NEWMORROW SESSIONS - A PodCast Series on the Future of Hospitality

NEWMORROW SESSIONS - A PodCast Series on the Future of Hospitality

By Mario C. Bauer, Florian Schneider, Axel Weber & Dr. Tillman BardtBusinessEntrepreneurshipEducationHow ToCareers
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NEWMORROW SESSIONS - A PodCast Series on the Future of Hospitality episodes

  • “Ask yourself: have you been a good CEO?” - David Baumgartner, co-founder and CIO of Dean & David

    From Doubt to Drive - Entrepreneurs Only.

    This week with David Baumgartner, founder and CIO of “Dean & David”, known for its fresh, healthy, and sustainable dishes. With a vision to redefine fast food as healthier and more conscious, he opened the first restaurant in Munich in 2007. Today, “Dean & David” boasts over 150 locations across multiple countries and is considered a pioneer in modern, sustainable dining concepts.

    David is committed to uncompromising quality, regional sourcing, and innovative ideas to make healthy eating accessible to everyone. In this episode, he shares his journey from entrepreneurial ambition to building a renowned brand, the challenges of the food industry, his challenges as a young entrepreneur, his vision for the future of mindful eating and how he looks back onto 17 years of being a CEO.

    The main learnings from this conversation are:

    • Being a young founder is a benefit
    • Hope for the best, but expect the worst
    • As long as the worst case didn’t happen, there is still a good chance that it won’t happen
    • Stay positive and think forward
    • You have to do it because it has to be done
    • Be conscious, be motivated, keep on fighting

      • Tune in and listen to David and his honest view on being an entrepreneur, founder, CEO and now recently also a father.

      Hit the subscribe button and hear more stories from successful entrepreneurs worldwide in hospitality, food & drinks, and related industries, as they share their inspiring journey FROM DOUBT TO DRIVE. Uncover their tools and tactics, shifts in mindset, and breakthrough moments - how they knew they were stuck and how they got out. Join our community & learn how you can move from DOUBT TO DRIVE.

      © From Doubt to Drive Podcast, owned and operated by Aperitivo International B.V

      Recorded on June 28, 2024 via Zoom from Tegernsee, Germany (David Baumgartner) – Bandarawella, Sri Lanka (Mario C. Bauer) – Hamburg, Germany (Florian Schneider),

      46 min
    • "Block out the noise. Focus on yourself." - Laura Harper-Hinton, Co-founder & CEO Caravan

      From Doubt to Drive – Entrepreneurs Only

      Today, we are joined by Laura Harper-Hinton, Co-founder & CEO of Caravan (https://caravanandco.com/)

      Originally from New Zealand, Laura immigrated to the UK and co-founded Caravan in 2010 with two New Zealand partners. Caravan, a coffee roastery and restaurant operator, was a pioneer in the specialty coffee sector and has since grown to operate eight stores in London, one in Manchester, and three coffee bars. Caravan has achieved this year €30 million in sales, €2.5 million in profit, employs 500 people, and is proudly B-Corp certified.

      Laura shares her passion for hiking and the lessons entrepreneurs can learn from extreme sports, particularly in balancing risks.

      We also discussed her earlier career in event management, how she improved her stress management and resilience, and how these skills shaped her entrepreneurial journey with Caravan. Laura openly shares the challenges of building a business while raising a family, describing her unique rhythm of "restaurant–baby–restaurant–baby."

      Additionally, Laura sheds light on the differences between running a restaurant company and managing an FMCG coffee brand. Caravan’s commitment to ethical sourcing is evident, with at least 50% of their coffee sourced from female-led cooperatives.

