Hospitality Meets... with Phil Street

• #224 - Hospitality Meets Billy Skelli-Cohen - Bold Mistakes, Bold Ideas

  Episode SummaryIn this inspiring episode of Hospitality Meets, I sit down with Billy Skelli-Cohen, CEO of Beaumier Hotels, a boutique group with 11 stunning properties across France, Switzerland, and Ibiza.Billy’s story is not your standard hospitality tale. In fact, he jokes that he’s “a bit of a fraud” because he’s never actually worked in a hotel. From starting out in retail, to private equity, to leading some of Europe’s most iconic hotel projects, Billy’s journey is proof that there’s no single path to the top in hospitality.Expect stories of bold ideas that paid off (a bike repair kit that became a PR sensation), bold mistakes (thinking Europe’s playbook would work in the US), and why listening twice as much as you talk might just be the best leadership hack out there (Must learn this, Phil)Key TakeawaysEmployee Experience First – “It’s impossible to deliver great guest experiences without first delivering great employee experiences.”Boldness Pays Off – Sometimes the smallest left-field ideas (like a Dutch bike kit in a hotel room) create the biggest impact.Culture Matters – What works in one country doesn’t always work in another; leadership is an art, not a science.Stay Curious – Great leaders ask questions, observe, and never stop learning.People > Projects – The proudest achievements aren’t hotels or awards, but watching people around you grow and flourish.Memorable Quotes“Hotels are never finished. There’s always something to improve, evolve, or reimagine.”“It’s impossible to provide good guest experience without a good employee experience first.”“I’m not afraid to say I now only want to work with people who are smarter than me.”“Sometimes the small, silly ideas end up becoming the PR story everyone talks about.”“I don’t look back too much. I don’t look too far ahead either. I try to stay in the present.”Final ThoughtsBilly’s journey is a reminder that hospitality isn’t just about hotels, it’s about people, culture, and curiosity. From repositioning icons like The Pulitzer in Amsterdam to building soulful luxury hotels in magical destinations, his leadership shows that staying bold, present, and people-first is the real key to growth.Show PartnersA big shout out to Today’s show partner, RotaCloud, the people management platform for shift-based teams.RotaCloud lets managers create and share rotas, record attendance, and manage annual leave in minutes — all from a single, web-based app.It makes work simple for your team, too, allowing them to check their rotas, request holiday, and even pick up extra shifts straight from their phones.Try RotaCloud’s time-saving tools today by heading to https://rotacloud.com/philThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

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• #223 - Hospitality Meets Michelle Moreno - Elbowing Leonardo Di Caprio

  Episode SummaryIn this sparkling episode of Hospitality Meets, I sit down with the unstoppable Michelle Moreno, founder of QAB Leadership (Is that really it's name Michelle?)From accidentally elbowing Leonardo DiCaprio to fangirling over Sarah Jessica Parker in the dark, Michelle’s journey through hospitality is as wild, funny, and inspiring as it gets.With a career that’s taken her from London’s hottest openings to Mykonos, India, and Mauritius, Michelle’s story is one of resilience, humour, and never taking herself too seriously. Along the way, she’s learned that imperfection is a superpower, leadership should be fun, and sometimes the best brand names are the ones people trip over.Expect celebrity encounters, cultural adventures, brutal honesty, and some cracking wisdom on careers, confidence, and carving your own path.Key TakeawaysImperfection = Strength – You don’t have to be polished to be powerful.Hospitality is Chaos & Magic – From elbowing Leo to opening 50+ restaurants, it’s never dull.Leadership with Laughter – Fun belongs in business; we’re a long time dead, so lighten up.Follow the Adventure – Careers aren’t linear; they zigzag through countries, cultures, and crises.Community is Everything – LinkedIn, kindness, and connection can change your career trajectory.Memorable Quotes"When you say QAB quickly, it sounds like Crap Leadership. But hey, people remember it”"I elbowed Leonardo DiCaprio in the stomach. Not on purpose… just because I was shit”“Life isn’t about change, it’s about evolution”“We’re a long time dead, so let’s make leadership fun”“I met Sarah Jessica Parker… and made a tit of myself in front of Matthew Broderick two nights in a row”Final ThoughtsMichelle’s story is a glorious reminder that success isn’t about straight lines or spotless CVs, it’s about saying yes, laughing at the chaos, and evolving along the way. From Nobu in Mykonos to “crap leadership” in London, her career proves that hospitality is a serious industry where fun, imperfection, and humanity always win.Show PartnersA big shout out to Today’s show partner, RotaCloud, the people management platform for shift-based teams.RotaCloud lets managers create and share rotas, record attendance, and manage annual leave in minutes — all from a single, web-based app.It makes work simple for your team, too, allowing them to check their rotas, request holiday, and even pick up extra shifts straight from their phones.Try RotaCloud’s time-saving tools today by heading to https://rotacloud.com/philThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

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• #222 - Hospitality Meets Rob Flinter - Sweat, Royals & Rock ’n’ Roll

