This episode of Talking Hospitality explores one of the most important topics in the industry today: how we treat people at work.
Timothy R Andrews and Joe McDonnell are joined by John Herity, Operations Manager at the Caledonian Club, to discuss leadership, mentoring and creating environments where people can genuinely succeed.
John shares his journey through hospitality, from early roles in London to working in some of the most prestigious environments, before returning to the Caledonian Club — a place known for its long-serving team and strong culture.
The conversation focuses on how the industry has changed, particularly in how younger generations view work. John explains why treating young people with respect, giving them responsibility and allowing them to make mistakes is essential if businesses want to retain and develop talent.
There is also a deeper discussion around mentoring, leadership and the role managers play in shaping careers. Rather than simply giving answers, John shares why guiding people to find their own solutions leads to stronger confidence and long-term growth.
This episode is a practical reflection on leadership in hospitality — and a reminder that great businesses are built on how people are treated every day.
Show Notes
In this episode we discuss:
• John Herity’s career journey in hospitality
• Life inside a private members’ club
• How hospitality has changed over the years
• Attracting and retaining younger talent
• Why respect and autonomy matter at work
• Learning through mistakes and real experience
• The difference between good and bad managers
• Mentoring and developing future leaders
• Creating a genuine “home from home” culture
• Why small behaviours (like saying hello) matter
💡 Key Takeaways
1. Young people want respect and autonomy
They respond to how they are treated — and expect to be trusted and supported.
2. Mistakes are part of learning
Creating safe environments where people can learn without fear leads to better teams.
3. Leadership is shown in small moments
Simple behaviours like saying hello or thank you shape culture more than policies.
4. Mentoring is about guidance, not answers
Helping people find their own solutions builds confidence and long-term capability.
5. Culture drives retention
Environments where people feel valued lead to long-serving teams and stronger businesses.
6. You can learn from bad managers too
Negative experiences often shape better leadership behaviours later on.
Companies mentioned in this episode:
• Caledonian Club
• PwC
• Close Brothers
• Credit Suisse
• Barclays
• State Street
Contact John on: jh@caledonianclub.com