Room for All – Details, episodes & analysis

Innovations in Disability Employment: An Insightful Discussion with Dr. Jenny Crosbie

Join co-hosts Andrea Comastri and Saraya O'Connell from Hotel Etico as they welcome Dr. Jenny Crosbie, a principal industry fellow at the Centre for Social Impact at Swinburne University, to discuss the WISE (Work Integration Social Enterprises) model and the unique WISEability model. The conversation includes an in-depth look at social enterprises, the evolution and funding of supported employment in Australia, and the importance of bridging the employment gap for people with intellectual disabilities. The discussion also highlights the live-in component of the Hotel Etico training program, further emphasizing the importance of independent living skills. There's a call for systemic change and collaboration to uplift existing disability infrastructures for better employment outcomes. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone passionate about social justice and disability employment.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

02:38 Meet Dr. Jenny Crosbie

03:28 The WISE Model and Social Enterprises

04:15 Jenny's Background and Passion for Social Justice

09:02 Challenges in Disability Employment

14:18 Segregated Education and Employment

20:24 Defining WISE and Wiseability

29:22 Adapting the WISE Model for Intellectual Disabilities

30:43 Challenges in Disability Employment

31:46 School Leaver Employment Support Programs

33:27 In Situ Learning and Training

34:41 Success Stories and Personal Journeys

36:22 Structured Pathways and Customization

40:38 Replicating and Scaling Employment Models

48:42 Funding and Sustainability of WISE Models

53:58 Future Directions and International Perspectives

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Quinn's Inspirational Journey: From Trainee to Accomplished Chef

In a special episode of 'Room For All,' hosts Andrea Comastri and Saraya O'Connell celebrate Andrea's birthday with an extraordinary guest, Quinn Jones. Quinn, one of the original trainees from the first intake back in 2021, shares his inspiring journey from a shy, reserved individual to a confident apprentice chef at the Fairmont. The episode delves into Quinn's unique upbringing by activist parents, his struggles and successes in various roles at Hotel Etico, and his ambitious goals, including buying multiple properties and aiming to make $100,000 a year by age 30. The emotional episode also highlights Quinn's perseverance, resilience, and continuous quest for self-improvement, making it a compelling watch filled with heartfelt moments and valuable life lessons.

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

01:53 Birthday Celebrations and Toasts

03:24 Meet Quinn Jones: Background and Early Life

09:30 Quinn's Education and Volunteer Work

14:39 Joining Hotel Etico and Early Impressions

27:56 Transition to Fairmont and High Tea Challenges

36:08 Starting an Apprenticeship in Commercial Cookery

36:45 Learning Process at TAFE

38:30 On-the-Job Training and Program Duration

39:34 Personal Goals and Achievements

41:46 Investing in Real Estate

44:21 Challenges and Support in Real Estate

51:20 Driving Milestones

59:00 Future Aspirations and Reflections

01:09:49 Final Reflections and Gratitude

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Embracing Inclusion: The Journey and Mission of Hotel Etico

In this series, hosts Andrea Comastri and Saraya O'Connell introduce listeners to 'Room for All,' a podcast dedicated to sharing the mission and vision behind Hotel Etico, Australia's first not-for-profit social enterprise hotel. They explore the origins of Hotel Etico, its Italian roots, and how it serves as a pathway to independence for young adults with disabilities through employment and training programs. The hosts also delve into the broader objective of creating the most inclusive tourism and hospitality industry in the world, emphasizing the importance of training for both trainees and employers. Personal stories highlight their diverse backgrounds, extensive experience in social impact, and commitment to fostering inclusivity. Interviews with key figures, such as Tracylee Arestides and Alex Toselli, provide insights into the operational and emotional aspects of running the hotel. The podcast outlines future topics on disability employment and industry insights, ultimately aiming to inspire and educate listeners about the transformative power of inclusive employment and social enterprise.

00:00 Introduction to Room for All

01:39 The Vision Behind Hotel Etico

02:00 Starting the Podcast Journey

02:33 The NoVacancy Event

03:16 The Birth of the Podcast Idea

08:32 Hotel Etico: Australia's First Social Enterprise Hotel

12:13 The Training Program for Young People with Disabilities

19:19 The Social Enterprise Model

22:14 Meet Andrea Comastri

24:13 Starting Out at Grace Brothers

25:48 A New Opportunity in Non-Profit

26:53 Journey in Philanthropy and Social Enterprises

28:09 Personal Life and Family

29:38 Saraya's Background and Early Life

31:37 Saraya's Career in Disability Services

35:04 Andrea and Saraya's Partnership

40:33 Introduction to the Podcast

42:16 Future Episodes and Guests

44:12 The Significance of Hotel California

46:07 Wrapping Up

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Welcome to Room for All, the podcast dedicated to exploring inclusive employment, particularly for people with disabilities. Hosted by Andrea Comastri and Saraya O'Connell from Hotel Etico, Australia’s first not-for-profit social enterprise hotel, this episode delves into breaking barriers in the workplace, with a focus on hospitality and customer-facing roles. Listeners will hear success stories, best practices, and interviews with industry leaders from various sectors, all sharing a commitment to inclusion. Perfect for business owners, inclusion advocates, and anyone interested in the future of work.

