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How has hospitality recruitment changed — and can it survive another crisis?In this episode of Talking Hospitality, Timothy R Andrews and Joe McDonnell are joined by Gary King, owner of Collins King & Associates, to talk about careers, resilience, recruitment and the reality of navigating hospitality through multiple waves of disruption. Gary shares his personal journey from training as a chef and working with football clubs like Tottenham and Arsenal, to building a long-standing career in hospitality recruitment. He reflects on the lessons learned from decades in the industry, from the 1990 downturn to the 2008 financial crash, the pandemic, Brexit and the challenges hospitality businesses face today.The conversation explores what has changed in recruitment, what has not, and why specialist recruiters still matter. LinkedIn, job boards and AI have transformed how people connect, but hospitality remains an industry built on trust, relationships and a real understanding of people…

Something isn’t working in hospitality right now — and people are starting to feel it.In this upcoming episode of Talking Hospitality, Gary King shares a clear and honest view of what’s really happening across the sector. From rising costs and shifting expectations to recruitment challenges and leadership pressure, this is a conversation that doesn’t avoid the uncomfortable bits.This isn’t theory. It’s lived experience from someone who’s been in it, seen it, and is still navigating it.If you’re leading a team, running a business, or simply trying to make sense of where hospitality is heading next, this episode will give you perspective — and probably a few moments of recognition.🎙️ Full episode dropping soon🔔 Subscribe to stay close to the conversations shaping hospitalityTop tips from the crew at Talking Hospitality podcast - providing solutions & support for the Hospitality industry.http://www.talkinghospitality.com/This is more than just a podcast — it's a platform for…

What are the differences between YouTube and ChatGPT?Steve Dineen explains in our latest episode about how AI is being used in Learning & Development in Hospitality.#talkinghospitality #hospitality #podcast #AI #ChatGPT #YouTube

The importance of a good employee onboarding cannot be underestimated.In our latest episode Steve Dineen from Fuse Universal shares why#talkinghospitality #hospitality #podcast #Onboarding #Training #Retention

How AI is being used in HospitalityCheck out our latest episode this bank holiday Monday with Steve Dineen#talkinghospitality #hospitality #podcast #AI #ContentCreation #Tech

How Do You Make Learning Accessible | Talking HospitalityThis episode of Talking Hospitality explores a fundamental question: how do people actually learn at work?Regular host Timothy R Andrews takes a back seat on this one, with Tracey Rashid and Joe McDonnell taking the lead. They are joined by Steve Dineen, CEO of Fuse Universal, to challenge traditional approaches to training and development — particularly in fast-paced industries like hospitality.Steve shares how his early experience as a technical trainer led him to question why so much workplace learning fails to engage people. He explains why long-form, compliance-led training often misses the mark, and why modern learning needs to reflect how people behave outside of work.The conversation introduces the concept of “learning at the point of need” — accessing knowledge in the moment it’s required — and explores how platforms like YouTube and Chat GPT have reshaped expectations around learning.Steve also highligh…

How Do People Actually Learn at Work | Talking HospitalityWhat if most workplace training is getting it wrong?In this episode of Talking Hospitality, we sit down with Steve Dineen, CEO of Fuse Universal, to explore how people actually learn at work — and why traditional training methods often fail, especially in fast-paced industries like hospitality.Steve shares his journey from technical trainer to learning technology entrepreneur, and explains why the future of learning isn’t about long courses or ticking boxes — it’s about accessing the right knowledge at the moment you need it.We dive into concepts like “point of need learning”, bite-sized content, and why platforms like YouTube and ChatGPT are shaping how people expect to learn in the workplace. The conversation also explores how businesses can capture knowledge from their best people, improve onboarding, and create learning cultures that actually drive performance.There’s also a deeper conversation around leadership, cu…

Consistency is key in hospitality.Don't chase perfection, aim for consistent greatness.Watch the full video on youtube - our most political yet!#talkinghospitality #hospitality #podcast #greathospitality

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 #shortsDay 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 restaurantsThis 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