Hospitality Mavericks Podcast

Jensen Cummings, 5th generation chef, 22+ years in the restaurant industry and recorded over 400 podcast episodes at the Best Served Podcast.This week's conversation with Jensen takes a look at the restaurant industry and Jensen's viewpoints on how the industry is surviving, improvements he suggests, and actionable steps that can be done to improve the restaurant business model. He also shares how his experience has helped him see different vantage points in the industry to produce better chefs and employees.Connect with Jensenhttps://www.bestservedpodcast.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jensen-cummings-09b9894b/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Paul Newnham is the Network Lead SDG2 Advocacy Hub, Chefs' Manifesto, and BeansisHow.This week's conversation covers the current state of the food industry systems, and how we in food service can play a vital role in making it better for people and the planet. Paul shares how he is taking action with food operators and chefs to tackle challenges in the food industry.Connect with Paul:https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulnewnham/https://www.instagram.com/paulnewnham/https://twitter.com/paulnewnhamhttps://beansishow.org/https://sdg2advocacyhub.org/chefs-manifestohttps://www.devex.com/news/opinion-why-beans-are-key-to-accelerating-a-change-to-our-food-system-105709https://www.menusofchange.org/https://www.bamco.com/blog/beans-is-how/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Jonatan Rasmussen, Co-Founder of All Gravy, shares his passion for better employee engagement and how financial wellness plays a large role in retention and performance.This conversation covers the importance of building employee experience through financial wellness, challenges businesses face and how mindset can affect performance, the benefit of tech within a business, and being self-aware as an operator.Connect with Jonatan:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonatanmarc/https://www.allgravy.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Third time guest, Ari Weinzweig, co-founder of Zingerman's Community of Businesses, sits down to discuss the importance of knowing and understanding beliefs in the workplace.Do you know what you believe and do you know what you don't believe? This week's conversation encourages self-reflection of your beliefs and how everyone fundamentally comes from a set of beliefs. Ari shares how knowing a company's set of beliefs aids in employee positivity and productivity. Connect with Ari:Ari Weinzweig: https://www.zingtrain.com/trainer/ari-weinzweig/Zingerman's: https://www.zingermanscommunity.com/Ari's Article on Succession planing: https://www.zingermanscommunity.com/2023/02/sharing-the-next-big-step-in-zingermans-history-perpetual-purpose-trust/Previous interview on the show with Ari:https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/163-ari-weinzweig-ceo-of-zingermans-community-of-businesses-on-visioning-and-the-myth-of-the-one-thing/https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/114-ari-weinzweig-co-founder-of-zingermans-on-self-leaders

This episode we connect with Julian Fris, Founder and Principal Consultant at Neller Davies. Through his experience in the food industry, Julian has made it his mission to prioritize what people want in the most cost effective way.This conversation dives into the state of food in hospitals today, and Julian shares the strategies and tactics they have implemented to improve the quality of food in the NHS.Connect with Julianhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/julianfris/https://nellerdavies.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Mike Hohnen found his start in the hospitality industry at a young age and through many trials and errors of being in business, he gained experience with about everything. After reflecting on his business ventures, he found that what he was most passionate about was the growth of leadership and how you get to become a good leader.Mike's emphasis on catering to the "little people" and caring about the relationships of others has truly proven successful in the workplace. He shares the questions he asks leaders and items you can implement to become a successful growing leader in any job field ultimately.Connect with Mike:https://mikehohnen.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikehohnen/https://vimeo.com/837628901/c2d7c77690?share=copyhttps://hbr.org/2008/07/putting-the-service-profit-chain-to-workThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

This week we talk with Chris Hughes, expert on marketing and branding. Chris has worked with some of the most significant companies and mastered marketing by learning and teaching others what he is most passionate about - how to scale the story and culture.In this discussion, Chris breaks down his formula for the best company vision and mission, owning your brand's purpose and bringing these alive through a book of culture. Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishughes102/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Oliver Winter, Founder and CEO at a&o Hostels, went from travelling the world with his friends in cheap hostels to founding and running his own affordable yet safe, hostel chain.In this episode, you will also hear how Oliver and his team have goals to go net zero by 2025, the plans they have implemented, and how their employees have participated in achieving and offering solutions to accomplish net zero emissions. Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-winter-berlin/A big thank you to our sponsor Bizimply who is helping progressive leaders and operators make every shift run like clockwork! Head to their website at www.bizimply.com or email them directly at advice@bizimply.com.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

