Back of House, Front of Mind

In this episode we sit down with Jai McNaughton, Talent & Acquisition Manager at Accor, to explore how purpose-driven hiring and people-first leadership are shaping the future of hospitality.

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Hamilton, General Manager of Crown Towers Perth, for an honest and insightful conversation about leadership, pressure, and what it really takes to lead at the highest level in hospitality. From managing high-performing teams to navigating the realities of long hours, expectations, and responsibility, Chris shares his perspective on work-life balance, resilie...

In this episode of Back of House, Front of Mind, we sit down with Amanda Muir, CEO of Alike - the peak body of Peer Support Groups in WA to discuss what Peer Support looks like to create mentally healthy teams.

In this episode of Back of House, Front of Mind , we sit down with Courtney James Smith — business owner, hospitality dude .. and Director. Courtney is the co-founder of Someday Coffee Co. , co-director of Dumbo Gelato , and an early WA investor in the Guzman y Gomez journey. But beyond the businesses, Courtney is known around Perth for something else — showing up for the community. We first met C...

In this episode of Back of House, Front of Mind , we’re joined by Erin English-O’Connell , Secretary and Board Member of Healthy Mind Menu and National Manager of Social Inclusion & Engagement, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Compass Group Australia . With over 25 years’ experience in hospitality and leadership, Erin shares insights on inclusive workplace culture, respectful behaviours, p...

In this episode of Back of House, Front of Mind , we’re joined by John Parker , Multi-Property Director of Human Resources , and Meerna Shah , Multi-Property Human Resources Manager atMarriott International, supporting teams across The Westin Perth, Aloft Perth, Four Points by Sheraton Perth, and Courtyard by Marriott, Murdoch . They share practical insights into building inclusive, people-first w...

With over 12 years of experience in hospitality, Ella Ogden brings a deep-rooted passion for the industry that began at a young age. Growing up in a family where hospitality was always a topic of conversation, Ella started her career as a dishie at The Windsor and worked her way up to other various roles. Ella's journey took her beyond Perth after completing her studies at WAAPA, leading to dynami...

In this episode, we chat with Bradley Woods, CEO of the Australian Hotels Association in WA (AHA(WA)) and one of Australia’s leading political advocates for the hotel, tourism, and hospitality industries. As Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of AHA(WA), Bradley is responsible for steering WA’s tourism and hospitality sectors through a range of complex challenges. With nearly 30 years...

In this episode, we sit down with John McAndrew, also known as "John from Insurance." John is the Bar Manager and Owner of Frisk Small Bar, Perth's neighbourhood gin bar, a passionate mental health advocate, occasional marriage celebrant, proud Frenchie owner to Bouli, and a sober bartender. He shares his top three life tips: “Get a PT, a therapist, and a dog.” Tune in on Spotify and Apple Podcast...

Shirley Yeung is the Group Operations Manager for Foxtrot Hospitality (Foxtrot Unicorn, Edward & Ida's and Nieuw Ruin) and the co-founder of Mix Haus, a non-for-profit organisation for women in hospitality. She has over 10 years experience in the industry, with her expertise behind the bar and has become one of Australia's best bartenders. She is a loud voice advocating for women in hospitalit...

The Hospitality Disability Network WA (HDN) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting people living with disabilities in securing sustainable careers within the hospitality and tourism industries. Since 2016, HDN has successfully placed over 250 individuals into meaningful employment across Western Australia, partnering with more than 170 businesses that are committed to fostering i...

In this conversation, we'll be chatting with Tania Lambson, a craft beer ambassador for Lion. Tania shares her love for beer with the world while also being a dedicated mum of three. Before joining Lion, she and her husband owned and operated their own beer-centric venue, bringing their unique vision to life. Her journey includes a rich career in corporate events and diplomatic special events....

In this episode, we bring you some voices from guests and exhibitors at the AHA Hospitality Expo held at the end of June at Crown. Each year, the AHA supports Healthy Mind Menu by providing a booth to ensure mental health is well represented in the industry. We enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones. Thank you for stopping by, getting curious, and asking the important question:...

