Behind the Gates

We revisit one of our most popular, and one of our favourite, episodes this week.

Jim Rohrstaff’s journey from caddying in Michigan to helping build world-class golf destinations in New Zealand is full of lessons in leadership, hospitality, and taking calculated risks. Jim joins Ed Chapman and Michael Herd to discuss what makes a club truly memorable, why great service starts with the right people, and how clear vision and empowered teams create a strong culture. He also shares what led him to move his family to New Zealand and how he evaluates big opportunities. A thoughtful conversation for anyone interested in golf, club management, and building something exceptional.

This episode is brought to you by:

Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace. The most trusted name in executive search and consulting. People focused, quality driven. https://kkandw.com

Club Connections. Club Connections works with private clubs globally to strengthen member experience through better communication, storytelling and engagement. Founded by Emily McCarvill, the business partners with clubs to ensure the way they communicate reflects the culture and standards behind the gates. https://www.linkedin.com/company/clubconnections/

SHANX Mini Golf. SHANX Mini Golf is an Australian company known for producing some of the world's best mini golf courses. https://shanxminigolf.com.au

They’re not the typical novelty putt-putt with windmills and clowns—instead, they build bespoke, high-quality 18-hole courses using synthetic turf, challenging terrain inspired by actual golf, often located at or near real golf clubs. Their architect is responsible for a few world top 100 golf courses too! 

Contact the SHANX team and mention BTG podcast for a complimentary site feasibility assessment!

This week we are joined by Tim Neil, PGA, LLM, General Manager of Hann Reserve.

The conversation delves into the importance of quality time over quantity time, effective time management, education and career pathways, adapting to new cultures, and the significance of leadership and human connection. It emphasises the value of engaging activities, curiosity, and empathy in personal and professional growth, as well as the impact of cultural adaptation and human connection in leadership roles.

Connect with Tim via email [email protected]

Takeaways

• Quality time is more valuable than quantity time
• Curiosity and empathy are essential for personal and professional growth

Chapters

• 00:00 Journey from PGA Professional to General Manager
• 07:16 Culture Building and Leadership at Al Badia
• 18:58 Transition to Strategic Thinking
• 22:20 Pursuing a Master's in Law
• 27:14 Work-Life Harmony and Time Management
• 31:26 Quality Time vs. Quantity Time
• 32:31 Effective Time Management
• 34:25 Education and Career Pathways
• 39:07 Adapting to New Cultures
• 44:06 Leadership and Human Connection

This episode is brought to you by:

Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace. The most trusted name in executive search and consulting. People focused, quality driven. https://kkandw.com

Club Connections. Club Connections works with private clubs globally to strengthen member experience through better communication, storytelling and engagement. Founded by Emily McCarvill, the business partners with clubs to ensure the way they communicate reflects the culture and standards behind the gates. https://www.linkedin.com/company/clubconnections

SHANX Mini Golf. SHANX Mini Golf is an Australian company known for producing some of the world's best mini golf courses. https://shanxminigolf.com.au

They’re not the typical novelty putt-putt with windmills and clowns—instead, they build bespoke, high-quality 18-hole courses using synthetic turf, challenging terrain inspired by actual golf, often located at or near real golf clubs. Their architect is responsible for a few world top 100 golf courses too! 

Contact the SHANX team and mention BTG podcast for a complimentary site feasibility assessment!

Desi Speh, CEO of the Desert Highlands Association, shares his journey from a young golf enthusiast to a successful leader in the club industry.

He emphasises the importance of being authentic, finding the right cultural fit, and building trust in the workplace. Desi's approach to hiring and leadership fosters a family-like environment at Desert Highlands, where values and culture are paramount.

The conversation covers the challenges and qualities of effective leadership, the transition from number two to number one roles, and the importance of work-life balance in leadership roles.