  Episode SummaryIn this laugh out loud episode of Hospitality Meets, I sit down with the brilliant Rob Flinter, Area General Manager for London and Westmont Hospitality Group. Rob’s career has taken him from the frontline of hotels to rubbing shoulders with rockstars, rugby legends, and royalty with plenty of mishaps, laughs, and wisdom along the way.Expect tales of sweaty lift rides with Prince Philip, rockstars passed out under tables, and the moment Rob realised he was officially old (hint: it involves Kylie Minogue). Alongside the comedy, Rob shares refreshingly honest insights on leadership, vulnerability, and why hospitality is one of the most rewarding industries out there.We covered:Getting stuck in a lift with Prince Philip (and his twitchy bodyguard)Hosting rockstars, rugby icons, and pop legendsThe allergy question that broke hospitalityWhy “fake it till you make it” is terrible adviceHow vulnerability and honesty beat blagging every timeHospitality = Career & Comedy – A serious profession filled with ridiculous stories.Memorable Quotes"I’m not sure how calm I came across… more like a blabbering idiot sweating profusely in the corner of a lift.”“Fake it till you make it? Absolute rubbish.”“Kylie Minogue walked in and the kids went, ‘who’s that?’… I thought, oh God, I’m ancient.”“Hospitality is a career that can take you anywhere — and you’ll laugh a lot along the way.”Final ThoughtsRob’s journey is a reminder that hospitality is equal parts chaos, comedy, and camaraderie. From royal encounters to rock ’n’ roll mayhem, he shows that leading with honesty and humour makes for not just a better GM, but a better human being.Show PartnersA big shout out to Today’s show partner, RotaCloud, the people management platform for shift-based teams.RotaCloud lets managers create and share rotas, record attendance, and manage annual leave in minutes — all from a single, web-based app.It makes work simple for your team, too, allowing them to check their rotas, request holiday, and even pick up extra shifts straight from their phones.Try RotaCloud’s time-saving tools today by heading to https://rotacloud.com/philThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

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• #221 - Hospitality Meets Gina Knight - Broccoli, Beef & Brilliant Banter

  We're back! And we're back for at least another year thanks to the legends at Rotacloud!!!And what a way to welcome us back with none other than the beyond epic, deep thinking and hilarious Gina Knight, Head of People at Flat Iron.Gina brings a big dose of warmth, humour, and honesty as she takes us from reception desk chaos to Ibiza career pact holidays, via Girl Guide hooch smuggling and a heated broccoli debate.This episode is proof that hospitality is never boring and that laughter really is part of the job description.What you’ll hear in this episode:The Apron Rebellion – Why Flatiron’s team said “thanks, but not good enough” and turned old aprons into hammocks, handbags and… dresses.Reception life uncensored – Gina and Phil swap war stories about demanding guests, room shortages, and the eternal question: how do you like your broccoli?Girl Guides & Hooch – Life lessons from leadership at 12 years oldThe Ibiza Pact – How Gina’s “if you get a new job, I get a new job” deal ended in both friends quittingThe Beef Bank – Yes, Flatiron literally gives managers a monthly allowance called the Beef Bank. Spoiler: it doesn’t involve storing steaks in a vault (Although Phil may have thought this)Key Takeaways:Listening gets results: Sometimes it’s as simple as changing aprons or challenging your team to upcycle them into fashionHospitality teaches resilience: From riots to ridiculous complaints, it’s all character building (and occasionally comedy gold).Neurodiversity is a strength: Gina shares how dyslexia and ADHD traits fuel her creativity and communication.Careers aren’t straight lines: Say yes, pivot, Ibiza, repeat.Kindness still wins: Even after chaos, communities show up with coffee, cake, and compassion.Quotes we loved:“We redesigned the aprons… and the team went, thanks, but that’s not good enough. Make them sustainable. Cue: hammocks, handbags, cushions, and dresses.”“At 12, I was responsible for six Girl Guides. I’d like to say I was sensible… but I did sneak in a couple of bottles of Hooch.”“How do you like your broccoli, Phil?”“I wanted to go to Ibiza, so I told my best mate we both had to get new jobs. We both did. Mission accomplished.”“I thought the Beef Bank was actual beef in a bank… but apparently, it’s money you can spend on PlayStation vouchers or pillows.”A joyful, laugh-out-loud episode awaits about people, positivity, and why soggy broccoli nearly broke the internet.Show PartnersA big shout out to Today’s show partner, RotaCloud, the people management platform for shift-based teams.RotaCloud lets managers create and share rotas, record attendance, and manage annual leave in minutes — all from a single, web-based app.It makes work simple for your team, too, allowing them to check their rotas, request holiday, and even pick up extra shifts straight from their phones.Try RotaCloud’s time-saving tools today by heading to https://rotacloud.com/philThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

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• Bonus Episode #32- Hospitality Meets Team Zenith - Teamwork, Triangle Formation and Choke Holds

  Guests: Emma Sharma, Meghan Ellis Smith, Fernando Odio, Chelsy Rafael, Isabelle White – aka Team ZenithHost: Phil StreetWhat’s Inside:The Edge Hotel School students who beat the Swiss at their own gameFrom cruise ship dreams to CEO goalsThe EM Cup – Europe’s most competitive hospitality battlePublic speaking disasters, bonding breakthroughs, and backstage mind gamesHow Team Zenith went from forgotten intro to unforgettable championsA story of belief, banana-shaped confidence curves, and near-chokehold celebrationsTopics Covered:How each student found their way to hospitality (spoiler: not one dull route)Why public humiliation at a student conference was actually a blessingWhat it takes to pitch to 500 people and survive a Dragon’s Den Q&AThe intense selection process (TikToks, debates, interviews – they did it all)The Triangle Hands legend and branding brilliance of Team ZenithWhy realistic ideas beat Swiss-level fantasy pitchesHighlight Moments:“Alex said if we didn’t win, he’d quit his job.” “We told the other teams we had no idea what we were doing. Classic mind games.” “I said we were going to win… but I completely forgot my lines!” “Winning felt amazing. Nearly died from a celebratory hug, but amazing.” A massive thank you to the Edge Hotel School (And previous guest Adrian Martin) for setting this up. Hospitality Meets sends heartfelt congratulations to Team Zenith for this extraordinary achievementEnjoy!This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

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