An expert in the food and beverage industry, Julian Melletin, Director of New Nutrition Business, shares his views and gives advice to any businesses looking to scale.In this conversation, we discuss food data studies. We also cover food fads and trends and how these trends have changed the food industry throughout the years. Julian gives deep insight into New Nutrition's annual report 10 Key Trends in Food, Nutrition & Health and discuss how the power of the internet has greatly impacted consumer decisions on food and health. Julian examines the successes and failures of some of the more prominent food companies and what his advice would be to stay successful in this industry.Links:https://www.new-nutrition.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-mellentin-8312962/A big thank you to our sponsor Bizimply who is helping progressive leaders and operators make every shift run like clockwork! Head to their website at www.bizimply.com or email them directly at advice@bizimply.com.Connect with the podcastJoin

In today's episode, we talk with Kat Parsons, Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at ISS Facility Services UK and Ireland. Kat makes waves in her workplace by ensuring that each employee feels represented, heard and cared for. We cover initiatives and programs that she's implemented in ISS, advice she would give to organizations to execute within their own business, and the overall importance of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging in the workplace.Connect with Kat:www.iss.co.ukhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-parsons-743a0953/A big thank you to our sponsor Bizimply who is helping progressive leaders and operators make every shift run like clockwork! Head to their website at www.bizimply.com or email them directly at advice@bizimply.com.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

In today’s episode, we welcome guest Patrick McDermott, founder of DigiTally, a business that helps retail and hospitality businesses reduce waste and increase margins through digital stock-taking services. Patrick believes that the food waste problem in the developed parts of the world is a serious issue and that it is time for the industry to take responsibility.We delve into the importance of understanding margins, reducing food waste, and training employees for success. Patrick also uncovers engaging with non-monetary figures, digitalising food inventory, and why hard decisions lead to better long-term outcomes.Links:‘The Great Game of Business’ by Bo Burlingham and Jack Stack: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385348339 DigiTally: https://www.digitally.io/ Patrick’s LinkedIn: https://ie.linkedin.com/in/patrickmcdermottdt Connect with the podcast:Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter: https://rb.gy/5rqyeq  A big thank you to our sponsor Bizimply who are helping progressive leaders an

In this episode, we are joined by Ashley Godfrey, a hospitality industry expert. After working at Westgate Resorts for six years, she achieved her goal of becoming the director of the recreation department. She then went on to work at Walt Disney World as a management intern, where she quickly climbed the ladder to become a resort duty manager. Unfortunately, COVID-19 led to Ashley's furlough from her job, but ultimately led her to her dream job of teaching hospitality management courses at Escoffier School Of Culinary Arts. Tune in as Ashley shares insights on providing a great customer experience, handling negative online reviews, and the rising costs in the industry. She also emphasizes the importance of empathy in the workplace, providing plant-based menu options, and treating employees well. Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleygodfrey  Escoffier School Of Culinary Arts: https://www.escoffier.edu/Connect with the podcast:Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter: https://

As a plant-based food advocate, Chantelle Nicholson grew up in New Zealand surrounded by seasonal produce and her love for plants. She is a multi-award winning chef, owner of Apricity Restaurant (Michelin Green Star 2023) in Mayfair, former chef-owner of now-closed and much-loved Covent Garden restaurant Tredwells (the recipient of a green Michelin star in 2021) and All’s Well, a ‘pandemic pop-up’.This was a fascinating conversation where Chantelle talks candidly about food education, building inclusive experiences, operating a restaurant five days a week (not seven!), building time for recovery and recuperation – and what ‘Apricity’ means. Links:‘Planted’ by Chantelle Nicholson: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0857834487 Apricity: https://www.apricityrestaurant.com/Chantelle’s website: https://www.chantellenicholson.com/Chantelle’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chef_chantelle/ Chantelle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantelle-nicholson-7a01a944/ Connect with the podcast:Join th

HUNGRY is disrupting the $100 billion business food and events industry with a food-tech marketplace and logistics platform. It provides food and engagement solutions for businesses, powered by top local chefs and entrepreneurs. Today we’re joined by the CEO, Jeff Grass, to learn more about corporate catering in the 21s century. We delve into how to scale a culture, a system for feedback loops, providing food experiences, and storytelling through new technologies. Links:HUNGRY: https://tryhungry.com/ Jeff’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgrassConnect with the podcast:Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter: https://rb.gy/5rqyeq  A big thank you to our sponsor Bizimply who are helping progressive leaders and operators making every shift run like clockwork. Head to our website at www.bizimply.com or email them directly at advice@bizimply.com.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Dan Hudson is the CEO and Founder of GiGL, the anti-CV tech startup making recruitment less boring. Featured in the Startups100 list of top startups of 2023, they are re-shaping the recruitment market with their video-based recruitment platform by delivering a fast, efficient, friendly and fun process for everyone.  In this conversation, Dan unpacks more about his background and how he founded the business. We also explore why volatility is an opportunity, the need to change the way we hire Gen Z, how they have eradicated ‘ghosting’ in the application process, and some learning from operating as a tech-first business. Links:GiGL: https://www.getgigl.com/Dan Hudson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-hudson-2736932/GiGL LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getgigl/ Connect with the podcast:Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter: https://rb.gy/5rqyeq  A big thank you to our sponsor Bizimply who are helping progressive leaders and operators making every shift run li

