Suite Talk

Experience-First Hospitality and Building House of Gods with Mike Baxter

In this episode of Suite Talk, hosts Tom Woolin and Declan Wale are joined by Mike Baxter [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-baxter-2358a3106/], founder of House of Gods [https://www.houseofgodshotel.com/], for a candid and entertaining conversation on building one of hospitality’s boldest boutique brands. Recorded at the soon-to-open House of Gods in Canary Wharf, Mike shares the unconventional journey from nightclub promoter and hostel founder to creating immersive hotels built around escapism, storytelling and “treat me like I’m famous” luxury. From chaotic opening nights and accidental Rolls-Royce purchases to rethinking what boutique hospitality should actually mean, this episode dives into the realities of building a disruptive hotel brand without following the traditional rulebook. At the heart of the conversation is one core belief: hospitality should make people feel something. Key topics include: ✅ Mike’s unconventional journey from nightlife to boutique hospitality ✅ Building House of Gods around experience, escapism and storytelling ✅ The lessons learned from launching hotels without traditional industry experience ✅ Why modern luxury should feel fun, immersive and emotionally engaging ✅ Scaling a disruptive hotel brand while protecting creativity and identity ✅ How AI will reshape hospitality, and why human connection will matter even more From entrepreneurial mistakes to creative breakthroughs, Mike offers an honest look at what it takes to build a hospitality brand that genuinely stands out. 🎧 Listen now to hear the full conversation with Mike Baxter at House of Gods [https://www.houseofgodshotel.com/]. Read more episodes and hospitality insights at Hotel Magazine. [https://thehotelmagazine.co.uk/] Key Moments: 00:00 - Chaos, luxury and the opening weekend that changed everything 02:32 - Discovering hospitality through nightlife and events 05:22 - Building The Baxter Hostel with zero hotel experience 08:23 - The disastrous first weekend: “You’re in my bed!” 14:48 - Creating House of Gods and putting experience before rooms 19:06 - Why everyone wants a little luxury and escapism 21:54 - Scaling House of Gods without losing its identity 29:48 - The new castle hotel concept inspired by witchcraft and wizardry 31:52 - Launching a champagne brand and the surprising history of champagne 50:55 - AI, human connection and the future of hospitality 📩 Like, comment and subscribe to stay up to date on leadership, design and innovation in hospitality. 🔗 Learn more at House of Gods [https://www.houseofgodshotel.com/] and Hotel Magazine. [https://thehotelmagazine.co.uk/]

Human Connection and Luxury at Height with Kurt Macher at Shangri-La, The Shard

In this episode of Suite Talk, hosts Jade Evans and Declan Wale sit down with Kurt Macher, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-macher-546a641b/]Area General Manager of Operations for Paris and London and General Manager of Shangri-La, The Shard [https://www.shangri-la.com/], for a conversation on what modern luxury hospitality really demands. From early beginnings in Austria to leading teams across continents, Kurt shares how his global career has shaped a leadership style grounded in openness, adaptability and people-first thinking. Recorded high above London, this episode explores the complexity of today’s hospitality landscape, where leaders must balance commercial performance, team culture and exceptional guest experience all at once. At its core, this conversation is a reminder that while the industry continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: great hospitality is built on human connection. Key topics include: ✅ Kurt’s early career and apprenticeship in Austria ✅ The importance of teamwork and learning multiple disciplines early on ✅ Leading global teams across cultures and markets ✅ Why hospitality leaders today must be “jack of all trades” ✅ Balancing commercial performance with guest experience and team wellbeing ✅ The role of community, charity and giving back in hospitality leadership ✅ How technology should enhance, not replace, human interaction ✅ Why personalisation begins before a guest even arrives ✅ Adapting to constant change in an evolving industry ✅ The enduring importance of human connection in luxury hospitality From leadership philosophy to the future of the industry, this episode offers a grounded and honest perspective on what it takes to succeed in hospitality today. 🎧 Listen now to hear the full conversation with Kurt Macher at Shangri-La [https://www.shangri-la.com/]. See more episodes and industry insights at Hotel Magazine. [https://thehotelmagazine.co.uk/] Key Moments: 00:00 – Why modern hospitality requires a “jack of all trades” approach 02:08 – Introducing Kurt Macher and his global hospitality career 03:23 – Apprenticeship in Austria and early lessons in teamwork 06:38 – What success means: beyond commercial performance 08:18 – A global career and becoming an open-minded leader 10:31 – Giving back: community, charity and purpose in hospitality 13:27 – Technology in hospitality: frictionless, not faceless 16:58 – Quick fire: personalisation, design trends and guest experience 20:57 – Leadership today: agility, teamwork and constant change 25:54 – Defining hospitality: it’s all about people 📩 Like, comment and subscribe to stay up to date on leadership, culture and innovation in hospitality.  🔗 Learn more at Shangri-La [https://www.shangri-la.com/] and Hotel Magazine [https://thehotelmagazine.co.uk/].

