Suite Talk is the premier podcast brought to you by Hotel Magazine, where the hospitality industry’s brightest minds come together to share insights, stories, and strategies for success. Each episode spotlights influential leaders, from hoteliers to innovators shaping the guest experience, offering candid conversations about leadership, trends, and the evolving world of hospitality. Suite Talk provides listeners with thought-provoking perspectives and practical inspiration – we hope you enjoy!
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From The Savoy to Sustainable Luxury with Danny Pecorelli
Episode 9
Friday, September 11, 2026 • Duration 53:28
In this episode of Suite Talk, hosts Jade Evans and Declan Wale are joined by Danny Pecorelli, Managing Director of Exclusive Collection and one of the UK hospitality industry's most respected hoteliers.
Recorded at The Manor House, part of Exclusive Collection, Danny reflects on a career shaped by hospitality from an early age, from making sandwiches at Fleet Service Station to working at The Savoy, Sheraton and Four Seasons before joining the family business. He shares the mentors, experiences and lessons that shaped his approach to leadership, service and building an exceptional hotel culture.
Danny also explores why people, planet and profit should sit on an equal footing, how Exclusive Collection became the UK's first hotel group to achieve B Corp certification, and why sustainable luxury can create a richer guest experience. From investing in the next generation of hospitality talent to navigating COVID, challenging outdated leadership styles and supporting Hospitality Action, this conversation is packed with lessons on what truly makes great hospitality.
Key Topics Include:
✅ Danny's journey from growing up in a hotelier family to leading Exclusive Collection ✅ Why great hospitality starts with people, warmth and genuine human connection ✅ Becoming the UK's first B Corp-certified hotel group and redefining sustainable luxury ✅ Leadership, culture and why kindness must be balanced with courageous conversations ✅ Why Danny challenges the idea of a hospitality talent shortage ✅ Hospitality Action, Back to the Floor and the importance of giving back to the industry
From sustainable luxury and local storytelling to developing future talent, Danny's approach shows how putting people and purpose at the heart of a business can create truly memorable hospitality experiences.
Read more episodes and hospitality insights at Hotel Magazine.
Key Moments:
00:00 - Intro 02:04 - Early Beginnings and Family Legacy 04:48 - Formative Career Experiences 09:33 - Pioneering Sustainable Luxury and B Corp 15:06 - Industry Challenges and Resilience 23:49 - Leadership Philosophy and People Culture 31:46 - Back to the Floor and Charity Work 36:46 - Quickfire Questions 45:34 - Leadership, Talent and the Definition of Hospitality
📩 Like, comment and subscribe to stay up to date on leadership, design and innovation in hospitality.
Kindness and Creating Lasting Memories with Anne Golden at Pan Pacific London
Episode 8
Friday, June 26, 2026 • Duration 43:39
In this episode of Suite Talk, hosts Jade Evans and Declan Wale are joined by Anne Golden, General Manager of Pan Pacific London, and recently crowned Hotelier of the Year at the Hotel Magazine Awards.
Recorded in one of Pan Pacific London's stunning suites overlooking the city skyline, Anne reflects on an extraordinary career journey that began as an "accidental hotelier" arriving in London with little more than a few hundred pounds and a need for accommodation. What followed was a lifelong passion for hospitality, people and leadership.
Anne shares the lessons she's learned from decades in the industry, the evolution of leadership styles in hospitality, and why kindness, humility and emotional intelligence are more important than ever in a world increasingly shaped by technology. From building high-performing teams to creating unforgettable guest experiences, this conversation is packed with insight for anyone passionate about hospitality and leadership.
Key Topics Include:
✅ Anne's journey from Middlesbrough to leading one of London's most acclaimed luxury hotels ✅ Why emotional intelligence is becoming hospitality's greatest competitive advantage ✅ The leadership lessons that shaped her career and management style ✅ Building a culture of kindness, trust and psychological safety ✅ What winning Hotelier of the Year meant personally and professionally ✅ How AI will impact hospitality and why human connection will remain essential
From accidental beginnings to industry recognition, Anne's story is a masterclass in people-first leadership and the power of creating memorable experiences.
