Episodes
In this week's episode of the Nxt Gen Hotels podcast, we sit down on the 73rd floor with fabulous views of Dubai to chat with the General Manager at SLS Dubai Hotel and Residences. Having worked in the luxury segment of hotels, this conversation explores everything from sustainability vs luxury, market differences across the globe, advice for the industry, tech improvements and more. If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to subscribe!
Published 05/01/24
Published 05/01/24
For all of you watching from Dubai, you're definitely familiar with Common Grounds, Tom & Serg, The Guild and more. For those from elsewhere, these are amongst the most well known and well loved restaurants in Dubai. In this week's episode, we sit down with Tom Arnel, Founder at EATX to learn all about how he revolutionised Dubai's dining scene, his story, the market and much more. This one's for all you food and dining experience lovers. Bon appetit!
Published 04/24/24
In this week's episode of the Nxt Gen Hotels podcast, we sit down with the lively GM at Radisson Blu, Media City Dubai - James Berry. With a ton of experience under his belt, having worked across geographies plethora of tips and advice we can all learn a great deal from. Delve into his career journey, leadership style, tech and lots more!
Published 04/17/24
Introducing our Hospitality Hall of Fame series with the legendary *drumroll please*, Bill Walshe đŸ™‡â€â™‚ïž . Deep dive into what hospitality means to him, his journey, his renowned concept of "Prideology" and lots more. This episode is the longest one we've recorded so far and for good reason: it's inspirational, informative and incomparable.
Published 04/10/24
All aspiring hoteliers or ambitious ones - this one's for you! In the this episode, you will gain invaluable insight on to the Dubai job market, and understand what helps candidates stand out to secure jobs. Jeff, AVP Business Operations at Dubai College of Tourism delves into the topics about the industry, career development and how to gain a competitive edge.
Published 04/03/24
Introducing our Hospitality Hall of Fame series with the legendary Bill Walshe. Deep dive into what hospitality means to him, his journey, his renowned concept of "Prideology" and lots more. This episode is the longest one we've recorded so far and for good reason: it's inspirational, informative and incomparable.
Published 03/28/24
Delving into OTA's, the use of technology in hospitality, the differences in the industry based on regions across the globe and a very interesting career journey - this week's episode features the superb Glenn Nobbs. Watch to deep dive into relevant issues facing the industry today with some rapid fire fun to wrap things up!
Published 03/20/24
In this week's episode, we speak to Gurnoor Bindra, General Manager - Sheraton, Mall of the Emirates. Delve into her hospitality career journey, her leadership style as a female leader, motherhood, work-life management and more. She is a force to be reckoned with - have a listen for yourself.
Published 03/13/24
In this week's episode (and one of our favourite episodes this season), we chat with the magnanimous Mark Hehir - General Manager, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. With a plethora of fascinating experiences under his belt, he shares his journey from being a chef in the kitchen to managing one of the most beautiful properties in Dubai. It would be an understatement to call this chat interesting! We've watched it many times over, and have a feeling you'll thoroughly enjoy it too.
Published 03/06/24
In this week's episode, we sit down with Manish Jha, General Manager - NH Collection Dubai The Palm. Amongst the various discussion topics, Manish speaks to us about his journey in hospitality, managing crisis like the 2004 tsunami a GM in the Maldives, how fitness integrates into his work ethic and of course sustainability. There's this and loads more to unpack in this episode. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Published 03/01/24
Tune in to the latest episode of the Nxt Gen Hotels podcast. In today's episode, Mark Lee - General Manager at the iconic Media One Hotel in Dubai sits down with Mark to discuss his journey. Topics of conversation here range from sustainability in hospitality to banter between two football team rival supporters. This one's a must watch!
Published 02/21/24
Touching on a topic that's never been discussed on the Nxt Gen Hotels podcast previously, Mark and Sophie sit down to have a conversation about inclusivity in hospitality. As the GM of the first and only property in Dubai to be certified as an autism friendly hotel, delve into the depths of Sophie's journey, her and her teams passion and how they address a very real challenge.
Published 02/15/24
Join us as we speak to Judit Toth, CEO & Founder at INK Hotels. In this podcast episode, she shares her incredible story of how she likes to break the rules and has paved her own path in hospitality. From building a homegrown brand INK hotels, setting it up in a new location - get ready for insights, laughter, and an inspiring story to say the least.
