WE ❤️ HOSPITALITY - Doug Tetley

The last year has been terrible for the hospitality sector. Most businesses have seen extreme financial challenges and its reputation as an employer has been severely affected. We are now hearing from many, many of our clients about their fears for the future from staff shortages to skills gaps and top mid-senior talent moving to other sectors.

Krishnan Doyle is sharing his conversations with service industry leaders and operators on all that is good about hospitality & catering with the purpose to improve the sector's reputation as one of the largest employer worldwide but also as a great place to develop your career. 

How did you get into hospitality?

Born into a brewing family and didn't want to do a degree in brewing. Joined bass plc in the beer universe before transitioning into pubs & restaurants. Running the Browns Restaurant chain was heaven!

Do you think it is important to have studied hospitality to be a success in the sector?

Not necessarily. If it’s in the blood as a consumer it helps...but getting hospitality education along the way is extremely important. I was lucky enough to work for someone who saw business/hospitality education as a gift. Gung Ho!!!!

Which leader / figure inspired you and why?

Tony Hughes, who brought TGI Fridays to the UK, MD of M&B’s Restaurant Group for a number of years and on the Board of TRG. An absolute fanatic for brands, concept development and developing people. True visionary

What keeps you in the sector and why to you enjoy working in it?

Above everything it is fun and has great people and opportunity. From clients to suppliers it is never dull. Above all you develop lifelong friends and relationships that count.

Tell us about the development / training that you give to your teams and management

A real mixture of exposure to new ideas, academia, personal development and skills training. 

Question: How do you teach 6 UK people how to deliver the whole F&B fan experience at a Major League Baseball game?

Answer: Take them back and front of house to 5 games in 7 days across the USA. That is development.

What advice would you give to those starting out in the sector?

Work for someone or an organisation that is as passionate about developing you as it is the business. I have been lucky enough to be continually sponsored in my development studying at global institutions. Nottingham Business School, Cornell university. University Central Florida. Disney

If you could go back and tell yourself one piece of advice as you started your career, what would it be?

People work for people. Focus on making sure you are that person.

If you would like to take part as a leader in this thriving sector, get in touch with Krishnan (krishnan@corecruitment.com)