Captive Conversations

The hospitality podcast
that tells it straight.

Adam Forman sits down with the operators, marketers, and founders shaping the future of hospitality. Real conversations. No slides. No PR fluff.

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Captive Conversations Podcast
Jade Craig - What Hospitality Can Learn From a Lifetime of Building Communities
Latest Episode
July 17, 2026 1:25:01

Jade Craig - What Hospitality Can Learn From a Lifetime of Building Communities

Running your own pub at 18 is one thing.Running 25 sites by 23 is something else entirely.In this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam sits down with Jade Craig, founder of Inntegra and Gamechangers, for a warm and wide-ranging conversation about thirty years in hospitality and what it really takes to build a community people want to stay in.Jade shares her journey from her mother's restauran...

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All Episodes

113 episodes
113
Bonus Clip: The Wild Story Behind Popeyes' UK Launch | William Connors

Bonus Clip: The Wild Story Behind Popeyes' UK Launch | William Connors

Going back into the archive, this bonus clip comes from Episode 13 with William Connors.William shares the extraordinary story of helping launch Popeyes UK, including opening day queues of over 3,000 people, teams stepping into operational roles to keep the restaurant running and the technology challenges that came with scaling at incredible speed.A brilliant reminder that hospitality is often ...
August 9, 2026 5:00
112
Jade Craig - What Hospitality Can Learn From a Lifetime of Building Communities

Jade Craig - What Hospitality Can Learn From a Lifetime of Building Communities

Running your own pub at 18 is one thing.Running 25 sites by 23 is something else entirely.In this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam sits down with Jade Craig, founder of Inntegra and Gamechangers, for a warm and wide-ranging conversation about thirty years in hospitality and what it really takes to build a community people want to stay in.Jade shares her journey from her mother's restauran...
July 17, 2026 1:25:01
111
Will Fearnley-Whittingstall - Why Hospitality Cannot Afford To Become Faceless

Will Fearnley-Whittingstall - Why Hospitality Cannot Afford To Become Faceless

In Episode 97 of Captive Conversations, Adam speaks with Will, Director of Fanatic, about hospitality marketing, digital guest journeys and the growing influence of AI.Will shares how his early career at McDonald’s and as a relief pub manager shaped his understanding of people, teams and service. The conversation then moves through publishing, agency life and financial services before exploring...
July 10, 2026 1:15:17
110
Aaron Resch - What Operators Actually Need From Technology

Aaron Resch - What Operators Actually Need From Technology

Opening a restaurant is one thing. Opening a restaurant with no hospitality experience, carrying every pressure yourself and then using that failure to shape a career in hospitality technology is something else entirely.In this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam sits down with Aaron from ePosaibility and Hops for a deeply practical conversation about restaurant ownership, operational pressu...
July 3, 2026 58:41
109
Max Shipman - The Hospitality Marketing Channel Nobody Measures

Max Shipman - The Hospitality Marketing Channel Nobody Measures

Most hospitality operators think about packaging as something functional.Max Shipman thinks about it differently.In this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam sits down with Max Shipman from Brand Your to explore how packaging has evolved from a simple operational necessity into a powerful part of the guest experience.Max shares his journey through hospitality technology, delivery, Just Eat an...
June 19, 2026 1:01:04
108
Loyalty Starts Before the Order - by Georgina

Loyalty Starts Before the Order - by Georgina

The 15-Second MomentMention loyalty in hospitality and many operators immediately think discounts, points cards, and race-to-the-bottom promotions. But what if we’ve been thinking about loyalty all wrong? In this solo episode, Georgina explores why loyalty has a branding problem, why true loyalty has nothing to do with vouchers, and what actually makes guests want to come back.  The conversatio...
June 7, 2026 10:35
107
Charlie Wood-Jones - The Biggest Asset Most Restaurants Ignore

Charlie Wood-Jones - The Biggest Asset Most Restaurants Ignore

Building a restaurant is one thing.Building a restaurant while learning hospitality, marketing, technology and guest engagement at the same time is something else entirely.In this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam sits down with Charlie Wood-Jones, owner of Cawsburger and Sales Consultant at Popmenu, for a conversation that bridges both sides of the hospitality world.Charlie shares the jou...
May 29, 2026 1:17:58
106
Pete Hurley - Is Fractional Talent Hospitality’s Future?

Pete Hurley - Is Fractional Talent Hospitality’s Future?

In this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam sits down with Pete Hurley from Well Seasoned for a wide-ranging conversation about hospitality careers, operator pressure, fragmented tech and the rise of fractional talent.Pete shares how his journey moved from washing dishes in a country pub to building an early meal kit business, pivoting into outside catering, taking on a modern art gallery ca...
May 22, 2026 1:20:05
105
The Welcome You Never Sent - by Georgina

The Welcome You Never Sent - by Georgina

This episode almost didn’t happen.Adam had a client call he had to jump onto, the podcast still needed to go out, and Georgina stepped in last minute to record what was originally written as Adam’s second solo episode.And honestly… she absolutely smashed it.In this episode of Captive Conversations, Georgina explores one of the biggest missed opportunities in hospitality: what happens after the ...
May 15, 2026 9:24
104
Clare Reid - When Data Helps Hospitality Feel Human

Clare Reid - When Data Helps Hospitality Feel Human

In this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam sits down with Claire Reid, a marketing consultant with a career that spans hospitality, charity communications, brand building, feedback, data, internal culture and coffee.Claire shares how her early experiences in cafés, retail, charity communications and Wood Street Coffee shaped the way she thinks about hospitality. The conversation explores wh...
May 8, 2026 1:36:45
103
Kevin Kosiewicz - The Truth About Digital Transformation in Restaurants

Kevin Kosiewicz - The Truth About Digital Transformation in Restaurants

In this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam sits down with Kevin to explore what it really takes to turn data into meaningful hospitality experiences.From his early career in consulting to leading digital transformation at one of the largest restaurant groups in the US, Kevin shares a rare behind-the-scenes look at how systems, data, and people come together in real operations. From fragment...
May 1, 2026 1:23:13
102
Thomas Arnold - How Content Builds Clients Before Revenue

Thomas Arnold - How Content Builds Clients Before Revenue

The journey into content does not always start with a strategy.Sometimes it starts with curiosity.In this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam Forman sits down with Thomas, founder of Fearless Media, to explore how starting young and learning through doing can shape a career in content and business. From making videos at 12 to building a creative agency, this is a conversation about consisten...
April 24, 2026 1:03:48
101
Bonus Clip - CaptiveWiFi Platform Update: Live Guest Dashboard, Gamification and What's Coming Next

Bonus Clip - CaptiveWiFi Platform Update: Live Guest Dashboard, Gamification and What's Coming Next

Big things just dropped at CaptiveWiFi.In this episode Adam Forman walks through the most significant platform update in CaptiveWiFi's history. No guests, no interviews — just a straight-talking rundown of everything that has just shipped and what is coming next.Covered in this episode: the Live Guest Dashboard, built after a conversation with Ben Heppell from Aqua Restaurant Group, now pulling...
April 19, 2026 5:11
100
The Guest Who Came Back and the Moment You Almost Missed at Hospitality Tech 360

The Guest Who Came Back and the Moment You Almost Missed at Hospitality Tech 360

What does it actually take to bring a guest back? Not through aggressive re-targeting or bulk email sends, but in a way that fits inside a premium hospitality experience and makes the guest feel genuinely valued?In this episode, recorded live on stage at HT360 at ExCeL London, Adam Forman sits down with Ben Heppell, Global Digital Marketing Director at Aqua Restaurant Group. They talk about the...
April 3, 2026 25:29
99
Natalie Dunning - The New Rules of Guest Discovery in Hospitality

Natalie Dunning - The New Rules of Guest Discovery in Hospitality

The guest journey doesn’t start at the door anymore.It starts long before that.In this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam Forman sits down with Natalie Dunning, CEO and Founder of Kitch, to unpack how hospitality is changing and why brands need to rethink how they attract, understand and retain their guests.From data and CRM to TikTok, discoverability and automation, Natalie shares a clear ...
March 26, 2026 1:06:42
98
Chloe Dodd & Alex O'Reilly - The Gap Between Ops and Sales No One Owns

Chloe Dodd & Alex O'Reilly - The Gap Between Ops and Sales No One Owns

In this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam Forman sits down with Chloe Dodd and Alex O’Reilly, two people I’ve known for a while now and whose journey in hospitality is seriously impressive.From nightclubs and bar floors to national sales roles and multi-site operations, this is a conversation built on real experience. Not theory. Not guesswork. Just years of being in it, figuring it out an...
March 19, 2026 1:34:47
97
Tom Stanley - The Business Side of Hospitality Nobody Talks About

Tom Stanley - The Business Side of Hospitality Nobody Talks About

In this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam Forman sits down with Tom Stanley, founder of Williams Stanley & Co, to explore the financial realities facing hospitality operators today.Tom shares his journey into hospitality finance and explains why understanding the numbers behind a venue is just as important as the guest experience on the floor.The conversation explores the pressure operator...
March 13, 2026 50:37
96
Catherine Gwynne - Designing Restaurants That Guests Remember

Catherine Gwynne - Designing Restaurants That Guests Remember

In this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam Forman sits down with Catherine Gwynne, founder of 2G Design and Build, to explore the psychology behind hospitality design.Catherine shares her journey from travelling the world in the drinks industry to building a hospitality design company focused on how spaces truly work. The conversation dives into why the best venues start with people, not ae...
March 6, 2026 1:14:32
95
Yaro Tsyhanenko - The Invisible Gap Between Kitchen and Guest

Yaro Tsyhanenko - The Invisible Gap Between Kitchen and Guest

In episode 85 of Captive Conversations, Adam speaks with Yaro Tsyhanenko about the hidden blind spot in modern hospitality: the pickup counter.From building marketplaces in Ukraine to shutting down businesses when the war started, and rebuilding in the US, Yaro shares his journey and the operational problem that caught his attention. The gap between digital ordering systems and real-world picku...
February 27, 2026 1:17:54
94
Gabrielle Goode - Marketing That Creates Lasting Memories

Gabrielle Goode - Marketing That Creates Lasting Memories

In this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam sits down with Gabrielle Goode, hospitality marketing consultant and founder of thehospitalitymarketer.co.ukGabrielle shares her journey from cocktail bartender in Nottingham to leading marketing roles across The Ivy Collection, Langan’s, Rhubarb and global hospitality brands. But this conversation goes deeper than career milestones. It explores wh...
February 20, 2026 1:11:57
93
Bonus - KAM Pub Spotlight - The Pub Customer Perpsective

Bonus - KAM Pub Spotlight - The Pub Customer Perpsective

In this episode of Captive Conversations, we're sharing a powerful panel discussion from PUB Spotlight 2026: "The Pub Customer Perspective."Featuring Laurence Brown (Head of Insights, Stonegate), Louise Fleming (Head of Guest & Retail Insights, Punch Pubs), and Kiran Quinn (Group Marketing Director, Red Cat Hospitality), moderated by Jo Lynch from KAM Insights.This insightful session explores h...
February 13, 2026 27:15
92
Rosie Lewis-Marsh - Why Hospitality Does Not Need More Leads

Rosie Lewis-Marsh - Why Hospitality Does Not Need More Leads

In this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam Forman sits down with Rosie Lewis-Marsh, the London Hospitality Girl, to talk about sales, booking journeys, and why hospitality overcomplicates the things that should be simple. Rosie breaks down decision-making inside teams, the fear of automation, and the cost of slow response times. From shorter booking windows to conversion and automation, she...
February 6, 2026 1:01:02
91
Massimo Montone - Why Hospitality Still Needs to Feel Human

Massimo Montone - Why Hospitality Still Needs to Feel Human

In this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam Forman sits down with Massimo from Restaurant Keys to explore what it really takes to build, grow, and scale hospitality brands without losing their soul.Massimo shares his experience working with operators across the UK and internationally, from opening restaurants from scratch to helping brands expand nationally and abroad. The conversation cover...
January 30, 2026 1:06:43
90
Oliver & Chris - The Human Side of Payments: How YetiPay Is Helping Hospitality Finally Feel It

Oliver & Chris - The Human Side of Payments: How YetiPay Is Helping Hospitality Finally Feel It

The final episode of 2025. What a year it's been.In this one, Adam sits down with Oliver Pugh, founder of Yeti Pay, and Chris Jolliffe, their Sales Director, to explore how a simple observation about tipping behaviour sparked a payments revolution.It started with a question most people never ask. When a guest leaves a tip on a card, why doesn't the waiter feel it? Oliver noticed this disconnect...
December 25, 2025 49:06
89
Mark Withington - Why Hospitality Needs Better Data, Not More Dashboards

Mark Withington - Why Hospitality Needs Better Data, Not More Dashboards

As the year comes to a close, Episode 80 of Captive Conversations takes a step back to reflect on how hospitality makes decisions.Adam speaks with Mark from Tenzo about why instinct alone is no longer enough, how operators are overwhelmed by dashboards, and why better data frameworks matter more than more reports.They explore how context, experience, and curiosity still play a critical role, an...
December 19, 2025 56:33
88
Jonatan Rasmussen - The Future of Hospitality Training and Communication

Jonatan Rasmussen - The Future of Hospitality Training and Communication

In this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam sits down with Jonatan from All Gravy to explore how frontline technology can feel more human, more supportive and far more connected to the reality of hospitality work.Jonatan shares the story of his early career, the leaders who shaped him, and the moment he realised frontline teams were being asked to juggle seven or eight different apps just to...
December 12, 2025 1:02:07
87
Rosie Akenhead - How Better Data Builds Better Guest Moments

Rosie Akenhead - How Better Data Builds Better Guest Moments

In this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam sits down with Rosie Akenhead to explore one of the biggest challenges facing hospitality today: the covers problem. Rosie describes how changing guest behaviour, home comforts and broader societal pressures have reshaped the way people choose to dine out. She also reflects on the emotional weight this places on teams who are still expected to deli...
December 5, 2025 1:04:01
86
Edd Bower - How Operators Can Personalise at Scale

Edd Bower - How Operators Can Personalise at Scale

In this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam sits down with Edd Bower, Data Lead at Guestwise, to explore how hospitality can turn scattered information into clear, actionable guest insight. Edd draws on his journey from the creative world into data operations to explain why most brands struggle with disconnected platforms, limited visibility and inconsistent feedback loops.Edd reveals how gu...
November 28, 2025 49:18
85
Simon Anderson - The Secret to Building a Food Hall That Lasts

Simon Anderson - The Secret to Building a Food Hall That Lasts

In this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam sits down with Simon Anderson — hospitality consultant, co-founder of Market Halls and founder of Next Space — to explore how food halls, regeneration projects and community-driven design are reshaping the UK’s high streets.Simon reveals how vacant department stores, declining footfall and post-COVID shifts in behaviour have created both risk and o...
November 21, 2025 59:04
84
Ed Christmas - Boosting Bookings, Secrets of Hospitality Sales

Ed Christmas - Boosting Bookings, Secrets of Hospitality Sales

In this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam speaks with Ed Christmas, Managing Director of Bums on Seats — one of the most influential voices in hospitality sales, bookings, and operational efficiency.Ed shares how fragmented systems, under-utilised CRMs, and broken booking processes quietly drain revenue — often up to 30% of business turnover due to inefficiencies alone.  Together they expl...
November 14, 2025 58:59
83
Glenda Barber - How Community Is Redefining Hospitality Marketing

Glenda Barber - How Community Is Redefining Hospitality Marketing

From pulling pints in Welsh pubs to building one of hospitality’s most connected marketing communities — Glenda Barber shares her journey from Brains Brewery to Bloom Marketing and the creation of Team Marketing IRL.In this Captive Conversations episode, Glenda and host Adam Forman explore how hospitality marketers can build authentic communities, foster collaboration, and create meaningful cus...
November 6, 2025 1:13:30
82
Alana Bralsford & Eve Williamson - How This Startup Is Changing Food Allergy Safety Forever

Alana Bralsford & Eve Williamson - How This Startup Is Changing Food Allergy Safety Forever

Two engineers. One mission: make dining safe for everyone.In this episode, Adam chats with Eve and Alana, founders of Served, the tech company redefining allergen transparency across hospitality. From their early research at university to partnerships with Dishoom, Techstars, and Hawksmoor, they’re showing how empathy can drive innovation.🎧 Topics:Highlights:💡 Turning lived experience into scal...
October 31, 2025 57:55
81
Matt Serwin - Stop Sending Emails. Start Building Relationships.

Matt Serwin - Stop Sending Emails. Start Building Relationships.

In this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam Foreman sits down with Matt Serwin, Director of Partnerships at Klaviyo, to discuss how hospitality operators can use data to truly understand their guests.💡 Highlights:• How Toast and OpenTable data power personalisation• Why first-party data is the foundation of real loyalty• What AI means for guest experience• How to shift from vanity metrics to...
October 23, 2025 43:34
80
Charlton Santana - Why Your Guests Don’t Want an App — They Want an Answer

Charlton Santana - Why Your Guests Don’t Want an App — They Want an Answer

.In this episode of Captive Conversations, I sit down with Charlton Santana, founder of HeyGuest, to explore how messaging, automation, and AI are quietly rewriting the rules of hospitality.From working front-of-house to building a platform used by hotels and short-term rentals, Charlton shares how he turned guest frustrations into a product that serves teams and guests equally.We talk about:💬 ...
October 16, 2025 1:13:32
79
Guy Weiss - Building a Calmer, Smarter Way to Message at Work

Guy Weiss - Building a Calmer, Smarter Way to Message at Work

Better Conversations, Not More Apps.In this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam Forman chats with Guy Weiss about the chaos of communication — and how ZenZap is bringing calm, clarity, and connection back to workplace messaging.From noisy notifications to meaningful moments, we unpack:• The real reason internal comms fail• How AI can help teams breathe, not burn out• Why simplicity always wi...
October 10, 2025 53:15
78
Richard Liverman - Don’t Be Boring: How to Build Brand DNA That Lasts

Richard Liverman - Don’t Be Boring: How to Build Brand DNA That Lasts

Richard Liverman: Brand DNA & The Power of AmbassadorsWhat do food, stories, and ambassadors all have in common? They’re at the heart of building brands that last.In this episode of Captive Conversations, I sit down with Richard Liverman to talk about:✨ Why brand DNA is more powerful than just marketing✨ The role of ambassadors in scaling businesses✨ Why curiosity is key for growth✨ His challen...
October 3, 2025 56:14
77
Olivia Fitzgerald - Hospitality’s Hidden Goldmine: Unlocking Data with 125 Insights

Olivia Fitzgerald - Hospitality’s Hidden Goldmine: Unlocking Data with 125 Insights

🎙️ Episode 68 of Captive Conversations welcomes Olivia FitzGerald, Managing Director of 125 Data & Insights.Olivia shares her journey from:✅ Early days in hospitality at Quaglino’s✅ Scaling online reservations at Livebookings & Bookatable✅ Leading sales & marketing at Zonal✅ Running B2B at Majestic Wine✅ Transforming Feed It Back into 125 Data & InsightsKey themes we cover:• Why operators must ...
September 25, 2025 1:35:13
76
Victoria Searl - The Future of Hospitality Lies in Customer Data

Victoria Searl - The Future of Hospitality Lies in Customer Data

In this episode of Captive Conversations, I sit down with Victoria Searl, founder of DataHawks, to unpack her career from running pubs at 18, to senior sales & marketing leadership, to building a platform designed to turn hospitality data into action.We cover:✅ Early lessons from running pubs and learning ops the hard way✅ Sales and marketing at major brands under private equity pressure✅ Why o...
September 18, 2025 1:51:21
75
Catherine Allan - What Happens When a Hospitality Sales Expert Builds the Tool She Always Wanted to Sell

Catherine Allan - What Happens When a Hospitality Sales Expert Builds the Tool She Always Wanted to Sell

🎙️ Catherine Allen on Selling with Empathy & Building StereoIn this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam chats with Catherine Allen, sales leader turned founder, about building Tidr, a new tool for sales enablement in hospitality. From her early days doing cold outreach at Trail to launching her own platform, Catherine shares what she’s learned about earning trust, finding product-market fit,...
September 12, 2025 1:13:03
74
Reiss Ribeiro-Nelson & Louise Jooste - From Chaos to Clarity: Fixing Group Dining with Tech

Reiss Ribeiro-Nelson & Louise Jooste - From Chaos to Clarity: Fixing Group Dining with Tech

Welcome back to Captive Conversations. In this episode, I’m joined by Reiss and Louise from Set Menu—a platform that’s quietly becoming a must-have in the hospitality tech stack.💥 We talk:How menus get out of sync across delivery & booking platformsWhy most operators still rely on spreadsheets and manual fixesBuilding Set Menu with real operators, not just devsThe future of brand control, from ...
September 4, 2025 1:02:16
73
Jack Edge - What Hospitality Can Learn from Storytelling

Jack Edge - What Hospitality Can Learn from Storytelling

In this episode of Captive Conversations, I sit down with Jack Edge, founder of Edgey, to explore his journey from hospitality operations into the world of branding and creative strategy.We dig into the real lessons from running venues, why operators need to think like lifestyle brands, and how storytelling is becoming the missing link in guest experience.In this episode, we cover:✅ What Jack l...
August 28, 2025 54:08
72
Gary Digby - The Truth About Hospitality Operations (And How to Get Them Right)

Gary Digby - The Truth About Hospitality Operations (And How to Get Them Right)

Hospitality lives and dies by its operations. Few people know that better than Gary Digby, who’s built a career leading multi-site venues and now runs his own consultancy.In this episode of Captive Conversations, we talk about:✅ Why operations are the backbone of every hospitality business✅ The common pitfalls operators face – and how consultancy can help✅ Where AI and tech can genuinely add va...
August 21, 2025 1:00:16
71
Lee Niles - Why Tech Is the Hospitality Industry’s Secret Weapon

Lee Niles - Why Tech Is the Hospitality Industry’s Secret Weapon

🎙️ EP61 – Lee Niles: 25 Years of Hospitality Tech & the Melford Technologies Story In this episode of Captive Conversations, I sit down with Lee Niles, a hospitality tech veteran who’s been driving digital transformation for over 25 years. We cover: ✅ The evolution from old-school PDQ machines to cloud-based systems ✅ How operators can simplify their tech stacks without losing perf...
August 14, 2025 52:19
70
Daniel Keen - Leadership, Loyalty, and Local Love at Urban Village Pubs