      Our key takeaways from the conversation are:

      1. You need to find time to clear your head and slow down.
      2. Give yourself time to let ideas filter in.
      3. Learn how to manage stress.
      4. Crises are an opportunity to stay calm or lose your shit.
      5. Maintain a steady mind and a steady hand.
      6. Take measured risks.
      7. Back yourself and go for it.
      8. Put your own mask on first.
      9. Take time out to create headspace.
      10. Elevate your culture from good to great.
      11. Make everyone feel welcome. Create a workspace that feels like a home away from home.
      12. Build a culture of belonging.
      13. Embrace diversity.
      14. Don’t let profit outweigh your values.
      15. Block out the noise. Focus on yourself.
      16. Trust your instincts.
      17. Play the long game.
      18. Believe in yourself.
        19. …

        Hit the subscribe button and hear more stories from successful entrepreneurs worldwide in hospitality, food & drinks, and related industries, as they share their inspiring journey FROM DOUBT TO DRIVE. Uncover their tools and tactics, shifts in mindset, and breakthrough moments - how they knew they were stuck and how they got out. Join our community & learn how you can move from DOUBT TO DRIVE.

        © From Doubt to Drive Podcast, owned and operated by Aperitivo International B.V

        Recorded on 30th September 2024 via Zoom in London, UK (Laura Harper-Hinton) – Ella, Sri Lanka (Mario C. Bauer) – Hamburg, Germany (Florian Schneider).

        56 min
      19. "It’s bullshit, you never have it under control" - Patrick Hennig, CEO & co-fouder of nexenio & culture4life (Luca App)

        From Doubt to Drive - Entrepreneurs Only.

        This week with Patrick Hennig, CEO and co-fouder of nexenio and of culture4life, the company better known for the Luca app, an app that was launched in 2020 during COVID lockdowns to help restaurants, bars, clubs and events to skip the manual registration of their guests and to allow easier tracking in case of a COVID outbreak. The app became rapidly famous because the German hip hop band “Fantastische Vier” supported it from the beginning. 40 million users downloaded the app to get back a little bit of freedom.

        Today, Patrick transformed Luca in a reservation, ordering and payment app.

        Listen to an entrepreneur who took chances and started a business in times of global doubts, uncertainties, and troubles.

        The main learnings from this conversation are:

        • It’s all bullshit, you never have it under control
        • Don’t think too much
        • A disadvantage is also an advantage. Learning is a credit
        • When you need to take action, take action!
        • I’m not convinced that you always have to be convinced. Situations of doubt are good.
        • Have a clear goal, but be flexible on the details
        • Think alone first, then discuss with others

          • Tune in and listen to this very reflective entrepreneur who brings in another perspective on handling pressure, assessing entrepreneurship, hospitality and society.

          Hit the subscribe button and hear more stories from successful entrepreneurs worldwide in hospitality, food & beverage, and related industries, as they share their inspiring journey FROM DOUBT TO DRIVE. Uncover their tools and tactics, shifts in mindset, and breakthrough moments - how they knew they were stuck and how they got out. Join our community and learn how you can move from DOUBT TO DRIVE.

          © From Doubt to Drive Podcast, owned and operated by Newmorrow

          Recorded on June 7, 2024 via Zoom in Berlin, Germany (Patrick Hennig) – Bandarawella, Sri Lanka (Mario C. Bauer) – Hamburg, Germany (Florian Schneider),

          55 min
        • "You won’t die quickly" - Andreas J. Young & Sebastian Sung Chu Lechle, Mmaah Korean BBQ

          From Doubt to Drive - Entrepreneurs Only.

          This week with Andreas J. Young and Sebastian Sung Chu Lechle from Mmaah, Korean BBQ. For the first time, we have two guests—and they’re brothers!

          Having grown up between Germany and Korea, they opened their first restaurant in 2013, combining fast food with a healthy twist inspired by Korean street food. Mmaah now operates 10 locations: 8 in Berlin and 2 in Munich. With over 120 employees, they’ve reached €9 million in total sales, with 50% of sales coming from delivery.

          We discuss decision-making as brothers and the importance of mutual respect and a clear process for resolving differences. They share how they balance family life with business, realizing their dream together, and reconnecting at night after their kids are asleep. They also talk about breaking free from their parents' expectations of a traditional career—so much so that their mother initially stopped speaking to them. We learn how they simplified their Korean menu to reduce complexity while preserving authentic flavors, adapting it to a European fast-food style.

