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 (https://www.talkinghospitality.com)
📲 Connect with Matt: thatmattcameron.com (https://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 (https://mattcameron.com)
Companies mentioned in this episode:
• TMC // Agency
• wellJam