Takeaways

• Authenticity and cultural fit are crucial in the club industry
• Building trust and embracing a family-like environment leads to success Effective leadership requires humility and the ability to step back and trust the team.
• Transitioning from a number two to a number one role requires careful consideration of the right opportunity and the individual's strengths and weaknesses.
• Work-life balance is crucial for leadership success and requires open communication and support from family and team members.

Chapters

• 00:00 Journey in the Golf Industry
• 06:02 Balancing Seriousness and Fun
• 09:15 Being Authentic in Leadership
• 17:53 Finding Good People and Cultural Fit
• 22:35 Hiring for Culture and Values
• 25:37 The Great Man Theory and Effective Leadership
• 34:39 Transitioning from Number Two to Number One
• 47:49 Work-Life Balance in Leadership

This episode is brought to you by:

Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace. The most trusted name in executive search and consulting. People focused, quality driven. https://kkandw.com

Club Connections. Club Connections works with private clubs globally to strengthen member experience through better communication, storytelling and engagement. Founded by Emily McCarvill, the business partners with clubs to ensure the way they communicate reflects the culture and standards behind the gates. https://www.linkedin.com/company/clubconnections/

SHANX Mini Golf. SHANX Mini Golf is an Australian company known for producing some of the world's best mini golf courses. https://shanxminigolf.com.au

They’re not the typical novelty putt-putt with windmills and clowns—instead, they build bespoke, high-quality 18-hole courses using synthetic turf, challenging terrain inspired by actual golf, often located at or near real golf clubs. Their architect is responsible for a few world top 100 golf courses too! 

Contact the SHANX team and mention BTG podcast for a complimentary site feasibility assessment!

The conversation with Javier Reviriego, CEO of Real Club Valderrama, covers his journey to the role, the importance of education, leadership, experience, transition to hotel operations, curiosity, continuous improvement, preparing for board meetings, building trust and credibility, handling pressure and expectations, and professional tournaments and golf IQ.

The conversation delves into the impact of tournaments on branding and positioning, the decision-making process for hosting Liv Andalusia, the transition to Valderrama, dealing with resistance and change, and considerations for changing roles. Javier shares insights on the challenges and opportunities associated with these themes, providing valuable perspectives for golf club management professionals.

Takeaways

• Passion for learning
• Importance of education Tournaments as a Branding Strategy
• Challenges of Transitioning to a New Role

Chapters

• 00:00 Journey to Valderrama
• 02:52 The Role of Education
• 05:56 Leadership and Experience
• 08:06 Transition to Hotel Operations
• 09:56 Curiosity and Continuous Improvement
• 12:10 Preparing for Board Meetings
• 14:48 Building Trust and Credibility
• 18:58 Handling Pressure and Expectations
• 24:53 Professional Tournaments and Golf IQ
• 26:14 The Impact of Tournaments on Branding
• 28:20 Decision Making for Hosting Liv Andalusia
• 33:42 Transitioning to Valderrama
• 36:22 Dealing with Resistance and Change
• 42:46 Considerations for Changing Roles

This episode is brought to you by

Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace. The most trusted name in executive search and consulting. People focused, quality driven.

Club Connections. Club Connections works with private clubs globally to strengthen member experience through better communication, storytelling and engagement. Founded by Emily McCarvill, the business partners with clubs to ensure the way they communicate reflects the culture and standards behind the gates.

SHANX Mini Golf. SHANX Mini Golf is an Australian company known for producing some of the world's best mini golf courses.

They’re not the typical novelty putt-putt with windmills and clowns—instead, they build bespoke, high-quality 18-hole courses using synthetic turf, challenging terrain inspired by actual golf, often located at or near real golf clubs. Their architect is responsible for a few world top 100 golf courses too! 

Contact the SHANX team and mention BTG podcast for a complimentary site feasibility assessment!

