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  • Episode 40 – From Pot Wash to Pub Pioneer: Bex Wilkins on Passion, Purpose, and Building Something Better

    Episode 40 – From Pot Wash to Pub Pioneer: Bex Wilkins on Passion, Purpose, and Building Something Better
    2025/05/08
    Host: Cassie DavisonGuest: Bex Wilkins, Co-Founder of Makers of HospitalityIn this energising episode of the Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast, Cassie sits down with Bex Wilkins, co-founder of Makers of Hospitality and former Marketing Director at Peach Pubs. With a journey that started aged 13 washing pots and now sees her launching her second independent pub, Bex’s story is proof that the best operators are built, not born.We talk about growing up in kitchens, falling in and out of love with the industry, and what it really takes to build a values-led hospitality business today. From corporate frustrations to freedom, Bex shares why she left a high-profile career to create something of her own—and how she’s doing it differently this time, with purpose, leadership, and the right people around her.Whether you're a pub operator, future founder, or just love a great comeback story—this is for you.00:01 – Meet Bex: From KP to co-founder of Makers of Hospitality01:28 – Aged 13, pot washing in Bromsgrove (and now back again, with her own pub)04:11 – Young people in pubs: why early work builds confidence and resilience07:19 – Learning the value of work early—and the lessons that stay for life10:14 – From reluctant manager to passionate marketer12:56 – Life at Peach Pubs: learning, growing, and finding her voice15:16 – Moving from operations to marketing leadership (without a degree)18:42 – When the corporate dream doesn’t fit: knowing it’s time to leave20:48 – Craving change, making the leap, and backing yourself22:31 – The pub that sparked it all—and convincing her wife to join the journey24:46 – Transforming a derelict building into a vibrant community pub26:20 – The hard truth: not all independents survive, but the best still can28:35 – Being proactive, staying competitive, and using social media well30:24 – Adapting to change: lower alcohol, higher standards33:08 – What makes a pub matter: it’s not the drink—it’s the feeling35:21 – Inside the pub: quality-led, seasonal food and a warm welcome37:37 – Fish on Fridays, Chianti on Saturdays: listening to what guests want38:46 – No safety net: the reality of being your own boss39:56 – Opening pub #2—and why tenancies made sense for their growth41:23 – Building the team she never had: mentorship, equality, and fun44:11 – Paying fairly, promoting internally, and creating a workplace people love45:54 – Fortune favours the brave—and Bex is just getting startedCo-Founder – Makers of HospitalityWith over a decade at Peach Pubs and a passion for people-first business, Bex is on a mission to build beautiful, high-quality pubs where food, values, and leadership all matter. Alongside her wife and business partner, she’s creating spaces that feel good to visit—and even better to work in.🔗 Follow Bex on LinkedIn🌐 Visit Makers of Hospitality (add link when available)At Kith & Kin, we believe hospitality is more than a business—it’s a calling. We tell the real stories behind independent hospitality with warmth, honesty, and a deep respect for the people who make it happen.🌍 cassiedavison.co.uk🔗 Connect with Cassie on LinkedIn📲 Want to join the Kith & Kin WhatsApp community?Message Cassie via LinkedIn or the website to request access.Set High Standards – From menu design to team culture, Bex leads with quality and care.Stand Out – Makers of Hospitality is carving out a niche in a crowded space—with values at the core.Define Your Identity – From free-range menus to community connection, everything reflects a clear vision.Build Loyalty – The team stays because they’re supported, developed, and respected.Tell a Great Story – Bex’s journey is one of courage, growth, and rewriting the script.This episode is a reminder that great businesses start with brave decisions—and the belief that it can be better.🍻 From KP to co-founder: a story of guts, grit, and going your own way in hospitality.
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    47 分
  • EPISODE 39 – From Pubs to Purpose: Jackie Moody McNamara on Belonging, Leadership, and the Power of Story

