Michael welcomes returning guest Lars Kure Juul, author of The Happiness Sweet Spot and his new book Compassion in Action, to discuss why leaders gravitated most to the compassion chapter and how it led to deeper work on self-compassion and implementation.

Lars argues compassion is active (beyond empathy): interest in others’ difficulties plus a desire to act, building trust, psychological safety, and high-performing teams.

They explore leadership challenges amid rising burnout, declining engagement and belonging (citing Gallup), and why strong leaders aren’t loud.

Practical themes include presence and deep listening, avoiding distractions like phones and laptops, asking better questions (“tell me more”), and servant leadership as serving others and the future by downplaying ego.

They critique leaders hiding behind complex systems, emphasize belonging (seen, able to contribute, proud), and frame compassion and humanity as the next leadership revolution.

Connect with Lars:

https://www.gntlgiant.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gntlgiant/?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAAAASe5YB8EcFe2HlD2gLYVSp9OeaRmTXCxc

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A big thank you to our episode sponsor Monotree.

They help hospitality operators strengthen operations and scale company culture by creating a "Branded Front Door" for your workforce.

Head to their website to sign up.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Michael welcomes Nicole back to discuss her new book, "Help Wanted," focused on finding “human magic” in hiring—going beyond technical skills and surface-level values fit to build teams and cultures that can withstand challenges. Nicole, a culture architect and founder of Banana Pepper HR, argues hospitality is at risk of becoming transactional and has an opportunity to re-center belonging and human connection. They critique standard, rushed recruitment as soulless and misaligned with brand promises, emphasizing “hospitality begins in-house” and that recruitment is a brand’s first act of hospitality. Nicole highlights “super skills” often dismissed as soft skills—empathy, kindness, curiosity, creativity, vulnerability, resilience, and more—and explains how missing them can lead to poor service, brand damage, and commercial loss. Practical ideas include slowing down hiring, doing stronger reference checks (including peer references), interviewing for stories by creating psychological safety, and using a three-course interview framework (appetizer/entrée/dessert). Nicole shares why she chose 10 super skills, drawing inspiration from Danny Meyer’s “HQ” and behavioral science (including Brené Brown). The episode ends with where to find Nicole and the book at bananapepperhr.com/book (and retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Waterstones).

Connect with Nicole:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleantoniogadsdon/

https://www.bananapepperhr.com/

Book:

https://www.bananapepperhr.com/book

https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/help-wanted-the-rule-breaking-guide-to-hiring-an-extraordinary-team-of-hospitality-alchemists-nicole-antonio-gadsdon/1f7ae8fc32978cb1?ean=9781781339558&next=t

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A big thank you to our episode sponsor Monotree.

They help hospitality operators strengthen operations and scale company culture by creating a "Branded Front Door" for your workforce.

Head to their website to sign up.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, Michael engages in a fascinating conversation with Jack Stack, a pioneer of open book management and the author of 'The Great Game of Business.'

Jack shares his journey from working for a Fortune 500 company to turning around a factory on the brink of closure through employee buy-in and financial transparency. He discusses the importance of teaching employees to understand financial statements and the mechanics of business to create a sense of ownership and drive success.

The conversation highlights how open book management has been implemented in various industries, including hospitality and manufacturing, leading to improved employee engagement, productivity, and company profitability. Jack also touches on the expansion of these principles globally and the future direction towards digitalizing these training processes for broader reach and impact.

Connect with Jack:

