Frank Roberts is known throughout the industry as a great leader, consummate professional and all round nice guy. 

Quoted from the Merivale website. 
" At Merivale we aim to bring a little magic into the everyday. We are driven to deliver unique and memorable experiences to every person who steps into one of our venues.

Owned and run by the Hemmes family for over 60 years, Merivale began as an iconic fashion house started by John and Merivale Hemmes. Merivale’s fashionable beginnings were soon followed by a venture into hospitality, opening a Thai tea café within their Sydney CBD fashion building in 1970. From here, Merivale’s hospitality roots were firmly planted.

Merivale is now led by CEO Justin Hemmes, whose creativity and knack for pushing the boundaries has made Merivale what it is today. Hemmes has become a pioneer within the Australian hospitality industry, growing the ever-expanding Merivale portfolio to over 70 brands and venues."

#32 - Frank Roberts, Group General Manager, Merivale

Source: LinkedIn Bio, Simon McGrath AM

I love the hospitality industry and I could never give back enough to this incredible industry. I have worked in some terrific hotel companies and have been fortunate to work throughout the Asia Pacific region, in the resorts and cities of Thailand, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand. Ultimately I have found my home in Accor, which I joined in 2006. Every day at Accor I work beside a dedicated and focused team and together we experience exciting opportunities and challenges as we grow our business.

Growth is key for our business, whilst commercially it is essential, most importantly for our team members it’s about giving people opportunity who put so much into our company. Accor’s desire and drive for growth is underpinned by humility and a genuine concern for contributing to the broader travel industry. The travel industry comes first and Accor’s role comes second, growing the greater industry for all operators and players.

I go to sleep every night proud of Accor and obsessed about what we can do better. When I consider our strategies for innovation and growth, I always come back to the belief that everything we achieve is down to our great people. Our people bring diversity, experiences and stories to our culture, which makes Accor a richer and better community, a safe place for all to excel. Accor’s culture is one of the things that I am most proud to be a part of, it is unique and strong, a daily source of inspiration which we protect like gold.

At the heart of hospitality is our obsession and focus on making sure the guest has the best possible experience with us. We listen carefully to our guests to understand what they want. In our business, the closer you are to the customer the more crucial you are in our business. Therefore our frontline team are key – and I have so much respect and admiration for everything they do, a fundamental part of my role is to support our talented people.

I am Director of AAPC Limited, Allegiance, Accor Vacation Club and Reef Casino Trust and I am fortunate to sit on tourism boards, including:
• Deputy Chairman, Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF)
• Deputy President, Accommodation Association of Australia (AAoA)

I have a keen interest in external learning and sit on two external boards outside of tourism and hospitality, I hold the positions of:
• Independent Director of GenesisCare (leading healthcare company)
• Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL)

#33 - Simon McGrath AM, CEO, Accor Pacific

Hospitality is an important industry to society, and as long as people continue to interact they will require an environment in which to do so. But as awareness grows and the industry becomes increasingly on-trend, expectations are raised.

The essence of service is not a mystery, but many do not fully grasp the minor touches that can elevate an experience and make it both memorable and great. My career has spanned five continents and an array of premium hospitality environments, and though the measures of service success vary, I believe the way to achieve it does not: it is only through the development of our people and a commercial mindset that can we deliver results.

The cultivation of a challenging yet positive working culture drives the standards of performance from our people, and this requires a focus on both the individual and the team as a whole. Culture does not just happen, rather it is a result of accepted behaviours; so culture involves conscious effort from all parties, but especially from its leaders.

I am a leader who builds the culture within a business, has a wide breadth of experience and a proven record of results. I use my existing knowledge, relevant data, a service feel and feedback from as many sources as possible to make critical business decisions in the provision of an exceptional service experience and in the delivery of bottom-line profits. And despite the necessity of creativity, my anchor is always a commercial mindset.

Coming from an operational background, I bring a well-measured approach to strategic thinking: applying an analytical, informed, and structured approach is crucial to arriving at the best conclusion, ensuring innovations are viable and relevant. I constantly seek improvement to achieve growth in both our people and the business, and I manage the expectations of those around me through defined goals, and clear and transparent communication.

I also consider myself tenacious, diligent, and above all, someone who cares.

#34 - Justin Newton, Director, House Made Hospitality

Marcello Colosimo, CEO of Momento Hospitality Group, learnt the virtues of hospitality at a very young age. He worked weekends at the family bottle shop, as a kitchen hand at the Castle Hill Tavern, and front of house. Now, as head honcho, Marcello’s primary passion is the community he’s surrounded by. That, and finding the perfect recipe to create a world-renowned beer.