    EPISODE 39 – From Pubs to Purpose: Jackie Moody McNamara on Belonging, Leadership, and the Power of Story
    2025/04/08
    Cassie Davison welcomes Jackie Moody McNamara—a hospitality lifer who’s gone from sleeping on pool tables as a child to shaping executive teams across sectors. Founder of Be Brilliant, Jackie now works as a coach and consultant for businesses and individuals, helping them unlock confidence, align with purpose, and build safe, thriving environments for growth.Episode SummaryWith a rich story that starts in Birmingham’s community pubs and stretches all the way to boardroom influence, Jackie brings warmth, wisdom, and hard-won perspective to this episode. She shares how being raised above pubs by Irish immigrant parents shaped her deep sense of hospitality and belonging, and how that lived experience still guides her coaching today.We explore Jackie’s transition from pub manager to training lead, to executive director running 500 pubs—often as the only woman in the room—and how she learned to embrace her voice and values along the way. She and Cassie discuss motherhood, resilience, and how adversity and purpose often intertwine. Most powerfully, Jackie reflects on the work she does now: holding space for others, encouraging senior women to own their impact, and helping teams rediscover connection through storytelling.If you’re passionate about people, purpose, and what it really takes to build a strong, values-led business—this one’s for you.Key Discussion Points & Timestamps00:28 – Meet Jackie: Founder of Be Brilliant and veteran of the hospitality industry01:57 – Growing up in pubs: A family home full of warmth, community, and customers03:12 – From stew for the regulars to Christmas dinners for the homeless—hospitality as heart08:46 – Early work behind the bar, high standards, and falling into hospitality (and loving it)10:05 – First pub at 18: A stand-in relief manager turned full-time career11:25 – Learning by doing: Building empathy and adaptability from short-term pub placements13:03 – Walking into someone else’s business—and learning how to lead with respect14:24 – The unparalleled early career training hospitality provides young people15:32 – Being the only woman in the room—and not letting it stop your rise16:30 – Turned down for a pub because she was single—and how that opened new doors17:29 – Imposter syndrome, quick progression, and learning to own your place at the table24:38 – Four intense years: marriage, loss, motherhood, and managing a 500-site estate26:41 – A bold choice: leaving a 21-year career for family time—and what came next29:23 – Full circle: Watching your former team members rise—and being invited to work for them32:55 – When values don’t align: Learning when to walk away33:25 – Founding Be Brilliant: From accidental coach to strategic mentor34:51 – Who Jackie works with: SMEs, senior women, and leadership teams across industries36:36 – Coaching women to know their worth—and negotiate for it38:19 – From pub kid to safe space creator: Why storytelling is everything in building connection39:22 – The timeline exercise: How personal stories change team dynamics42:08 – Sharing the hard stuff: Building true belonging through emotional connection43:12 – Turning heartbreak and heaviness into purpose and progress45:47 – The biggest change in hospitality: Losing pubs—but not losing hope47:16 – Hospitality’s magic formula: Opportunity, growth, and real people-first careersConnect with Jackie🔗 Find Jackie on LinkedIn🌐 Visit: bebrilliantcoaching.co.uk (or search "Be Brilliant Jackie Moody McNamara")💬 Jackie works with individuals, teams and businesses—especially where people, purpose and leadership matter most.Keep up with Kith & Kin🌍 Visit: cassiedavison.co.uk🔗 Connect with Cassie on LinkedIn📲 Want to join the Kith & Kin WhatsApp community for hospitality?Message Cassie via LinkedIn or the website to request accessThis episode is a reminder that behind every confident leader is a story—and the courage to share it.
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    50 分
  • EPISODE 38 – Vic Searl of DataHawks: From Pubs to Power Moves – Why Hospitality Needs to Get Smarter with Data

