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

  • “10% idea, 90% sweat” - Gregor Gerlach, Seaside Hotel Collection, Vapiano

    From Doubt to Drive - Entrepreneurs Only.

    This week with Gregor Gerlach, CEO of Seaside Hotel Collection (www.seaside-collection.com), co-founder & shareholder of Vapiano (www.vapiano.eu)

    Gregor Gerlach has an amazing track record: 20 years ago, he co-founded Vapiano, bought his co-founders out and led the company as CEO for several years. As a shareholder he experienced then the exciting days when Vapiano first went public and how his “baby” later went bankrupt. He is an integral part of the new shareholders, who bought Vapiano out of bankruptcy.

    Gregor leads the family office Gerlach Wohnungsbau, runs the luxury hotel brand Seaside Hotels with hotels in Germany, Spain, and on the Maledives. In addition he started a gourmet burger joint called Burgerlich. His latest venture is Riverside Luxury Cruises, that operates cruise ships on the Danube river.

    Tune in and listen to this fullblood entrepreneur who shares his knowledge and experience in leadership, decision taking and how to overcome big crisis in business life.

    The main learnings from this conversation are:

    • When you fall, you need to stand up again
    • Failures can be chances
    • Believe in what you’re doing and only do in what you believe
    • The underlying trends are very important
    • Verbalize your thoughts
    • It’s good to start in a group, but later it’s better to have the majority stake

      • 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 5, 2024 via Zoom in Hamburg, Germany (Gregor Gerlach) – Bandarawella, Sri Lanka (Mario C. Bauer) – Amsterdam, Netherlands (Florian Schneider),

      47 min
    • "Make a problem a problem only when it is a problem." - Thom Elliot, Pizza Pilgrims

      From Doubt to Drive - Entrepreneurs Only

      This week, we feature Thom Elliot, Co-Founder of Pizza Pilgrims (https://www.pizzapilgrims.co.uk/), which he started with his brother in 2012 following a pilgrimage to Italy. They have grown the business organically, with a lot of fun, and with massive respect for bringing Neapolitan pizza to London. What began as a street food movement has now expanded to 22 pizzerias across the UK, employing 480 people, generating 30 million in sales, and 1 million in profit. The company is still growing at 20% per year. It was initially funded by 15 early-stage investors and Imbiba (https://imbiba.com/news/2021/3/24/imbiba-invests-in-pizza-pilgrims).

      Thom talks with us about how COVID presented the ultimate roadblock but also created big opportunities, such as selling pizza ingredients in a box—up to 10,000 boxes a week—which saved the company. He also shares why, as a founder, he doesn't focus on numbers at all and how listening to Led Zeppelin exclusively for weeks helps him during crises.

      Our key takeaways from our conversation are:

      • Make a problem a problem only when it is a problem.
      • We are not a family; we are a team.
      • Slow down—focus on one thing at a time.
      • Doubts grow as your company grows.
      • Hire people you trust.
      • Make decisions as a team.
      • If everyone follows big data, we all end up in the same place.
      • Trust your gut; believe in what you want to do.
      • Don’t let data lead you to places you don’t want to go.
      • Focus on developing people, but don’t overpromote them.
      • Happiness is a business goal.
      • Success is happiness.

        • …

        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 28. May 2024 via Zoom in London (Thom Elliot) – Kandy, Sri Lanka (Mario C. Bauer) – Hamburg, Deutschland (Florian Schneider).

        49 min
      • "You only realize your mistakes after you've made them." - Stefan Tewes - Coffee Fellows

        From Doubt to Drive - Entrepreneurs Only

        This week with Stefan Tewes, Founder & CEO of Coffee Fellows (https://coffee-fellows.com/), the largest coffee shop chain in Germany, with over 300 units. Coffee Fellows was founded in 1999 and currently generates 120 million Euros in system sales, with 10 million Euros in EBITDA. The company operates in 9 countries with over 150 franchise partners.

        Stefan shares with us the early beginnings of Coffee Fellows and how he initially underestimated the strength of local bakery chains in Germany, especially in smaller and mid-sized cities. He also expresses his respect for Starbucks while being motivated to provide an even better experience for his customers. Stefan discusses the company's U.S. expansion and the lessons he learned about running a successful business from his career in professional sports.

        Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coffeefellows/

        LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coffee-fellows-gmbh/
        Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoffeeFellowsDeutschland

        Our key takeaways from our conversation are:

        • A competitive market segment supports the idea that it is attractive. Co-existence is possible; it’s not a winner-takes-all scenario.
        • Competition can either scare or motivate you.
        • Success in the restaurant business requires long-term view.
        • Exercise caution when integrating other brands.
        • Stick to your location criteria and don't compromise.
        • You only realize your mistakes after you've made them.
        • International expansion requires taking risks; otherwise, you remain a domestic player.
        • When going international, invest in brokers and agents to find the right partners.
        • Start slow, learn from mistakes in the first shop, and grow afterward.
        • Be frank during crises.
        • Cultivate a willingness to win.
        • Refocus on yourself and avoid blaming 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 10. May 2024 via Zoom in Germany (Stefan Tewes) – Mirissa, Sri Lanka (Mario C. Bauer) – Hamburg, Deutschland (Florian Schneider).

          50 min
        • “You’re going to suffer. You have to die for your idea!” - Max Kochen - beets&roots

          From Doubt to Drive - Entrepreneurs Only.

          This week with Max Kochen, co-founder and CEO of beets&roots (www.beetsandroots.de)

          beets&roots was founded in Berlin in 2016 by the Michelin-starred chef Andreas Tuffentsammer and the young entrepreneur Max Kochen. Their inspiration was the lack of freshly prepared, healthy lunch options in Germany. beets&roots embodies the open-minded, global mentality, but with an international flair. Max talks about their journey and how he grew the company up to more than 15 locations, with a multichannel approach to B2B, delivery, travel hubs and retail.

          In this episode, he also shares beets&root’s superpower, how they react to market developments and anticipate technical progress as a necessary tool for the future growth of the company. At the same time, Max shares his personal struggles and his ability to manage uncomfortable feelings, and how he gains power out of it.

          The main learnings from this conversation are:

          • Focus on the substance, build a strong fundament for your business
          • Bonfires on the sides are killing you
          • Patience: make sure to understand the timeframe you’re operating in
          • You’re going to suffer, so toughen up!
          • You have to rely on yourself
          • You have to die for the idea, and you have to question it at the same time

            • 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 May 21, 2024 via Zoom in Berlin, Germany (Max Kochen) – Bandarawella, Sri Lanka (Mario C. Bauer) – Hamburg, Germany (Florian Schneider),

            48 min
          • Be the “Chief Happiness Maker” - Robin Rowland, Yo! Sushi, TriSpan

            From Doubt to Drive - Entrepreneurs Only.

            This week with Robin Rowland, former CEO and Mr. “Yo! Sushi” (https://yosushi.com/), where he grew the brand to over 100 restaurants and to a 200 million valuation. Robin is an industry veteran and nowadays an operating partner at TriSpan. Their private equity “Rising Stars Fund” has invested over 300 million into 10 portfolio companies so far: https://www.trispanllp.com/rising-stars-platform/. Robin talks about his investment strategy, how being an accelerator of growth, both for property and people, is key for success, and why he never lost a deal he wanted to get.

            Our main learnings from this conversation are:

            • You can’t do it alone.
            • People are the biggest challenge in our industry; people keep changing.
            • Touch, feel, and smell a business before you get involved.
            • Get cross-fertilization of your ideas.
            • Keep a close, strong peer group to tap into their brain.
            • We all underestimate our capabilities.
            • You have to do something.
            • Don’t aim for perfection. Don’t overanalyze.
            • We all know in our guts if a decision must be made.
            • Double down in a crisis, especially in hiring people and signing locations.
            • A crisis is never about life or death.
            • Don’t put more fuel into the fire.
            • Be the „Chief Happiness Maker“ in a crisis; your people look at you.
            • Avoid one-trick ponies.
            • Understand customer perception.
            • Don’t invest in brands in their honeymoon phase.
            • Understand your cash flow and how to control costs better.
            • You must have a plan to get out of crises.
            • Good entrepreneurs are like good athletes; they need to look after themselves.

              • If you have interesting investment ideas for Robin, please contact him via.

              https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-rowland-obe-77070a35/

              …

              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 10. May 2024 via Zoom in London (Robin Rowland) – Mirissa, Sri Lanka (Mario C. Bauer) – Hamburg, Deutschland (Florian Schneider).

              47 min
            • "Starting a kola company was just the training to become an entrepreneur" - Mirco Wiegert, fritz kola

              From Doubt to Drive - Entrepreneurs Only.

