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Day 31 of 31 celebrates Rachel Kerr-Lapsley, who brought one of the most practical and honest perspectives we have heard on mental health in hospitality. Her message was not about slogans or awareness campaigns for the sake of it, but about giving people real tools and creating workplaces where they can thrive. Since then, she has continued leading Kelly’s Cause as it has expanded its support through training, events and practical learning partnerships across the industry.#talkinghospitality #womeninhospitality #podcast #Hospitality #kellyscause #wellbeing #mentalhealth

Our most political episode out on Youtube now "talkinghospitalitypodcast" Featuring Andy Lennox #talkinghospitality #podcast #CampaigningForChange #Industry #VAT #Hospitality

Women In Hospitality | Monica Or |#podcast #hospitality #shorts Day 30 of 31 celebrates Monica Or, founder of Star Quality Hospitality Consultancy, who brought a strong and practical perspective to our women in leadership episode. Since then, she has continued supporting hospitality businesses through consultancy and online training, while also gaining recognition for her book Star Quality Hospitality, which was named a 2025 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Business finalist. She is a great example of someone using experience, visibility and straightforward advice to help others lead better #womeninhospitality #hospitalityleadership #womeninbusiness #hotelmanagement #leadership #hospitalityindustry #careergrowth

Day 29 of 31 celebrates Pervin Todiwala, who continues to be a driving force behind Zest Quest Asia and its mission to raise the profile of Asian cuisine in Britain. In our conversation, she spoke with real conviction about access, opportunity and the need to develop homegrown talent, and that work has continued through a growing competition and new support for colleges who might otherwise struggle to take part. She represents the kind of leadership that does not just talk about change, but creates the structure to make it possible. Zest Quest Asia Gala Dinner states that proceeds from the dinner go to the Todiwala Foundation to promote knowledge and careers in Asian cuisine. Just as importantly, Zest Quest Asia itself continues build a pipeline of young, homegrown cooks who understand authentic Asian food, #talkinghospitality #womeninhospitality #podcast #hospitality #zestquestasia #asianfood

Day 28 of 31 celebrates Andrea Zick, sustainability in Hospitality champion. Since that February 2024 conversation, Andrea has continued working at the intersection of hospitality and food systems research. She is a researcher with the UK Food Systems Centre for Doctoral Training, and her recent PhD explored how chefs can help design food offers that are lower in food waste and greenhouse gas emissions. She is active as a thought leader in this space. In 2025, the Natural Resources Institute highlighted her contribution to a symposium on leadership for food systems change, where she explored how leadership is understood in both scholarship and practice. She continues to advocate for low-carbon diets, food systems transformation, and practical sustainability in kitchens and menus. #talkinghospitality #womeninhospitality #podcast #Sustainability #environment #hospitality

In this episode of Talking Hospitality, Timothy R Andrews meets Andy Lennox at The Old Thatch in Dorset for a straight conversation about leadership, pressure, campaigning, and why so many hospitality businesses are struggling to make the numbers work. Andy shares how he built from the ground up, from opening restaurants with no roadmap and limited money, to growing respected businesses across pubs and Thai restaurants. He also explains why he stepped into the national debate around VAT, business rates and Government policy, and what he believes needs to change. Inside this episode: • Andy Lennox’s hospitality journey from scratch • Why strong operators are still under huge pressure • The real impact of rates, VAT and rising costs • The campaign that got the industry talking • Why service and hospitality are not the same thing • What operators need to focus on when margins are tight • Leadership, accountability and the future of pubs and restaurants This is not about political poin…

Day 27 of 31 celebrates Dr Hilary Cooke, whose Talking Hospitality appearance was a reminder that leadership in difficult times is not about grand statements, but about giving people confidence, structure and hope. Since 2021, she has continued leading development work through Merlin Consultancy, stayed at the heart of the Master Innholders Aspiring Leaders Diploma, and helped shape the relaunch of MIDAS into a structured programme for emerging hotel talent. In 2025, that contribution was further recognised by the City & Guilds Foundation, reflecting the long-term impact she continues to have on hospitality leadership and learning. #talkinghospitality #womeninhospitality #podcast #Hospitality #Leadership

Day 26 of 31 celebrates Michelle Moreno, who brought real clarity to Talking Hospitality when discussing women’s leadership in hospitality. In the episode, she spoke openly about starting “right at the bottom,” being demoted from waitress to food runner, then building a global operations career through restaurant openings before founding QAB Leadership. She revealed the extra calculation women often have to make in leadership spaces: not just doing the job, but working out how to be seen, heard and taken seriously while navigating labels that men often do not face. Since that 2024 episode, Michelle appears to have continued building QAB Leadership as a leadership coaching and consultancy business focuses on hospitality founders and senior leaders, supporting women into leadership positions across industries. #talkinghospitality #womeninhospitality #podcast #Leadership #women #hospitality