In this conversation we chat with Peter Peck, the CEO of The Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia. Peter is at the helm of LSAWA, a not-for-profit peak body representing the interests of all independent licensed liquor stores across Western Australia. Under his leadership, LSAWA advocates for the dominant sector of the liquor trade in the region, with more than 65% of package liquor reta...

Meet Elyse Phelps, Founder and Managing Director of MESH Education. With 14 years as a registered paramedic and 6 years as an educator, Elle delivers tailored training solutions and vocational competencies to businesses across Western Australia. Her expertise spans state ambulance services, industrial paramedicine, and emergency response, making her a leader in education and emergency medical serv...

In this conversation we chat with Will Parkes, the driving force behind Fornever Coffee in West Perth. Will's journey in hospitality began at 18, but it was in his mid-20s that decided to open his first cafe in subiaco to make some extra cash whilst studying at uni full-time. Despite lacking experience, Will jumped in the deep as a solo business owner. With unwavering determination and the gui...

In this episode, we explore Michael Payne's journey as the founder of Lightning Minds. His decision to quit alcohol in July 2020 led to the creation of Lightning Minds, driven by a mission to promote a 'positive balance' in alcohol consumption. Inspired by personal transformation, Michael aims to share this positivity with others through his venture, utilizing Non-Alcoholic beer option...

In this conversation, we'll chat with Kabir Ramasary, the Group Director of the venues The William Street Bird, Ezra Pound and North Bird. Kabir is a versatile professional having ventured from IT and financial planning into hospitality where he now owns three thriving businesses. With his loyal companion Winston by his side, Kabir balances his entrepreneurial endeavours with a passion for fit...

In this episode, we are delighted to feature Jerry Fraser, also known as "The Oysterman," who runs a freelance oyster bar business. With forty years of hospitality experience across five continents, Jerry specialises in catering to international and interstate events, along with various venues and restaurants in WA. Presently, he lends his expertise to eight different venues, demonstrati...

Perth-born Amanda Yong has over a decade of experience working in 5-star hotels, and some of Perth’s best restaurants (Wildflower & Rockpool) and has owned her own café and her own brand Tartes by Amanda. She currently teaches full-time at Empyrean Education Institute where she trains new people coming into the industry. Amanda discovered her culinary passion throughout her younger years growi...

Jamie has been working in hospitality since he was 14 where his passion for the industry was sparked during a work experience placement at a well known Perth brewery. He's worked in some of Perth's best coffee venues and is passionate about the local specialty coffee scene and providing good customer service. He has a love for people and creating community, and after immersing himself in the Perth...

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Bridget Le Grove, a seasoned hospitality professional with over three decades of experience. Bridget, currently serving as the venue manager at Island Market Trigg, has successfully owned and operated two coastal venues in Perth. Her remarkable journey in the hospitality industry began as a waitress at Subi Hotel, where she gradually rose to a...

Anna Edie is the General Manager of InterContinental Perth City Centre. She was previously General Manager at Crowne Plaza Queenstown in New Zealand and Executive Assistant Manager at Australia’s iconic Intercontinental Sydney Double Bay. Anna’s extensive hotel career has also seen her overseeing rooms division and food and beverage operations for new and established IHG hotels, including Intercon...

In this conversation, we talk with Ryan Michael, a burgeoning artist with roots in the hospitality industry. Starting as a cook and eventually earning a degree in Hospitality Management, he then spent a decade-long career in banking which left him feeling a void of passion and purpose. In a pivotal moment, Ryan left his corporate job to pursue a degree in the Arts. Ryan recently painted a compelli...

Meet Ben Fossilo, the vibrant and energetic force behind La Cabaña and the latest hotspot, Wild In the Street. Many know him from Perth's beloved food truck, EAT NO EVIL, which he started 10 years ago. Ben's journey took him from Denmark, WA to Montenegro, with a passionate love affair with Mexican cuisine along the way.

Ben is a leader, championing mental health and wellbeing for the Sou...