    EPISODE 38 – Vic Searl of DataHawks: From Pubs to Power Moves – Why Hospitality Needs to Get Smarter with Data
    2025/04/08
    Cassie Davison sits down with Vic, founder and CEO of DataHawks, and a hospitality veteran with over three decades of hands-on experience—from pulling pints in her teens to leading brand strategy at national chains. With her unique blend of operational grit and marketing insight, Vic now helps hospitality businesses use their own customer data to drive real, measurable growth.Episode SummaryWhat happens when someone who truly understands hospitality—on the floor, behind the bar, and in the boardroom—turns her focus to data? You get DataHawks. In this powerful episode, Vic shares her journey from 18-year-old pub manager to industry disruptor, explaining how hospitality brands can stop guessing and start growing by understanding their customers on a deeper level. Cassie and Vic dig into the disconnect between operations and marketing, why brands get stuck in “broadcast mode,” and how a smart, customer-first approach to data transforms loyalty and revenue. Plus, Vic opens up about building communities, letting go of burnout, and finding purpose again in hospitality.It’s candid, bold, and packed with game-changing takeaways for operators, marketers, and founders alike.Key Discussion Points & Timestamps00:26 – Meet Vic: CEO of DataHawks, with 31 years in hospitality and a journey that started behind the bar01:31 – Gifted a pub at 18: The fast-track chaos (and charm) of early hospitality careers03:06 – Overpromoted and underprepared: Why the industry needs to support its young talent better05:30 – Vertical drinking and Bacardi Breezers: A look back at wild ‘90s pub culture06:15 – Learning to run a business at Revolution Soho: Numbers, accountability, and rapid growth07:34 – Bridging the ops-marketing gap: Why flyers under the door don’t cut it09:41 – Falling in love with branding: Freelancing, concept work, and making creative ideas operational11:44 – What marketers should be doing: Knowing the customer, tracking the impact, and moving the dial12:42 – The madness behind big brand decisions—and why “yummy mummies” isn’t a customer profile18:54 – When data replaces anecdote: Real stories of insight vs. guesswork20:53 – If you can make it work in Milton Keynes… Why regional sites reveal the real strength of a brand22:27 – The inspiration: Tesco Clubcard and the power of customer insight24:44 – Why loyalty isn’t about discounts—it’s about understanding your guests27:22 – The birth of DataHawks: Turning overlooked data into tangible, trackable revenue30:16 – From insight to action: Building ROI-focused customer journeys with purpose33:36 – Why DataHawks doesn’t chase algorithms—they own the channel and message instead36:11 – It's not just numbers: Data as the whisper in the ear of hospitality CRM38:11 – What’s wrong with marketing today: Brands are broadcasting, not building relationships40:23 – Loyalty is dead—long live connection: Reclaiming purpose in a high-pressure industry44:23 – The pathway back to loyalty: Connection → engagement → trust48:29 – For businesses just starting: Start collecting meaningful data, and act with intention51:10 – Community as fuel: Vic’s WhatsApp group and passing the baton to Glenda55:27 – Rediscovering purpose: What COVID taught us about collaboration and care in hospitalityConnect with Vic & DataHawks📧 Explore services at: www.datahawks.co.uk🔗 Say hello to Vic on LinkedIn🗣 Want to learn how DataHawks can support your business? Reach out directlyKeep up with Kith & Kin🌍 Visit: cassiedavison.co.uk🔗 Connect with Cassie on LinkedIn📲 Want to join the Kith & Kin WhatsApp community for hospitality? Message Cassie via LinkedIn or the website to request accessYou don’t need more customers—you need stronger connections with the ones you already have. This episode is a masterclass in how to make that happen.
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    58 分
  • EPISODE 37 – Glenda Barber: From Pubs to Purpose – A Marketing Mindset Rooted in Hospitality

    EPISODE 37 – Glenda Barber: From Pubs to Purpose – A Marketing Mindset Rooted in Hospitality
    2025/04/08

    Cassie is joined by Glenda Barber, a South Wales native turned freelance marketing consultant, whose love for hospitality began as a child in her grandparents’ pub. From pulling pints and building community to now shaping brand narratives for some of the industry’s leading voices, Glenda brings a rare mix of heart, hustle, and marketing savvy.

    Episode Summary
    In this feel-good, insight-packed episode, Glenda shares her personal and professional journey through the hospitality world—from early service jobs to scaling national brands like Brains Brewery and Cosy Club, to launching a thriving freelance career supporting B2B hospitality powerhouses. She and Cassie dive into the emotional weight of hospitality spaces, how intuition fuels great marketing, and why returning to this industry felt like coming home. Glenda also reveals her role as the new host of one of the most active hospitality marketing communities in the UK—where ideas, support, and good chat flow daily. This episode is a celebration of everything hospitality does best: connect, uplift, and create unforgettable experiences.

    Key Discussion Points & Timestamps

    00:27 – Meet Glenda: Freelance marketing consultant with deep hospitality roots
    01:54 – Cardiff memories: Ice cream floats and childhood impressions of service
    03:12 – First jobs, lasting impact: How early shifts in a pub shaped her career
    05:45 – Lifelong connections: The teams that helped define her sense of purpose
    08:37 – Trying other industries: Why hospitality feels different—and better
    11:29 – High growth at Loungers: Storytelling, speed, and serious ambition
    13:49 – It starts with trust: How Cozy Club openings were grounded in local connection
    14:18 – Freelancing after motherhood: Staying close to hospitality in new ways
    15:28 – From WhatsApp to powerhouse network: Leading a 700-strong marketing community
    18:56 – Sharing over secrecy: How the pandemic changed the industry’s mindset
    21:02 – Championing B2B women in hospitality: Glenda’s inspiring client roster
    23:26 – Translating front-of-house intuition into brand strategy
    26:10 – Service that gives you goosebumps: Glenda’s experience at Six by Nico
    28:38 – Bad service stories that stick: Why empathy and awareness matter
    29:51 – The small things that change everything: Being present for your guests
    30:26 – Want in on the community? How to join Glenda’s hospitality marketing group