Books

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Great-Game-Business-Sensible-Company/dp/1781251533/ref=sr_1_1?crid=12LO8KHUQ4X6C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.l14EYCEUXQeMGe266YAfUsufnURJZmZtpRVe5tQj54T3dV9QDF0a00xGZgV5DveZelu8kMgJLP_yDc7YAmg8CRzO2_HojgaTCWrTrFJlDkQ8ajBs-OFDdhOSHfIpepV4FE6FRplqa_qAMm2ht0a6kMLemdfY1lJgf-iwxlEY93G8qVbTXjm1rOBOsto5WczajL8D9Y6ypPXuB4jJmDqMT8Nsu-Hxj80PuT039d9wRPU.lJlqC6wR8JcHIusRIX8oF99ySnXDO1Vhovk3_jbIs_s&dib_tag=se&keywords=jack+stack&qid=1770065971&s=books&sprefix=jack+stack%2Cstripbooks%2C119&sr=1-1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stake-Outcome-Building-Ownership-Long-Term-ebook/dp/B004SOVCJW/ref=sr_1_2?crid=12LO8KHUQ4X6C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.l14EYCEUXQeMGe266YAfUsufnURJZmZtpRVe5tQj54T3dV9QDF0a00xGZgV5DveZelu8kMgJLP_yDc7YAmg8CRzO2_HojgaTCWrTrFJlDkQ8ajBs-OFDdhOSHfIpepV4FE6FRplqa_qAMm2ht0a6kMLemdfY1lJgf-iwxlEY93G8qVbTXjm1rOBOsto5WczajL8D9Y6ypPXuB4jJmDqMT8Nsu-Hxj80PuT039d9wRPU.lJlqC6wR8JcHIusRIX8oF99ySnXDO1Vhovk3_jbIs_s&dib_tag=se&keywords=jack+stack&qid=1770066026&s=books&sprefix=jack+stack%2Cstripbooks%2C119&sr=1-2

Company

https://www.greatgame.com/books/the-great-game-of-business

A big thank you to our episode sponsor Monotree.

They help hospitality operators strengthen operations and scale company culture by creating a "Branded Front Door" for your workforce.

Head to their website to sign up.

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Tune in via your favourite podcast platform - here

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This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this insightful episode, Michael and Ally discuss their annual meetings focused on self-improvement and navigating life transitions. They reflect on the last year's theme of managing transitions, driven largely by personal changes such as moving countries and taking on new projects. The conversation delves into understanding change versus transition, with an emphasis on the significance of the nervous system in handling life's challenges. They introduce six pillars crucial for transformation: origin story, value system, nervous system management, vision roadmap, identity and foundations, and implementation. Practical advice is shared for managing stress, the importance of morning routines, and the critical need for self-awareness to achieve long-term growth. Listeners are encouraged to focus on incremental improvements and regularly reassess their goals to maintain a healthy balance in life and work.

Connect with Ally:

https://allygordoncoaching.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ally-gordon-coaching/

Connect with the podcast

Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter

Tune in via your favourite podcast platform - here

More episodes for you to check out here

A big thank you to our episode sponsor Monotree.

They help hospitality operators strengthen operations and scale company culture by creating a "Branded Front Door" for your workforce.

Head to their website to sign up.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In episode three, host Michael and special guests Mark Felix and Joel Robinson dive into the intricacies of pricing strategy, drawing valuable lessons from the retail and hospitality sectors. Joel, founder of Openr, shares insights from his extensive experience in both grocery and hospitality, emphasizing the transformative potential of sophisticated pricing management. Mark Felix, with a rich background in various retail roles including Chief Commercial Officer at the AA and positions at Sainsbury's and John Lewis, brings his expertise to the conversation. The discussion covers key value indicators, the importance of continuous experimentation in pricing, leveraging customer loyalty data, and the potential impact of AI and technology on optimizing pricing strategies. Key takeaways include the necessity for dynamic and data-driven approaches to pricing in the face of economic challenges, and the importance of creating a culture of experimentation to drive business value.

Connect with Mark:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markfelix/

Connect with the podcast

Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter

Tune in via your favourite podcast platform - here

More episodes for you to check out here

A big thank you to our episode sponsor Monotree.

They help hospitality operators strengthen operations and scale company culture by creating a "Branded Front Door" for your workforce.

Head to their website to sign up.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of hospitality with Cassie Davison, the author of 'Standout Hospitality.' Cassie brings over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and shares insights from her journey, including owning and operating award-winning venues, consulting, and building a community for independent operators. We explore the five pillars of wisdom outlined in her book, fundamentals of setting high standards, standing out in a crowded market, defining your identity, building belonging, and telling a great story. Cassie emphasizes the importance of being purpose-driven and building meaningful connections with customers. The discussion touches on the challenges and joys of hospitality, the evolving landscape post-pandemic, and the unique strengths of independent operators. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone passionate about creating impactful and profitable hospitality businesses.

Connect with Cassie:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassiedavison1/

Visit her webpage

https://www.kithkinhospitality.co.uk/

Get your hands on a free copy of the book:

https://standouthospitality.scoreapp.com/

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Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter

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More episodes for you to check out here

A big thank you to our episode sponsor Monotree.