              This week with Mirco Wiegert, co-founder and CEO of fritz kola (www.fritz-kola.com)

              Mirco founded the company with his friend Lorenz Hampel when they were students in Hamburg, Germany in 2003. Therefore, they terminated their “Bausparvertrag” and with only 7.000 Euro in cash they started to conquer one of the biggest brands in the world. Today, fritz kola is a hip and well-known brand in many European countries, they employ 300 people, called Fritzis, make a triple digit million number in sales and position themselves not only as beverage producer, but also use their market power to make strong statements against racism and right populism.

              In this episode, Mirco talks about being the small startup in the market that stands up and conquers against the biggest soft drink giants, about how he had to learn to lead people and develop a company culture, and how important the consumer as guiding star is.

              If you want to learn more about fritz, the struggles, roadblocks and successes of a startup, you should buy Mirco’s book “Fritz vs. Goliath” (available in German and English language) https://www.amazon.de/dp/3430210577?psc=1&smid=A3JWKAKR8XB7XF&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp

              The main learnings from this conversation are:

              • If I fail, the biggest price I must pay is to start a new company
              • Stay independent
              • Find the hole in the wall. Focus on what you’re good at
              • Prepare yourself for a long run. Building a company is a marathon, not a sprint
              • Get started, you just have to do it!
              • Focus on sales

                • 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 Hamburg, Germany (Mirco Wiegert) – Bandarawella, Sri Lanka (Mario C. Bauer) – Hamburg, Germany (Florian Schneider),

                56 min
              • "A problem is an opportunity wrapped in fear" - Mats Lederhausen, McDonalds, Chipotle & ANDAS

                From Doubt to Drive - Entrepreneurs Only.

                This week with Mats Lederhausen, Entrepreneur, Leader and Investor with his platform www.be-cause.com/ and www.andas.io/

                Mats talks with us about his 25 years of experience with McDonald's, Chipotle, PRET, Roti, and many more. He also shares his views on leadership, his investment philosophy, and why the WHY is more important than the WHO, and the WHO is more important than the WHAT. His views on the world are truly inspiring. Mats is one of the most reflective and philosophical interview partners we have had so far on our podcast, sharing his perspectives on food and the world

                Our main learnings from this conversation are:

                • Think big, start small, scale fast.
                • Things can be your problem, even though they are not your fault.
                • The purpose of your company is bigger than your product.
                • There is no straight line to success ever.
                • It is in the moment of pain where we learn the most.
                • What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
                • Your own optimistic posture is important in crises.
                • Are you ready to compete? Do the work.
                • In every wall, there is a door.
                • Eat well, work out, watch your diet.
                • Be a believer.
                • Your most important job is to make your job more important.
                • Run to the fire, not from the fire.
                • Most successful founders are the ones who are most critical.
                • It is critical to be critical.
                • People decisions are the most important decisions.
                • The WHY is more important than the WHO; and the WHO is more important than the WHAT.
                • A problem is an opportunity wrapped in fear.
                • Develop options and pick one, and go after it.
                • Be a „live first” person.
                • Create action. You gotta just move.

                  • If you have investment ideas contact Mats via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matslederhausen/

                  On his website you can register for his weekly newsletter: https://www.be-cause.com/insights-blog

                  During the podcast Mats referred to https://startswith.us/, the https://buildersmovement.org/ and the TedTalk from Daniel Lubetzky (here: https://tinyurl.com/yp73p5yk

                  …

                  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 May 2024 via Zoom in Chicago, US (Mats) – Mirissa, Sri Lanka (Mario C. Bauer) – Hamburg, Deutschland (Florian Schneider).

                  1 hr 6 min
                • “Why going out of a business was the best decision” - Haya Molcho, founder of NENI

                  From Doubt to Drive - Entrepreneurs Only.

                  This week with Haya Molcho, founder of NENI (https://nenifood.com/)

                  Haya Molcho is a fantastic woman full of positive energy and love for food, people and the business she started 15 years ago. Today she leads the company NENI together with three of her four sons. NENI has spread twelve locations over seven countries, is in a franchise cooperation with the famous 25hours hotels and sells its signature Levante cuisine products also in retail stores in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia and The Netherlands.

                  NENI and the Haya family were awarded with the prestigious Hamburg Foodservice Price 2024 as best international concept.

                  In this episode, Haya talks about her way to lead and trust, what family means to her, how energy, passion and creativity became the foundation of her business, and what balagan means.

                  The main learnings from this conversation are:

                  • Communication is key
                  • The worst is just to “be the business”. I’m a human being!
                  • Risk taking is my education
                  • Never say yes if it doesn’t feel a 100% right
                  • If something goes wrong, don’t think that you are wrong too
                  • Give trust to the people you work with
                  • Don’t take yourself too seriously, don’t overthink, love yourself
                  • Tune in and listen to an amazing woman who puts communication first to solve problems, no matter what.