Daniel Keen - Leadership, Loyalty, and Local Love at Urban Village Pubs

🎙️ Why Pubs Still Matter — Building Community-First Hospitality at ScaleIn this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam sits down with Daniel Keen from Urban Village Pubs to talk about the enduring role of pubs, leadership through growth, and what happens when you build around people first.In this episode:🍺 What makes the local pub such a powerful space — especially post-COVID📊 Using data to sup...
August 7, 2025 1:09:55
69
Annica Wainwright - The Psychology of Menus, Messaging & Guest Experience

Annica Wainwright - The Psychology of Menus, Messaging & Guest Experience

🎙️ Menus That Speak for Your Brand — with Annica Wainwright of 2ForksIn this episode of Captive Conversations, I’m joined by writer and strategist Annica Wainwright — co-founder of 2Forks — to explore the power of words in hospitality.We break down:🧠 Why most hospitality brands sound the same — and how to stand out📝 The difference between clear copy and clever copy (and why it matters)📋 How men...
July 31, 2025 1:16:36
68
Fi Sellick - Square and the Art of Simplicity: How Tech Supports Hospitality Excellence

Fi Sellick - Square and the Art of Simplicity: How Tech Supports Hospitality Excellence

In this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam sits down with Fi Sellick — UK Head of Strategy at Square — to talk about what hospitality really means in a world of tech, loyalty, and data.Expect laughs, lessons, and a love letter to cheese, coffee, and customer experience.🎙 In this episode:🧀 Cheese, chaos, and the charm of a proper deli📲 How Square designs loyalty for real humans☕ Coffee, cult...
July 25, 2025 59:11
67
The CRM Graveyard: Where Good Data Goes to Die

The CRM Graveyard: Where Good Data Goes to Die

🎙️ Solo Episode 2: The CRM GraveyardIn this solo episode, Adam Forman dives into the uncomfortable truth behind most customer databases — they're full of unused potential.You'll learn:What the “CRM graveyard” really is (and why it's so common)Why data collection isn’t enough without engagementHow to audit your customer journey in 10 minutesWhy segmentation matters more than everWhat tools and e...
July 18, 2025 7:10
66
My First Solo Pod: Honest Thoughts on WiFi, Data & Doing It Differently

My First Solo Pod: Honest Thoughts on WiFi, Data & Doing It Differently

Adam's First Solo PodWelcome to Captive Conversations — the podcast where hospitality meets technology. In this first solo episode, Adam Forman (founder of Captive WiFi) talks through:His 20+ year journey in hospitality techWhy WiFi is the most under-used marketing toolReal-life automations that drive return visitsWhat 95% opt-in rates actually meanNew features like nationality detection & sing...
July 11, 2025 7:01
65
JP Then - Data, Delivery & Digital Menus Rethinking the Guest Experience

JP Then - Data, Delivery & Digital Menus Rethinking the Guest Experience

In this episode of Captive Conversations, we go behind the scenes with the founder of two standout hospitality brands — one that built a cult following for handcrafted doughnuts, and another powering seamless online ordering and loyalty for restaurants across the UK.We dig into the real story behind the rise of these brands, the philosophy behind digital experiences that don’t feel digital, and...
July 4, 2025 1:12:46
64
Kelsey Verdier - The Future of Listings, Menus, and Guest Expectations

Kelsey Verdier - The Future of Listings, Menus, and Guest Expectations

The local visibility game in hospitality is broken,  but it doesn’t have to be.In this episode of Captive Conversations, we discuss local listings, menus, and guest experience with one of the sharpest marketing minds in the business.Kelsey from Marqii joins the show to share:✅ Why most brands are still missing the basics when it comes to local SEO✅ How digital presence connects directly to in-s...
June 27, 2025 43:48
63
Laura Mimoun - Food, Feeling, and the Future: A Masterclass in Hospitality Marketing

Laura Mimoun - Food, Feeling, and the Future: A Masterclass in Hospitality Marketing

In this episode of Captive Conversations, we sit down with Laura Mimoun — now Chief Marketing Officer at Fulham Shore, the group behind Franco Manca and The Real Greek — to unpack her remarkable journey from FMCG to foodpreneur to boardroom leader.Before leading the marketing strategy for some of the UK’s most loved restaurant brands, Laura launched Kaleido, a colourful and healthy salad roll b...
June 20, 2025 1:01:58
62
Christophe & Angus - Tableside Tech That Actually Works: StoreKit’s Story

Christophe & Angus - Tableside Tech That Actually Works: StoreKit’s Story

In this episode of Captive Conversations, we sit down with Christophe and Angus from StoreKit to dive into the future of digital ordering, why some platforms slow you down, and how StoreKit helps operators stay lean, agile, and guest-focused.We cover:✅ What operators actually need from their tech✅ Why speed and flexibility beat bloated platforms✅ The evolution of StoreKit’s checkout and at-tabl...
June 13, 2025 1:15:55
61
Bonus Clip 6 - Beyond the Rush & Beyond the Till Real Talk on Hospitality Tech

Bonus Clip 6 - Beyond the Rush & Beyond the Till Real Talk on Hospitality Tech

Two standout panels from TISSL’s Tech Tastings: Beyond the Till event hosted by Tech on Toast’s Chris Fletcher.🎙️ Panel 1: “Beyond the Rush: Unlocking Consistent Revenue”Daisy from JKS and Bex from Wolseley Hospitality reveal how marketing, loyalty, and brand touchpoints drive steady growth outside of peak service.🎙️ Panel 2: “At-Table Tech: Friend or Foe?”Christophe from StoreKit, Travis Fish ...
June 6, 2025 41:54
60
Nick Philpot - Good Bites Only: How Yolk Is Shaping the Future of Fast CasuaL

Nick Philpot - Good Bites Only: How Yolk Is Shaping the Future of Fast CasuaL

In this episode of Captive Conversations, we sit down with Nick Philpot, MD of Yolk—London’s fast-growing breakfast, brunch, and coffee brand.Nick shares how Yolk has built a loyal fan base through consistency, simplicity, and a deep understanding of customer experience. We talk about:The Yolk ‘Brew Club’ and how it builds daily habitsScaling a brand without losing its soulBalancing tech with o...
May 29, 2025 58:33
59
Bal Mahey - From Subway to Dubai: What 40 Sites Taught Me About Leadership

Bal Mahey - From Subway to Dubai: What 40 Sites Taught Me About Leadership

Bal Mahey’s story reads like a hospitality survival manual.From launching Shake Shack in the UK to leading Subway and by CHLOE through turbulent growth, he’s seen it all. Now, through Auden Hospitality, he’s helping brands avoid the same scars.We talk:Growing too fast and breaking everythingCulture clashes in high-growth teamsLoyalty, CRM, and why ops is marketingBuilding better systems for the...
May 23, 2025 1:02:49
58
Matt Grimshaw - Scaling People, Not Paperwork, How AI Agents Are Transforming Hospitality Ops

Matt Grimshaw - Scaling People, Not Paperwork, How AI Agents Are Transforming Hospitality Ops

In this episode, we explore how AI agents are reshaping people operations in hospitality. Matt Grimshaw from Youda joins us to discuss:Automating time-consuming HR tasks with AIUsing data to predict and prevent staff turnoverWhy legacy systems are holding operators backHow to personalise onboarding at scaleCreating better experiences for managers and frontline teamsThis is a must-listen for hos...
May 15, 2025 1:12:11
57
LIVE Episode 50 - Hospitality Unfiltered: Where Ops, Marketing & Loyalty Collide