00:00 Introduction to Room for All Podcast

00:10 Meet Your Hosts: Andrea and Saraya

00:35 Mission and Vision of Hotel Etico

00:47 What to Expect in This Podcast

01:11 Join Us on This Journey

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Training for Inclusion: Interview with Hotel Etico's Training Manager

In this episode of Room for All, hosts Andrea Comastri and Saraya O'Connell welcome special guest Nathalie Kasselis, the Training Manager at Hotel Etico. They discuss Nathalie's personal background, her passion for fitness, nature, and poetry, and her professional journey from finance to training. The conversation delves deep into the individualized training methods developed by Nathalie, focusing on strength-based, practical, and accessible approaches for trainees with disabilities. They also cover the importance of employer adaptability, the role of visual aids, and how to measure the success of training programs. Additionally, Nathalie shares her excitement about securing the Global Footprints scholarship and her upcoming trip to study disability employment inclusion overseas. This episode provides valuable insights into creating inclusive workplaces and tailored training programs.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

01:49 Meet Nathalie Kasselis: Our Training Manager

03:25 Nathalie's Background and Journey

04:20 Role and Responsibilities of a Training Manager

06:41 Training Approach and Curriculum Development

16:03 Measuring Success and Challenges

19:34 Advice to Employers

21:11 Breaking Down Barriers in Society

22:20 Addressing Skill and Need Gaps

23:11 Practical Examples and Solutions

24:33 Tools and Adjustments for Accessibility

26:08 Visual Aids and Training Efficiency

27:33 Implementing Accessibility in the Workplace

34:34 Global Footprints Scholarship

38:08 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

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Customer Service and Guest Experience - Featuring Samantha Cox

In this episode of 'Room for All,' Andrea Comastri and Saraya O'Connell, hosts from Australia's first social enterprise hotel, Hotel Etico, dive into the world of inclusive employment. They discuss the importance of creating opportunities for people with disabilities, particularly in customer-facing roles within the hospitality industry. Joined by Samantha Cox, former EA to Sir Richard Branson and founder of Samantha Cox International, they explore leadership, guest experience, and the impactful training provided at Hotel Etico. Through inspiring conversation and practical insights, this episode showcases how businesses can lead the charge toward inclusion and build meaningful careers. Tune in for a heartwarming discussion filled with personal stories, valuable takeaways, and a touch of fun.

00:00 Introduction to Room for All Podcast

00:10 Meet Your Hosts: Andrea and Saraya

00:35 Mission and Vision of Hotel Etico

00:47 Podcast Content Overview

01:33 Starting the Episode

01:45 Casual Morning Banter

02:31 Introducing Samantha Cox

03:40 Samantha's Early Life and Travel Adventures

07:16 Career Journey: From UK to Australia

09:29 Working with Richard Branson

10:44 Life on Necker Island

24:35 Leadership Insights and Lessons

26:04 Leading by Example: The Core of Leadership

26:46 Empathy in Leadership: A Strength, Not a Weakness

27:48 The Importance of Honest Feedback

28:39 Authenticity and Vulnerability in Leadership

30:41 The Loneliness of Leadership

31:23 First Impressions and Customer Service

33:36 Enhancing Guest Experience: Practical Changes

38:16 Continuous Improvement and Team Engagement

43:47 The Unique Value of Hotel Etico

49:03 Wrapping Up: Reflections and Future Plans

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Exploring Social Enterprise with Sally McGeoch - Inclusion in Hospitality Podcast

Join hosts Andrea Comastri and Saraya O'Connell on the Room for All - Inclusion in Hospitality podcast as they welcome special guest Sally McGeoch. In this episode, Sally shares her inspiring journey from growing up in a family business committed to inclusive employment to becoming a Senior Advisor at Westpac Foundation. Learn about her work supporting social enterprises, including her involvement with the Bread and Butter Project and her ongoing PhD research on collaboration and scale in the sector. Discover the impactful initiatives of the Westpac Foundation and get insights into the challenges and opportunities for work integration social enterprises. Whether you're passionate about social impact or curious about the future of inclusive business models, this episode has something for you!