Day 25 of 31 celebrates Mex Ibrahim, co-founder of Women in the Food Industry, who brought a clear and practical message to Talking Hospitality: if you cannot see it, you cannot be it. In her episode, she spoke about the power of visibility and storytelling, and why shining a spotlight on women across all parts of the food industry matters. Not just chefs, but producers, developers, policy makers, nutritionists. Her focus was simple but powerful: create a community where women can see what is possible, support each other, and build confidence through shared experience. Since then, she has continued to grow Women in the Food Industry as a social enterprise, building a platform that connects, champions and elevates women across the sector through events, content and partnerships. She represents leadership that is not about noise, but about creating space for others to step forward. #talkinghospitality #womeninhospitality #podcast #HospitalityIndustry #InspirationDaily #womeinthefoodindu…

Day 24 of 31 celebrates Joanne Taylor-Stagg, who joined Talking Hospitality during one of the toughest periods our industry has faced, speaking about resilience and the importance of not giving up hope. It was a message that landed then, and still resonates now. Since her time as Hotel Manager at The Athenaeum, Jo has stepped into a broader leadership role and is now General Manager at The Harlow Hotel by Accor, continuing to build her reputation as a highly connected and respected leader across the sector. Known for her strong industry network and commitment to developing people, she remains an active voice in hospitality conversations, particularly around leadership, resilience and progression. What stood out in her episode was not just optimism, but realism. A steady belief that even in the most uncertain moments, there is always a way forward if you keep showing up, keep leading and keep backing your people. She represents leadership that does not disappear when things get toug…

Day 23 of 31 celebrates Dawn Lawrence, founder of Hospitality Jobs UK, who has become one of the most visible and influential connectors in the industry. When she appeared on Talking Hospitality, she brought energy, honesty and a clear mission: to make recruitment in hospitality more human, more accessible and more effective. Since then, Dawn has continued to grow Hospitality Jobs UK into a genuine community, not just a job board. Through daily engagement, industry insight and a constant presence supporting both employers and candidates, she has helped thousands of people navigate careers, find roles and feel part of something bigger. She represents a new kind of leadership in hospitality. One built on connection, consistency and showing up for the industry every single day. #talkinghospitality #womeninhospitality #podcast #hospitality #singleparent #worklifebalance

Day 22 of 31 celebrates Ranji Thangiah, founder of Tooting Mama, who brought a deeply personal and culturally rich perspective to Talking Hospitality. In her episode, she spoke about preserving Sri Lankan heritage through food and ingredients, and the responsibility that comes with representing that authentically. Tooting Mama has been about more than just cooking. It has been about storytelling, identity and protecting the integrity of flavours and traditions that can easily be diluted. What stood out was the determination around building something of your own, and the pride in staying true to where you come from. She represents a side of hospitality that is not driven by trends, but by culture, meaning and a clear sense of purpose .#talkinghospitality #womeninhospitality #podcast #culture #srilanka #Foodie

Day 21 of 31 celebrates Lorraine Copes, founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality, who brought one of the most direct and important messages we’ve had on Talking Hospitality. In her episode, she spoke plainly about standards in the workplace, including a moment that landed with a lot of people: if you raise a complaint and nothing is done, leave. Since then, Lorraine has continued to build Be Inclusive Hospitality into a recognised force in the industry, focusing on equity, representation and creating tangible opportunities for people from underrepresented backgrounds. Her work goes beyond conversation. It is about accountability, data, community and real change. #talkinghospitality #womeninhospitality #podcast #discrimination #hospitality

“You’ve got to speak the same language as the people you’re supporting.” That was Jonathan Napier’s point — and it cuts through a lot of the noise around HR. Because if you’ve never worked on the floor, behind the bar, or in the kitchen… how do you truly understand the pressures your teams are facing? In this clip, Jonathan talks about why operational experience matters — and why the best HR professionals don’t just know policy… they understand people, in real terms. #talkinghospitality #hr #podcast #HumanResources

Day 20 of 31 celebrates Vicky Glover, who joined Talking Hospitality to speak about apprenticeships from a perspective we do not hear enough: the learner experience. Through her work with Appetite 4 Apprenticeships, she has focused on supporting apprentices, giving them a voice and helping highlight where the system works and where it needs to improve. What stood out in her episode was the honesty. Not theory, not policy, but the reality of what apprentices actually go through, and the responsibility the industry has to get it right. #talkinghospitality #womeninhospitality #podcast #Apprenticeships #Hospitality #podcast

Day 19 of 31 celebrates Marsha Bennett co-founder of the Caribbean Food Collective who brought her unique perspective to the podcast. Her work has been focused on championing Caribbean food culture, creating opportunities for independent food businesses, and helping bring more visibility to underrepresented voices within the industry. Through the Collective, she has continued to build a platform that connects community, culture and commercial opportunity in a way that is authentic and needed. She represents the kind of leadership that pushes hospitality forward by widening the lens of what great food culture and networking looks like. #TalkingHospitality #WomenInHospitality #Podcast #ChefLife #HospitalityIndustry #CareerGrowth