    Connect with Glenda
    💼 Reach out to Glenda on LinkedIn
    📱 Want to join the hospitality marketing group? Message her directly to be added

    Stay Connected with Kith & Kin
    🎧 Subscribe, rate & review the podcast
    🌍 Learn more at https://www.cassiedavison.co.uk/

    This episode is a love letter to hospitality—not just as a career path, but as a place where intuition, creativity, and connection come to life. Whether you're in marketing, operations, or dreaming up your next venture, Glenda’s story will remind you why this industry matters.
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    31 分
  • Episode 36 – From Burgers to Wembley: Sorrel Ward’s Journey Through Hospitality

    Episode 36 – From Burgers to Wembley: Sorrel Ward’s Journey Through Hospitality
    2025/03/05

    This week, Cassie is joined by Sorrel Ward, newly appointed Sales and Marketing Director at Wembley Arena, to explore her incredible career path in hospitality. From flipping burgers at 14 to running marketing for major hospitality brands, Sorrel’s story is a testament to the endless opportunities the industry provides.

    She shares how hospitality shaped her skills, why she transitioned from front-of-house roles into marketing, and how relationships and networks have fueled her career growth. Now, as she steps into the world of large-scale events at Wembley, Sorrel reflects on why hospitality is more than just a stopgap—it’s a career full of possibility.

    ⏱ [00:08] – Welcome & introduction to Sorrel
    ⏱ [00:34] – A career-defining start: Flipping burgers at 14
    ⏱ [02:33] – From acting aspirations to finding a passion for hospitality
    ⏱ [05:02] – Working in Guernsey: The magic of seasonal hospitality
    ⏱ [07:38] – Travel & hospitality: From Cape Town to Australia
    ⏱ [12:26] – Climbing the ranks: From bar work to management training
    ⏱ [15:06] – Why hospitality is still misunderstood as a career path
    ⏱ [17:28] – Transitioning to training & management roles
    ⏱ [21:43] – Moving into marketing & the power of hospitality networks
    ⏱ [30:26] – The evolution of hospitality: Marketing in a changing landscape
    ⏱ [37:42] – The next big move: Starting at Wembley Arena

    🔗 Connect with Sorrel on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sorrel-ward-24ab288/
    🔗
    🔗 Follow Kith & Kin for more hospitality insights:

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    41 分
  • Episode 35 – Driving Change in Hospitality with Lorraine Copes

    Episode 35 – Driving Change in Hospitality with Lorraine Copes
    2025/03/05


    This episode, Cassie is joined by Lorraine Copes, founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality, to discuss how she transitioned from a career in procurement and supply chain to leading a social enterprise dedicated to creating a more equitable hospitality industry.


    With over 20 years of experience across pubs, contract catering, fine dining, and casual dining, Lorraine shares her personal journey, the challenges she faced in leadership, and why representation matters.


    Through research, mentorship, and partnerships, Be Inclusive Hospitality is raising awareness and driving real action in the sector.


    ⏱ [00:01] – Welcome & introduction to Lorraine
    ⏱ [00:26] – From logistics to hospitality procurement: Lorraine’s career path
    ⏱ [03:07] – The creative side of problem-solving in supply chain & procurement
    ⏱ [06:45] – Why procurement is a key function for hospitality success
    ⏱ [11:35] – The shift from corporate hospitality to purpose-led business
    ⏱ [13:56] – Founding Be Inclusive Hospitality: The need for change in the industry
    ⏱ [16:19] – Research & reports: Uncovering barriers to progression in hospitality
    ⏱ [18:33] – Raising awareness vs. driving real action in businesses
    ⏱ [22:21] – Why education is essential to creating long-term inclusivity
    ⏱ [25:31] – How understanding people’s experiences creates stronger teams
    ⏱ [28:46] – How the industry is reacting & the future of inclusivity in hospitality
    ⏱ [30:53] – Where to find Be Inclusive Hospitality & access research

    🔗 Learn more about Be Inclusive Hospitality: www.bihospitality.co.uk
    🔗 Follow Lorraine on LinkedIn:
    🔗 Follow Be Inclusive Hospitality on social media: [Instagram | LinkedIn ]
    🔗 Follow Kith & Kin for more hospitality insights:

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    32 分
  • Episode 34 – Building a Purpose-Driven Brand with Emma from Heartwood Collection

    Episode 34 – Building a Purpose-Driven Brand with Emma from Heartwood Collection
    2025/03/05

    This episode, Cassie is joined by Emma, Senior Communications Manager at Heartwood Collection, to explore how a strong brand purpose can simplify business operations and generate high emotional engagement—both from customers and the team.