LIVE Episode 50 - Hospitality Unfiltered: Where Ops, Marketing & Loyalty Collide

🎧 Episode 50 – Hospitality Unfiltered: Where Ops, Marketing & Loyalty CollideIn this special live episode of Captive Conversations, we bring together leading voices from hospitality operations, marketing, CRM, and tech to unpack one big question:Why does it still feel like ops and marketing are speaking different languages—and how do we fix it?From loyalty programs to data overload, AI tools to...
May 9, 2025 53:07
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Paul Molinari -Hospitality Doesn’t Need More Tools—It Needs Better Messaging

Paul Molinari -Hospitality Doesn’t Need More Tools—It Needs Better Messaging

In this episode of Captive Conversations, we chat with Paul Molinari, the founder of Popcorn GTM and former head of marketing at Crunchtime.Paul shares his journey from working hospitality jobs at a yacht club, to selling stereos at The Wiz, to leading B2B marketing teams for iconic brands like Crunchtime and Digitas (running CRM for General Motors!). He dives deep into what makes sales and mar...
May 2, 2025 1:08:25
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Dhilon Solanki - How to Build a Hospitality Brand That People Actually Believe In

Dhilon Solanki - How to Build a Hospitality Brand That People Actually Believe In

This week on Captive Conversations, I sat down with a creative force in hospitality: Dhilon Solanki — founder of Story Locker, co-founder of Pecking Order, and previously behind one of the most useful tools in the industry — Sprout.Dhilon's journey is a masterclass in brand building with heart. He’s grown tech tools for hospitality, helped operators train better, and now helps people preserve t...
April 25, 2025 52:49
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Kieron Bailey - The Art of Hospitality: Crafting Culture and Connection

Kieron Bailey - The Art of Hospitality: Crafting Culture and Connection

In this episode, Adam sits down with hospitality legend Kieron Bailey – co-founder of People on Purpose and a 30-year industry pro with a story (and scar) for every table he’s served.From dodging flying ashtrays in his first pub to leading training for major brands like Wagamama and Hard Rock Café, Kieron shares his no-BS wisdom on what really makes hospitality tick:✨ Why empathy and accountabi...
April 18, 2025 1:28:39
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Travis Fish - Adapting to Change: Tech Innovations and Leadership

Travis Fish - Adapting to Change: Tech Innovations and Leadership

🎙️ EP46: From Nando’s to Tech to Ball Pits – The Wild Ops Journey of Travis FishIn this episode, Adam sits down with Travis Fish, Operations Director at Comptoir Group, co-founder of BabaBoom and his new baby 🔥 Ops Club.Travis shares a candid look at his journey from traditional hospitality ops at Nando’s to launching his own brand, diving into tech startups, and bringing competitive socialisin...
April 11, 2025 1:14:17
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Frederick Szydlowski - Beyond Points: Creating Meaningful Loyalty Experiences in Hospitality

Frederick Szydlowski - Beyond Points: Creating Meaningful Loyalty Experiences in Hospitality

🎙️ Episode 45 – Frederick Szydlowski, Co-Founder of EmbargoIn this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam sits down with Fred from Embargo to explore the gritty, real, and often hilarious journey from working at Joe & the Juice to building a loyalty platform used by 200K+ hospitality businesses.🎯 What you’ll hear:Fred’s early career story: from basketball to slinging juices at 19How he landed h...
April 3, 2025 1:20:50
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Susan Zwinkels - Beyond the Likes: Measuring Social Media Success in Hospitality

Susan Zwinkels - Beyond the Likes: Measuring Social Media Success in Hospitality

In this episode of Captive Conversations, Adam sits down with Susan Zwinkels, CMO of Kitch Social, to unpack what’s really working in hospitality marketing right now.From the explosive power of TikTok to the untapped potential of employee-generated content, Susan brings a no-nonsense, refreshingly real view of how hospitality brands can stand out online—without blowing their budgets.✨ Key Highl...
March 27, 2025 1:16:42
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Ruth Carpenter - Marketing Magic: Creating Consistent Customer Experiences

Ruth Carpenter - Marketing Magic: Creating Consistent Customer Experiences

🎙️ In this episode I sit down with Ruth Carpenter, the creative force behind the marketing of one of the UK’s most iconic and playful pizza brands — Pizza Pilgrims. From navigating career leaps to scaling a national brand, Ruth opens up about the realities of marketing in hospitality, how to stay authentic as you grow, and why being serious about not taking yourself too seriously is a powerful ...
March 21, 2025 1:14:06
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Michelle Moreno - Leadership Lessons from the Hospitality World

Michelle Moreno - Leadership Lessons from the Hospitality World

In this episode, I’m joined by Michelle Moreno—founder of QAB Leadership and an unstoppable force in the hospitality world—for a raw, funny, and wisdom-packed conversation about everything from global openings to personal reinvention.We go deep into the journey: from starting out as a waitress at Asia de Cuba (serving Leonardo DiCaprio, no less) to launching 50+ restaurants and bars across Lond...
March 13, 2025 1:19:30
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Ben Heppell - From Digital Innovation to Genuine Guest Connections

Ben Heppell - From Digital Innovation to Genuine Guest Connections

In this episode, I’m joined by Ben Heppell, Global Head of Digital at Aqua Restaurant Group, for a proper deep dive into the real world of hospitality, digital, and brand building.From sharing advice he'd give his 16-year-old self (spoiler: it's all about valuing experience over things) to calling out overhyped nights like that Wembley boxing match, Ben brings the honesty—and a fresh take on wh...
March 7, 2025 1:09:41
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Michael Radley - Bridging Hospitality and Influence The Future of Content Creation

Michael Radley - Bridging Hospitality and Influence The Future of Content Creation

🚀 From Pot Wash to Hospitality Tech Founder – The Journey of Michael Radley, Joli 🚀🔥 Episode 40 of Captive Conversations! 🔥We’ve hit a milestone—our 40th episode, with a fresh new design and some incredible guests lined up for the next few weeks! 🎉To celebrate, I sat down with Michael Radley, co-founder of Joli, to talk about his journey from pot washing in a local pub to revolutionising influe...
February 28, 2025 1:08:59
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Elliot Hill - Keeping the Human Touch in a Tech-Driven World

Elliot Hill - Keeping the Human Touch in a Tech-Driven World

🎙 Captive Conversations: Elliot HillElliot Hill from 1 Lombard Street joins me to explore the balance between hospitality and technology. With years at the helm of one of London’s most iconic restaurants, he shares how to innovate without losing the human touch—because great service is still about connection.We dive into fast-paced city dining, immersive experiences, and Elliot’s journey from v...
February 21, 2025 1:21:18
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Sheri Williamson - The Art of Hospitality Marketing: Bill's Brand Revival and Digital Evolution

Sheri Williamson - The Art of Hospitality Marketing: Bill's Brand Revival and Digital Evolution

🎙 Captive Conversations: Sheri from Bill's In this episode, I sit down with Sheri, Marketing Director at Bill's, to chat about her inspiring leap from retail to hospitality. Sheri shares what she learned from her time at M&S—from the precision of retail logistics to the fast-paced, creative hustle of hospitality marketing. 💡 🍓 The Bill's Rebrand Journey Sheri breaks down how th...
February 14, 2025 43:53
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Chris Fletcher - Clip 5 - Navigating Tech Events and Growth: Insights at Tech on Toast

Chris Fletcher - Clip 5 - Navigating Tech Events and Growth: Insights at Tech on Toast

Chris Fletcher from Tech on Toast unveils the exhilarating rollercoaster of emotions that come with hosting major hospitality events, comparing the tension to launching a new restaurant. Despite the nerves, the event was a triumph, thanks to the unwavering support from a network of partners and operators. Chris discusses the exciting road ahead for his company, highlighting the growth of his te...
February 7, 2025 23:05
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Sam Brown & Nick Holroyd-Doveton - Beyond Bias: Revolutionising Hospitality Recruitment with Candid

