Hospa Exclusive (Part 1) - Digital Mind, Analog Heart: Judi Blakeburn’s Hospitality Vision

Reduce Workplace Stress with Mark Lewis and Hospitality Action - HOSPA Special [Part 2]

Content warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide and mental health within the hospitality sector. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode of the Check In To the Future podcast, host Jane Pendlebury is joined by Mark Lewis, CEO of Hospitality Action, to discuss the newly released “Taking the Temperature 2025” report, which reveals crucial insights about the state of mental health and workplace culture in hospitality. What You’ll Learn: * Why understaffing has become the top workplace challenge * How to address the concerning trend of 47% of workers viewing burnout as "part of the job" *  The critical role of technology in reducing workplace stress and creating operational efficiencies * Why 78% feel more comfortable discussing mental health, yet 63% fear career impact * How to bridge the gap between management training needs and employee support systems Mark Lewis is the CEO of Hospitality Action, a leading charity dedicated to supporting individuals in the hospitality industry during times of crisis. With extensive experience in the hospitality sector, he has transformed the organization's approach to mental health support and employee well-being through initiatives such as the "Taking the Temperature” annual research report, launched in 2018. Under his leadership, Hospitality Action has developed critical incident training, employee assistance programs, and innovative support services, including welfare benefits advocacy and digital GP services. EPISODE RESOURCES: * Mark Lewis on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-lewis-0740098/?originalSubdomain=uk] * Hospitality Action Website [https://www.hospitalityaction.org.uk/] * Jane Pendlebury on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/janependlebury/] * Agilysys Website [https://www.agilysys.com/en/] If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available: UK: Call Samaritans on 116 123 US: Call or Text 988 Hospitality Specific support: Hospitality Action: Website [https://www.hospitalityaction.org.uk/]  The Burnt Chef Project: Website [https://www.theburntchefproject.com/]  Check In To The Future is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so [https://www.fame.so/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=bcast&utm_campaign=masters-of-community-with-david-spinks?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=bcast&utm_campaign=fame-client]

Hospa Exclusive (Part 1) - Digital Mind, Analog Heart: Judi Blakeburn’s Hospitality Vision

In this episode of the Check Into The Future podcast, host Jane Pendlebury is joined by Judi Blakeburn, Chief Commercial Officer for Watergate Bay Hotel, Another Place hotels, and SeaSpace, to share her remarkable journey from implementing Watergate Bay’s first Property Management System (PMS) in 2003 to today’s cloud-powered, fully integrated guest experience platform. What You’ll Learn: * How to balance technology implementation with maintaining authentic human connections in luxury hospitality * Why focusing on Revenue Per Available Guest (RevPAG) creates better outcomes than traditional RevPAR metrics * How to successfully transition from disparate systems to a fully integrated resort platform * The strategic advantage of unified guest profiles in driving personalized experiences and increased revenue * Why empowering guests with self-service technology actually creates more opportunities for meaningful staff interactions * How to leverage technology to transform outdoor activities and experiences into seamless guest offerings Judi Blakeburn is Chief Commercial Officer for Watergate Bay Hotel, Another Place hotels, and SeaSpace, a new lifestyle aparthotel brand launched in Cornwall in 2024. With over 40 years’ experience in hospitality, she has played a central role in creating and growing lifestyle brands in Cornwall, Cumbria, and Scotland. Passionate about innovation and digital transformation, Judi has consistently shaped guest-centred experiences that combine commercial success with long-term loyalty. She is committed to exploring how technology can enhance hospitality while keeping people and place at the heart.   IFILzAhcM3zCoXsYlIDq Check In To The Future is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so [https://www.fame.so/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=bcast&utm_campaign=masters-of-community-with-david-spinks?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=bcast&utm_campaign=fame-client]