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.

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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/

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.

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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/

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.

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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/