🎧 Listen now to hear the full conversation with at Read more episodes and hospitality insights at
Experience-First Hospitality and Building House of Gods with Mike Baxter
Episode 7
Friday, May 8, 2026 • Duration 55:38
In this episode of Suite Talk, hosts Tom Woolin and Declan Wale are joined by Mike Baxter, founder of House of Gods, for a candid and entertaining conversation on building one of hospitality’s boldest boutique brands.
Recorded at the soon-to-open House of Gods in Canary Wharf, Mike shares the unconventional journey from nightclub promoter and hostel founder to creating immersive hotels built around escapism, storytelling and “treat me like I’m famous” luxury. From chaotic opening nights and accidental Rolls-Royce purchases to rethinking what boutique hospitality should actually mean, this episode dives into the realities of building a disruptive hotel brand without following the traditional rulebook.
At the heart of the conversation is one core belief: hospitality should make people feel something.
Key topics include:
✅ Mike’s unconventional journey from nightlife to boutique hospitality ✅ Building House of Gods around experience, escapism and storytelling ✅ The lessons learned from launching hotels without traditional industry experience ✅ Why modern luxury should feel fun, immersive and emotionally engaging ✅ Scaling a disruptive hotel brand while protecting creativity and identity ✅ How AI will reshape hospitality, and why human connection will matter even more
From entrepreneurial mistakes to creative breakthroughs, Mike offers an honest look at what it takes to build a hospitality brand that genuinely stands out.
🎧 Listen now to hear the full conversation with Mike Baxter at House of Gods. Read more episodes and hospitality insights atHotel Magazine.
Human Connection and Luxury at Height with Kurt Macher at Shangri-La, The Shard
Episode 6
Friday, April 10, 2026 • Duration 26:38
In this episode of Suite Talk, hosts Jade Evans and Declan Wale sit down with Kurt Macher, Area General Manager of Operations for Paris and London and General Manager of Shangri-La, The Shard, for a conversation on what modern luxury hospitality really demands.
From early beginnings in Austria to leading teams across continents, Kurt shares how his global career has shaped a leadership style grounded in openness, adaptability and people-first thinking. Recorded high above London, this episode explores the complexity of today’s hospitality landscape, where leaders must balance commercial performance, team culture and exceptional guest experience all at once.
At its core, this conversation is a reminder that while the industry continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: great hospitality is built on human connection.
Key topics include:
✅ Kurt’s early career and apprenticeship in Austria ✅ The importance of teamwork and learning multiple disciplines early on ✅ Leading global teams across cultures and markets ✅ Why hospitality leaders today must be “jack of all trades” ✅ Balancing commercial performance with guest experience and team wellbeing ✅ The role of community, charity and giving back in hospitality leadership ✅ How technology should enhance, not replace, human interaction ✅ Why personalisation begins before a guest even arrives ✅ Adapting to constant change in an evolving industry ✅ The enduring importance of human connection in luxury hospitality
From leadership philosophy to the future of the industry, this episode offers a grounded and honest perspective on what it takes to succeed in hospitality today.
🎧 Listen now to hear the full conversation with Kurt Macher at Shangri-La. See more episodes and industry insights at
International Women’s Day: Honest Conversations with Trailblazers in Hospitality
Episode 5
Sunday, March 8, 2026 • Duration 01:20:37
In this special International Women’s Day episode of Suite Talk, hosts Jade Evans and Declan Wale bring together a panel of inspiring women from across the hospitality industry to discuss leadership, representation and the realities of building a career in hotels today.
Centred around this year’s theme, Give To Gain, the discussion reflected on what it means to build a career in hospitality with generosity, resilience and purpose, and how we can continue to support and elevate the future women of our industry.
Recorded at the Library at Montcalm Mayfair, the conversation explores the progress hospitality has made towards gender equality, and where the industry still has work to do. The panel share personal stories from their own careers, reflecting on the mentors who shaped them, the challenges they’ve faced, and the opportunities they see for the next generation of women entering hospitality.
From breaking stereotypes to building supportive cultures and redefining what leadership looks like, this episode offers an honest and hopeful perspective on how the industry can continue to evolve.