Published 02/07/24
Launching into the New Year with a bang! 🚀 Tune in to our latest episode featuring the incredible Stuart Birkwood, Curator (or as we know it, GM) at Radisson RED, Dubai. Join us for an insightful chat about his career journey, the unique Radisson RED brand, and a sneak peek into what's on the horizon. Stick around for some rapid-fire fun to wrap things up!
Published 01/04/24
Embark on a captivating journey with Mohamed Awadalla, CEO of Time Hotels. From humble beginnings to leading a global brand, explore the pivotal moments that define his remarkable career. In this episode, Mohamed unveils the intricacies of his journey, offering an insider's perspective into his rise in the hospitality industry. Gain exclusive insights into Time Hotels' exciting future as he shares strategies and innovations that redefine the landscape of modern hospitality. The episode also...
Published 12/14/23
Get ready to be inspired (once again)! Join us in celebrating the extraordinary Jaime Simpson, General Manager of Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, in our latest podcast episode. Today, we re-welcome her as she shares her incredible journey of seamlessly balancing motherhood with a flourishing career in hospitality. Discover the secrets to her success, staying relevant as a leading woman in the industry, and the exciting milestones as Jumeirah Mina A’Salam commemorates its 20th anniversary. Tune in...
Published 12/06/23
In this episode, Rob Paterson shares 30 years of industry wisdom, discussing the internet's impact, COVID challenges, and the evolving hotel landscape. Dive into the rebalance of ops vs. commercial focus, the tech revolution, and the awakening needed in the industry. 💡 Don't miss his take on why hotels shouldn't compete with OTAs but should instead run their own race. Join us for a game-changing conversation on the mindset shift, industry fragmentation, and the urgent need for change in...
Published 11/30/23
We say this every time, but this episode really isn’t one to miss. A slightly different format than usual, where we step away from the hospitality industry and dive into the world of travel and experience; the craft of curiosity; discovering our purpose and what it takes to build a brand from the ground up. With a whole ton of insights in between. Our guest, Augusto Valverde, Creator & Host of Global Child has gone from filming with a selfie stick to building one of the top travel shows...
Published 02/09/23
Thomas Greggory, Directeur GĂ©nĂ©ral at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas joins Mark to discuss the role technology plays in creating a seamless experience within hospitality. Thomas shares a wealth of knowledge, outlining the importance of investing in your team and how this translates into the hospitality guests will receive. Thomas’ hospitality journey started by accident back in 1999, where he has since gone on to work in a multitude of incredible locations across the globe; Monaco,...
Published 02/03/23
This week on Your Next Generation Hotel podcast we sat down with Pascal, Director and General Manager of the amazing Paramount hotel Dubai, a flagship property and extension of the iconic Paramount Studios. Pascal shares insight into the properties’ link to the cinematic era and how this is reflected throughout.  Falling in love with the industry at just 12 years old, Pascal shares a wealth of knowledge to young and aspiring hoteliers, shining a light on the wonderful opportunities a...
Published 01/25/23
Another episode for all young hospitality professionals! Your Next Generation Hotel Podcast is delighted to welcome Mads Wolff into the hot seat for this week's episode. Mads, who served as Hotel Manager since 2019, now sits at the helm as General Manager for 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central. Mads joins Mark to discuss his journey from trainee chef in a Michelin Star restaurant in Denmark; to now overseeing Ennismore’s flagship property in Dubai! A shorter episode but packed full of great...
Published 01/13/23
Calling all young hospitality professionals! This week’s guest Recep Pamukcu shares his philosophy and expertise on the key behind creating an amazing guest experience and getting the best out of your team. Recep, General Manager of the breathtaking Ajman Hotel has a wealth of experience across all areas of the hospitality industry, and also happens to share some Irish roots having previously worked at The Croke Park Hotel, spending 10 years in Ireland before settling in Dubai.
Published 01/05/23
Recorded at the breathtaking oasis, ZOYA Health & Wellbeing Resort, in this week's episode of YNGH podcast Mark is joined by ZOYA’s VP of Business Development, Salem al Said. Salem, son of founder Ameer Said, gives us an inside look at the UAE’s first fully-integrated health resort and its unique and holistic approach to mind and body rejuvenation. Discover more about ZOYA's incredible treatments and facilities at zoyawellbeing.com.
Published 12/22/22
In this episode of Your Next Generation Hotel Podcast, Tolga Lacin - Area General Manager of Marriott International, sits down with Mark to chat all things sustainability and the wave of innovation sweeping across Dubai. Tolga has 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and tells his story along with fascinating insights into their sustainable initiatives to reduce the environmental impact across their properties as well as Dubai. Tolga is the Area General Manager, Marriott...
Published 12/15/22