Bench Impact Podcast Series

In this Bench Impact podcast we spoke to Sophie Le Ray, CEO of Eve List, Founder of Women in Leadership summit and the most recent Bench board member.  We talked about the Women in Leadership summit and the founding of Eve List, the purpose of her work to create more gender parity through transparency and a forum that addresses economic benefits.   We talked about her view of gender equality in today’s business world and the plans for Women in Leadership. 

In this Bench Impact podcast Matthew Weihs spoke to David Zarzecki, Senior Vice President of Global Brands for Kindred. We explored the charitable work they provide through the retail sector and talked about the recent NHS campaign they did to help support key workers in the UK.  Focusing more on the hospitality industry now in helping them use travel and hospitality as a way customers can engage in their brand and in doing good we talked about their ambitions in the sector and how the industry can get involved. To find out more go to kindred.co and add the clever shopping companion. 

As Bench prepares to host our third Hospitality Tomorrow digital conference focused on leadership and motivation we spoke to Michael Levie the COO of citizenM about his thoughts on innovation and creativity being used within the hospitality industry and how to instil it within an organisation.  A brand synonymous with being a trend setter for many in the industry he speakers of how it allows an organisation to be more agile, faster and more energetic as a consequence. 

In this Bench Impact podcast, we speak to Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group about the launch of the new conversion brand Radisson Individuals. Elie outlined what the brand represents and how conversions, in this current time, are so important for the industry.

In this podcast, Matthew Weihs, Managing Director, Bench Events spoke to Radisson’s Senior Area VP ME&A, Tim Cordon.  They talk about the current market conditions of Middle East and Africa and how Radisson is innovating to support owners.  On recently announcing the Radisson Hotel Group’s Hybrid Solutions how this will support MICE and events in the future.  

In this podcast, Matthew Weihs, Managing Director, Bench Events spoke to Wolfgang Neumann Chairman of Neumann Hospitality advisory.   We discussed the recent launch of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, the objectives of the members and the key changes he hopes to influence across the hospitality industry. 

"Travel is a privilege, not a right and if we are enjoying this privilege then we should also be responsible enough to do everything we can to mitigate the impact we have on the planet" - Shannon Stowell, CEO, Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) as he speaks to Jonathan Worsley, Chairman, Bench Events on the challenges of adventure travel, including over tourism and sustainable travel and how we can become responsible global citizen as travelers. Shannon has more than 25 years of business experience in adventure travel, e-commerce, outdoor retail, and environmental sciences.

Nirmal Sethia talks about the Sethia Foundation and his love for teas and launching Newby Teas.  He also speaks about fluoride and how too much fluoride found in some teas can be deadly. Newby teas has won 95% of all awards - listen to this podcast to learn why this is and what you should be aware of when drinking teas. Mr. Sethia recently spoke at the GRIF day at AHIC.

Jonathan Worsley speaks to Dr. Khosro Ezaz-Nikpay of Zendegii on creating the world’s first vegan ice cream. Using the spirit of innovation and finding that white space using innovative research techniques. Khosro kicks off the Disruption Day at AHIC on 9th April.

Jonathan Worsley speaks to Raki Phillips, Chief Citizen of Earth Hotels which is a new innovative and eco-friendly brand that is being showcased for the first time at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference. Raki states he can build 30% below typical construction costs and a build time from 6-12 months. Listen to this podcast to learn how Earth Hotels is changing the business model and hear of their growing pipeline.