This Podcast is Sponsored by Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland

https://www.leonardohotels.co.uk/

Host: Phil Street FIH

Guests:

• Francisco Macedo - Chairing the IOH Funded Membership
• Carmen Vlasceanu - Author of Dare to Care, cruise hospitality consultant; beneficiary of funded membership
• Jenny Cheung – Front of house professional; beneficiary of funded membership during COVID
• Joanne Smith - Institute of Hospitality; co-creator of Hearts in Hospitality award
• Marvellous Dada - President, TMD Mentorship (Nigeria); Hearts in Hospitality recipient
• Pete Wayre - Hospitality leader & trainer; Hearts in Hospitality recipient
• Marco De Simone – Restaurants Professional; Hearts in Hospitality recipient

Artwork and Branding: Sonia Cresswell (MIH)

Music by: Leon Williams (FIH)

I’m In - 50th Episode Special: Community, Care & Quiet Heroes

For our 50th, we spotlight two IOH initiatives that change real lives: the Funded Membership (confidential membership support when times are tough) and Hearts in Hospitality (recognising unsung heroes who go above and beyond).

You’ll hear frank advice on applying for funded membership, first hand stories of how it helps people bounce back, and joyful reminders of everyday heroism across hospitality.

In this episode, we discuss

• The Funded Membership - how it works & why it matters: a confidential lifeline that helps members stay connected to opportunities, learning, and community when finances are tight.
• What makes a strong application?
• The lived impact of funded membership: confidence, connection, access to learning, and headspace to rebuild.
• Hearts in Hospitality: why the IOH created it, how nominations are judged, and the power of celebrating frontline excellence.
• Real stories from awardees: going further than expected, serving with heart, and lifting the next generation.

Specific Guest input

• Francisco Macedo on the Funded Membership’s purpose and some tips for a successful application
• Carmen Vlasceanu on what funding unlocked: from MBA/PhD studies to launching a charity (Angels Wings), and a training platform - membership access made momentum possible.
• Jenny Cheung on the COVID years: funded membership brought learning, confidential support, and a sense of community when work vanished - now she’s a paying member and paying it forward.
• Joanne Smith on Hearts in Hospitality: built by a cross team taskforce to celebrate people who “do the job well and more,” with surprise workplace presentations and panel review.
• Marvellous Dada on youth and purpose: building Nigeria’s largest hospitality student network and choosing service over comfort to raise a new generation for the industry.
• Pete Wayre on exceeding expectations: the small, human acts (like personally guiding a lost guest across Manchester) and a career long mantra - presentation and care matter.
• Marco De Simone on the sheer surprise of receiving the award, what it means and why awards like this are important

Outstanding Quotes from the Episode

• “The Funded Membership can give people a lifeline” - Francisco Macedo, on the Funded Membership
• “People need to write from their hearts… attach your CV… and tell us how you’ll use the year” - Francisco Macedo, on successful applications
• “Dare to care and dare to transform your life” - Carmen Vlasceanu
• “The funded membership is free of charge for the first 12 months… it built up my confidence to connect with other people” - Jenny Cheung.
• “It’s not just doing your job well, it’s doing your job well and more” - Joanne Smith, on Hearts in Hospitality.
• “Our industry is built on sacrifice” - Marvellous Dada.
• “Presentation is everything… you’re judged within the first three seconds” - Pete Wayre
• “Smile at life and life has a habit at smiling back” – Marco De Simone

How to Get Involved

• Need help? If you’re facing hardship, apply early for a funded membership - be honest, include detail, and explain how you’ll use the membership year.
• It’s 100% confidential - IoH Funded Membership - application and criteria - Institute of Hospitality
• Know an unsung hero? Nominate them for Hearts in Hospitality via the IOH website; detailed nominations help the panel recognise true impact - Hearts in Hospitality - Institute of Hospitality

Join the Conversation

Twitter/X: @IoH_Online

Instagram: @ioh_online

LinkedIn: Institute of Hospitality

Website: https://www.instituteofhospitality.org/

For any feedback on the show, to put forward a topic or to put yourself forward as a guest, please reach out to [email protected]