-CEOs, and the importance of purpose-driven and sustainable businesses in the modern hospitality industry. Links:https://belu.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/natdcampbell/https://www.linkedin.com/in/csharrington1/A big thank you to our sponsor Bizimply who is helping progressive leaders and operators make every shift run like clockwork. Head to our website at www.bizimply.com or email them directly at podcast@bizimply.com.Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More episodes for you to c

Welcome to episode 3 of the Special Edition podcast series “EXPANSION THROUGH CULTURE - The Scandi Way”.We are joined by owner/operator Morten P. Ortwed, founding partner at DiningSix, a Danish restaurant company redefining the dining experience.Morten and Michael dive into: The journey of DiningSix and how they came to expand into multiple countries.Why DiningSix's vision and mission are so powerful in building their culture.Why culture is a hardcore business skill.Explore the challenge of balancing the needs of employees with the challenges of running a successful hospitality business. You are welcome to connect with Morten here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mortenpdk/https://www.diningsix.co.uk/This episode was presented by Ziik - The Social Intranet. Learn more about Ziik here:https://www.ziik.io/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyChartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

In this episode, Michael has a conversation with Rob Liddiard about applying the principles of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in businesses to increase profitability and create heart-centered operations. EOS, is a holistic system that organisations can employ to realize visions, increase accountability and strengthen team health. Rob shares his experiences transforming struggling businesses into thriving ones using EOS principles and discusses the importance of strong leadership during a business's recovery and growth phases. An emphasis is placed on the importance of meaningful measurement processes, the difference between visionary and integrator roles, and how EOS helps leaders ensure business alignment and operational efficiency.Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertliddiard/https://www.eosworldwide.com/rob-liddiardA big thank you to our sponsor Bizimply who is helping progressive leaders and operators make every shift run like clockwork. Head to our website at www.bizimply.com or email them

The conversation revolves around Jennifer's journey from an English major to the dynamic world of entrepreneurship. She discusses her passion for solving problems in the hospitality industry with the establishment of Croux. Croux is a platform that bridges the gap between businesses in need of temporary staff and individuals craving for job flexibility. It offers a unique solution to the industry's personnel challenges intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Jennifer emphasizes the value of staying focused, narrow-scoping, and cultivating a habit of continuous learning. She also explores the critical role of having checkpoints that define success or failure in a business endeavor.A big thank you to our sponsor Bizimply who is helping progressive leaders and operators make every shift run like clockwork. Head to our website at www.bizimply.com or email them directly at podcast@bizimply.com.Connect with the podcastJoin the Hospitality Mavericks newsletterTune in via your favourite podcast platform - here More epi

Ed Barry, the owner of Edify, a business analytics tool for hospitality businesses, discusses his experiences as a former operator. He shares the insights gained from running his coffee shop chain, Over Under Coffee, and how they led him to envision a technology solution to address various operational challenges in hospitality. Ed also highlights the importance of precise data, efficient management of resources, and a cohesive team for the success of any business. Furthermore, he explains how Edify helps streamline operations and maximize profitability of coffee shops, cafes, and bakeries by providing a unified ordering platform, improving inventory management, and offering immediate business insights. He emphasises his ambition to increase profitability across the hospitality sector and to support operators in their business optimization.Connect with Ed:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-barry-3553b153/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-barry-3553b153/A big thank you to our sponsor Bizimply who is helping progressiv

Welcome to episode 2 of the Special Edition of “EXPANSION THROUGH CULTURE - The Scandi Way”.Michael talks with Simon Wanler, Co-Founder and CEO of Bastard Burger: They Delve into the story of Simon and the renowned burger chain, exploring the vision, mission, and success driving Bastard Burger's rise.Uncover how Bastard Burger's mastery of culture and people in hospitality translates into a hardcore business strategy with a clearly defined people strategy and innovative workplace practices.Learn how Bastard Burger's Scandi heritage influences their approach to people and culture.How they manage the delicate balance of meeting the evolving expectations of hospitality workers while addressing the broader goals and challenges of running a successful business.You are welcome to connect with Simon Wanler here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-wanler-89b8276a/This episode was presented by Ziik - The Social Intranet. Learn more about Ziik here:https://www.ziik.io/This podcast uses the following third-party

Welcome to the  Special Edition of “EXPANSION THROUGH CULTURE - The Scandi Way”.In this kickoff episode, your hosts Christopher Cato Lavebrand and Michael Tingsager spill the beans on why Ziik and Hospitality Mavericks joined forces for this exclusive podcast series.They discuss how hospitality is facing its toughest challenges ever! Why today's employees want more from their jobs, and businesses need to level up when it comes to compensation, training, culture, values, and social impact.Why some operators are not just surviving – they're thriving - because they master the art of building a great culture and are achieving a great competitive edge by doing so.They share the names of the Maverick leaders who will be the guests during this series. Tune in as we chat with these industry trailblazers about practical culture-building, mastering differences while expanding globally, and leveraging tech to do the heavy lifting when it comes to scaling culture. Learn more about Ziik here:https://ww