As Bench prepares to host our third Hospitality Tomorrow digital conference focused on leadership and motivation we spoke to Michael Levie the COO of citizenM about his thoughts on innovation and creativity being used within the hospitality industry and how to instil it within an organisation.  A brand synonymous with being a trend setter for many in the industry he speakers of how it allows an organisation to be more agile, faster and more energetic as a consequence. 

Bench Impact Podcast Series

Episode 13: Interview with Michael Levie, COO, citizenM

In this Bench Impact podcast we spoke to Sophie Le Ray, CEO of Eve List, Founder of Women in Leadership summit and the most recent Bench board member.  We talked about the Women in Leadership summit and the founding of Eve List, the purpose of her work to create more gender parity through transparency and a forum that addresses economic benefits.   We talked about her view of gender equality in today’s business world and the plans for Women in Leadership. 

Episode 15: Sophie Le Ray, CEO of Eve List, Founder of Women in Leadership Summit

In this Bench Impact podcast Matthew Weihs spoke to David Zarzecki, Senior Vice President of Global Brands for Kindred. We explored the charitable work they provide through the retail sector and talked about the recent NHS campaign they did to help support key workers in the UK.  Focusing more on the hospitality industry now in helping them use travel and hospitality as a way customers can engage in their brand and in doing good we talked about their ambitions in the sector and how the industry can get involved. To find out more go to kindred.co and add the clever shopping companion. 

Episode 14: David Zarzecki, Senior Vice President of Global Brands for Kindred

In this Bench Impact podcast, we speak to Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group about the launch of the new conversion brand Radisson Individuals. Elie outlined what the brand represents and how conversions, in this current time, are so important for the industry.

Episode 12: Interview with Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer; Radisson Hotel Group

In this podcast, Matthew Weihs, Managing Director, Bench Events spoke to Radisson’s Senior Area VP ME&A, Tim Cordon.  They talk about the current market conditions of Middle East and Africa and how Radisson is innovating to support owners.  On recently announcing the Radisson Hotel Group’s Hybrid Solutions how this will support MICE and events in the future.  

Episode 11: Interview with Tim Cordon Area Senior Vice President, Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel Group

In this podcast, Matthew Weihs, Managing Director, Bench Events spoke to Wolfgang Neumann Chairman of Neumann Hospitality advisory.   We discussed the recent launch of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, the objectives of the members and the key changes he hopes to influence across the hospitality industry.   

Episode 10: Interview with Wolfgang Neumann Chairman of Neumann Hospitality advisory

"Travel is a privilege, not a right and if we are enjoying this privilege then we should also be responsible enough to do everything we can to mitigate the impact we have on the planet" - Shannon Stowell, CEO, Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) as he speaks to Jonathan Worsley, Chairman, Bench Events on the challenges of adventure travel, including over tourism and sustainable travel and how we can become responsible global citizen as travelers. Shannon has more than 25 years of business experience in adventure travel, e-commerce, outdoor retail, and environmental sciences.

Episode 9: Interview with Shannon Stowell, CEO, Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)

Nirmal Sethia talks about the Sethia Foundation and his love for teas and launching Newby Teas.  He also speaks about fluoride and how too much fluoride found in some teas can be deadly. Newby teas has won 95% of all awards - listen to this podcast to learn why this is and what you should be aware of when drinking teas. Mr. Sethia recently spoke at the GRIF day at AHIC.

Episode 8: Nirmal Sethia, Founder, Newby Teas

Jonathan Worsley speaks to Dr. Khosro Ezaz-Nikpay of Zendegii on creating the world’s first vegan ice cream. Using the spirit of innovation and finding that white space using innovative research techniques. Khosro kicks off the Disruption Day at AHIC on 9th April.

Episode 7: The world's first vegan ice cream

Jonathan Worsley speaks to Raki Phillips, Chief Citizen of Earth Hotels which is a new innovative and eco-friendly brand that is being showcased for the first time at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference. Raki states he can build 30% below typical construction costs and a build time from 6-12 months. Listen to this podcast to learn how Earth Hotels is changing the business model and hear of their growing pipeline.

Episode 6: Growth pipeline of Earth Hotels and how they are changing the business model

Jonathan Worsley speaks to the Founder and CEO of HotelSwaps, Preben Vestdam on creating a new product for the hotel industry that epitomizes the sharing economy through the exchange of unused hotel rooms. There are over two billion rooms annually left unsold at independent hotels and small groups. Preben speaks on how his company can capitalise on these rooms and discusses his success to-date.

Episode 5: Can we maximise the utility of unused hotel rooms?

Jonathan Worsley speaks to the Chief Operating Officer of Citymax Hotels by Landmark Group, Aly Shariff on the current state of the UAE market and price dumping "if we don't value our product, how do you expect our clients to value our product". Aly speaks of his passion for service, experience, and competing against the rapid commoditisation of the industry. He thinks as operators, we have become our own worst enemies.

Episode 4: The current state of the UAE market and price dumping

Maria de la Fuente Corrales Travel Industry Analyst – Google speaks about her background and her love for travel. She also shares her working experience for Airbus and the communication between the aircraft and the airport. Having moved into the hospitality and travel sector with Google, she is looking at integrating the data points along the customer journey and connecting the online world with the offline world

Episode 3: How a smarter adoption of technology can future proof the hospitality business?

In this podcast, Executive Coach and Founder of The Trusted Executive Foundation, John Blakey speaks on the Trust Crisis. “Why trust why now?”. According to the Global Trust Barometer, trust in our leaders is currently at record low levels and many countries below the watershed level of 50%. John advocates how leaders need to build a high trust culture through the triple bottom line. John will be speaking at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference on 9-11 April and will also be hosting a leadership masterclass on “Leading by example with the nine habits of trust”.

Episode 2: Why trust? Why now?

In this podcast, Rana discusses how blockchain is going to be a game changer for the hotel industry. He says technology belongs to everyone and blockchain will be an enabler giving control and ownership of data back to the consumer. This he suggests will happen in the next 5 years. Commission charges will come down as the whole ecosystem becomes more efficient and secure by removing the intermediary. The challenge today is scalability and connectivity amongst different providers but the blockchain community is working to align all parties. His mantra is that blockchain will stop the leakage, enhance productivity and reward customers holistically rather than through brand solos.    

Episode 1: How Blockchain is going to be a game changer for Hotel Industry?

Join the Chairman of Bench Events Jonathan Worsley on a series of podcast interviews as he uncovers insights from inspirational thought leaders from the hotel industry. Jonathan is one of the founders and organisers of multiple leading international conferences for the hotel investment industry, including the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, the Africa Hotel Investment Forum, the International Hotel Investment Forum, and more recently the Saudi Hotel Investment Conference.