Momento Hospitality, the recipient of numerous hospitality awards, is a leading hospitality provider whose reach expands across Sydney’s burgeoning Northwest for over 40 years. Their success is due to strong dedication to the offering and service they provide to their locals, which now boasts strong relationships and a rich heritage, with the region.

The group’s portfolio has a strong community focus and includes a charity organisation. The Momento Foundation aims to provide assistance to underprivileged members of the North West. It also supports the community in the field of sport, education, rehabilitation and challenges to the environment.

#35 - Marcello Colosimo, CEO, Momento Hospitality

Lou's experience includes establishing, managing and helping fine tune multiple high profile food/drinking venues and is a pro at event projects, venue design and pop-ups. Mike is a freelance wine and drinks writer and presenter, event creator, part time winemaker and drinks judge. Alongside, there's an amazing bunch of people from all walks of life who work here - all with amazing experience and good vibes on their sides.

What the hell is P&V?
We decided we wanted a space that would also involve our community in the local area, with various collaborations and inputs from friends and proximate businesses. A bottle shop for the neighbourhood by the neighbourhood. We also have this website which is nice to look at and buy things from. 

P&V Wine + Liquor Merchants is a purveyor of amazing Australian and imported natural wines, a supporter of local and craft beers, a dealer in Australian and unique, artisan spirits, sake, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. We also educate and put on events. We are very cool. Seriously.

#36 - Lou Dowling & Mike Bennie, P&V Wine and Liquor Merchants

Paul Waterson led the creation of Australian Venue Co, formerly Dixon Hospitality Group, and has driven the group’s rapid growth from small Victorian pub group to one of the country’s largest and most dynamic hospitality groups.

Paul was previously the Chief Operating Officer of Dixon Hospitality and brings experience from General Manager roles at Spotless and Healthscope.

Paul’s experience from outside the hospitality industry has brought strong corporate management to AVC, which has been instrumental in the company’s successful rapid growth.

www.linkedin.com/in/paul-waterson-3764b515/
ntia.org.au/
www.ausvenueco.com.au/

#38 - The Re-opening with Paul Waterson CEO of Australian Venue Co.

Originally from the UK, Mikey trained in London as a cocktail bartender before moving to Sydney in 1999 where he opened some of the most successful cocktail bars in the city, including The Loft and Zeta Bar, before venturing out on his own as the proprietor of The Barber Shop in 2013. He has consulted on prestigious bars across Asia and locally set up the Hotel Palisade in the Rocks, Sydney in 2015. He has been awarded Bar Manager of the Year twice by Bartender Magazine.

#40 - The Re-opening with Mikey Enright, Managing Director Barrel House Group

Scott Boyes is Vice President Operations NSW/ACT for Accor.  Previously, Scott held the position of Regional General Manager of Accor in Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.

An experienced hotelier, Scott has worked in the hospitality industry since 1992, commencing his career with Accor Asia Pacific in 1994 upon graduation from the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School.

In 2005, he was one of three people from Australia/New Zealand to be awarded the prestigious Accor Bernache Award for his achievements in financial performance.

#43 - Scott Boyes, Vice President Operations NSW & ACT, Accor

As a self-proclaimed "people person", Kate Hemat-Siraky is one of the lucky ones who has always known what she wanted to do in life: to work with people. 

After an impressive career in People Experience (she hates the term HR), gravitating toward the food, beverage, hospitality, sport & events space, Kate decided to move back to the Sunshine Coast to open her own business, Zest People Solutions.

the thought process was that if she applied the same stamina and grit to her own thing, surely it couldn't fail. And in fact, she has never been busier!

Still working firmly in the hospitality industry, Kate also finds much of her work coaching people from different sectors and levels, from journalists, scientists, software engineers, sommeliers, and people & culture professionals.

In today's episode, Kate divulges pearls of wisdom around post-COVID dynamic changes, labour shortages, the importance of and steps to excellent employee experience, "Why Statements", human-centred design and strength-based leadership.

#46 - Kate Hemat-Siraky (nee Tones), Director Zest People Solutions

This week we speak to Elliot Solomon, CEO of one of Sydney's finest pub groups, Solotel.

Elliot discusses his family's 100-year history within the Australian Pub industry and how their migrant story has influenced the diversity we see in the business today. He also examines the intricacies of behaving like a corporate company whilst "not being too corporate that we lose sight of what we are; a family business.'