Sam Brown & Nick Holroyd-Doveton - Beyond Bias: Revolutionising Hospitality Recruitment with Candid

In this episode, we’re diving into the future of hospitality hiring with Sam Brown & Nick Holroyd-Doveton from Candid Hospitality—the game-changing platform shaking up recruitment. Forget the old-school hiring process—Candid is breaking barriers with blind hiring, anonymous candidate profiles, and AI-driven matchmaking. Their ethos? It’s all about the Three C’s—Culture, Competencies, and Compen...
January 31, 2025 1:36:58
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Matt Ford & Jonny Fox - Behind the Krowd: Pioneering Digital Transformation in Hospitality

Matt Ford & Jonny Fox - Behind the Krowd: Pioneering Digital Transformation in Hospitality

This episode explores how Krowd, a hospitality technology company, is reshaping digital engagement in the industry. Matt Ford and Jonny Fox share their journey into hospitality, from their early hands-on experiences in restaurants and bars to leading digital transformation in the industry. Their careers have taken them from the front lines of service to pioneering tech-driven solutions, provi...
January 23, 2025 1:08:49
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Boost Hospitality Success: CRM, Upselling & Industry Insights with James Mobbs & Kieron Bailey

Boost Hospitality Success: CRM, Upselling & Industry Insights with James Mobbs & Kieron Bailey

🎙️ Welcome to Clips – Your Weekly Hospitality & Tech Insights! 🎙️In this episode, we kick things off with an insightful chat with James Mobbs (Mr. CRM & Data) on how to set your restaurant or hospitality business up for success in Q1. From revenue-boosting strategies to must-have tools, James shares expert advice to keep you ahead of the game.Next up, we sit down with the legendary Kieron Baile...
January 17, 2025 46:31
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Rich Wright - From Ski Slopes to Tapas Bars: A Journey in Hospitality

Rich Wright - From Ski Slopes to Tapas Bars: A Journey in Hospitality

Join us for a chat with Rich from Tenzo, where unexpected adventures meet the rhythm of hospitality. Rich shares his spontaneous trip to a Hilltop Hoods concert in London and the timeless wisdom from his music teacher to "slow down," offering fresh perspectives on personal and professional challenges. From the vibrant music scene in Méribel to London’s bustling hospitality life, Rich’s journey ...
January 9, 2025 1:21:10
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Jon Horsfield - From Terminals to Tablets: Hospitality's Tech Transformation

Jon Horsfield - From Terminals to Tablets: Hospitality's Tech Transformation

Unleash the Future of Hospitality Featuring Jon Horsfield from Centegra We kick things off by diving into the core of our conversation focused on the hospitality industry. Jonn recounts a memorable experience at the Ivy in Manchester, setting the tone for our exploration of exceptional service and cutting-edge hospitality technology, with a special nod to Sam Brown and his company, Candid, for ...
December 20, 2024 1:14:34
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Robbie Francis - Revolutionising Customer Experience: Tech, Dining, and Career Insights in Hospitality

Robbie Francis - Revolutionising Customer Experience: Tech, Dining, and Career Insights in Hospitality

Podcast Episode - Robbie Francis Podcast Episode: Revolutionising Customer Experience with Robbie Francis Join us for an enlightening conversation with Robbie, the visionary founder of ePosability, as we explore the dynamic shifts in customer interactions within the digital landscape. Robbie shares his unique insights on how restaurateurs can harnes...
December 13, 2024 1:42:04
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Carey Benn - Data-Driven Dining: Unlocking the Secrets of Customer Engagement

Carey Benn - Data-Driven Dining: Unlocking the Secrets of Customer Engagement

Carey Benn - Data-Driven Dining: Unlocking the Secrets of Customer Engagement Join us as we welcome Carey, the founder of Guestwise, who shares a treasure trove of insights at the crossroads of hospitality and technology. Carey dives into the strategic role of technology in reducing restaurant failure rates, making this episode a flavourful blend of tradition and innovation. We explore C...
December 6, 2024 1:07:37
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Ben O'Brien - Sourced, Sessions and The Future of Hospitality

Ben O'Brien - Sourced, Sessions and The Future of Hospitality

Ben O'Brien, the innovative mind behind We Are Food, joins us to uncover the dynamic relationship between hospitality, sustainability, and the future impact of AI on businesses. Journey with us through Ben’s fascinating career from the bustling café scenes to an unexpected foray into the music industry. His living experience near London’s Borough Market ignited a passion for connecting small p...
November 29, 2024 1:24:14
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Darren Jackson - From Data to Dining: How Yumpingo Transforms Customer Feedback

Darren Jackson - From Data to Dining: How Yumpingo Transforms Customer Feedback

Ready to uncover the secrets of the hospitality tech world? Join us as we chat with Darren from Yumpingo, fresh from the Australia Tech Show, as he shares insights into how technology is reshaping guest experiences in the hospitality industry. Darren reveals his journey from enterprise sales to his pivotal role as Commercial Director at Yumpingo. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the evo...
November 22, 2024 55:45
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Jo Lynch - Hospitality Unveiled Bridging the Gap Between Operations and Insights

Jo Lynch - Hospitality Unveiled Bridging the Gap Between Operations and Insights

Jo Lynch from KAM captivates us with her wealth of knowledge in the hospitality sector, shedding light on the pivotal role of loyalty and frequency in driving customer engagement. With her background as both an operator and marketeer, Joe offers a unique perspective, comparing emerging hospitality technologies to renowned loyalty programs like Tesco Clubcard and Nectar. Her stories, including ...
November 15, 2024 1:03:24
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Dan Brookman - From data to delight : Enhance customer experience with technology

Dan Brookman - From data to delight : Enhance customer experience with technology

Meet Dan Brookman from Airship, who shares his insights into the transformative power of community-driven projects and innovative technology in hospitality. We'll take you on a remarkable journey from a derelict swimming pool to a vibrant Sheffield venue that became a cornerstone for music, community, and creativity. Discover how turning chaos into opportunity is not just a mantra but a thrivin...
November 8, 2024 1:16:32
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Gemma Barter - Burgers, Bytes, and Brand Loyalty: Unpacking Digital Marketing

Gemma Barter - Burgers, Bytes, and Brand Loyalty: Unpacking Digital Marketing

Gemma from Honest Burgers joins us for a captivating conversation on the intersection of food and digital marketing. We explore the power of email marketing as a dynamic platform for storytelling, fostering customer loyalty, and the anticipated launch of Honest Burgers' new loyalty program. Gemma shares her insights on the unique challenges of gathering customer data in a predominantly walk-in...
November 1, 2024 48:51
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Shawn P Walchef - Unleashing the Power of Storytelling: Transforming Digital Hospitality

Shawn P Walchef - Unleashing the Power of Storytelling: Transforming Digital Hospitality

It's episode 25 🙌 I was a little nervous for this one, having the amazing Shawn P Walchef on the podcast, the man, the GOAT, the legend. Shawn was one of the main drivers for myself and many others making content, story telling aswell and giving great advice on how to "be the show, not the commercial". I've been attending the Digital Hospitality community group for about a year, starting on Clu...
October 25, 2024 57:48
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Dan Hawkie - Rethinking Hospitality: Tipping Trends and Tech Innovations

Dan Hawkie - Rethinking Hospitality: Tipping Trends and Tech Innovations

Dan Hawkey, Chief Commercial Officer at Tip Jar, joins us for a personal and engaging chat about the untapped potential in the hospitality industry. From his start at Hilton Hotels as a conference host to his journey through Jarvis and Village Hotels, Dan shares how hospitality has been a passion for him for over 20 years. He discusses the industry’s different perceptions across countries like ...
October 22, 2024 57:37
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Clip 4 - Hospitality Tech Live 2024- Day 2

