Love What You Do

LeisureJobs

Welcome to Love What You Do   The podcast that puts joy, purpose, and people at the heart of work.   In each episode, we dive into human-first stories from the world of leisure and hospitality, shining a light on the brilliant people and brands doing things differently. From career journeys and inspiring brand stories to honest conversations about CVs, interviews, AI, brand culture, and the evolving world of recruitment,  we explore what it really means to love what you do.   Because when work feels good, life gets even better.

Episodes

  1. Aug 24

    The People Behind the Moment, Staffing the UK’s Biggest Events with Laura Rose from Freeman's Events

    What does it really take to put thousands of people in the right place, at the right time, to deliver some of the UK’s biggest events? In this episode of Love What You Do, Ola sits down with Laura Rose, Head of People Deployment & Recruitment at Freeman’s Event Partners, to go behind the scenes of an industry where the pressure is high, the scale is huge and no two weeks look the same. Laura shares how an unexpected move into recruitment at just 17 led to a career spanning more than 15 years and eventually into the fast-paced world of live events. We talk about why recruitment is actually only a small part of her role, the extraordinary planning involved in deploying teams across hundreds of events each year, and why matching people to events they genuinely care about can completely change both the worker and guest experience. From Silverstone and major sporting events to festivals and live music, Laura lifts the lid on what happens before the gates ever open, forecasting, transport, accommodation, scheduling, last-minute gaps and the constant juggling required to make everything come together. We also explore what Laura looks for when hiring. Spoiler: it isn't necessarily the longest CV. Common sense, a can-do attitude, personality and a willingness to get stuck in can matter far more. It’s a brilliant conversation about recruitment, operations, leadership and the thousands of people working behind the scenes to create the moments the rest of us remember. If you've ever wondered who makes the magic happen before the crowds arrive, this episode is for you. Loved this episode? Keep the good vibes going! Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn 👉 @Leisurejobsgb for behind-the-scenes, job inspo, and a few laughs along the way. And when you’re ready to make your next move, head to leisurejobs.com, the home of great jobs, so you can Love What You Do

  2. Feb 27

    How Nightcap Reimagines Recruitment to Find Personality Over Experience with Mike Phillips

    Unlock the secrets to thriving in the high-energy world of late-night hospitality with Mike Phillips, Head of Talent at Nightcap. Discover why personality, resilience, and passion outweigh skills—and how Nightcap’s innovative approach redefines recruitment in a chaotic, fun, and fast-paced industry. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to attract top talent for vibrant venues or how to stand out in a crowded application process, this episode delivers proven strategies and insider insights. Most hospitality companies rely on outdated CVs and generic interviews—Mike shows why focusing on personality first is the game-changer. He shares how Nightcap’s inclusive, creative recruitment methods—accepting poems, videos, and personality-driven applications—bring in the best talent, even when applications flood in. You’ll learn why a great bartender is someone who genuinely loves creating memorable moments and how resilience and energy make the difference between just surviving and thriving behind the bar, especially in late-night venues that deal with intoxicated guests and unpredictable situations. We break down how Nightcap’s unique brand portfolio—from the energetic Cocktail Club to the refined Brighton i360—requires tailored hiring that captures each venue’s vibe while building a unified company story. Mike shares the importance of personality over experience, offering practical tips on how to showcase your authentic self and stand out, whether applying with a video, poem, or carefully crafted CV. Plus, find out why training, fun environments, and a focus on employee wellbeing—covering safety, mental health, and financial literacy—are vital to long-term retention in hospitality’s demanding world. This episode is perfect for aspiring hospitality professionals, managers seeking better hires, and brands looking to disrupt traditional recruiting. Don’t miss Mike’s insights on how AI tools complement human judgment without replacing it—and why focusing on personality and authenticity is the future of hospitality hiring. Whether you're looking to join a brand that values fun and development or you’re an industry vet with experience, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies to revolutionize your recruitment game and create workplaces where both staff and guests thrive. Loved this episode? Keep the good vibes going! Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn 👉 @Leisurejobsgb for behind-the-scenes, job inspo, and a few laughs along the way. And when you’re ready to make your next move, head to leisurejobs.com, the home of great jobs, so you can Love What You Do

About

Welcome to Love What You Do   The podcast that puts joy, purpose, and people at the heart of work.   In each episode, we dive into human-first stories from the world of leisure and hospitality, shining a light on the brilliant people and brands doing things differently. From career journeys and inspiring brand stories to honest conversations about CVs, interviews, AI, brand culture, and the evolving world of recruitment,  we explore what it really means to love what you do.   Because when work feels good, life gets even better.