The NextGen Hospitality Podcast

Paul Borg
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Welcome to The NextGen Hospitality Podcast, a podcast for ambitious young people ready to kickstart a career in hospitality and grow into leadership roles. This podcast gives you the inside scoop on what it takes to rise to the top, from mastering entry-level roles to becoming a future leader in hotels, restaurants, events, and beyond. In each episode, we bring in hospitality pros—both seasoned leaders and young trailblazers—to share how they got started, the challenges they faced, and the skills that helped them stand out. Tune in for real stories and practical tips to build a career you love and navigate a fast-paced, ever-changing industry.

  1. 013: Leading through Teamwork with Chris Naylor

    2D AGO

    013: Leading through Teamwork with Chris Naylor

    Welcome to the NextGen Hospitality Podcast with me, Paul Borg. This podcast is designed for ambitious young professionals eager to jumpstart their careers in hospitality and grow into impactful leadership roles. Today, I’m joined by Chris Naylor, Managing Director of the Boutique Hotel Group. Chris leads three distinctive country house hotels and wedding venues across Cheshire and the Wirral: Peckforton Castle, Nunsmere Hall and Inglewood Manor. With nearly 20 years in hospitality and a background in rugby league, he brings resilience, teamwork and a strong competitive mindset to his leadership. In this episode, Chris shares how he moved from the family design business into hotel ownership after spotting an opportunity at his own wedding venue. He reflects on taking the leap in 2006 to acquire Peckforton Castle, expanding the group through further acquisitions, and building a portfolio of unique properties with strong reputations in the UK wedding and events market. Chris discusses leading without coming through the traditional hospitality route, explaining why surrounding yourself with experts, staying visible within the business and leading from the front are essential. He also talks about his role as Chairman of the UK Wedding Venue Taskforce during the pandemic, representing the industry at government level and supporting venues through an unprecedented period. We also explore how the Boutique Hotel Group develops future leaders through apprenticeships and its in house academy, why retention and internal progression matter, and what young professionals must do if they want to rise to the top in hospitality. Learn more about Boutique Hotel Group: https://boutiquehotelgroup.co.uk Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-borg-crowneplaza

    26 min
  2. 012: People First Hospitality with Mark Foster

    FEB 4

    012: People First Hospitality with Mark Foster

    Welcome to the NextGen Hospitality Podcast with me, Paul Borg. This podcast is designed for ambitious young professionals eager to jumpstart their careers in hospitality and grow into impactful leadership roles. Today, I’m joined by Mark Foster. Mark is the Managing Director of Centre Island and has led the company since 2013. He is responsible for the operational performance and development of the group, shaping strategic direction, managing franchise relationships, and ensuring both customer satisfaction and employee engagement remain at the heart of the business. In this episode, Mark shares how his career in hospitality began almost by accident, choosing a shift in a local restaurant over a paper round, before studying Hospitality Management at the University of Manchester and gaining international experience in Gibraltar that set him on a hotel career path. He reflects on how relationships, networking and taking opportunities have shaped his journey from hotel operations to group leadership. Mark also discusses what it takes to build and retain high-performing hotel teams, why Centre Island develops so many leaders from within, and how giving people autonomy, trust and consistent support drives long-term success. Learn more about Centre Island: https://www.centreisland.co.uk/ Connect with Me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-borg-crowneplaza/

