This Podcast is Sponsored by Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland - https://www.leonardohotels.co.uk/

Host: Phil Street FIH

Guests: Eugenio Pirri FIH, Matthew Burbidge-Airs MIH, Lauren Sargent AIH

Artwork and Branding: Sonia Cresswell (MIH)

Music by: Leon Williams (FIH)

This month, Phil Street sat down with Eugenio Pirri, Lauren Sargent and Matthew Burbidge-Airs to take on a million-pound question: How do you build a world-class people team in hospitality?

Whether you’re an industry veteran or just getting started, this episode is a masterclass on creating exceptional people teams that not only align with business goals but also foster sustainable success, innovation, and adaptability in the ever-evolving hospitality sector.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Foundations for a World-Class People Team
• Structures That Work
• The Importance of Culture
• The role Technology can play
• Mistakes to Avoid
• What does the future of People Teams look like?

Why our Guests said, “I’m In!”:-

Eugenio Pirri:

Eugenio draws strength from his passion for people and culture, believing in the IOH’s role in elevating standards, inspiring young talent, and representing the hospitality industry on key platforms.

Lauren Sargent:

Lauren is proud of IOH’s events, networking tools, and, most meaningfully, its influence on those early in their hospitality careers. She also celebrates the proud moment of her company, Leonardo Hotels, winning the “Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Employer of the Year” award in 2024.

Matthew Burbidge-Airs:

Matthew, an advocate for the opportunities hospitality offers, especially its unique travel element, sees the IOH as a hub for sharing ideas and building strong professional networks.

Outstanding Quotes from the Episode:

• "It's not our job to tell people what to think. It's our job to give people the tools to think for themselves." – Robert Richardson, shared by Phil Street.
• "The guest doesn't really care about silos; they just want to be looked after." –Matthew Burbidge Airs
• "It's about giving the people managers the tools to be great people managers." – Lauren Sargent
• "If you don't know what your culture is, how are you supposed to recruit on it, train on it, or develop loyalty based on it?" – Eugenio Pirri

When it comes to building world-class people teams, this episode is hospitality gold. Don't miss this enlightening conversation packed with actionable insights and heartfelt reflections.

Tune in now!

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For any feedback on the show or to put yourself forward as a future guest, please contact Phil Street directly at phil.street@instituteofhospitality.org