          They also reveal their biggest challenges, how they reignite their drive, and how they started with only €10,000 and no industry knowledge. We learn more about the "Zombie Invasion" and the harsh realities they faced while needing to be profitable from day one.

          Our main learnings from this conversation are:

          • Invest time in building systems and structures right from the beginning.
          • Target the mass market and reduce complexity.
          • Don’t try to educate your clients; offer approachable, friendly food.
          • If you love it, others likely will too.
          • fight your impatience.
          • You won’t die easily—push your boundaries
          • Define what you would never sacrifice for the business.
          • Establish a family-style culture.
          • Don’t make empty promises.
          • Think big, but take action to make it happen.
          • Be prepared for when messy reality hits.
          • Giving up is not an option.
          • Focus on cash flow if you want to stay independent.
          • Don’t give up too quickly.

            • In the podcast we talk about the 40% rule: When your mind is telling you that you’re done, that you’re exhausted, that you cannot possibly go any further, you’re only actually 40% done.

            The human mind is an amazing thing. It both propels us forward and holds us back. The 40% rule reminds us that no matter how exhausted we might feel, it is always possible to draw on an untapped reserve of energy, motivation, and drive that we all possess. Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1455534684/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_UIR1zb2ZTCFHG

            Hit the subscribe button and hear more stories from successful entrepreneurs worldwide in hospitality, food & drinks, and related industries, as they share their inspiring journey FROM DOUBT TO DRIVE. Uncover their tools and tactics, shifts in mindset, and breakthrough moments - how they knew they were stuck and how they got out. Join our community & learn how you can move from DOUBT TO DRIVE.

            © From Doubt to Drive Podcast, owned and operated by Aperitivo International B.V

            Recorded on 24th September 2024 via Zoom in Berlin, (Mmaah) – Kandy, Sri Lanka (Mario C. Bauer) – Hamburg, Deutschland (Florian Schneider).

            57 min
          • "Embrace the crazy ones." - Christoph Hoffmann, Founder 25hours

            From Doubt to Drive – Entrepreneurs Only

            Today, we have Christoph Hoffmann, Founder of 25hours Hotels (https://www.25hours-hotels.com/en), with the motto: "You know one, you know none." Founded 20 years ago by four entrepreneurs, 25hours currently operates 15 hotels in 7 countries. After being sold and integrated into Ennismore (https://ennismore.com/) , controlled by Accor (https://all.accor.com/a/en.html) , the brand unlocked tremendous growth potential, with 9 more hotels in the pipeline across 6 new countries, including Indonesia and Australia.

            With 2.000 employees and almost 40 culinary outlets, including NENI (check out the episode with founder Haya Molcho here on this channel, https://podfollow.com/1737382333/episode/5a15ead11675127da3ae0d6f43e666573729688d/view, Christoph discusses how she and other F&B heroes shaped the brand positioning of 25hours Hotels through their culinary focus.

            Christoph is also the co-founder of Bikini Island and Mountain Hotels Group, currently operating 2 hotels. (https://www.bikini-hotels.com/)

            He explains how, only after the exit and achieving financial freedom, he developed Schwellenangst (fear of threshold of boarders) about starting something new, as the strong relationships he built at 25hours made it difficult to venture into the unknown.

            Our key takeaways from the conversation are:

            • Create something you are proud of.
            • A leader needs trust and freedom to succeed.
            • You have to stick to passion, fun, and beauty.
            • “You know one, you know none.” - A creative approach to introducing something new to the market, following the motto “Spaß an der Freude.”
            • Brand standards and procedures are important, but you don’t need to have a solution for everything—sometimes you just have to let it go.
            • If you have several shareholders, trust and freedom for the leading one are crucial for success.
            • Leadership through collaboration and trust.
            • Surround yourself with positive people, especially during crises.
            • Embrace the crazy ones.
            • In hospitality, finding the right mix between being relaxed and professional is key.
            • In crises, find the right people to help you.
            • With success comes Schwellenangst