    32 min
  3. 011: Building Performance Cultures with Paul Spencer

    JAN 21

    011: Building Performance Cultures with Paul Spencer

    Welcome to the NextGen Hospitality Podcast with me, Paul Borg. This podcast is designed for ambitious young professionals eager to jumpstart their careers in hospitality and grow into impactful leadership roles. Today, I’m joined by Paul Spencer. Paul is an accomplished hospitality executive with over 30 years of experience across luxury, lifestyle, boutique and aparthotel brands. Throughout his career, Paul has held senior leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer and board-level positions across Europe, where he has built high-performing teams and helped scale brands internationally across both private equity-backed and founder-led businesses. In this episode, Paul shares his journey from starting out as a chef to becoming a senior hospitality leader. He reflects on his first General Manager role, his move into regional and brand leadership, and what it takes to build high-performing teams across multiple hotels and countries. Paul also discusses the importance of personal brand, finding the right cultural fit within hospitality and why lifestyle brands allow leaders and teams to bring more of themselves to work. He offers valuable advice on how young professionals can shape their careers by understanding their strengths, values and motivations. Connect with Paul Spencer: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulspencerqhotels/ Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-borg-crowneplaza/

    30 min
  4. 010: Training Tomorrow's Hoteliers with Dr Serkan Uzunogullari 

    06/25/2025

    010: Training Tomorrow's Hoteliers with Dr Serkan Uzunogullari 

    Welcome to the NextGen Hospitality Podcast with me, Paul Borg. This podcast is designed for ambitious young professionals eager to jumpstart their careers in hospitality and grow into impactful leadership roles. Today, I’m joined by Dr. Serkan Uzunogullari. Serkan is a Senior Lecturer in Hospitality and Tourism at the University of Sunderland. Serkan studied an undergraduate degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management and MSc in International Business. Prior to commencing his academic career, he gained extensive experience in the tourism and hospitality industry and worked for national and international employers including British Airways Istanbul Hilton, Ciragan Palace Kempinski, and Holiday Inn. In this episode, Serkan discusses his journey from working in hospitality operations to becoming a lecturer at the University of Sunderland. He shares insights on the importance of hands-on experience in the industry, the impact of video games on travel behavior, and the need for innovative training programs for future hospitality professionals. Serkan emphasises the significance of mentorship and collaboration between academia and the hospitality industry to prepare students for successful careers. He also explores future trends in hospitality, including the integration of technology and the importance of adaptability in the sector. This episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking about a career in hospitality. ... Aimbridge Careers: https://www.aimbridgehospitality.com/careers/ Connect with Dr. Serkan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serkan-uzunogullari/ University Profile: https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/about/staff/tourism-hospitality-and-events/serkanuzunogullari/ Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-borg-crowneplaza/

    25 min
  5. 009: Crafting a Career in Hospitality with Chris Ireland

    06/11/2025

    009: Crafting a Career in Hospitality with Chris Ireland

    Welcome to the NextGen Hospitality Podcast with me, Paul Borg. This podcast is designed for ambitious young professionals eager to jumpstart their careers in hospitality and grow into impactful leadership roles. Today, I’m joined by Director of Operations at IHG Resorts, Chris Ireland. In this conversation, Chris shares his extensive journey in the hospitality industry, from his early days waiting tables to his current leadership role overseeing luxury hotels. He discusses the importance of relationships, the transition from chef to management, and the unique experiences he gained at various establishments, including West Midlands Safari Park and Legoland. Chris emphasises the significance of investing in people and the leadership traits that have contributed to his success. He reflects on standout moments in his career and offers valuable advice on patience and personal growth. If you're curious about the many different paths you can take in hospitality, this episode is definitely worth a listen. ... Aimbridge Careers: https://www.aimbridgehospitality.com/careers/ Connect with Chris: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-ireland-mih-07899623/ Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-borg-crowneplaza/