We also learn about Solotel's new Japanese-inspired listening bar, Rekodo. Elliot tells us of the non-linear process of launching a new venue and the many inspirations and extensive research it takes. We also examine what going out looks like for the younger, inexperienced audiences post-COVID and what we can do to cater to them.

#47 - Elliot Solomon, CEO, Solotel

Pubs cemented their place in Australian culture many years ago. Though plenty has changed, some things stay the same. Australian Leisure and Hospitality creates great pub experiences by empowering people to be ambitious, innovative, and, in the spirit of Aussie culture, to give things a crack.

Australian Leisure and Hospitality is about people. We are about bringing people together to create experiences that live on in stories amongst family and friends well beyond the day they were made. We lead from the front, bring our true selves to work every day and do the right things for our local communities.

As custodians of over 350 local pubs, we honour each pub by telling their unique story, to create great hospitality experiences for everyone who calls it their local.

#48 - Mario Volpe, Managing Director, ALH Hotels

James is the CEO and owner of the multi-award winning Odd Culture Group, a Sydney based hospitality group of pubs, bars, restaurants and bottle shops, founded in 2017 with the aim of making a career in hospitality enjoyable and sustainable for those working in it.

James’ foray into hospitality happened by accident; while training to be an academic studying philosophy at the University of Sydney, he took a job picking up glasses at a pub in the city to pay rent. By the time he graduated, with an offer in hand for graduate studies at Oxford, he decided he liked kicking around kegs better, turning down the offer and instead taking a full-time job as a cellar manager. Going on to work as an operations manager and venue manager, in 2017 James took the plunge – and an eye-watering loan from the bank – to quit his hospitality job and buy the Group’s first pub. 

Regarded as a success story of COVID, Odd Culture Group now operate some of Sydney’s very best pubs, bars and restaurants, and a bottle shop, with more planned for 2022.

#49 - James Thorpe, CEO, Odd Culture Group

Duncan is a game-changing leader, who has elevated his people and companies to new levels. 

With over 26 years experience leading premium national and international hospitality companies, a passionate leader, strategist and marketer with strong development background for premium hospitality groups, luxury large scale multi-faceted operations and entertainment precincts.

Duncan brings a unique ability to disrupt, challenge, and lead those around him, to be brave and feel empowered to accomplish more than they thought possible.

A true industry leader committed to success through the support and development of his people.

#50 - Duncan Thomson, CEO, Kickon Group

From an early age Simon Gloftis was introduced to hospitality and events by his Dad Jim Gloftis who started community markets in Melbourne in his mid 20’s. Jim gained notoriety for creating one of the strongest market communities for Melbourne’s Western suburbs.

An unlikely turn of events saw Jim and his young family relocate from Melbourne town to the Sunshine State, where Jim secured the lease to open the original Rocklea Flea Markets in Brisbane that he successfully ran for 29 years.

With community markets at the forefront of Jims mind, he continued to create spaces opening several more markets in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne. His three sons were brought up in and around the markets, often lending a hand to their hard-working dad.

Not adverse to hard work and with a passion for fresh produce and good food, Simon set about seeking other opportunities, owning and operating Little Beans and Piccolo in Nobbys Beach. Firmly cementing himself in the Coasts Café scene gave Simon the perspective to realise what else the beachside community required.

Enter Hellenika was born, with well thought out planning and an extensive renovation the Greek inspired restaurant opened with gusto in 2010. Hellenika is often referred to as one of the first to move the Gold Coast dining scene into an exciting new direction, introducing a contemporary twist to authentic Greek fare.

Not stopping there; Simon was off and running (like father like son) and set about looking for another space to open a fresh new venture for Burleigh to add to his already impressive portfolio.

Burleigh and its burgeoning food scene was the place and the iconic Fish House was born. The focus was on fresh Australian seafood, top-notch service and a fine dining experience- with the most impressive views across the ocean and beyond.

The award-winning restaurant became well known both locally and nationally, creating a foodie destination. The Gloftis magic (food) touch had now extended from Broadbeach to Nobbys Beach to Burleigh, with a plethora of markets in-between.

Simons next venture post Fish House was the dazzling fine dining venue Nineteen at the Star, taking his right-hand man and executive chef Kelvin Andrews along for the ride. Nineteen quickly became known as the elegant place to dine with the best views in town.