International Women’s Day: Honest Conversations with Trailblazers in Hospitality

In this special International Women’s Day episode of Suite Talk, hosts Jade Evans and Declan Wale bring together a panel of inspiring women from across the hospitality industry to discuss leadership, representation and the realities of building a career in hotels today. Centred around this year’s theme, Give To Gain, the discussion reflected on what it means to build a career in hospitality with generosity, resilience and purpose, and how we can continue to support and elevate the future women of our industry. Recorded at the Library at Montcalm Mayfair, the conversation explores the progress hospitality has made towards gender equality, and where the industry still has work to do. The panel share personal stories from their own careers, reflecting on the mentors who shaped them, the challenges they’ve faced, and the opportunities they see for the next generation of women entering hospitality. From breaking stereotypes to building supportive cultures and redefining what leadership looks like, this episode offers an honest and hopeful perspective on how the industry can continue to evolve. Key topics include: ✅ Personal career journeys and the moments that shaped each leader ✅ The role of mentorship and sponsorship in hospitality careers ✅ Progress made towards gender equality in the industry ✅ Breaking stereotypes and challenging outdated leadership models ✅ Creating inclusive cultures where diverse voices are heard ✅ Balancing career growth with personal priorities ✅ Why representation matters at every level of hospitality ✅ Advice for the next generation of women entering the industry ✅ The responsibility leaders have to lift others as they rise Through candid discussion and shared experiences, the panel highlight how collaboration, visibility and supportive leadership can help create a more inclusive future for hospitality. 🎧 Listen now to hear the full conversation celebrating International Women’s Day on Suite Talk. Read more episodes and industry insights at Hotel Magazine. [https://thehotelmagazine.co.uk/] Key Moments: 00:00 – Introduction to the International Women’s Day special episode 03:05 – Meet the panel and their hospitality journeys 07:10 – Early career challenges and defining moments 12:45 – The mentors and role models who shaped their careers 18:30 – Breaking stereotypes in hospitality leadership 23:50 – The importance of representation across the industry 29:40 – How workplace culture has evolved in recent years 34:15 – Supporting the next generation of women in hospitality 39:20 – Advice for young professionals entering the industry 43:30 – Reflections on the future of hospitality leadership Connect with Our Guests: Samantha Van Exter [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sskve/] Joanne Taylor-Stagg [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannetaylorstagg/] Anne Golden [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-golden-mi-fih-36976a9/] Eljesa Saciri [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eljesa-saciri/] 📩 Like, comment and subscribe to stay up to date on leadership, culture and innovation in hospitality. 🔗 Learn more at Montcalm Mayfair  [https://montcalmcollection.com/montcalm-mayfair/]and Hotel Magazine. [https://thehotelmagazine.co.uk/]