The podcast review covers a range of topics, including reflections on past episodes, Ryan Fox's Open Championship win, authenticity, candid moments, insights from Jim Rohrstaff, Denny Corby's perspective on hospitality and magic, Tom Wallace's journey and leveraged leadership, Sarab Singh's authenticity and empathy, Elaine Patterson's perspective on personal and professional prioritization, accepting the price of success, Chris DeChillo's perspective on compromise and tradition, and Scott Clark's transition from PGA professional to GM. The conversation covers a range of leadership and management topics, including delegation, career progression, team engagement, work-life harmony, adaptability, and podcast reflections. The guests share insights on leadership skills, career transitions, cultural understanding, and the importance of balance in work and personal life.

Takeaways

• Authenticity and candid moments are key themes throughout the episodes.
• The importance of personal and professional prioritization for success and fulfillment. Delegation as a leadership skill
• Balancing work and personal life

Chapters

• 00:00 Reflecting on Past Episodes
• 01:21 Ryan Fox's Open Championship Win
• 02:23 Authenticity and Candid Moments
• 03:43 John Blanch's Experience with Ryan Fox and Cam Young
• 04:45 Takeaways from Jim Rohrstaff's Episode
• 08:34 Denny Corby's Insights on Hospitality and Magic
• 13:11 Tom Wallace's Journey and Leveraged Leadership
• 16:41 Sarab Singh's Authenticity and Empathy
• 20:11 Elaine Patterson's Perspective on Personal and Professional Prioritization
• 22:18 Accepting the Price of Success
• 23:35 Chris DeChillo's Perspective on Compromise and Tradition
• 24:19 Scott Clark's Transition from PGA Professional to GM
• 24:51 Leadership and Delegation
• 25:26 Career Progression and Adaptability
• 28:03 Leadership and Team Engagement
• 30:18 Work-Life Harmony
• 38:09 Adaptability and Market Activation
• 41:16 Podcast Reflection and Future Plans

This episode is brought to you by

Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace. The most trusted name in executive search and consulting. People focused, quality driven. https://kkandw.com

Club Connections. Club Connections works with private clubs globally to strengthen member experience through better communication, storytelling and engagement. Founded by Emily McCarvill, the business partners with clubs to ensure the way they communicate reflects the culture and standards behind the gates. https://www.linkedin.com/company/clubconnections/

SHANX Mini Golf. SHANX Mini Golf is an Australian company known for producing some of the world's best mini golf courses. https://shanxminigolf.com.au

They’re not the typical novelty putt-putt with windmills and clowns—instead, they build bespoke, high-quality 18-hole courses using synthetic turf, challenging terrain inspired by actual golf, often located at or near real golf clubs. Their architect is responsible for a few world top 100 golf courses too! 

Contact the SHANX team and mention BTG podcast for a complimentary site feasibility assessment!

Join us as we explore the global golf industry with Nathanael Pietrzac-Swirc, CCM, CEO of UGolf International. Discover insights on international golf management, leadership challenges across cultures, and the booming development of golf in Africa and emerging markets.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nathaniel Piazak-Svertz

00:59 Nathaniel's Journey in Golf Management

04:08 Choosing UGolf: A Calculated Bet

09:10 UGolf's Global Operations and Management

11:37 Motivating and Training Staff in Africa

15:43 Challenges of Training and Service Standards

24:28 Government Investment in Golf in Africa

28:48 Future of Golf Development in Africa

31:38 Navigating Historical Context in Golf Development

35:11 Lessons Learned in Leadership and Management

UGolf International - https://ugolf-international.com

CMAE (Club Management Association of Europe) - https://www.cmae.org

This episode is brought to you by

Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace. The most trusted name in executive search and consulting. People focused, quality driven. https://kkandw.com

Club Connections. Club Connections works with private clubs globally to strengthen member experience through better communication, storytelling and engagement. Founded by Emily McCarvill, the business partners with clubs to ensure the way they communicate reflects the culture and standards behind the gates. https://www.linkedin.com/company/clubconnections/

SHANX Mini Golf. SHANX Mini Golf is an Australian company known for producing some of the world's best mini golf courses. https://shanxminigolf.com.au

They’re not the typical novelty putt-putt with windmills and clowns—instead, they build bespoke, high-quality 18-hole courses using synthetic turf, challenging terrain inspired by actual golf, often located at or near real golf clubs. Their architect is responsible for a few world top 100 golf courses too! 