Next stop Brisbane to reinvent his old favourite Hellenika, born on the Gold Coast and raised in Brisbane Hellenika has the same charm, service and food offering as its previous venue in Nobbys Beach.

“It was time to take the leap into Brisbane and I felt the ideal offering was Hellenika, I will always pay homage to my roots on the Gold Coast, my home is on the coast and I look forward to new ventures- I’m not intending to slow down anytime soon” Simon said.

More recently Simon and his team have opened up a new offering SK Steak & Oyster in James St Brisbane adjacent to the ever-popular Calile hotel which is a hop and skip from Hellenika. SK is a sophisticated grille with beautifully appointed booths and furniture, a fusion of New York City meets Los Angeles with a Brisbane twist.

Simon sites his family and in particular his dad as one of his mentors and inspiration behind his career along with people he has met along the way who achieve great things with little or no ego.

Words courtesy of We Are Gold Coast, Kyle Mitchell-Smith
https://www.wearegoldcoast.com.au/articles/gloftis-family

#51 - Simon Gloftis, SK Group

Experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry. Skilled in Sales, Budgeting, Operations Management, Coaching and Retail. Industry expertise in education, hospitality and commercial real estate.

#52 - Andrew Lewis, MD, Allara Learning

A passionate, strategic and highly effective people leader with experience overseeing sizable and engaged internal recruitment teams. Demonstrated experience in transforming recruitment to drive high calibre attraction and proven selection approaches, while influencing a culture focused on delivering quality outcomes for candidates.

#53 - Kim Manning, Head of Talent Acquisition ANZ, Delaware North

David is a customer focussed sector specialist with more than 25 years’ experience leading the operations of some of Australia’s most iconic and recognised hospitality brands.

David’s strengths include building and developing high performing teams, providing world class execution that delivers sustainable growth and, deep insights and understanding of the key attributes that constitute a successful hospitality business.

As a purpose driven leader, David values strategic thinking, innovation and building strong organisational cultures that deliver enhanced experiences for customers and staff.

David has held senior executive positions in both publicly listed and privately held enterprises, leading business units with up to 2500 employees.

David currently holds the position of Chief Experience Officer at MA Hotel Management (MAHM) where he is responsible for the business’ operating performance and the experience of staff and customers.

#54 - David Clifton, Chief Experience Officer, MA Hotel Management

Experienced Director of Operations with over 14 years of hospitality experience and strong leadership skills. Diverse knowledge through roles of Server, Sommelier, General Manager and Licensee. Over 8 years at Merivale, one of Australia's leading Hospitality groups. Most recently moved to New York to work with Union Square Hospitality Group at The Modern followed by opening Ci Siamo, USHG's newest venue in New York City, as General Manager. 

Now overseeing multiple venues in Union Square Hospitality Group, as Director of Operations. 
 
Experience with leading large teams and multiple management teams and businesses. Skills in many relevant areas, including leadership development programs using Gallup Strengths.

#55 - Megan Sullivan, Director of Operations, Union Square Hospitality Group (NYC)

Anthony has 20 plus years experience as a Chartered Accountant and 15 years as a Partner of PKF Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors which has enabled him to truly understand client needs, the right solutions to those needs and the how to apply the tools to get outcomes.

Strong Corporate Governance is at the core of every good business. Quantaco practice what they preach and their employees, clients and other stakeholders reap the benefits.

Quantaco's razor industry focus allows them to aggregate data and devise innovative advisory solutions that benefit their clients and the Hospitality industry as a whole.

#56 - Anthony Sullivan, CEO, Quantaco

In a recent episode of the Back of House Podcast, Ajuria Lawyers took centre stage as special guests, delving into the intricate landscape of immigration within the hospitality sector. This dynamic conversation provided invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by businesses navigating the complex web of immigration laws.

Ajuria Lawyers, renowned for their expertise in immigration law, brought a wealth of knowledge to the table, addressing the specific concerns of the hospitality industry. From visas for skilled workers to compliance with changing regulations, the podcast explored the nuances that can make or break success in the sector. The engaging dialogue touched upon strategies for recruiting international talent, ensuring legal compliance, and maximising the benefits of a diverse workforce.

For those tuned in who found themselves nodding along or with burning questions on immigration matters within the hospitality sector, Ajuria Lawyers extended a virtual hand. Listeners were encouraged to reach out with their queries or seek assistance for their unique situations. The invitation to contact Ajuria Lawyers became a call to action for businesses and individuals alike who recognize the importance of expert guidance in navigating the legal intricacies surrounding immigration.