              • …

              Hit the subscribe button and hear more stories from successful entrepreneurs worldwide in hospitality, food & drinks, and related industries, as they share their inspiring journey FROM DOUBT TO DRIVE. Uncover their tools and tactics, shifts in mindset, and breakthrough moments - how they knew they were stuck and how they got out. Join our community & learn how you can move from DOUBT TO DRIVE.
              © From Doubt to Drive Podcast, owned and operated by Aperitivo International B.V
              Recorded on 6th June 2024 via Zoom in Switzerland (Christoph Hoffmann) – Mirissa, Sri Lanka (Mario C. Bauer) – Portugal (Axel Weber).

              55 min
            • NewMorrow, Shaping the Future of Hospitality

              We have spoken 1,6 Mio. words so far in our podcasts and gathered lots of learnings from interviewing 25 entrepreneurs which we summarized in our White Paper. Download for free here: https://www.new-morrow.com/whitepaper

              This is a special episode to look a little bit back but mainly forward into our next chapter: NewMorrow.

              We also like to welcome our new partner on board: the SODA Group, a leading firm for architecture and design. And together we build a community to gather great minds who are on a professional journey and are looking for new roadmaps. We will challenge doubts, redefine strategies and embrace the passion for great entrepreneurship paired with long-term resilience and guided determination. Hospitality is our home, our future is our concern, building educated intuition is our mission.

              We see a strong demand for building a platform for future leadership that is nonexistent so far – and we want to change that.

              We are highly inspired by the outcome of the Podcast FROM DOUBT TO DRIVE. But not in a studio but in real life. We strongly believe in the power of personal motivation through informed intuition and expeditive partnerships. The first needs insights and vivid experience. The second needs a truly qualified environment that listens and that resonates over time. Breaking down barriers is our approach. And there is probably a single road to achieve that – by personal gatherings in unusual places, personal exchange on an intimate and open level, with impulses and discussion formats that really inspire and bring everyone on a next level.

              Learn more about our first Think Tank in Greece in April 2025: https://www.new-morrow.com/

              This is a format that brings together selected groups of entrepreneurs who seek for exchange on eye level, moderated by also experienced entrepreneurs and renowned experts.

              We have carefully selected the venues to make that possible, the first will happen to be in a beautiful remote space in Arcadia in Greece, 2 hours from Athens. We expect a truly intensive experience with deep dives into highly strategic challenges and also really practical aspects of management in the future.

              Please contact us for more information: [email protected]

              We want to take the time to thank our partners:

              Coca Cola Europe

              Nestle Waters (S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna)
              Global Meat

              And our Media Partner: Deutscher Fachverlag, the Food Service Magazine and the European Food Service Summit.

              40 min
            • "The perfect storm almost killed us" - Alberto Cartasegna, MISCUSI

              Today, we have Alberto Cartasegna, Founder & CEO of Miscusi, a smart casual restaurant chain centered around pasta, which he started in 2017. Now, Miscusi has 18 restaurants across 7 Italian cities, serving over 1 million guests per year, employing 300 people, and generating €20 million in sales. With top investors on board, they have raised over €25 million in equity, achieved B-Corp certification, and created a place even Italian grandmothers love to dine.

              In this episode, Alberto shares how he faced resistance to the idea of building a restaurant chain in Italy. Frustrated that no Italian had successfully exported their cuisine globally, while brands like Starbucks and Vapiano had, he set out to change that. He also discusses why creating a well-organized restaurant chain in Italy is still rare, and how love and passion can thrive not only in a single restaurant but across a chain.

              Alberto opens up about the personal cost of his dedication and focus on work—how it led to suffering, strained relationships, panic attacks, and hitting rock bottom. He shares how he overcame these challenges and describes the perfect storm that almost destroyed them but ultimately made them stronger.