Legacy and Leading with Integrity at The Landmark London with Fergus Stewart

In this episode of Suite Talk, hosts Jade Evans and Declan Wale sit down with Fergus Stewart, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fergus-stewart-5094b42b/]Chief Executive Officer of the Lancaster Landmark Hotel Company, for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about leadership, resilience and redefining hospitality culture. From a paper round in Scotland to leading one of London’s most iconic landmark hotels, Fergus shares the formative experiences that shaped his work ethic, philosophy and people-first approach. He reflects candidly on a career-defining tragedy overseas, the mentors who influenced him, and why humility remains one of the most important traits in leadership. This episode explores what great hospitality really means beyond chandeliers and suites, and why the way you make someone feel will always matter more than the physical product. Key topics include: ✅ Growing up in Scotland and the work ethic that shaped his career ✅ From aspiring footballer to hotel management graduate ✅ The power of early responsibility and resilience ✅ A defining tragedy overseas that reshaped perspective ✅ Why humility is essential in leadership ✅ The difference between luxury and emotional connection ✅ Moving away from “command and control” leadership ✅ Why hospitality must end bullying culture for good ✅ Lessons from working in 11 different countries ✅ How to attract young talent back into hospitality ✅ Integrity, trust and earning followership Fergus speaks openly about loss, accountability and culture, reminding us that hospitality is not about status or ego, but about lifting others and creating environments where both guests and teams thrive. Whether you’re leading a landmark hotel or building your career in hospitality, this episode offers a masterclass in grounded leadership and long-term impact. 🎧 Listen now to hear the full conversation with Fergus Stewart. Read more episodes and industry insights at Hotel Magazine [https://thehotelmagazine.co.uk/]. [https://thehotelmagazine.co.uk/] Key Moments: 00:00 - From Scotland to CEO: Early life, family influence and work ethic 04:30 - Football dreams and choosing hospitality as a career 08:15 - Paper rounds, resilience and responsibility at a young age 12:40 - Mentorship and the £100 leadership lesson 18:50 - A tragic loss in Egypt that reshaped Fergus’ perspective 27:30 - Humility, grief and what truly matters in hospitality 31:45 - Defining great hospitality: It’s about how you make people feel 36:20 - Evolving leadership: From command and control to collaboration 44:10 - Changing hospitality culture and ending toxic kitchen behaviour 52:00 - Technology, personalisation and the future guest experience 📩 Like, comment and subscribe to stay up to date on leadership, culture and innovation in hospitality. 🔗 Learn more at The Landmark London [https://www.landmarklondon.co.uk/] and Hotel Magazine [https://thehotelmagazine.co.uk/]. [https://thehotelmagazine.co.uk/]

Sensitive Luxury and Leading with Care at Montcalm Collection with Samantha Van Exter

In this episode of Suite Talk, hosts Jade Evans and Declan Wale are joined by Samantha Van Exter [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sskve/], Head of Hotels at Montcalm Collection [https://montcalmcollection.com/], for a thoughtful conversation on what luxury hospitality looks like today, and where it’s heading next. With more than 25 years of experience across Southern Africa, Europe and the Middle East, Samantha shares her journey from growing up in a hospitality family in Cape Town to leading one of London’s most design-led hotel collections. She unpacks Montcalm’s philosophy of sensitive luxury, where intuition, empathy and clarity matter more than excess, and explains why making guests feel “seen” is the true marker of great service. From leadership and culture to AI, sustainability and wellness, this episode explores how hospitality leaders can balance operational excellence with human connection, and why kindness and curiosity remain powerful competitive advantages. Key topics include: ✅ Growing up in a hospitality family and finding a career through service ✅ Defining “sensitive luxury” and why intuitive service matters more than opulence ✅ How guest expectations have shifted from formality to comfort and familiarity ✅ The small details that create memorable guest experiences ✅ Building strong partnerships rooted in sustainability and shared values ✅ Leading teams through change with clarity, empathy and communication ✅ Using AI to remove friction and create more time for human connection ✅ Why wellbeing and wellness are shaping luxury hospitality in 2025 ✅ Developing future leaders through curiosity, openness and mentorship Whether you lead a boutique hotel or a multi-property portfolio, this episode offers grounded insights on delivering modern luxury through people-first leadership and thoughtful service. 🎧 Listen now to hear the full conversation with Montcalm Collection’s Samantha Van Exter. Read more episodes and hospitality insights at https://thehotelmagazine.co.uk/ Key Moments: 1. 00:00 - Introduction & Opening 2. 01:47 - Early Life in Cape Town 3. 04:00 - Discovering the Power of Hospitality 4. 07:26 - Montcalm Mayfair & Design Philosophy 5. 08:53 - Sensitive Luxury Explained 6. 13:28 - Evolution of Guest Experience 7. 18:20 - Partnerships & Sustainability 8. 20:20 - Overcoming Industry Challenges 9. 23:58 - The Future: AI & Sustainability 10. 30:30 - Leadership & Legacy 📩 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date on leadership, design and innovation in hospitality. 🔗 Learn more at https://montcalmcollection.com/ and https://thehotelmagazine.co.uk/.