Key topics include:
✅ Personal career journeys and the moments that shaped each leader ✅ The role of mentorship and sponsorship in hospitality careers ✅ Progress made towards gender equality in the industry ✅ Breaking stereotypes and challenging outdated leadership models ✅ Creating inclusive cultures where diverse voices are heard ✅ Balancing career growth with personal priorities ✅ Why representation matters at every level of hospitality ✅ Advice for the next generation of women entering the industry ✅ The responsibility leaders have to lift others as they rise
Through candid discussion and shared experiences, the panel highlight how collaboration, visibility and supportive leadership can help create a more inclusive future for hospitality.
🎧 Listen now to hear the full conversation celebrating International Women’s Day on .Read more episodes and industry insights at
Legacy and Leading with Integrity at The Landmark London with Fergus Stewart
Episode 4
Friday, February 13, 2026 • Duration 01:01:16
In this episode of Suite Talk, hosts Jade Evans and Declan Wale sit down with Fergus Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of the Lancaster Landmark Hotel Company, for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about leadership, resilience and redefining hospitality culture.
From a paper round in Scotland to leading one of London’s most iconic landmark hotels, Fergus shares the formative experiences that shaped his work ethic, philosophy and people-first approach. He reflects candidly on a career-defining tragedy overseas, the mentors who influenced him, and why humility remains one of the most important traits in leadership.
This episode explores what great hospitality really means beyond chandeliers and suites, and why the way you make someone feel will always matter more than the physical product.
Key topics include:
✅ Growing up in Scotland and the work ethic that shaped his career
✅ From aspiring footballer to hotel management graduate
✅ The power of early responsibility and resilience
✅ A defining tragedy overseas that reshaped perspective
✅ Why humility is essential in leadership
✅ The difference between luxury and emotional connection
✅ Moving away from “command and control” leadership
✅ Why hospitality must end bullying culture for good
✅ Lessons from working in 11 different countries
✅ How to attract young talent back into hospitality
✅ Integrity, trust and earning followership
Fergus speaks openly about loss, accountability and culture, reminding us that hospitality is not about status or ego, but about lifting others and creating environments where both guests and teams thrive.
Sensitive Luxury and Leading with Care at Montcalm Collection with Samantha Van Exter
Season 1 · Episode 3
Friday, January 9, 2026 • Duration 39:09
In this episode of Suite Talk, hosts Jade Evans and Declan Wale are joined by Samantha Van Exter, Head of Hotels at Montcalm Collection, for a thoughtful conversation on what luxury hospitality looks like today, and where it’s heading next.
With more than 25 years of experience across Southern Africa, Europe and the Middle East, Samantha shares her journey from growing up in a hospitality family in Cape Town to leading one of London’s most design-led hotel collections. She unpacks Montcalm’s philosophy of sensitive luxury, where intuition, empathy and clarity matter more than excess, and explains why making guests feel “seen” is the true marker of great service.
From leadership and culture to AI, sustainability and wellness, this episode explores how hospitality leaders can balance operational excellence with human connection, and why kindness and curiosity remain powerful competitive advantages.
Key topics include:
✅ Growing up in a hospitality family and finding a career through service
✅ Defining “sensitive luxury” and why intuitive service matters more than opulence
✅ How guest expectations have shifted from formality to comfort and familiarity
✅ The small details that create memorable guest experiences
✅ Building strong partnerships rooted in sustainability and shared values
✅ Leading teams through change with clarity, empathy and communication
✅ Using AI to remove friction and create more time for human connection
✅ Why wellbeing and wellness are shaping luxury hospitality in 2025
✅ Developing future leaders through curiosity, openness and mentorship
Building Community, Wellness and Talent at Foxhills with Tej Walia
Season 1 · Episode 2
Friday, November 28, 2025 • Duration 43:43
In this candid leadership conversation, Foxhills Managing Director Tej Walia joins hosts Jade and Declan to unpack how a modern country club and resort can feel like a thriving village. From “accidental hotelier” to MD, Tej shares the mindset, investments and people-first practices behind Foxhills’ growth.
