This Podcast is Sponsored by Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland https://www.leonardohotels.co.uk/

Host: Phil Street FIH

Guests:

1. Mark Lewis FIH – Chief Executive, Hospitality Action
2. Lizzie Grundy AIH – Weddings & Private Dining Manager, Pennyhill Park; Vice Chair, IOH Youth Council

Artwork and Branding: Sonia Cresswell (MIH)

Music by: Leon Williams (FIH)

Supporting Communities at Christmas: The Season of Giving Back

In this festive episode of I’m In, host Phil Street brings together two brilliant hospitality voices, Mark Lewis of Hospitality Action and Lizzie Grundy of Pennyhill Park, to explore what supporting communities at Christmas truly means.

From tackling loneliness to charitable giving, team wellbeing, and authentic generosity, this warm, heartfelt conversation reminds us that hospitality’s spirit shines brightest when we take care of one another.

In this episode, we discuss:

1. What “supporting communities at Christmas” means to those working in hospitality
2. Hospitality Action’s Golden Friends scheme and how it supports retired workers
3. Why Christmas can be emotionally tough, and how kindness helps bridge the gap
4. Real examples of hotels giving back: toy donations, charity Christmas cards, and more
5. Supporting your own teams during the busiest season of the year
6. The power of time and volunteering when finances are stretched
7. Why acts of generosity are contagious
8. Industry wide collaborations like Walk for Wellbeing and the Always Open at Christmas charity single

Why Our Guests Said, “I’m In!”

Mark Lewis:

Mark believes deeply in the importance of professional development and the role the IOH plays in supporting hospitality careers. As someone committed to supporting the industry’s people, joining the IOH community was a natural step.

Lizzie Grundy:

Fresh out of university, Lizzie wanted a professional home that would help her continue learning, connecting, and growing. The IOH gave her that, and now, through the Youth Council, she helps others find their voice and their community too.

Outstanding Quotes from the Episode

1. “We help people who hit a bump in the road, and Christmas is when that help matters most” – Mark Lewis
2. “It’s all about making sure people feel the spirit of Christmas in every way, not just spending, but sharing” – Lizzie Grundy
3. “Hospitality people are, by nature, generous. They’re happy to work while others rest, and they still find ways to give back” – Mark Lewis

This Podcast is Sponsored by Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland https://www.leonardohotels.co.uk/

Host: Phil Street FIH

Guests:

• Edd Gallier FIH – Head of Learning & Development, Leonardo Hotels
• Damien Martin MIH – General Manager, The Parkgate Hotel, Cardiff
• Mark Grant MIH – Chair, IOH Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) Council

Artwork and Branding: Sonia Cresswell (MIH)

Music by: Leon Williams (FIH)

Supporting Trans People into the Workplace: Building Cultures of Belonging

In this episode, Phil Street leads an open and constructive conversation about how hospitality businesses can better support trans people in the workplace — and, more broadly, how we can create cultures where everyone feels safe, valued, and able to be themselves.

Joined by Edd Gallier, Damien Martin, and Mark Grant, this discussion explores what inclusion really means in day-to-day operations: from policy and language to allyship, leadership, and learning through honest mistakes.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What “supporting trans people into the workplace” truly means in practice
• Why culture and belonging are more powerful than compliance
• How language signal respect and inclusion
• Creating psychologically safe spaces for dialogue and education
• Balancing belief systems, dignity, and organisational values
• The importance of allyship and calling out poor behaviour from guests as well as colleagues
• Measuring inclusion beyond numbers: belonging, engagement, and lived experience
• The role of leadership, communication, and technology in building inclusive workplaces

Why Our Guests Said, “I’m In!”

Edd Gallier: For Edd, joining the IOH is about professional recognition and raising standards of learning and development across hospitality, ensuring everyone receives the growth and respect they deserve

Damien Martin: Damien sees the IOH as a vital resource for development and recognition, helping his team learn, grow, and bring their best selves to work every day

Mark Grant: As Chair of the IOH DEIB Council, Mark champions hospitality’s welcoming nature and its potential to reflect society’s best values: opportunity, inclusion, and community

Outstanding Quotes from the Episode

• “Creating a culture where everyone can feel they belong — that’s the real measure of success” – Edd Gallier
• “Hospitality is about welcoming everyone. Inclusivity isn’t optional” – Damien Martin
• “If someone has a problem with you, it doesn’t have to become a problem for you” – Mark Grant
• “Language signals respect, even small changes can make a big impact” – Damien Martin
• “Don’t wait for someone else to act. Speak up. Be an ally” – Mark Grant
• “Everyone deserves a workplace where they can just be themselves” – Phil Street

Creating truly inclusive workplaces starts with conversation, courage, and consistency. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion that gets to the heart of what belonging really means in hospitality

Join the Conversation

Twitter/X: @IoH_Online

Instagram: @ioh_online

LinkedIn: Institute of Hospitality

Website:

This Podcast is Sponsored by Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland

https://www.leonardohotels.co.uk/

Host: Phil Street FIH

Guests:

• Francisco Macedo - Chairing the IOH Funded Membership
• Carmen Vlasceanu - Author of Dare to Care, cruise hospitality consultant; beneficiary of funded membership
• Jenny Cheung – Front of house professional; beneficiary of funded membership during COVID
• Joanne Smith - Institute of Hospitality; co-creator of Hearts in Hospitality award
• Marvellous Dada - President, TMD Mentorship (Nigeria); Hearts in Hospitality recipient
• Pete Wayre - Hospitality leader & trainer; Hearts in Hospitality recipient
• Marco De Simone – Restaurants Professional; Hearts in Hospitality recipient

Artwork and Branding: Sonia Cresswell (MIH)

Music by: Leon Williams (FIH)

I’m In - 50th Episode Special: Community, Care & Quiet Heroes

For our 50th, we spotlight two IOH initiatives that change real lives: the Funded Membership (confidential membership support when times are tough) and Hearts in Hospitality (recognising unsung heroes who go above and beyond).

You’ll hear frank advice on applying for funded membership, first hand stories of how it helps people bounce back, and joyful reminders of everyday heroism across hospitality.

In this episode, we discuss

• The Funded Membership - how it works & why it matters: a confidential lifeline that helps members stay connected to opportunities, learning, and community when finances are tight.
• What makes a strong application?
• The lived impact of funded membership: confidence, connection, access to learning, and headspace to rebuild.
• Hearts in Hospitality: why the IOH created it, how nominations are judged, and the power of celebrating frontline excellence.
• Real stories from awardees: going further than expected, serving with heart, and lifting the next generation.

Specific Guest input

• Francisco Macedo on the Funded Membership’s purpose and some tips for a successful application
• Carmen Vlasceanu on what funding unlocked: from MBA/PhD studies to launching a charity (Angels Wings), and a training platform - membership access made momentum possible.
• Jenny Cheung on the COVID years: funded membership brought learning, confidential support, and a sense of community when work vanished - now she’s a paying member and paying it forward.
• Joanne Smith on Hearts in Hospitality: built by a cross team taskforce to celebrate people who “do the job well and more,” with surprise workplace presentations and panel review.
• Marvellous Dada on youth and purpose: building Nigeria’s largest hospitality student network and choosing service over comfort to raise a new generation for the industry.
• Pete Wayre on exceeding expectations: the small, human acts (like personally guiding a lost guest across Manchester) and a career long mantra - presentation and care matter.
• Marco De Simone on the sheer surprise of receiving the award, what it means and why awards like this are important

Outstanding Quotes from the Episode

• “The Funded Membership can give people a lifeline” - Francisco...