Why outsource?
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Navigating the hospitality industry's intricate landscape presents both vast opportunities and distinct challenges. The fluctuating workforce dynamics make maintaining consistent, high-quality service a task requiring adeptness, while ever-shifting market trends demand constant evolution. Additionally, with each guest's experience potentially swaying public perception, the pressure to uphold excellence is immense. Establishments also grapple with striking the right balance between operational efficiency and exceptional guest experiences, not to mention the crucial task of carving a unique brand identity amidst an increasingly competitive market.
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Enter the role of an external coach and consultant like myself.
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With a fresh, unbiased perspective
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I offer insights honed from years of experience with luxury brands and establishments. My approach is bespoke, tailored to resonate with each establishment's unique narrative and ethos.
Through executive coaching, I aim to enhance leadership capacities, foster cohesive team dynamics, and instil a service culture that not only retains employees but elevates the guest experience. By pinpointing and implementing cost-effective solutions, I aid businesses in not only addressing immediate concerns but also laying the groundwork for sustainable growth.
Engaging with an external consultant isn't just about troubleshooting—it's an astute investment. It's a commitment to long-term success, fortified reputation, and an enduring legacy in the hospitality realm.
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Why me?
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In the vast landscape of the hospitality consulting world, stands a unique vantage point—a blend of extensive industry experience coupled with adept executive coaching. This is where I have firmly positioned myself. My decades-long journey in hospitality was not just about clocking years but about absorbing every facet of the industry, from its highs to its lows. Beyond understanding business dynamics, I've lived the industry's toll on personal well-being. Like many, the demanding nature of our field has tested my mental and physical health, pushing me to the very boundaries of resilience.
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Yet, amidst these challenges, I discovered a potent drive for transformation. By making radical changes to my lifestyle, mindset, and approach, I not only navigated through these personal trials but emerged with a renewed sense of purpose. This journey taught me the value of holistic well-being and the importance of balance, lessons I carry into my work every day.
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Diversifying into executive coaching
Coaching was a natural progression. By blending these coaching skills with my intimate understanding of the hospitality industry's intricacies, I've cultivated a super-powered approach. Clients working with me don’t just gain access to textbook strategies or generic coaching sessions. They benefit from a synthesis of seasoned industry wisdom and transformative coaching insights, all rooted in genuine personal experience. With me, you're not merely engaging with expertise; you're connecting with a holistic perspective born from years of experience, transformative personal growth, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
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“I coach because it enables me to enable others. It's where I find joy, connection, purpose and meaning”
- Stephen Macintosh
THE TIMELINE
My Journey So Far
2014
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After an intensive and enriching internship in hospitality operations, backed by substantial industry support, I took the leap to establish my own consultancy. This new chapter provided the perfect platform for me to breathe life into my creative concepts. Privileged to spearhead concept development and strategic planning, I collaborated with esteemed clients such as Burberry, Ralph Lauren, and Petersham Nurseries. My counsel became integral for a diverse range of entities—from expansive restaurants and luxury hotels to chic bars and promising start-ups, shaping their strategic vision and operational outlook.
2000
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Relocating from Edinburgh to London's dynamic landscape was a pivotal step, guiding me directly into the elite echelons of the city's hospitality world at Caprice Holdings, under the esteemed stewardship of Corbin and King. This transition enabled me to refine my expertise at esteemed venues such as J. Sheekey’s and the original Ivy restaurants during their pinnacle. My experiences, catering to London’s distinguished creatives and influential business leaders, became integral stepping stones in my career. As the chapters of my journey unfolded, I embraced pivotal roles at iconic places like the Wolseley restaurant, collaborated with culinary visionaries like Heston Blumenthal and Daniel Boulud at the Mandarin Oriental, and proudly steered the launch of the renowned Brasserie Zédel in 2013.
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Parallel to these professional milestones, my gratitude deepens daily for the unwavering support and joy my family brings. Meeting the woman who would become my anchor, and subsequently welcoming our children in 2008 and 2011, has been among the most enriching and grounding experiences of my life. While professional accomplishments chart my career's trajectory, it's the love and solidity of my family that remains my constant source of inspiration and motivation.
2019
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Confronted with profound personal challenges, I embarked on a period of introspection that significantly shifted my outlook on life and my professional trajectory. My aspiration was to not merely adjust but to revolutionise both my lifestyle and work ethos, seeking avenues where my expertise could create a meaningful ripple effect in people's lives.
In my pursuit of holistic growth and to further bolster my coaching credentials, I undertook an advanced accreditation in coaching psychology in 2020. This enriched my approach, intertwining the principles of positive psychology, cognitive behavioural strategies, and wellness coaching. This comprehensive foundation ensures that I can assist individuals in navigating personal and professional challenges, fostering both mental resilience and clarity.
2021 & beyond
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My focus is firmly anchored to the hospitality industry – a realm that has not only shaped my career but also forged my character. Drawing from deep personal and professional experiences, I understand the unique challenges faced by those within this dynamic sector.
As I embark on this renewed journey, my dual ambition shines clearly: to harness my insights and skills in guiding hospitality professionals towards their peak performance, and in doing so, to reshape the industry's ecosystem into a more nurturing and resilient space. It's more than just work; it's my tribute to an industry that has given me so much.
