Bookings and Bottles

Simone Snedorf
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  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Bookings & Bottles is a podcast for travel professionals who want more than just bookings, they want insight, systems, and stories (and maybe a little wine too). Hosted by Simone Snedorf, a TravelOps System Designer with a deep love for the travel industry, this podcast explores the real behind-the-scenes of travel businesses in South Africa and beyond. Through honest conversations with fellow travel professionals, we unpack the strategies, struggles, and smart systems that dr

  1. S2 E8: The Hidden Gap Between Strategy and Execution That Hinders Travel Business Growth

    Jun 4

    S2 E8: The Hidden Gap Between Strategy and Execution That Hinders Travel Business Growth

    In this episode, Singita Chauke, founder of The Business Uncle, uncovers the gap between strategy and execution in travel businesses. Learn how to create actionable plans that align with your resources and goals. Discover practical strategies to transform your ambitions into results and accelerate your growth. Perfect for travel professionals ready to turn plans into practice. Connect with Singita: Personal LinkedIn : Click here The Business Uncle LinkedIn : Click here Instagram : Click here

    16 min
  2. S2:E7 Not Convinced About Shark Cage Diving? Meet Natalie.

    May 21

    S2:E7 Not Convinced About Shark Cage Diving? Meet Natalie.

    In this episode of Bookings and Bottles, Simone Snedorf, Host an founder of ontōlogic, dives deep into the ultimate Cape Town "sea-fari" with Natalie van Eeden from Apex Shark Expeditions. Celebrating 30 years of marine conservation, Natalie shatters myths surrounding shark encounters and paints a vivid picture of what it’s really like to come eye-to-eye with the beautifully inquisitive Bronze Whaler sharks of False Bay. Whether you are a travel agent looking for expert insights to confidently book this adventure for your clients, or an ocean lover trying to conquer your own fears, you cannot miss this episode. Tune in to discover the reality of modern shark cage diving, learn about Apex’s brand-new luxury vessel Ceto (complete with hot showers!), and see how these trips are playing a critical role in local marine conservation. Grab a glass of wine and listen now! WhatsApp / Phone: 079 051 8558 Email: bookings@apexsharkexpeditions.com Website: www.apexpredators.com

    19 min
  3. S2E6: The swimming bus: Meet the maker of the Waterfront Duck Co.

    May 7

    S2E6: The swimming bus: Meet the maker of the Waterfront Duck Co.

    Join us for an incredible conversation where you will meet Keith Lindsay, the MD and owner of The Waterfront Duck Co. Discover the thrill of the splashdown with Africa’s first amphibious tour, an award-winning experience that seamlessly blends a guided road tour with a harbour cruise. From the specialised "Quacktons" navigating land and sea to the massive achievement of receiving the Bronze Award for Best Experience (following only the legendary Table Mountain and Cango Caves), Keith shares the edutainment and passion behind this Cape Town icon. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this hour of adventure is a must-do highlight of the V&A Waterfront. Ready to take the plunge? Secure your seat by booking online or connecting with the team today: Website: theduckco.co.za Contact No: +27 73 406 1242 Email: info@theduckco.co.za / reservations@theduckco.co.za Socials: @thewaterfrontduckco (Instagram) | TheWaterfrontDuckCo (Facebook)

    20 min
  4. S2E6 : Lessons from The Robben Island Letters: A prisoner, friend, and teacher

    Apr 16

    S2E6 : Lessons from The Robben Island Letters: A prisoner, friend, and teacher

    Most people believe that ethical failure is a sudden "cliff" you jump off, a single, dramatic moment of corruption or a massive scandal. But for Sidley Du Preez, ethical failure is far more subtle: it is a slow, quiet drift. In this episode of Bookings and Bottles, Simone Snedorf sits down with Sidley, an ethical leadership practitioner and founder of the Quiet Courage Leadership Initiative. Sidley shares her remarkable journey, from a 16-year-old girl writing letters to political prisoners on Robben Island to helping today's leaders navigate the "moments most people never see". We unpack why ethical failure actually starts with "small compromises under pressure" and "tolerated ambiguity" rather than "bad people". In this honest conversation, we explore: The Compounding Interest of Small Decisions: How staying quiet in a meeting or softening your opinion accumulates into the scandals we see in the headlines. The "Quiet Courage": Lessons from Sidley's teenage years about how moral courage is formed long before you are given power or a title. Pressure as a Revealer: Why pressure doesn't build your character, it simply reveals what is already inherent in you. The Interdependent Future: How the South African principle of Ubuntu "I am because we are" is the key to building a thriving, ethical business ecosystem. This episode is a call to action for every founder and leader to check their internal compass before the drift sets in. Connect with Sidley: Website: www.sidleydupreez.com LinkedIn: /www.linkedin.com/in/sidley-du-preez-5018aa15/ Email: bookings@sidleydupreez.com