    Emma shares her journey from corporate law to hospitality, revealing how Heartwood’s commitment to values-driven leadership, community focus, and internal growth has fueled its success. As an award-winning brand that continues to expand while maintaining deep local connections, Heartwood is proof that when people feel they belong, businesses thrive.


    ⏱ [00:01] – Welcome & introduction to Emma
    ⏱ [00:27] – Emma’s career shift: From law to a hospitality brand with purpose
    ⏱ [02:09] – Early experiences in hospitality & the emotional pull of the industry
    ⏱ [06:54] – Why Heartwood works: A brand built on values, not just transactions
    ⏱ [08:06] – Winning Sunday Times Best Place to Work – the power of a people-first culture
    ⏱ [09:40] – Simplifying success: How a clear brand purpose guides growth
    ⏱ [14:22] – High emotional engagement: Why customers & staff feel ownership of Heartwood pubs
    ⏱ [17:23] – Storytelling & hospitality: Connecting with guests through authenticity
    ⏱ [27:03] – Heartwood’s expansion strategy & balancing growth with community focus
    ⏱ [35:43] – Future plans: Sustaining success without losing the personal touch

    🔗 Connect with Emma on LinkedIn:
    🔗 Learn more about Heartwood Collection
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    39 分
  • EP33: Cracking Social Media for Hospitality with Susan Zwinkels

    EP33: Cracking Social Media for Hospitality with Susan Zwinkels
    2025/03/05

    Episode Summary

    In this episode of Kith & Kin, host Cassie Davison sits down with Susan Zwinkels, Chief Marketing Officer at Kitch, to explore the evolving role of social media in hospitality.

    Susan shares her journey from working in restaurants to leading a strategic social agency and reveals how hospitality brands can use social media to drive footfall, build loyalty, and stand out in a crowded industry.

    From storytelling and customer engagement to avoiding common social media mistakes, this episode is packed with insights for hospitality businesses of all sizes.

    Whether you're an independent operator or a large hospitality brand, this conversation will help you rethink how you approach social media.


    [00:01] Introduction – Susan’s background in hospitality and how she transitioned into marketing


    [02:42] The Power of Hospitality Experience – How working in kitchens and front-of-house shaped Susan’s marketing perspective


    [06:26] Why People Skills Matter – How hospitality teaches adaptability, communication, and customer service


    [12:40] The Digital Transformation – How hospitality brands have adapted to the rise of social media


    [18:50] What Kitch Does – How Kitch supports hospitality brands with social media strategy, content, and campaigns


    [21:53] Common Social Media Mistakes – What hospitality businesses get wrong with their social strategy


    [25:35] The Power of Storytelling – Why emotional connections drive engagement on social media


    [29:04] Why Social Media Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought – How to integrate social into your marketing strategy from day one


    [32:54] Understanding TikTok & Gen Z – How social media is evolving and why TikTok is a game-changer


    [35:56] Social Media Tips for Independents – How small hospitality businesses can maximize impact


    [38:50] Data-Driven Social Strategies – Using analytics to improve performance and prove ROI

    • Learn why storytelling and authenticity are key to social media success.


    • Discover how to focus on content that engages rather than chasing trends.


    • Understand the data and insights that drive real ROI.


    • Get expert guidance on which platforms to prioritize.


    • Practical strategies for small businesses with limited time and budget.


    • Hospitality entrepreneurs looking to improve their social media strategy


    • Restaurant, pub, and café owners who want to attract more customers online


    • Marketing professionals working in the hospitality industry


    • Anyone curious about how digital marketing impacts hospitality success


    Download the ‘State of Social’ Report – Free benchmarking insights for hospitality brands: Visit Kitch’s Website


    Follow Kitch on Instagram: @kitchsocial


    Connect with Susan on LinkedIn: Susan Zwinkels


    Email Kitch: info@kitch.com


    If you found this conversation valuable, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review Kith & Kin on your favorite podcast platform.

    And don’t forget to share it with other hospitality professionals who might find it useful.
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    43 分