They help hospitality operators strengthen operations and scale company culture by creating a "Branded Front Door" for your workforce.

Head to their website to sign up.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, Michael talks with Greg from 'Only A Pavement Away,' a charity co-founded by Greg and his wife, Jill, to help disadvantaged individuals secure employment in the hospitality sector. Greg shares the story behind the charity's inception and its significant impact, having placed over 800 people into jobs and added £32 million to the economy since its launch in 2018. The discussion covers their process of preparing candidates, the role of relationship managers, and the ultimate goal of expanding their reach across the UK. Greg emphasizes the importance of building quality relationships and offers insights into the challenges and successes they've faced. He also highlights the critical need for funding to continue their mission of transforming lives through meaningful employment.

Connect with Greg:

https://onlyapavementaway.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-mangham-5424402a/

A big thank you to our epsiode sponsor Apron.

The power tool for payments that helps hospitality operators save time, cut admin, and get back to doing what they love: looking after their guests and teams.

Head to their website to sign up.

Connect with the podcast

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This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, Michael welcomes Henry from Apron to discuss the financial pain points faced by hospitality operators. They delve into how Apron, founded in 2022, helps streamline business payments with consumer-grade simplicity. Henry explains how Apron addresses challenges like managing supplier payments, payroll, and employee expenses from a single platform, drastically saving time for business owners. Highlighting real-life cases, the conversation covers how Apron facilitates ease of financial management, allowing operators to focus on delivering exceptional hospitality. The discussion also explores the future of financial technology in the hospitality sector, emphasizing the need for fewer, more integrated tools. Henry shares his personal journey into FinTech and the profound impact Apron has had on businesses, including a touching story of how it helped a family in need. Listeners are encouraged to explore Apron's offerings at getapron.com and connect with Henry for personalized demonstrations.

Connect with Henry:

https://getapron.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-matson-1283472/

Connect with the podcast

Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter

Tune in via your favourite podcast platform - here

More episodes for you to check out here

A big thank you to our epsiode sponsor Apron.

The power tool for payments that helps hospitality operators save time, cut admin, and get back to doing what they love: looking after their guests and teams.

Head to their website to sign up.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, Michael, Joel and Stephen discuss the significant lag in technological advancements within the hospitality industry, particularly in back-office systems and data processing. Despite recent efforts made due to the pandemic to digitize front-of-house operations, the conversation highlights the need to improve operational aspects to enhance customer experiences. Issues such as repetitive WiFi logins and inefficient payment processes are mentioned. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of personalization and exceptional service in fostering customer loyalty, backed by personal anecdotes. The episode concludes with a call for the industry to focus on serving people more effectively.

Connect with Stephen:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenjohnrothwell/

https://stephenrothwell.ltd/

https://eagleeye.com/loyalty

A big thank you to our epsiode sponsor Apron.

The power tool for payments that helps hospitality operators save time, cut admin, and get back to doing what they love: looking after their guests and teams.

Head to their website to sign up.

Connect with the podcast

Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter

Tune in via your favourite podcast platform - here

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This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, Michael welcomes Marc Summers, a restauranteur with a bold and ambitious vision, to discuss his journey from a corporate finance career to creating a successful plant-based restaurant chain. Featuring stories of pivotal moments, including being inspired by a chef's table episode and the adrenaline of his first kitchen job, Marc outlines the organic development of his concept, the importance of testing and honing ideas through pop-ups, and the transition to opening brick-and-mortar sites. He shares his strategy for growing gracefully without compromising quality or culture, explains the intentional creation and application of core values, and highlights the excitement of future growth and new opportunities like catering. Marc also discusses the significance of transparency and respect in building a happy workplace, as evidenced by winning the Code People Award for the happiest place to work. Throughout, he reflects on the lessons learned and the importance of staying open-minded and resilient in a challenging industry.

Connect with Marc:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-summers-561366210/

https://www.bubala.co.uk/our-restaurants

Connect with the podcast

Join the Hospitality Mavericks newsletter

Tune in via your favourite podcast platform - here

More episodes for you to check out here

A big thank you to our epsiode sponsor Apron.

The power tool for payments that helps hospitality operators save time, cut admin, and get back to doing what they love: looking after their guests and teams.

Head to their website to sign up.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy