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Your Next Generation Hotel

English, Finance, 4 seasons, 56 episodes, 1 day, 4 hours, 47 minutes
About
"Your Next Generation Hotel" takes you inside the world of hospitality. We interview hotel managers, industry leaders, lecturers and anyone at the forefront of innovation within hospitality. We share insightful, actionable, pieces of advice as well as the latest trends around the world. Your host Mark Abraham founded the hospitality technology business Shackle. His passion for all things hospitality and technology is clearly evident throughout the episodes. We hope you enjoy.
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Creating a cultural icon! With Hanan Eissa - VP of Marketing & PR at Atlantis Dubai

Our final episode of the season has some unmissable insights as we sit down with Hanan Eissa - Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations at Atlantis Dubai. Hanan and her team are behind the creation of one of the world’s most iconic brands: Atlantis Resorts. Learn about her fascinating road to hospitality, the importance of building a brand over time and bringing extraordinary experiences to guests. A fantastic listen and a pleasure to speak to such an inspiring leader. If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to subscribe.
7/3/202438 minutes, 15 seconds
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Don't wait to be discovered - Pavlina Tarabova, GM Meliá Desert Palm

In this week's podcast episode, we sit down with Pavlina Tarabova. Today's conversation features highlights on her career, luxury hospitality in Dubai and it's challenges as well as balancing a career with family life. Loads to unpack! If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to subscribe.
6/26/202431 minutes, 39 seconds
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Guests remember service - David Wilson, GM Waldorf Astoria Dubai The Palm

Sitting down with David Wilson for this week's Nxt Gen Hotels podcast episode, we delve into to the world of luxury hospitality. Today's conversation touches upon leadership, Dubai, the meaning of hospitality, the difference between function and purpose and many more insightful bits. If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to subscribe!
6/19/202439 minutes, 25 seconds
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The walking talking hospitality encylopedia - Andy Cuthbert, GM Jumeirah Creekside

The title says it all! In this week's episode we sit down with Andy Cuthbert, GM at Jumeirah Creekside. A visionary who's been there and seen it all in Dubai, having spent 30+ years here. What you can expect from this episode are anecdotes, stories, a re-telling of the history of hospitality in Dubai and insights into a truly illustrious journey. If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to subscribe!
6/12/202450 minutes, 25 seconds
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The comfort zone is a killer - with Husam Malki, GM Anantara Downtown Dubai

Packed with loads of wisdom, this week's Nxt Gen Hotels podcast episode with Husam Malki is intriguing to say the least. Topics of conversation ranging from his career, growth, leadership style, advice for aspiring hoteliers, challenges facing the industry - this one's a real learning for all industry professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to subscribe!
6/5/202424 minutes, 46 seconds
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Health & Hospitality with Desmond Cawley, Hotel Manager - SIRO, One Za'abeel

In this week's episode, we sit down to chat about all things health and hospitality with Desmond Cawley, Hotel Manager at SIRO One Za'abeel. A one-of-its-kind concept hotel focusing on both physical and mental wellness, there's loads of secrets to know about the newly opened property in Dubai. Fitness enthusiasts, business travelers, industry specialists - this one's unique it's own way with loads of take backs. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe!
5/29/202427 minutes, 33 seconds
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Act equally to be treated equally - with Maria Bou Eid, Head of Operations KSA, Kerten Hospitality

In this week's episode, we sit down with Maria. An intriguing conversation that taught us a lot about the hospitality industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, future plans for the group, her leadership style, women empowerment programs and more! If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to subscribe.
5/22/202418 minutes, 37 seconds
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Hospitality comes from the heart - with Tom Roelens, MD - Atlantis the Royal

In this week's episode, we sit down with the renowned Tom Roelens, who's at the forefront of one of the most well-loved hotels in the world - Atlantis the Royal. This episode, filmed in the most expensive suite in the world delves into his career, the meaning of hospitality, property fun facts, the future for the hotel, industry challenges and much more. A glamorous episode, to say the least! If you enjoyed it, don't forget to subscribe.
5/15/202442 minutes
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An industry that's always playing catch up - with Patrick Antaki, COO HMH Hotels

When we first started this podcast, we knew we'd learn a lot and get incredible insights into hospitality as an industry and the different markets - but we never thought we'd learn this much from one single episode. This week, we sit down with Patrick Antaki, COO at HMH Hotels to deep dive into a range of interesting topics including tourism, Dubai, Saudi Arabia's emerging market, lessons the industry needs to learn and more. We've taken so much from this episode and we're sure you will too. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe!
5/8/202441 minutes, 34 seconds
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In hospitality for money? Big mistake - with Spencer Wadama, GM - SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences

In this week's episode of the Nxt Gen Hotels podcast, we sit down on the 73rd floor with fabulous views of Dubai to chat with the General Manager at SLS Dubai Hotel and Residences. Having worked in the luxury segment of hotels, this conversation explores everything from sustainability vs luxury, market differences across the globe, advice for the industry, tech improvements and more. If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to subscribe!
5/1/202425 minutes, 55 seconds
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Revolutionising Dubai's dining scene with Tom Arnel, CEO - EATX

For all of you watching from Dubai, you're definitely familiar with Common Grounds, Tom & Serg, The Guild and more. For those from elsewhere, these are amongst the most well known and well loved restaurants in Dubai. In this week's episode, we sit down with Tom Arnel, Founder at EATX to learn all about how he revolutionised Dubai's dining scene, his story, the market and much more. This one's for all you food and dining experience lovers. Bon appetit!
4/24/202431 minutes, 14 seconds
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How to be a memory maker, with James Berry - Radisson Blu Media City

In this week's episode of the Nxt Gen Hotels podcast, we sit down with the lively GM at Radisson Blu, Media City Dubai - James Berry. With a ton of experience under his belt, having worked across geographies plethora of tips and advice we can all learn a great deal from. Delve into his career journey, leadership style, tech and lots more!
4/17/202430 minutes, 41 seconds
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What exactly is "Prideology?" with luxury hospitality leader - Bill Walshe

Introducing our Hospitality Hall of Fame series with the legendary *drumroll please*, Bill Walshe 🙇‍♂️ . Deep dive into what hospitality means to him, his journey, his renowned concept of "Prideology" and lots more. This episode is the longest one we've recorded so far and for good reason: it's inspirational, informative and incomparable.
4/10/20241 hour, 6 minutes, 4 seconds
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How to stand out & get a job in Dubai's hospitality industry with Jeff Strachan

All aspiring hoteliers or ambitious ones - this one's for you! In the this episode, you will gain invaluable insight on to the Dubai job market, and understand what helps candidates stand out to secure jobs. Jeff, AVP Business Operations at Dubai College of Tourism delves into the topics about the industry, career development and how to gain a competitive edge.
4/3/202423 minutes, 11 seconds
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What is "prideology?" with luxury hospitality leader Bill Walshe

Introducing our Hospitality Hall of Fame series with the legendary Bill Walshe. Deep dive into what hospitality means to him, his journey, his renowned concept of "Prideology" and lots more. This episode is the longest one we've recorded so far and for good reason: it's inspirational, informative and incomparable.
3/28/20241 hour, 9 minutes, 37 seconds
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"If hotels had the investment capabilities of OTAs..." - Glenn Nobbs, GM - Millennium Place Barsha Heights

Delving into OTA's, the use of technology in hospitality, the differences in the industry based on regions across the globe and a very interesting career journey - this week's episode features the superb Glenn Nobbs. Watch to deep dive into relevant issues facing the industry today with some rapid fire fun to wrap things up!
3/20/202429 minutes, 24 seconds
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"Your leadership style is a reflection of you" - Gurnoor Bindra, GM - Sheraton Mall of the Emirates

In this week's episode, we speak to Gurnoor Bindra, General Manager - Sheraton, Mall of the Emirates. Delve into her hospitality career journey, her leadership style as a female leader, motherhood, work-life management and more. She is a force to be reckoned with - have a listen for yourself.
3/13/202432 minutes, 34 seconds
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Sustainability is about creating guilt-free luxury - Mark Hehir, GM at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

In this week's episode (and one of our favourite episodes this season), we chat with the magnanimous Mark Hehir - General Manager, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. With a plethora of fascinating experiences under his belt, he shares his journey from being a chef in the kitchen to managing one of the most beautiful properties in Dubai. It would be an understatement to call this chat interesting! We've watched it many times over, and have a feeling you'll thoroughly enjoy it too.
3/6/202434 minutes, 49 seconds
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"If you don't innovate, you die" - Manish Jha, NH Collection Dubai The Palm

In this week's episode, we sit down with Manish Jha, General Manager - NH Collection Dubai The Palm. Amongst the various discussion topics, Manish speaks to us about his journey in hospitality, managing crisis like the 2004 tsunami a GM in the Maldives, how fitness integrates into his work ethic and of course sustainability. There's this and loads more to unpack in this episode. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
3/1/202423 minutes, 59 seconds
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Leading with Happiness - Mark Lee, GM Media One Hotel

Tune in to the latest episode of the Nxt Gen Hotels podcast. In today's episode, Mark Lee - General Manager at the iconic Media One Hotel in Dubai sits down with Mark to discuss his journey. Topics of conversation here range from sustainability in hospitality to banter between two football team rival supporters. This one's a must watch!
2/21/202429 minutes, 38 seconds
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Inclusivity in Hospitality, with Sophie Blondel

Touching on a topic that's never been discussed on the Nxt Gen Hotels podcast previously, Mark and Sophie sit down to have a conversation about inclusivity in hospitality. As the GM of the first and only property in Dubai to be certified as an autism friendly hotel, delve into the depths of Sophie's journey, her and her teams passion and how they address a very real challenge.
2/15/202421 minutes, 1 second
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"I like to break rules". Judit Toth, CEO & Founder - INK Hotels

Join us as we speak to Judit Toth, CEO & Founder at INK Hotels. In this podcast episode, she shares her incredible story of how she likes to break the rules and has paved her own path in hospitality. From building a homegrown brand INK hotels, setting it up in a new location - get ready for insights, laughter, and an inspiring story to say the least.
2/7/202424 minutes, 52 seconds
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Painting the town RED with Stuart Birkwood

Launching into the New Year with a bang! 🚀 Tune in to our latest episode featuring the incredible Stuart Birkwood, Curator (or as we know it, GM) at Radisson RED, Dubai. Join us for an insightful chat about his career journey, the unique Radisson RED brand, and a sneak peek into what's on the horizon. Stick around for some rapid-fire fun to wrap things up!
1/4/202434 minutes, 45 seconds
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Purpose is not a destination, it’s a journey with Augusto Valverde, Creator & Host - Global Child

We say this every time, but this episode really isn’t one to miss. A slightly different format than usual, where we step away from the hospitality industry and dive into the world of travel and experience; the craft of curiosity; discovering our purpose and what it takes to build a brand from the ground up. With a whole ton of insights in between. Our guest, Augusto Valverde, Creator & Host of Global Child has gone from filming with a selfie stick to building one of the top travel shows around, with over 7 billion viewers over 7 years. Not a bad statistic hey? Staying true to his brand, Augusto chats with Mark on travelling with purpose; sharing his pillars for building a brand and being intentional in everything we do as spiritual beings. Purpose is not a destination, it’s a journey. If you haven’t already, we highly recommend checking out the Global Child series, (after listening to YNGH podcast of course) - available on Peacock, Tubi & Amazon Prime (among several others).
2/9/20231 hour, 1 minute, 19 seconds
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The role technology plays in creating a seamless experience with Thomas Greggory - Directeur Général, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi

Thomas Greggory, Directeur Général at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas joins Mark to discuss the role technology plays in creating a seamless experience within hospitality. Thomas shares a wealth of knowledge, outlining the importance of investing in your team and how this translates into the hospitality guests will receive. Thomas’ hospitality journey started by accident back in 1999, where he has since gone on to work in a multitude of incredible locations across the globe; Monaco, Tunisia, Egypt & Paris to name but a few. He now resides in Al Saadiyat Island - Abu Dhabi, the Bahamas of the UAE.
2/3/202326 minutes, 35 seconds
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Hospitality, your passport to the world! With Pascal Eggerstedt - Director and General Manager, Paramount Hotel Dubai

This week on Your Next Generation Hotel podcast we sat down with Pascal, Director and General Manager of the amazing Paramount hotel Dubai, a flagship property and extension of the iconic Paramount Studios. Pascal shares insight into the properties’ link to the cinematic era and how this is reflected throughout.  Falling in love with the industry at just 12 years old, Pascal shares a wealth of knowledge to young and aspiring hoteliers, shining a light on the wonderful opportunities a career in hospitality can lead to. 
1/25/202328 minutes, 25 seconds
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Focusing on the end destination, not the next step with Mads Wolff - General Manager, 25Hours Hotel Dubai One Central

Another episode for all young hospitality professionals! Your Next Generation Hotel Podcast is delighted to welcome Mads Wolff into the hot seat for this week's episode. Mads, who served as Hotel Manager since 2019, now sits at the helm as General Manager for 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central. Mads joins Mark to discuss his journey from trainee chef in a Michelin Star restaurant in Denmark; to now overseeing Ennismore’s flagship property in Dubai! A shorter episode but packed full of great insights. It’s worth mentioning, we think he may well have psychic powers… correctly predicting Argentina’s World Cup win 🔮👀
1/13/202314 minutes, 7 seconds
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Creating unforgettable guest experiences and the importance of ‘the personal touch’ with Recep Pamukcu, General Manager, Ajman Hotel

Calling all young hospitality professionals! This week’s guest Recep Pamukcu shares his philosophy and expertise on the key behind creating an amazing guest experience and getting the best out of your team. Recep, General Manager of the breathtaking Ajman Hotel has a wealth of experience across all areas of the hospitality industry, and also happens to share some Irish roots having previously worked at The Croke Park Hotel, spending 10 years in Ireland before settling in Dubai.
1/5/202322 minutes, 8 seconds
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Letting the body heal itself with Salem al Said, VP of Business Development, ZOYA Health & Wellbeing Resort

Recorded at the breathtaking oasis, ZOYA Health & Wellbeing Resort, in this week's episode of YNGH podcast Mark is joined by ZOYA’s VP of Business Development, Salem al Said. Salem, son of founder Ameer Said, gives us an inside look at the UAE’s first fully-integrated health resort and its unique and holistic approach to mind and body rejuvenation. Discover more about ZOYA's incredible treatments and facilities at zoyawellbeing.com.
12/22/202219 minutes, 23 seconds
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Sustainability and reducing the environmental impact in hotels with Tolga Lacin - Area Manager of Marriott International

In this episode of Your Next Generation Hotel Podcast, Tolga Lacin - Area General Manager of Marriott International, sits down with Mark to chat all things sustainability and the wave of innovation sweeping across Dubai. Tolga has 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and tells his story along with fascinating insights into their sustainable initiatives to reduce the environmental impact across their properties as well as Dubai. Tolga is the Area General Manager, Marriott International, overseeing properties including W Dubai -Mina Seyahi, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark.
12/15/202230 minutes, 27 seconds
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The importance of self belief and work life balance in a successful career with Laura Eggleton.

This week on Your Next Generation Hotel Podcast we sit down with yet another inspiring leader in the industry, Laura Eggleton, General Manager at Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown. Laura chats about her career so far, transitioning from UK hospitality to the Middle East and the importance self belief has had in her career so far! Laura discusses her thoughts on the importance of work life balance and how she empowers her team to be themselves at work. Starting in the industry at just 13, Laura went on to be the first ever female General Manager at IHG at the age of just 28 and has since gone on to inspire female leaders in the industry to have the self belief required to grow in the industry.
6/29/202221 minutes, 42 seconds
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Balancing motherhood with career progression and the misconceptions that impact female leaders in the industry with Jaime Simpson

We are back with another episode of Your Next Generation Hotel Podcast and we promise this is one of the best yet! This week we sit down with Jaime Simpson General Manager at Jumeirah Group / Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts to discuss balancing motherhood with career progression, the misconceptions that impact female leaders in the industry and both the challenges and learnings Jaime has had over the years of finding work-life balance. Jaime is one of the industry's most influential leaders, not only has she been named as one of the Middle East’s Top 25 Power Women, she is also passionate about inspiring young women to strive in their careers alongside motherhood, make sure you listen in to hear Jaime share her incredible and inspirational journey in the industry so far.
6/16/202242 minutes, 32 seconds
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An insight to managing a world class Golf Resort with Casper Schonfeldt.

This week, Mark chats to Casper Schonfeldt, General Manager of Trump International Golf Club, on what sparked his interest in the hospitality sector and his journey to getting to where he is today. Casper offers advice to aspiring hoteliers and emphasises the importance of guiding and investing in talent.  Casper now oversees the iconic and award-winning Trump International Golf Club in Dubai, with over 30 years experience in some of the world’s most renowned Golf Resorts across multiple regions. We hope you enjoy and don't forget to share with a friend! 
1/12/202222 minutes, 11 seconds
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How Technology Can Drive your Strategic Hotel Decisions with Jon Davis, CTO of Village Hotels.

Jon Davis is the CTO of Village Hotels. Village Hotels operates 31 hotels in the United Kingdom, with a plan to open 50 by 2025. The company was founded in 1995, and is now owned by Denver-based private equity firm KSL Capital Partners. Jon has a fascinating background from the operations side as hotel manager to running his own hotel technology consultancy business to his current role with Village Hotels. We discussed everything from the impact of covid to the use of chatbots after analysing call centre data.  It's a must listen episode. Hope you enjoy!
3/17/202120 minutes, 6 seconds