With a major multi-million pound redevelopment completed and more on the way, this episode explores how to balance shiny new facilities with relentless attention to basics, and why culture, training and community are the true differentiators.
Tej doesn’t sugarcoat it. He talks staff retention and promotion from within, the realities of post-pandemic hiring, and why AI should power the back office so teams can spend more time with guests. He also reframes wellness for today’s guest — from Pilates and paddle to a well-earned cocktail with friends.
Key topics include:
✅ The “accidental hotelier” journey and Atithi Devo Bhava — guest as God
✅ What makes Foxhills feel like a village and how that shapes service
✅ Redefining wellness for business, members and families
✅ Investing in facilities while never dropping the basics
✅ Staff retention at scale, training, and promoting from within
✅ AI as a facilitator for better human service
✅ Mentoring, mental health, and making hospitality a chosen profession
Whether you lead a hotel, club or resort, this episode offers practical lessons on culture, consistency and community that you can apply right away.
🎧 Listen now to hear the full conversation with Foxhills MD Tej Walia.
Read more episodes and hospitality insights at Hotel Magazine.
Balancing Dark & Light at The Mandrake with Eljesa Saciri
Season 1 · Episode 1
Friday, October 24, 2025 • Duration 43:39
In this energising leadership conversation, The Mandrake General Manager, Eljesa Saciri, joins,Tom and Declan to explore how a 34-key boutique property can feel larger than life. From law student to bar back to GM, she shares how tenacity, curiosity and people-first leadership power an avant-garde hotel where art, nightlife and deep restoration live side by side.
This episode is produced in partnership with Agilysys, helping hotels bring guest, spend and operations together on one platform so teams can understand the whole guest journey and drive smarter revenue decisions.
The Mandrake is not just a stay. It is an experience. Think two bars, two restaurants, a new members’ club and Dharmā, the world’s first immersive spa with an Origin Pool designed for full sensory reset. By day guests restore. By night they lean into the darker, playful side with DJs and performances. Through it all, service remains human and precise.
Key topics include:
✅ The boutique GM journey and owning your difference
✅ The art-led vision behind The Mandrake and its private collection
✅ Sexual wellness and safe, expert-led programming
✅ Dharmā immersive spa and the Origin Pool experience
✅ Building team energy and psychological safety on every shift
✅ Commercial acumen without losing the human touch
✅ Community work, mental health advocacy and empowering women in hospitality
Whether you lead an independent hotel or a branded property, this episode offers practical ideas on culture, programming and leadership that create memories from moments.
🎧 Listen now to hear the full conversation with The Mandrake’s GM, Eljesa Saciri.
Read more episodes and industry insight at
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00:00 - Anne's accidental journey into hospitality 03:48 - Growing up in Middlesbrough and lessons in resilience 10:12 - Arriving in London and falling in love with hotels 18:20 - Learning leadership and overcoming early career setbacks 25:47 - Why kindness was once considered a radical leadership style 31:38 - Mentors, humility and leadership lessons that lasted a lifetime 39:26 - Winning Hotelier of the Year and what the recognition means 46:12 - What modern guests value most from luxury hospitality 53:04 - AI, emotional intelligence and the future of hotels 01:04:10 - Anne's definition of hospitality and creating lasting memories
📩 Like, comment and subscribe to stay up to date on leadership, design and innovation in hospitality. 🔗 Learn more at Pan Pacific London and Hotel Magazine.
Key Moments:
00:00 - Chaos, luxury and the opening weekend that changed everything 02:32 - Discovering hospitality through nightlife and events 05:22 - Building The Baxter Hostel with zero hotel experience 08:23 - The disastrous first weekend: “You’re in my bed!” 14:48 - Creating House of Gods and putting experience before rooms 19:06 - Why everyone wants a little luxury and escapism 21:54 - Scaling House of Gods without losing its identity 29:48 - The new castle hotel concept inspired by witchcraft and wizardry 31:52 - Launching a champagne brand and the surprising history of champagne 50:55 - AI, human connection and the future of hospitality
📩 Like, comment and subscribe to stay up to date on leadership, design and innovation in hospitality. 🔗 Learn more at House of Gods and Hotel Magazine.