Clip 4 - Hospitality Tech Live 2024- Day 2

What a week it's been! Well done to everyone who exhibited at the Hospitality Tech Expo and stayed on their feet chatting with suppliers, partners, and customers. For me, day 2 Highlights included Dan Brookman's talk about AI in Hospitality Marketing and Jon Horsfield's talk about the Single Pane of Glass. I also managed to get some fantastic chats with: 🌟 Amy Monaghan at TiPJAR® 🌟 Christian...
October 18, 2024 19:03
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Clip 3 - Hospitality Tech Live 2024 - Day 1

Clip 3 - Hospitality Tech Live 2024 - Day 1

What an amazing day 1 at Hospitality Tech Expo. Highlights for me, Tommy Giraux's amazing tech talk, followed by another fantastic talk from William Connors. I managed to get some fantastic chats with: 🌟 Eli Nadel and David Hume from MarketMan. 🌟 Amy at Airship learning about their new AI bits (don't miss Dan Brookman's talk tomorrow on stage). 🌟Paisley S. at at Pepper learning all about the...
October 15, 2024 21:54
27
Mo Reshard - Revolutionising Hospitality Operations with PreShift

Mo Reshard - Revolutionising Hospitality Operations with PreShift

This week, join Mo Reshard, the visionary founder of Preshift, as he shares his journey from starting at Slug and Lettuce to becoming a pivotal figure in hospitality tech. Our conversation also ventures into the secrets of fine dining and stories from Michelin-starred kitchens, including challenges restaurants face with Michelin inspectors. Mo discusses the impact of AI on content creation on ...
October 11, 2024 1:18:12
26
Mason Potter -Tipping the Balance: Grateful’s Impact on Hospitality Workers

Mason Potter -Tipping the Balance: Grateful’s Impact on Hospitality Workers

Join us for an enlightening episode as we tackle the unexpected challenges and lessons learned while building a platform. We share their frustration of being promised a one-month project completion only to face an eight-month delay before launch. This leads us into a discussion on the importance of realistic planning and expectations in project development. Next, we take a closer look at the jo...
October 4, 2024 1:04:13
25
The Evolution of Hospitality Tech with Josh Smith, UK MD of me&u

The Evolution of Hospitality Tech with Josh Smith, UK MD of me&u

Unlock the secrets to mastering hospitality tech and hear firsthand from Josh of me&u, formerly Mr Yum, as he takes us on his passionate journey in the industry. From the exhilarating moment of landing his first customer to seeing his innovative technology thrive in a local wine bar, Josh's story is one of relentless drive and tangible success. Listen in as we also recount a memorable team outi...
September 27, 2024 1:06:18
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Clip 2 : Tech Tastings, Emerging Trends in Hospitality, Live event at Aqua Nueva September 19th 2024

Clip 2 : Tech Tastings, Emerging Trends in Hospitality, Live event at Aqua Nueva September 19th 2024

We were beyond excited to participate in the Tech Tastings event: Emerging Trends in Hospitality Which was a networking event presented by TISSL EPOS, hosted by Tech on Toast, and featured special guests from Krowd, Piggy, Sevenrooms, and GiftPro. If you’re in the London hospitality scene – whether you’re a restaurateur, pub and bar operator, or any other awesome sector in between – this eve...
September 24, 2024 1:54:11
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Eli Nadel - From Burritos to Breakthroughs in Hospitality Technology

Eli Nadel - From Burritos to Breakthroughs in Hospitality Technology

The future of hospitality is here, and it’s powered by technology. Join us as we celebrate our 21st episode with the inimitable Eli Nadell from Twice Baked, who brings over a decade of experience to our conversation. We'll explore how restaurant operations are being transformed by cutting-edge systems like Trail and Flint, which streamline team management and optimize delivery promotions. Eli's...
September 20, 2024 1:25:05
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Clip 1 - Casual Dining Show Day 2024 : Chatting with TIPJAR, Dojo and Workforce.com 🚀

Clip 1 - Casual Dining Show Day 2024 : Chatting with TIPJAR, Dojo and Workforce.com 🚀

🎉 Wrapped up an incredible day at the Casual Dining event! Met amazing tech innovators like Hannah from TiPJAR®, discussing the imminent Fair Tips Act and how crucial it is for transparency in tipping. 🍽️💡 Caught up with Hans from Dojo, chatting about their all-in-one payment solutions and how they're revolutionising transactions in hospitality. 🚀 And yes, couldn't leave without mentioning the...
September 19, 2024 7:12
21
Ruben Nogales - Revolutionising Hospitality loyalty one data point at a Time

Ruben Nogales - Revolutionising Hospitality loyalty one data point at a Time

Join us on a captivating journey we chat with Ruben from Como about his journey from Spain to the UK as we explore the unexpected paths that led to a rewarding career in hospitality tech. Our discussion starts with the personal story of moving to the UK to improve his English skills, which unexpectedly turned into a long-term stay due to new job opportunities and personal connections. From sell...
September 13, 2024 58:27
20
Tommy Giraux - Technology's Role in Transforming Hospitality Operations

Tommy Giraux - Technology's Role in Transforming Hospitality Operations

What if the key to revolutionising your hospitality business lies in real-time data and technology integration? Join us as we sit down with Tommy from Honest Burgers, a hospitality veteran with over a decade of experience, to uncover the secrets behind this transformation. From the shift away from end-of-month reports to leveraging live data for enhanced decision-making, Tommy shares invaluable...
September 6, 2024 1:06:49
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From Consulting to Cutting-Edge Hospitality Tech

From Consulting to Cutting-Edge Hospitality Tech

Unlock the secrets of the future of hospitality tech with David from 16, Buddy, and Illglu as he shares transformative insights into how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing guest experiences. Discover how AI and machine learning can make every guest interaction personalized and memorable, elevating satisfaction to new heights. Learn about the state of customer feedback in Malta and how e...
August 30, 2024 1:00:29
18
Transforming Feedback into Insights: The Power of AI Analytics

Transforming Feedback into Insights: The Power of AI Analytics

Can artificial intelligence revolutionise the hospitality industry and redefine guest experiences? Imagine a world where digital service and human touch coexist seamlessly. We investigate AI's transformative potential, from automating guest replies to integrating AI in restaurant environments for a more personalized touch. We also forecast how upcoming generations might embrace these innovation...
August 23, 2024 49:37
17
David Bird - AI, Social Media, and the Future of Customer Loyalty

David Bird - AI, Social Media, and the Future of Customer Loyalty

Uncover the secrets behind building a successful sales team from the ground up with David Bird from Impact Data. You'll hear firsthand how David went from collecting customer data on the streets of Manchester to managing UK operations and achieving unexpected success. We'll also reveal his culinary prowess, including his unique take on spaghetti bolognese, featuring surprising ingredients like ...
August 16, 2024 1:09:30
16
Luci Cunningham - How Airship is Shaping Hospitality Marketing with AI and Automation

Luci Cunningham - How Airship is Shaping Hospitality Marketing with AI and Automation

Episode 15, we learn about Luci's introduction in to Hospitality, from working at private events and managing an apple concession store at 19 (this is a great one) Lucy provides an insider’s view of her role as the head of commercial, shedding light on the company's data-driven approach to customer engagement and loyalty. We discuss how Airship’s integration of AI and automation is pushing the...
August 9, 2024 1:09:04
15
Transforming Hospitality Marketing: Insights from Mark McC