    31 min
  6. 008: People-Driven Hospitality with Mark Spanton

    05/28/2025

    008: People-Driven Hospitality with Mark Spanton

    Welcome to the NextGen Hospitality Podcast with me, Paul Borg. This podcast is designed for ambitious young professionals eager to jumpstart their careers in hospitality and grow into impactful leadership roles. Today, I’m joined by Mark Spanton. Mark is the General Manager of Dakota Newcastle, a luxury lifestyle hotel situated in Newcastle upon Tyne. With a distinguished twenty-year career spanning prestigious hospitality brands such as Radisson Blu and Principal York, Mark joined Dakota in 2020 – initially as Deputy General Manager in Manchester, before receiving a promotion to General Manager of Leeds in 2021. Now settled in Newcastle as Pre-Opening General Manager, Mark played a pivotal role in the successful launch of the property group’s latest site. In this episode, we’re going to find out how Mark landed a job in hospitality, the drivers behind him becoming the general manager of a luxury hotel, and how he builds a team culture that delivers stand-out service every day. ... Aimbridge Careers: https://www.aimbridgehospitality.com/careers/ Connect with Mark: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-spanton-mih-866b1081/ Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-borg-crowneplaza/

    26 min
  7. 007: Navigating the Hospitality Landscape with Robert Crook

    05/14/2025

    007: Navigating the Hospitality Landscape with Robert Crook

    Welcome to the NextGen Hospitality Podcast with me, Paul Borg. This podcast is designed for ambitious young professionals eager to jumpstart their careers in hospitality and grow into impactful leadership roles. Today, I’m joined by Robert Crook. Robert is a seasoned Hospitality Industry professional, spending the early part of his career working in hotel operations and franchising with InterContinental Hotels Group. For 17 years he has focused on the “White Label” independent hotel management company sector with Chardon Management Ltd and Interstate Hotels and Resorts. Robert has opened numerous hotels across Europe, recruiting top professionals and implementing systems to grow Interstate Hotels and Resorts to 65 locations. He now supports businesses in Non-Executive and Advisory roles. In this episode, Robert shares his extensive journey through the hospitality industry, detailing his early career, significant transitions, and the lessons learned along the way. We discuss the importance of mentorship, the challenges of management, and the value of building relationships in the industry. Robert emphasises the significance of adaptability and continuous learning in achieving success in hospitality. Tune in to find out how Robert paved his way in hospitality and hear his tips on how to secure your own dream job in the industry. ... Aimbridge Careers: https://www.aimbridgehospitality.com/careers/ Connect with Robert: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-crook-3a5292/ Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-borg-crowneplaza/

    24 min
  8. 006: The Power of Passion in Hospitality with Joanne Taylor-Stagg 

    04/30/2025

    006: The Power of Passion in Hospitality with Joanne Taylor-Stagg 

    Welcome to the NextGen Hospitality Podcast with me, Paul Borg. This podcast is designed for ambitious young professionals eager to jumpstart their careers in hospitality and grow into impactful leadership roles. In this episode, I’m joined by Joanne Taylor-Stagg, general manager of The Athenaeum Hotel and Residences in London. Joanne is an award-winning General Manager and hospitality leader, renowned for driving culture, operational excellence, and profitability. Joanne shares her journey into the hospitality industry, her leadership philosophy, and the importance of team engagement. From her early days in South Africa studying law, Joanne talks about how her passion and calling took her to her current role in a prestigious London hotel We talk about the challenges and rewards of transforming a four-star hotel into a five-star experience, and how working across different roles helped her find the perfect fit. Joanne also highlights the importance of building a positive team culture and changing the way people perceive careers in hospitality. Tune in to find out Joanne’s inspiring insights on personal growth, career development, and impactful leadership. ... Aimbridge Careers: https://www.aimbridgehospitality.com/careers/ Connect with Joanne: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannetaylorstagg/ Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-borg-crowneplaza/

    29 min
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Welcome to The NextGen Hospitality Podcast, a podcast for ambitious young people ready to kickstart a career in hospitality and grow into leadership roles. This podcast gives you the inside scoop on what it takes to rise to the top, from mastering entry-level roles to becoming a future leader in hotels, restaurants, events, and beyond. In each episode, we bring in hospitality pros—both seasoned leaders and young trailblazers—to share how they got started, the challenges they faced, and the skills that helped them stand out. Tune in for real stories and practical tips to build a career you love and navigate a fast-paced, ever-changing industry.

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