    31 min
  5. S2:E5 Navigating Business Seas: About Zandeo’s Ex-Navy, Mountain Biking CEO

    Mar 5

    S2:E5 Navigating Business Seas: About Zandeo’s Ex-Navy, Mountain Biking CEO

    In this episode of Bookings and Bottles, host Simone Snedorf speaks with Hex Novoa, founder of Zandeo, about the importance of family financial education and experiential learning. They discuss how allowing children to make mistakes can foster financial literacy, the role of AI in simplifying financial conversations, and the significance of local travel and mini-adventures. Hex shares insights from his time in the Navy, emphasising leadership and teamwork, and offers practical advice for parents on communicating about finances with their children. The conversation highlights the need for open dialogue about money and the potential of technology to support families in their financial journeys. Connect with Hex: https://www.youtube.com/@MTBMiniAdventures https://www.linkedin.com/company/zandeo-app/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/hexnovoa/ https://zandeo.app/

    28 min
  6. S2E4: Let's Talk About Empowerment for Black Professionals!

    Feb 26

    S2E4: Let's Talk About Empowerment for Black Professionals!

    In this episode of Bookings and Bottles, host Simone Snedorf engages with Roxanne Botman, a career and confidence design thinking coach. They explore various themes including the challenges faced by creatives in the music industry, the essence of being South African through the lens of Ubuntu, and the importance of design thinking as a problem-solving tool. Roxanne shares her insights on empowering black professionals and the significance of nurturing one's internal narrative to overcome external challenges. The conversation concludes with practical advice on how to connect with Roxanne for coaching and consulting services. Connect with Roxanne https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannebotman/

    27 min
  7. S2E3: The Secret Sauce to Unstoppable Growth in the Travel Industry!

    Feb 19

    S2E3: The Secret Sauce to Unstoppable Growth in the Travel Industry!

    Most travel entrepreneurs overlook the secret to sustainable growth: community-led systems. Candice Grobler, a community builder and tech innovator, shares how South Africa’s unique cultural values, like Ubuntu, inspire smarter, more authentic ways to grow your business. Discover why collaborating with competitors, automating without losing the personal touch, and building genuine business friendships can transform your solo venture into a thriving, resilient community that fuels revenue and trust. Candice emphasises that real growth doesn’t come from shouting louder but from creating meaningful connections and feedback loops. She reveals how the travel industry can leverage community strategies to boost retention, gather honest customer insights, and stand apart in a crowded market. Perfect for travel professionals, solo entrepreneurs, and anyone ready to turn community into their competitive advantage. If you're tired of working in isolation and want your business to thrive through authentic relationships, this episode is your blueprint for transformation. Get in touch with Candice Newsletter: https://candidcollab.com/subscribeWebsite: https://candidcollab.com/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/candice-grobler/

    34 min
  8. S2:E2: From Listening to Leading: How Empathy Builds Trust and Drives Business Growth

    Feb 12

    S2:E2: From Listening to Leading: How Empathy Builds Trust and Drives Business Growth

    In this episode of Bookings and Bottles, host Simone Snedorf and guest Najiba Adams explore the importance of empathy, emotional intelligence, and self-care in the travel and hospitality industry. They discuss practical tools for mindfulness, the art of communication, and the significance of personal growth. The conversation emphasises the need for professionals to focus on their emotional well-being while navigating high-stress environments, ultimately leading to better guest experiences and personal fulfilment. Najeeba Adams Contact Info Contact No: +27 67 140 8297 Email: najeeba1adams@gmail.com LinkedIn : Click here

    34 min
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About

Bookings & Bottles is a podcast for travel professionals who want more than just bookings, they want insight, systems, and stories (and maybe a little wine too). Hosted by Simone Snedorf, a TravelOps System Designer with a deep love for the travel industry, this podcast explores the real behind-the-scenes of travel businesses in South Africa and beyond. Through honest conversations with fellow travel professionals, we unpack the strategies, struggles, and smart systems that dr

Information

  • Creator
    Simone Snedorf
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Simone Snedorf
  • Show Website
    Bookings and Bottles