Transforming Hospitality Marketing: Insights from Mark McC

This episode, we sit down with the exceptional Mark McCulloch. We delve into the importance of appreciating every team member's contribution and discuss how such internships can inspire a genuine, long-lasting passion for the industry. As we navigate through the latest trends and technologies reshaping the hospitality landscape, Mark and I discuss everything from the skyrocketing demand for un...
August 5, 2024 1:28:25
14
William Connors - Revolutionising Hospitality: A Journey Through Tech Innovations

William Connors - Revolutionising Hospitality: A Journey Through Tech Innovations

Join us in this riveting episode as we sit down with William Connors, head of global IT at Noble Group, to explore how technology is transforming the hospitality industry. From his childhood dreams of becoming a sports athlete to his rise as a tech leader, William's journey is both inspiring and insightful. Discover how innovations like kitchen display systems, mobile ordering, and advanced POS...
July 27, 2024 1:13:59
13
Christian Mouysset - Revolutionising Restaurant Operations with Real-Time Data

Christian Mouysset - Revolutionising Restaurant Operations with Real-Time Data

Ready to revolutionize your understanding of hospitality technology? Join us for an insightful chat with Christian, Tenzo's dynamic co-founder and CEO. This episode is a treasure trove of personal anecdotes and professional wisdom. You won't want to miss Christian’s expertise on the importance of integrative solutions tailored specifically for the hospitality industry. Travel back with us to t...
July 20, 2024 49:52
12
Laurens Havenaar - Future-Proofing Customer Loyalty: Trends and Technologies

Laurens Havenaar - Future-Proofing Customer Loyalty: Trends and Technologies

Join us for a fascinating episode where Laurens and Adam the unique qualities of Piggy, a loyalty CRM gift card platform. We answer a fun question from a previous guest about which animal we'd choose to be, and share personal stories, such as our fondness for the traditional Dutch dish, hutspot. The chapter is a mix of humor, personal reflections, and cultural tidbits, offering listeners a rich...
July 14, 2024 1:23:44
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Tech Innovations Shaping the Future of Guest Loyalty with Arun Kumar

Tech Innovations Shaping the Future of Guest Loyalty with Arun Kumar

🎙️ Dive into the latest episode of our podcast as we explore the fascinating journey of Arun Kumar, the dynamic Head of Partnerships at Incentivio. From his early tech inclinations inspired by his dad's enthusiasm for gadgets to his insightful transition into the hospitality tech space, Arun brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the table. 🌐🚀 In this episode, Arun discusses...
July 7, 2024 1:23:44
10
From Fine Dining to Fast Service Tissl's Tech Journey

From Fine Dining to Fast Service Tissl's Tech Journey

Join us as we welcome Nima from TISSL in a lively and engaging episode marking a significant milestone as we approach our tenth episode. Nima shares his experiences and insights into TISSL's journey, particularly their advancements in AI technology for business applications. We tackle some light-hearted banter and even share a few dad dances while addressing key questions from our previous gues...
July 1, 2024 1:02:48
09
Steven Rolfe - From Point One to Kurve: The Evolution of a Hospitality Tech Leader

Steven Rolfe - From Point One to Kurve: The Evolution of a Hospitality Tech Leader

Stephen Rolfe, CEO of Kurve, shares his extraordinary journey from summiting Mont Blanc in memory of a late friend to navigating the complexities of a tech startup. Our conversation with Stephen offers a candid look at balancing the relentless demands of entrepreneurship with personal well-being and the transformative power of outdoor adventure. Through his unique insights, we uncover the defin...
June 24, 2024 59:32
08
Mike Enslin - Speed of Light: Pioneering Tech Solutions in Hospitality

Mike Enslin - Speed of Light: Pioneering Tech Solutions in Hospitality

Can mastering the art of communication truly transform your hospitality business? Join us as we sit down with Michael Enslin, UK Director at Lightspeed, to unlock the secrets behind exceptional customer service and dynamic team interactions. Michael shares his profound insights on empowering employees to be open, honest, and accountable, and why face-to-face interactions remain crucial in nurtu...
June 24, 2024 1:11:01
07
Blending Innovation - Evolutionizing Training in Hospitality

Blending Innovation - Evolutionizing Training in Hospitality

In this episode of Captive Conversations, we welcome Jonah from Blend, a platform redefining training for deskless workers. Jonah shares insights into the founding of Blend, its evolution with support from Antler, and its unique approach using TikTok to engage Gen Z employees. Discover how Blend's innovative solutions are tailoring training to meet the critical needs of the hospitality industry...
June 10, 2024 1:03:48
06
Digital Marketing Mastery with Kitty Newman from Trapeze Media

Digital Marketing Mastery with Kitty Newman from Trapeze Media

Join us on Captive Conversations as Kitty Newman from Trapeze Media shares her extensive experience in media and digital marketing within the hospitality industry. Discover the story behind Trapeze Media's name and learn about Kitty's strategic focus beyond social media. She delves into emerging tech trends, highlighting the need for advanced analytics and mixed media reporting in response to e...
June 2, 2024 1:11:04
05
Tackling No-Shows in Hospitality - A Titans Hospitality Event

Tackling No-Shows in Hospitality - A Titans Hospitality Event

I was honoured to be on the panel at this fantastic Hospitality Titans ™️ event, talking about no-shows. Quick facts from the lovely people at Zonal & Jocelyn de Goey Top 5 reasons for #noshows ➡️27%🔹Having a change of plans ➡️21%🔹 Others with the group cancelling ➡️20%🔹People booking multiple venues ➡️20%🔹One member of the group falling ill ➡️15%🔹Forgetting about their booking No-shows co...
May 27, 2024 1:00:45
04
Navigating the Future of F&B in Hotels with Scot Turner

Navigating the Future of F&B in Hotels with Scot Turner

Unlock the secrets of hospitality mastery with industry titan Scott Turner from Auden Hospitality as we traverse his remarkable journey and the birth of Auden's identity. Prepare to be whisked away on a culinary odyssey where we pit Tim Tams against Penguins (thanks to our last guest) and recount hotel experiences that redefine luxury. This episode isn't just about taste tests and travel tales...
May 23, 2024 1:07:52
03
Bytes and Bites: How Redcat's Innovations are Reshaping Hospitality Tech

Bytes and Bites: How Redcat's Innovations are Reshaping Hospitality Tech

Episode 2 is here! Venture into the world of hospitality technology with Lawrence Pelletier (LP) from RedCat Hospitality paints a vivid picture of innovation and determination. In this episode, we delve into how their revolutionary platform is reshaping the landscape of hospitality management, offering unique insights into the challenges and triumphs of implementing cutting-edge tech solution...
May 20, 2024 1:18:29
02
All you need to know about the hospitality tech stack and more.. with Chris Fletcher.

All you need to know about the hospitality tech stack and more.. with Chris Fletcher.

Titles • Behind the Scenes of Hospitality Tech: A Deep Dive with Chris Fletcher • Exploring the Tech Operations and Marketing in Hospitality with Chris Fletcher • The Inside Scoop on Hospitality Tech: A Conversation with Chris Fletcher • Unveiling the Challenges and Successes of Hospitality Tech with Chris Fletcher • Navigating the Hospitality Tech Landscape: Insights from Chris Fletcher Detai...
May 15, 2024 56:59
01
Captive Conversations is nearly here - Teaser

Captive Conversations is nearly here - Teaser

Captive Conversations is nearly here Welcome to Captive Conversations, I'm your host Adam Forman from Captive WiFi. Join us as we dive into the behind-the-scenes stories of hospitality leaders, exploring tech, operations, and marketing through the eyes of the experts. Let's get the inside scoop together
May 8, 2024 0:35

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