Whether you are a restaurateur looking to expand your team with international talent, a chef seeking clarity on visa options, or an employee facing immigration challenges within the hospitality industry, Ajuria Lawyers stands ready to provide tailored solutions. Their commitment to understanding the unique needs of each client sets them apart, ensuring a seamless and legally sound immigration process.

As the episode concluded, the Back of House Podcast left its audience not only informed but equipped with a direct line to the professionals at Ajuria Lawyers. For those in the hospitality sector grappling with immigration concerns, the next step is clear: reach out, ask questions, and embark on a journey toward success with the support of seasoned immigration experts.

#57 - Lillian Ajuria & Ron Kessels, Ajuria Lawyers

Antony Jones - CEO 
Ben Collis - Head of Commercial & Marketing

Michael Rodrigues & Luke Butler discuss the journey of two industry stalwarts, taking the reins of an iconic Sydney based hospitality group. 

About The Boathouse Group;

The Boathouse Group is a collection of unique and iconic hospitality venues located in picturesque locations around Sydney and on the Central Coast of NSW, Australia.

The Boathouse journey began in 2008 with the opening of The Boathouse Palm Beach café, the group now comprises of ten beautiful venues with offerings including dining, accommodation, weddings, events and homewares. 

Our mission at The Boathouse has always been to create experiences that people love. From great coffee, high quality fresh food, friendly service and inspiring interiors including an abundance of plants & flowers that have started many a great conversation.

#58 - Antony Jones & Ben Collis, Boathouse Group

Meet Michael Rodrigues, the state's first 24-Hour Economy Commissioner.

Michael launched the Time Out brand in Australia under license in 2007 and in his time at the helm grew the audience across print, digital and social channels to in excess of 1,000,000 Australians monthly.

In recent years and prompted by the challenges facing Sydney's night-time economy he launched and chaired the Night Time Industries Association which was instrumental in lifting the lockout laws, and shaping the State of NSW's 24-Hour Economy Strategy.

In February 2021 Michael was announced as the state's inaugural 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, a role he commenced on 29 March 2021.

#59 - Michael Rodrigues, 24 Hour Economy Commissioner (NSW)

The story of Sam Young is one that’s been pressure-cooked, flash-fried, and is now braising on a low, gentle simmer. Inspired by the taste of his travels to Italy, Canada, Hong kong, Vietnam and Malaysia to name a few, he has worked in Sydney’s top restaurants like Mr. wong, Ms.g’s, Queen chow, Totti’s and more recently as Lotus’s head chef. As one of Australia’s top chefs, he believes that it takes more than just flavours to elevate food from good to great – it’s the complete experience that comes with it.

Currently, Sam Young hosts exclusive dinners as a private chef and is a creative collaborator with the industry’s brightest talents and go-to eateries. Moving from planned menus into curated dining experiences, he loves delighting diners with his #bsyexperience twist – often with shavings of truffle or dollops of caviar. His specialities include sourcing only the finest australian produce, innovating crowd favourite dishes, and pairing his dining experiences with his one-of-a-kind big personality.

#60 - Big Sam Young, S'more

Raised in Melbourne Australia, Adrian started his hotel career in Canada at the iconic luxury Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. He has 30 years’ experience in hotel operations including a range of senior executive roles with the global hotel group, Accor. Adrian has demonstrated a range of skills managing a large decentralised team across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia, working with global project teams and developing strong relationships with investors, owners and industry consultants. Adrian has built market leading capability in commercial performance, guest experiences, restaurant and bar concepts, hotel distribution, hotel openings and takeovers and business integration. 

He is a passionate advocate for the Tourism Industry and has a long history of active board participation on a range of industry organisations across the Pacific.

#61 - Adrian Williams, COO PME Pacific, Accor

In this episode of the Back of House podcast, Michael and I speak with Declan Lee, co-owner and creative force behind the Gelato Messina brand. 

From creating one of the country’s biggest music festivals to influencing the behaviour of future generations through gelato, Declan’s path to becoming the creative lead at Messina, was unique. 

He provides great insight to their strategy (or lack thereof), illustrating the importance of being genuine and proving that not taking yourself too seriously, can lead to serious growth.