Contact the SHANX team and mention BTG podcast for a complimentary site feasibility assessment!

We are joined by M. Kent Johnson, CCM, CCE, ECM, the GM/COO of Baltimore Country Club.

The conversation explores the importance of work-life harmony and fostering a positive work culture in club management. It delves into the challenges of balancing work and personal life, the definition of work-life harmony, and the strategies for building a positive work culture. The conversation covers the importance of maintaining non-negotiable standards, adapting values, and learning from mistakes.

It also delves into the challenges of correcting people, transitioning to leadership roles, empowering and letting go, the importance of asking questions, and the role of governance and leadership in organizational culture.

Takeaways

• Work-life harmony
• Creating a positive work culture Non-negotiable standards
• Learning from mistakes

Chapters

• 00:00 Balancing Work and Life
• 10:04 Building a Positive Work Culture
• 21:49 Maintaining Non-Negotiable Standards
• 26:53 Empowering and Letting Go
• 38:50 The Role of Governance and Leadership

This episode is brought to you by

• Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace. The most trusted name in executive search and consulting. People focused, quality driven. https://kkandw.com
• Club Connections. Club Connections works with private clubs globally to strengthen member experience through better communication, storytelling and engagement. Founded by Emily McCarvill, the business partners with clubs to ensure the way they communicate reflects the culture and standards behind the gates. https://www.linkedin.com/company/clubconnections/
• SHANX Mini Golf. SHANX Mini Golf is an Australian company known for producing some of the world's best mini golf courses. https://shanxminigolf.com.au

They're not the typical novelty putt-putt with windmills and clowns—instead, they build bespoke, high-quality 18-hole courses using synthetic turf, challenging terrain inspired by actual golf, often located at or near real golf clubs. Their architect is responsible for a few of the world's top 100 golf courses, too! 

Contact the SHANX team and mention BTG podcast for a complimentary site feasibility assessment!

In this podcast episode, Chris DeChillo shares insights on authenticity in leadership and the value proposition in club restaurants. He discusses his background, career beginnings, and the transition from hotels to clubs.

Additionally, he explores the role of authenticity in leadership and the importance of coaching for leadership development. The conversation covers empowerment, authenticity, values, leadership, coaching, curiosity, and fun in the context of the hospitality industry. It emphasizes the importance of being authentic, empowering team members, understanding personal values, and fostering a culture of curiosity and fun in leadership.

Takeaways

• Authenticity in leadership
• Value proposition in club restaurants Be yourself
• Empower your team
• Curiosity and interest in others
• Values exercise
• Leadership and fun
• Leadership and empowerment

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Chris DeChillo
• 06:40 The Role of Authenticity in Leadership
• 25:37 Coaching and Authenticity
• 31:59 Coaching and Personal Values
• 41:03 Leadership and Fun

This episode is brought to you by

• Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace. The most trusted name in executive search and consulting. People focused, quality driven. https://kkandw.com
• Club Connections. Club Connections works with private clubs globally to strengthen member experience through better communication, storytelling and engagement. Founded by Emily McCarvill, the business partners with clubs to ensure the way they communicate reflects the culture and standards behind the gates. https://www.linkedin.com/company/clubconnections/
• SHANX Mini Golf. SHANX Mini Golf is an Australian company known for producing some of the worlds best mini golf courses. https://shanxminigolf.com.au

They’re not the typical novelty putt-putt with windmills and clowns—instead, they build bespoke, high-quality 18-hole courses using synthetic turf, challenging terrain inspired by actual golf, often located at or near real golf clubs. Their architect is responsible for a few world top 100 golf courses too! 