It’s a question that’s coming up more and more — in boardrooms, in team meetings, and quietly in people’s heads. You can see why. Automation is accelerating. Admin is being stripped out. Systems are getting smarter. So where does that leave HR? In today’s bonus episode of Talking Hospitality, host Timothy R Andrews sat down with Jonathan Napier to explore exactly that. And let’s just say… his take might not be what you expect. This isn’t a theoretical conversation. It’s grounded, practical, and very real for where the industry is heading. If you work with people — or lead them — this one’s worth your time. Out now #talkinghospitality #podcast #ai #hr #humanresources #hospitality

This bonus episode of Talking Hospitality, recorded live at Confex 2026, explores one of the most misunderstood roles in the industry: human resources. Timothy R Andrews speaks with Jonathan Napier, HR Director at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower and a volunteer advocate for HR in Hospitality, a non-profit network dedicated to championing people professionals across the sector. Jonathan shares what HR actually does inside hospitality businesses — and why the function is far more than hiring, payroll or policies. At its heart, HR is about supporting people, developing talent and ensuring teams have the guidance and structure they need to succeed. The conversation also explores the work of HR in Hospitality, a volunteer-led organisation that has spent three decades bringing HR professionals together through events, education and networking. Jonathan explains why advocacy for HR as a career matters, why operational experience is invaluable for future HR leaders, and how hospitality offer…

What does HR actually do in hospitality? In this bonus episode of Talking Hospitality, recorded live at Confex 2026, Timothy R Andrews sits down with Jonathan Napier, HR Director at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower in London and a volunteer advocate for HR in Hospitality — a non-profit organisation championing people professionals across the sector. HR can often be misunderstood. Many people still see it as policies, paperwork, or the department you only hear from when something has gone wrong. But as Jonathan explains in this conversation, the reality is very different. At its core, HR in hospitality is about people — supporting teams, developing careers, guiding leaders and helping businesses build workplaces where individuals can succeed. Jonathan shares how HR in Hospitality, a volunteer-led network that has been supporting HR professionals for nearly three decades, brings people together through industry events, education and collaboration. From employment law updates and mock trib…

HR in Hospitality has been around for nearly 30 years… and everything we do is about championing people in this industry.” Because HR still gets misunderstood. Too often seen as policies, paperwork… or the people you only hear from when something’s gone wrong. But the reality? In this upcoming episode, Jonathan Napier breaks down what HR in hospitality really is — and why it matters more than ever. Worth a listen if you care about people, culture, and the future of our industry. #hrinhospitality #hr #hospitality #talkinghospitality #podcast #humanresources #people

Day 18 of 31 celebrates Che Young, whose appearance on Talking Hospitality opened up one of the most thoughtful and educational conversations we have had on gender. The episode was powerful because it was non-judgemental, accessible and honest, and it genuinely caused people, including some of us on the show, to rethink what gender meant in the mid-2020s. Since then, Che’s public work has moved more into wellness, coaching and Traditional Chinese Medicine-inspired practice, but the impact of that conversation still holds.#talkinghospitality #womeninhospitality #podcast #Gender #IWD2026

Day 17 of 31 celebrates Daksha Mistry, one of the original MasterChef names who helped show that great food, strong identity and proper entrepreneurial grit can take you a long way. Since appearing on Talking Hospitality, she has continued building Dakshas Gourmet Catering, bringing her Gujarati-inspired cooking and events business to weddings, private dining and corporate events, while keeping that same warmth and originality that made her stand out in the first place. She is a brilliant example of a woman who took visibility from TV and turned it into a lasting business of her own #talkinghospitality #womeninhospitality #podcast #Vegan #MasterchefUk #Masterchef

Women In Hospitality | Adele Oxberry #podcast #hospitality #sports Day 16 of 31 and we’re starting the week with a powerhouse: Adele Oxberry. When Adele appeared on Talking Hospitality, she brought real clarity to the conversation around apprenticeships, progression and the need to show people that hospitality can offer proper long-term careers. Since then, she has continued leading Umbrella Training as Founder and Chief Executive, while also remaining active across wider industry work including Hospitality Action and Be Inclusive Hospitality, using her voice to champion development, opportunity and a stronger future for the sector. She is one of those women who does not just talk about change in hospitality, but helps build the frameworks that make it possible. In this episode of Women In Hospitality, we sit down with Adele Oxberry, a respected leader in the hospitality sector and a passionate advocate for training, apprenticeships, and career development within the industry. Adel…

Fight Night where Hospitality professionals take up their gloves in the name of charity. In the build up to the 16th March, we meet Co-Founder Paul Gilley who explains why he started it all. #hospitalityaction #fightnight #talkinghospitality #hospitality #boxing