If you want to improve your profits in your restaurant, Pilar is your go-to expert. She is the Founder of Pendulo, which supports independent restaurants, pubs and cafes to be more profitable with our software, consultancy and tailor-made solutions.In this interview, we explore why so many businesses operate on losses, Pilar’s experience of “starting from scratch” after losing all of her customers’ data, the power of building strong relationships, and the importance of supporting your local community. Links:‘One Minute Manager’ by Kenneth Blanchard and Spencer Johnson: https://www.amazon.com/dp/074350917X‘Who Moved My Cheese’ by Kenneth Blanchard and Spencer Johnson: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F7LS2ZW‘Great Game of Business’ by Bo Burlingham and Jack Stack: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385348339 Pendulo: https://penduloforce.com/ Pilar’s LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/pilargarcia-penduloforceConnect with the podcast:Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter: https://rb.gy/5rqyeq &nbs

Hotel owner and author of the book ‘A Bridge Not Too Far’, Deepak Ohri, joins the show for the second time. He is the CEO and Chief Happiness Officer at lebua Hotels & Resorts, Bangkok-based luxury hotels and restaurants company with locations in Thailand, India, and New Zealand.We reflect on how he came to run a hotel and discusses the importance of balancing material desires with principles. Deepak also talks about his new book and how he applies these principles in his everyday life, and the need to put people first. Links:‘A Bridge Not Too Far’ by Deepak Ori: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bridge-Not-Too-Far-Creativity/dp/1957807830‘The Great Game of Business’ by Jack Stack: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B012HTR7V6/ #87 Deepak Ohri, CEO Lebua Hotels and Resorts, on Emotional Touch Points: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/87-deepak-ohri-ceo-lebua-hotels-and-resorts-on-emotional-touch-points/Lebua Hotels & Resorts: https://lebua.com/  Connect with the podcast:Join the Hospitality Mav

Today I’m joined by a fellow Dane – Rie Kattrup Lorentzen. She is currently the UK Head of Food at Ole & Steen, and has previously worked for some amazing brands like Wagamama, Whitebread and Bills Restaurants. It’s fascinating to learn about her incredible journey as a chef and working in a male-dominated industry. The conversation sheds light on the challenges that women face in the culinary industry and the impact that they can still make despite the obstacles. Tune in as we unpack more about giving teams clear direction, advice for female leaders, learning from mentors, and the art of keeping dishes simple. Links:Rie Kattrup Lorentzen’s LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/rie-kattrup-lorentzen-72444b3 Ole & Steen: https://oleandsteen.co.uk/ Connect with the podcast:Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter: https://rb.gy/5rqyeq  A big thank you to our sponsor Bizimply who are helping progressive leaders and operators making every shift run like clockwork. Head t

Matt Tebbit is spearheading the University of Reading’s emphasis on human and planetary health by using the Menus of Change guiding principles and by supporting cross-institutional collaborations for both learning and research. He is currently the university’s Head of Bars and Dining.We delve into the university's approach to food and menus, particularly the Menus of Change, a ground-breaking initiative by The Culinary Institute of America and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The conversation also covers the challenges of implementing sustainable and ethical food practices in catering and how the university is working towards these goals.Links:Menus of Change: https://www.menusofchange.org/Giving Food More Thought: http://www.givingfoodmorethought.com/Matt’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-tebbit-06a18a3a/ Connect with the podcast:Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter: https://rb.gy/5rqyeq  A big thank you to our sponsor Bizimply who are helping progressive leaders and

Polly Robinson is a coach who specialises in leadership coaching for hospitality businesses. She joins the show to share her story and explain how she works with clients, including running leadership development workshops and participating in a government-funded program. Find out about the impact of leadership coaching for business growth, working in a VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity) environment, and the importance of challenging oneself and others to reach their potential.Links:Polly’s Website: https://pollyrobinson.co.uk/Polly’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polly_robinson_coach/Polly’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pollyannrobinson/Connect with the podcast:Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter: https://rb.gy/5rqyeq  A big thank you to our sponsor Bizimply who are helping progressive leaders and operators making every shift run like clockwork. Head to our website at www.bizimply.com or email them directly at advice@bizimply.com.This podcast uses the