Contact the SHANX team and mention BTG podcast for a complimentary site feasibility assessment!

The conversation delves into John Blanch's experiences as a General Manager with a storied career in the private club industry. It explores his journey through various countries, the challenges of adapting to different cultures, and the importance of leadership and empathy in managing diverse teams.

The conversation covers John's experiences in adapting to the UK, managing people in Asia, cultural differences and humor, leadership and tough decisions, and a fascinating Tiger Woods story. John's journey highlights the importance of empathy, cultural adaptation, and making tough decisions with respect and empathy.

Takeaways

• Adapting to Different Cultures
• Leadership and Empathy Leading with empathy
• Cultural adaptation

Chapters

• 00:00 Adapting to Different Cultures
• 16:00 Leadership and Empathy
• 24:23 Adapting to the UK
• 35:05 Leadership and Tough Decisions
• 40:48 Tiger Woods Story

This episode is brought to you by

• Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace. The most trusted name in executive search and consulting. People focused, quality driven. https://kkandw.com
• Club Connections. Club Connections works with private clubs globally to strengthen member experience through better communication, storytelling and engagement. Founded by Emily McCarvill, the business partners with clubs to ensure the way they communicate reflects the culture and standards behind the gates. https://www.linkedin.com/company/clubconnections/
• SHANX Mini Golf. SHANX Mini Golf is an Australian company known for producing some of the worlds best mini golf courses. https://shanxminigolf.com.au

They’re not the typical novelty putt-putt with windmills and clowns—instead, they build bespoke, high-quality 18-hole courses using synthetic turf, challenging terrain inspired by actual golf, often located at or near real golf clubs. Their architect is responsible for a few world top 100 golf courses too! 

Contact the SHANX team and mention BTG podcast for a complimentary site feasibility assessment!

The podcast episode features an insightful conversation with Scott Clark, an experienced General Manager. Scott shares his career journey, transition to private member clubs, leadership style, and the challenges of balancing work and personal life.

The conversation highlights the importance of empathy, delegation, and self-awareness in leadership roles, as well as the value of transferable skills from a PGA background. The conversation covers the importance of balancing personal and professional life, the passion for the work, developing people, philosophy of people development, personal development plans, dressing and presentation, choosing the right club fit, and the importance of backing oneself.

Takeaways

• Empathy and delegation are essential in effective leadership.
• Transferable skills from a PGA background contribute to successful leadership roles. Balancing personal and professional life is crucial for success.
• Developing people and personal development plans are essential for career growth.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
• 05:27 Leadership and Management Experience
• 13:19 Transferable Skills from PGA Background
• 19:01 Delegating Responsibility and Empowerment
• 25:18 Career Progression and Self-Awareness
• 32:00 Balancing Personal and Professional Life
• 38:22 Philosophy of People Development
• 47:24 Choosing the Right Club Fit

This episode is brought to you by

• Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace. The most trusted name in executive search and consulting. People focused, quality driven. https://kkandw.com
• Club Connections. Club Connections works with private clubs globally to strengthen member experience through better communication, storytelling and engagement. Founded by Emily McCarvill, the business partners with clubs to ensure the way they communicate reflects the culture and standards behind the gates. https://www.linkedin.com/company/clubconnections/
• SHANX Mini Golf. SHANX Mini Golf is an Australian company known for producing some of the worlds best mini golf courses. https://shanxminigolf.com.au

They’re not the typical novelty putt-putt with windmills and clowns—instead, they build bespoke, high-quality 18-hole courses using synthetic turf, challenging terrain inspired by actual golf, often located at or near real golf clubs. Their architect is responsible for a few world top 100 golf courses too! 

Contact the SHANX team and mention BTG podcast for a complimentary site feasibility assessment!