              Our key takeaways from the conversation are:

              • Italy is the challenge.
              • There is a cultural bias that a chain serves worse food than a mom-and-pop restaurant.
              • Focus on simple quality. Preserve simplicity.
              • Nothing is more depressing than an empty restaurant.
              • It’s a harsh awakening when the cash runs out.
              • Crises are life lessons that help you understand your roots and your “why.”
              • The search for your inner reasons is the way out of any crisis.
              • You have to follow through, no matter what.
              • Listen to inspiring entrepreneurs.
              • Understand that the relationships around you are what really matter in life.
              • Build and invest in good-quality relationships and a strong safety net around you.
              • Your “why” cannot be money.
              • Keep asking until you find the answer to your “why.”

                • …

                Hit the subscribe button and hear more stories from successful entrepreneurs worldwide in hospitality, food & drinks, and related industries, as they share their inspiring journey FROM DOUBT TO DRIVE. Uncover their tools and tactics, shifts in mindset, and breakthrough moments - how they knew they were stuck and how they got out. Join our community & learn how you can move from DOUBT TO DRIVE.

                © From Doubt to Drive Podcast, owned and operated by Aperitivo International B.V

                Recorded on 30th July 2024 via Zoom in Milano (Alberto) – Mirissa, Sri Lanka (Mario C. Bauer) – Hamburg, Deutschland (Florian Schneider).

                59 min
              • "Get up and stand on two legs" - Enrico Sodano, Serial Entrepreneur

                From Doubt to Drive - Entrepreneurs Only.

                This week with Enrico Sodano, serial entrepreneur, started his career as a goldsmith and jewelry trader before he ended up in the hospitality business. He became a McDonald’s franchisee, followed by taking over the Vapiano franchise in Switzerland and Egypt. Today, he runs different restaurant concepts in Switzerland, built his own delivery service and launched recently a small Vapiano format for gas stations – aiming double-digit numbers in stores for Switzerland.

                Join us on Enrico’s entrepreneurial journey around the world and learn how he puts family and employees first, and what he does when he hits a wall. And you shouldn’t miss out Enrico’s encounter with a tuktuk driver in India in 1979 while he was carrying one kilogram of gold around his neck.

                The main learnings from this conversation are:

                • Get up and stand on two legs
                • Don’t put all eggs in one basket
                • Listen first and try to understand the other side
                • Take a step back and look for the door in the wall
                • Give and you’ll get back
                • What is small for you might be big for others

                  • Hit the subscribe button and hear more stories from successful entrepreneurs worldwide in hospitality, food & drinks, and related industries, as they share their inspiring journey FROM DOUBT TO DRIVE. Uncover their tools and tactics, shifts in mindset, and breakthrough moments - how they knew they were stuck and how they got out. Join our community & learn how you can move from DOUBT TO DRIVE.

                  © From Doubt to Drive Podcast, owned and operated by Aperitivo International B.V

                  Recorded on April 18, 2024 via Zoom in Zurich, Switzerland (Enrico Sodano) – Bandarawella, Sri Lanka (Mario C. Bauer) – Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Florian Schneider),

                  52 min
                • "Failing is just an opportunity to learn more." - Travis Masiero, Luke’s Oyster Bar & Chop House

                  From Doubt to Drive - Entrepreneurs Only

                  This week, we’re speaking with Travis Masiero, Founder & CEO of Luke’s Oyster Bar & Chop House and four other restaurants in Singapore and Japan (https://tmrg.com.sg/). Born in the U.S. and educated at Cornell University, Travis made the bold move to the other side of the world to open restaurants.

                  We’ll be discussing the challenges he faced as a chef starting a business, particularly the difficulties of choosing the wrong partners and how he regained trust to form a successful new partnership. Travis shares how being in the right place at the right time can lead to a thriving business, and how his belief in the people of Singapore and their quality of work played a key role in his success.