00:00 Introduction and Host Banter

02:20 Introducing the Guest: Sally McGeoch

03:32 Sally's Background and Early Influences

05:29 Career Path and Social Enterprise Involvement

10:29 Westpac Foundation's Mission and Impact

18:15 Challenges and Successes in Social Enterprise

25:11 Collaborative Efforts and Future Goals

31:28 Collaborative Practices and Ecosystem Growth

32:08 Streat's Strategic Shift and Purpose Precinct

33:37 Whitebox's Payment by Outcomes Initiative

35:49 Challenges and Successes in Social Enterprise Models

38:33 Jigsaw's Collaborative Approach

45:11 Future Prospects and Personal Reflections

56:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Westpac Foundation - https://www.westpacfoundation.com.au/
Social Outfit - https://thesocialoutfit.org/
Bread and Butter Project - https://thebreadandbutterproject.com/
White Box Enterprises - https://whiteboxenterprises.com.au/
Streat - https://streat.com.au/
Jigsaw - https://jigsawaustralia.com.au/

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Welcome to Room for All!

Join hosts Saraya O'Connell and Andrea Comastri as they discuss Hotel Etico's innovative Program Elevate with guest Mariella Cuttonaro. This initiative focuses on transitioning individuals with disabilities from supported employment to open employment in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Learn about Mariella's extensive experience in the field, the genesis of the program, challenges faced, and the positive impact of inclusive hiring. The episode delves into the specifics of Program Elevate, its phases, and goals, providing invaluable insights for employers and disability employment services. Stay tuned to uncover how this program is making strides toward true inclusion in the workforce!

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Guests

02:14 Mariella's Background and Family Business

04:01 Transition to Recruitment and Personal Life

05:35 Challenges in Employment Services

08:35 Joining Hotel Etico for Pilot Project Local Tourism Navigator

16:48 Structural Adjustment Fund and Future Plans

22:29 Setting Ambitious Goals for Employment

22:59 Building a Supportive Community

23:19 Collaborating with Co-Hive Hub

24:58 Program Structure and Phases

29:50 Partnering with Torrens University

31:40 Challenges in Disability Employment Services

36:56 Advice for Employers on Inclusivity

40:52 Wrapping Up and Future Plans

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Creating Inclusive Employment: Hotel Etico's Journey with Scott Bear

In this episode of 'Room for All,' hosts Andrea Comastri and Saraya O'Connell delve into inclusive employment for people with disabilities, featuring Scott Bear, General Manager of Mercure Sydney Manly Warringah. They discuss the success of Hotel Etico, a social enterprise providing career opportunities in hospitality, and highlight Scott's passion for inclusion influenced by his upbringing and experiences. Scott shares insights on starting the Young Hotel Leaders group, his professional journey, and the cultural shifts in the workplace prompted by inclusive hiring practices. The conversation also explores accessibility challenges in the hospitality industry and the importance of creating meaningful and inclusive guest experiences.

00:00 Introduction to Room for All Podcast

00:10 Meet the Hosts: Andrea and Saraya

01:51 Special Guest: Scott Bear

02:33 Scott's Journey in Hospitality

03:36 Young Hotel Leaders Initiative

07:38 First Impressions of Hotel Etico

14:42 Sam's Journey at Mercure Manly

18:28 Scott's Passion for Inclusion

28:33 Progress in Inclusion and Accessibility

29:12 Innovative Programs and New Hotel Builds

30:50 Impact of Inclusive Culture

33:00 Personal Reflections and Charity Work

35:53 Fundraising Challenges and Industry Support

37:47 Career Aspirations and Industry Insights

46:08 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

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In this reflective episode of 'Room for All,' hosts Andrea Comastri and Saraya O'Connell discuss their journey with the podcast, personal challenges, and their mission for inclusion in the hospitality industry. They delve into their demanding schedules, touching on personal life pressures, leadership struggles, and the importance of self-care. The episode includes light-hearted moments, such as planning a wine tasting, celebrating small wins, and recounting humorous interactions with guests. Andrea and Saraya also announce upcoming episodes and fundraising challenges, including a nerve-wracking skywalk and a skydive. The conversation concludes with mutual appreciation and gratitude, underscoring the importance of recognizing achievements and supporting each other in leadership roles.

00:00 Starting the Recording

01:57 Introduction to the Podcast

02:27 Wine and Whining

04:12 Reflecting on Past Episodes

08:02 Leadership Challenges and Personal Struggles

14:19 Facing Fears and Fundraising

21:09 Upcoming Events and Awards

24:28 Burnout and Self-Care

28:52 Introduction to SK Bodyworks

29:00 Holistic Wellbeing and Mental Health

29:44 Fitness and Leadership

30:23 Celebrating Successes

31:18 Friday Night Fun

33:36 Upcoming Podcast Episodes

34:41 Rapid Fire Questions

45:17 Leadership and Appreciation

50:06 Final Thoughts and Farewell
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White wine: Arneis, Nahsdale Lane, Orange, https://nashdalelane.com/
Red wine: Tash, Adelaide Hills, 2023 https://thethiefwnes.com.au
Scenic World Beyond Skyway: https://www.beyondskyway.com.au/
Skydive Australia: https://www.skydive.com.au/

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