Links:

Gelato Messina: www.gelatomessina.com/au/
Declan Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/declan-lee-6338781b/
Plastic City: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_City
Adam Buton Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/the-adam-buxton-podcast/id1040481893?mt=2
Michael Rodrigues: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-rodrigues-154a3811/
Firedoor: https://www.firedoor.com.au/
Hubert: http://www.restauranthubert.com/
Luke Butler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrlukebutler/
Time Out: https://www.timeout.com/sydney
Hastings: www.hastingspeople.com.au

#2 Declan Lee - Gelato Messina

First things first, Paddy swears a lot, so if that's not your thing, this episode is not for you. It's very funny though, so you might be missing out on a few laughs. 

The story Paddy shares is very entertaining. We cover the rise of Riversdale, a distressed pub fund launched by Paddy, Rodney 'Ned' Kelly, John Singleton and Mark Carnegie.

Beyond that, Paddy talks about what it takes to build a successful pub and shamelessly plugs his new venture, Frank Strong's craft brewed lemonade. 

It's an entertaining chat and we hope you enjoy.

Mark Bouris Podcast: https://apple.co/2PTJxfZ
Spit Syndicate: http://spitsyndicate.com/
Frank Strong: http://www.frankstrongs.com/
The Lord Gladstone: http://lordgladstone.com.au/
Michael Rodrigues: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-rodrigues-154a3811/
Luke Butler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrlukebutler/
Time Out: https://www.timeout.com/sydney
Hastings: www.hastingspeople.com.au

#3 Paddy Coughlan - The Lord Gladstone, Riversdale & Frank Strong

Brett Sergeant is one of the country’s leading hospitality executives, possessing an unrivalled level of success and experience across a diverse suite of sectors. 

He has over 20 years’ experience leading some of the country’s most successful and high profile food & beverage and gaming businesses.

Brett is an accomplished executive recognised for driving business excellence through sound and innovative strategy combined with developing high performing organisational culture. 

His teams are often described as elite, exhibiting a fanatic commitment to honesty and an enduring preparedness to continuously seek improvement in ‘people, product & performance’.

Brett has held senior executive roles in both publicly listed companies and privately-owned entities: Leading businesses with teams of up to 3500 staff, over $500M annual turnover and he has led the NSW gaming division for Australia’s largest gaming machine operators.

Former COO of Merivale from 2007 - 2016, Director of Hospitality for EVENT and now the CEO for national hospitality operator Colonial Leisure Group.

Michael Rodrigues: www.linkedin.com/in/michael-rodrigues-154a3811/
Luke Butler: www.linkedin.com/in/mrlukebutler/
Time Out: www.timeout.com/sydney
Hastings: www.hastingspeople.com.au

#17 - Brett Sergeant, CEO Colonial Leisure Group

The word "entrepreneur" for a pre-COVID generation might conjure the co-working tech startup image. Or the smile on the face of Zoom founders right now. It's less common to think about established businesses, or household names, as the frontier of entrepreneurship. But as many of us are currently realising, innovation is the name of the game. So the question becomes how does an organisation encourage or create the right environment for its teams to innovate? Particularly in the going out economy which has borne the brunt of physical distancing, and many think won't be the same, at least not for a while.

The latest guest on the Back of House podcast Kathy Savill is someone who is experiencing this crisis while looking for her next challenge. Our discussion takes us through her serial startups which include naming and branding Schoolies, through to her time at Merivale which kicked off during the GFC and led to initiatives like March into Merivale amongst others. A must listen for anyone looking for guidance on leading teams in our sector, while encouraging innovation.

#20 Kathy Savill - Former Chief Sales Officer, Merivale

Paul Waterson led the creation of Australian Venue Co, formerly Dixon Hospitality Group, and has driven the group’s rapid growth from small Victorian pub group to one of the country’s largest and most dynamic hospitality groups. 

Paul was previously the Chief Operating Officer of Dixon Hospitality and brings experience from General Manager roles at Spotless and Healthscope. 

Paul’s experience from outside the hospitality industry has brought strong corporate management to AVC, which has been instrumental in the company’s successful rapid growth.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-waterson-3764b515/
https://ntia.org.au/
https://www.ausvenueco.com.au/

#22 Paul Waterson - CEO Australian Venue Co

Mark Hawthorne has an incredible story, rising from burger-flipper to CEO at McDonald's. 

After 26 years in the organisation, Mark moved to more of a start up business in Guzman y Gomez, redefining their strategy and setting them up for significant growth.

Michael Rodrigues: www.linkedin.com/in/michael-rodrigues-154a3811/
Luke Butler: www.linkedin.com/in/mrlukebutler/
Time Out: www.timeout.com/sydney
Hastings: www.hastingspeople.com.au

Popular tracks by Back of House