                    • 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 5, 2024 via Zoom in Vienna, Austria (Haya Molcho) – Bandarawella, Sri Lanka (Mario C. Bauer) – Hamburg, Germany (Florian Schneider),

                    50 min
                  • "Success creates culture" - Victor Lugger - Big Mamma Group & Sunday

                    From Doubt to Drive - Entrepreneurs Only.

                    This week with Victor Lugger, co-founder of Big Mamma Group (https://www.bigmammagroup.com) and Sunday App (https://sundayapp.com/).

                    He and his business partner Tigrane Seydoux disrupted our industry twice. First with Big Mamma Restaurant Group, now operating 25 restaurants in 5 Countries, 2,500 employees, valued at €270 Mio. when McWin bought a majority stake last year.

                    And also with Sunday App “the fastest way to pay”, a FinTech company, founded in 2021, raised over €125 Mio. and now active in US, UK and France.

                    Victor talks with us about that toughest time of his career when he had to let 300 people go, when his Fintech company “Sunday” had to change the scope over night to be profitable ASAP and the collective responsibility to change the course of the company.

                    Our main learnings from this conversation are:

                    • Don’t get lost in rabbit holes. Think about the big picture.
                    • Success creates culture.
                    • Analyze & understand your recipes to create great emotions.
                    • Speed creates more value than anything else.
                    • You always over-estimate what you can do in one year but you under-estimate what you can do in ten years.
                    • Discipline will set you free. Set up a management structure and stick with it.
                    • Fear of Failure is a huge driver. Use it.
                    • The early, hard days of an entrepreneur are the best ones.
                    • Make sure you are happy, excited & passionate about the work you are doing.
                    • Overtrust your people. Leaders should just create the right context.
                    • Don’t tell your people what they should do. Make sure they have enough time to do what they should do.
                    • Make your partner proud. Show them the better version of yourself.
                    • Business is not who you are. It is just business.
                    • Never take any risk which could kill the business. Behave like a “good-family dad”.
                    • Make sure the mission of your company is aligned with who you are.
                    • Don’t think that other entrepreneurs are better. It is really hard in the beginning. Success is 99% hard work.
                    • Make each day count to create purpose.

                      • For everyone who wants to know and see more about Big Mamma, please watch the interview we did with Victor Lugger 4 years ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E114HqttAhg&t=1158s.

                      …
                      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 4th June 2024 via Zoom in London, UK (Victor Lugger) – Mirissa, Sri Lanka (Mario C. Bauer) – Hamburg, Deutschland (Florian Schneider).

                      55 min
                    • "Storytelling is the strongest force for every entrepreneur." - Tobias Beck - Coach, Top Speaker and Bestselling Author

                      From Doubt to Drive - Entrepreneurs Only.

                      This week with Tobias Beck, Founder of Tobias Beck Academy (https://www.tobias-beck.com/), Bestselling Author, Top Speaker and Coach with 23 years of experience and over 400.000 participants. Tobi is also a podcast host with 30 Mio. downloads and an influencer with over 200.000 followers (https://www.instagram.com/tobias_beck_official/)

                      This is the first time Florian & I asked an expert for help to put our learnings from the last 15 interviews with entrepreneurs in perspective and analyze the findings together.

                      Our main learnings from this conversation are:

                      1.Ask for advice.
                      2.Create something that lasts longer than yourself.
                      3.Do what you are born for.
                      4.You are good and ready as you are.
                      5.You cannot reach whatever you want to reach, but you can reach more than you think.
                      6.Nurture the flame.
                      7.You get what you give.
                      8.Start before you are ready. Calibrate later with people who are smarter than you.
                      9.Find your true self.
                      10.Learn to say no.
                      11.Ask your “Celebrity Twin” what to do.
                      12.Don’t become the victim of your own brain.
                      13.Get a positive story library in your head for difficult times.
                      14.Storytelling is the strongest force for every entrepreneur.
                      15.Find the why where you start to cry.

                      Tobis latest book “Rehbellion” is currently only available in German on Amazon. His other bestseller “Unbox your life” is available in 19 different languages: https://www.tobias-beck.com/buecher/

                      …

                      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 26. Juni 2024 via Zoom in Nord Zypern (Tobias Beck) – Mirissa, Sri Lanka (Mario C. Bauer) – Hamburg, Deutschland (Florian Schneider).

                      1 hr 1 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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