00:00 – Why modern hospitality requires a “jack of all trades” approach 02:08 – Introducing Kurt Macher and his global hospitality career 03:23 – Apprenticeship in Austria and early lessons in teamwork 06:38 – What success means: beyond commercial performance 08:18 – A global career and becoming an open-minded leader 10:31 – Giving back: community, charity and purpose in hospitality 13:27 – Technology in hospitality: frictionless, not faceless 16:58 – Quick fire: personalisation, design trends and guest experience 20:57 – Leadership today: agility, teamwork and constant change 25:54 – Defining hospitality: it’s all about people
📩 Like, comment and subscribe to stay up to date on leadership, culture and innovation in hospitality. 🔗 Learn more at Shangri-Laand Hotel Magazine.
00:00 – Introduction to the International Women’s Day special episode 03:05 – Meet the panel and their hospitality journeys 07:10 – Early career challenges and defining moments 12:45 – The mentors and role models who shaped their careers 18:30 – Breaking stereotypes in hospitality leadership 23:50 – The importance of representation across the industry 29:40 – How workplace culture has evolved in recent years 34:15 – Supporting the next generation of women in hospitality 39:20 – Advice for young professionals entering the industry 43:30 – Reflections on the future of hospitality leadership
📩 Like, comment and subscribe to stay up to date on leadership, culture and innovation in hospitality. 🔗 Learn more at Montcalm Mayfairand Hotel Magazine.
Whether you’re leading a landmark hotel or building your career in hospitality, this episode offers a masterclass in grounded leadership and long-term impact.
🎧 Listen now to hear the full conversation with Fergus Stewart.
Whether you lead a boutique hotel or a multi-property portfolio, this episode offers grounded insights on delivering modern luxury through people-first leadership and thoughtful service.
🎧 Listen now to hear the full conversation with Montcalm Collection’s Samantha Van Exter.
Read more episodes and hospitality insights at https://thehotelmagazine.co.uk/
Key Moments:
00:00 - Introduction & Opening
01:47 - Early Life in Cape Town
04:00 - Discovering the Power of Hospitality
07:26 - Montcalm Mayfair & Design Philosophy
08:53 - Sensitive Luxury Explained
13:28 - Evolution of Guest Experience
18:20 - Partnerships & Sustainability
20:20 - Overcoming Industry Challenges
23:58 - The Future: AI & Sustainability
30:30 - Leadership & Legacy
📩 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date on leadership, design and innovation in hospitality.
🔗 Learn more at https://montcalmcollection.com/ and https://thehotelmagazine.co.uk/.
Key Moments
00:00 – Tej’s origin story and the principle of Atithi Devo Bhava
00:42 – Introduction and career highlights to date
01:41 – Three things people may not know about Tej
02:54 – What makes Foxhills a “village” for members and guests
04:01 – Inside the Pavilion family building and estate facilities
05:17 – Hospitality as a lifestyle, not just a job
07:35 – Balancing community feel with national events and tournaments
08:43 – A broader definition of wellness that meets guests where they are
10:33 – Lessons from major refurb and development projects
14:04 – Staff retention, perks and why familiarity matters to members
16:28 – Training that sticks and promoting supervisors from within
18:57 – Trends to watch and why “bleisure” fits Foxhills
19:56 – Where AI helps — and where only people will do
22:21 – Commuting, work rhythms, and family support
24:42 – Quick-fire: habits, myths, first impressions
25:39 – AI: threat or opportunity
27:27 – A favourite hotel and early career foundations
28:29 – Mentors then and now — and mentoring others
31:54 – Leading millennials and Gen Z with open feedback
33:02 – Learning to support mental health at work
34:37 – Nurturing talent with clear pathways and the “Passport” program
35:54 – Hotelier Hall of Fame pick — Tej’s mum
37:12 – What Tej is doing to better the industry
39:01 – The biggest frustration and the promise of hospitality as a profession
40:25 – Career highlights and hosting major events
42:25 – Tej’s definition of hospitality today
📩 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date on leadership, wellness and innovation in hospitality.