                  Our key takeaways from our conversation are:

                  • Uncertainty and confidence don’t need to be contradictory.
                  • Sometimes the first step is uncomfortable, but you just have to make the first effort and start the process.
                  • Go out, just do it, and get your foot in the door.
                  • Choosing a business partner is as important as choosing a life partner.
                  • Trust your instincts when it comes to choosing partners.
                  • A strong partnership goes beyond friendship.
                  • Enduring incredible pain, suffering, and physical challenges is not just a skill but a business trait.
                  • People around you will benefit from your own happiness.
                  • Work hard and set the example for everyone else – go all in.
                  • Push yourself to the limits when it comes to learning new things, and don’t be afraid.
                  • If you can do something well, you can do other things well.
                  • Going from one to two restaurants is the biggest leap in growth.
                  • Human capital over financial capital.
                  • It’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle. There’s a lot of sacrifice, which can weigh heavily on the people around you.
                  • You cannot replace energy and drive for moving forward.
                  • Finding a way around your ego can be extremely complicated.
                  • You’re not cooking for yourself; you’re cooking for your guests.
                  • In a crisis, take a step back, give yourself time, and gain perspective.
                  • Don’t make excuses for why you can’t do it.
                  • Life isn’t perfect—you just need to get out and do it.
                  • Failing is just an opportunity to learn more.
                  • Whatever happens, it’s not the end of the world.

                    • …

                    Hit the subscribe button and hear more stories from successful entrepreneurs worldwide in hospitality, food & drinks, and related industries, as they share their inspiring journey FROM DOUBT TO DRIVE. Uncover their tools and tactics, shifts in mindset, and breakthrough moments - how they knew they were stuck and how they got out. Join our community & learn how you can move from DOUBT TO DRIVE.

                    57 min
                  • “We have spent our entire life learning to be unhappy” - Dr. Srikumar Rao - The Rao Institute

                    From Doubt to Drive - Entrepreneurs Only.

                    This week with Dr. Srikumar Rao, founder and.head of the Rao Institute (www.theraoinstitute.com), former business school professor, executive coach and TED Talk Speaker https://www.ted.com/talks/srikumar_rao_plug_into_your_hard_wired_happiness , who helped thousands of entrepreneurs to achieve “quantum leaps of effectiveness, resilience and happiness”. He supports leaders around the globe transform their lives so that they can experience abundant joy, no matter what comes their way.

                    Having said that, we took the chance with Dr. Rao to look back on more than 20 episodes and try to find out what successful entrepreneurs might do different, how to succeed in times of doubts, and how life unfolds when setting the right goals.

                    The main learnings from this conversation are:

                    • Happiness is the by-product of how you live your life, it’s your birth right
                    • Act as if you had control
                    • Observe the inner dialogue and see how it goes on
                    • The importance of the goal is that it establishes direction.
                    • Let it happen, don’t try to make it happen
                    • Suffering begins when you label it as: “this is horrible”
                    • Think of your awareness like a flashlight

                      • Tune in and listen to Dr. Rao’s view on life and leadership.

                      Hit the subscribe button and hear more stories from successful entrepreneurs worldwide in hospitality, food & drinks, and related industries, as they share their inspiring journey FROM DOUBT TO DRIVE. Uncover their tools and tactics, shifts in mindset, and breakthrough moments - how they knew they were stuck and how they got out. Join our community & learn how you can move from DOUBT TO DRIVE.

                      © From Doubt to Drive Podcast, owned and operated by Aperitivo International B.V

                      Recorded on June 27, 2024 via Zoom in New York, USA (Dr. Srikumar Rao) Bandarawella, Sri Lanka (Mario C. Bauer) – Hamburg, Germany (Florian Schneider),

                      54 min

                    About NEWMORROW SESSIONS - A PodCast Series on the Future of Hospitality

                    From the publisher's feed

                    The Newmorrow PodCast is more than a podcast — it's a platform for open dialog on the future of our business, a platform for those building what doesn’t exist yet. Here, we share and embrace our passion for the hospitality industry, but we won’t romanticize the journey. We ask the tough questions, confront uncomfortable truths, and prepare for a future that resists easy answers. We believe that the tougher and wilder times become, the more openly, honestly and humanely people need to talk to each other and act together. We believe, openness, togetherness, and truthfulness should also be cornerstones of a professional community to develop our utopian idea of „open source“.

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