In this powerful and personal episode, we speak with Matt Cameron, founder of TMC People Agency and co-founder of WellJam, who shares the story behind his mission to transform toxic hospitality workplaces into thriving ones.

Matt opens up about his early years in hospitality, the pressure-cooker environments that almost cost him everything — and the moment that changed his life. Now, he's on a mission to help employers build people-first cultures that don't just retain staff, but genuinely help them thrive.

We discuss:

• The silent burnout epidemic in hospitality
• How poor workplace culture nearly ended Matt’s life
• Why many employer “wellbeing” perks miss the mark
• What younger staff really want — and why it matters
• Practical ways leaders can spot and stop toxic behaviours
• What it means to actually empower your team
• Why retention starts before Day One

This is an honest, solutions-focused conversation every hospitality leader needs to hear.

👉 Explore more episodes, blogs and training at www.talkinghospitality.com

📲 Connect with Matt: thatmattcameron.com

🙏 A big thank you to our brand partners

We’re proud to be supported by two fantastic organisations:

• Graphic Kitchen – bringing hospitality stories to life with standout creative that cuts through the noise.
• LeisureJobs – connecting top talent with the best opportunities across the industry

Takeaways:

• Matt's journey in hospitality shows the importance of mental health awareness in the workplace.
• Creating a supportive work environment can significantly boost employee retention and satisfaction.
• Work-life balance is often misunderstood; it should focus on improving the workplace culture, not just outside activities.
• Understanding individual employee needs is crucial for effective management in modern hospitality settings.

Links referenced in this episode:

• mattcameron.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• TMC // Agency
• wellJam