I’m In Podcast Episode 44 | CEO Collaboration

Episode 44 of our monthly I’m In podcast, sponsored by Leonardo Hotels is called ‘CEO Collaboration: Why Working Together is the Key to Hospitality’s Future’ and is available for our members to listen to today!

In this episode, Phil Street brings together the CEOs of three major forces in the UK’s hospitality landscape: the Nighttime Industries Association, the British Beer and Pub Association, and the Institute of Hospitality. With Michael Kill FIH, Emma McClarkin OBE FIH, and Robert Richardson FIH MI at the table, this conversation dives deep into what true, meaningful collaboration looks like, and why it’s more important than ever.

With each guest representing different corners of a vibrant, interconnected ecosystem, this episode is brimming with practical insight, candid stories, and actionable ideas for anyone passionate about hospitality’s future.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What each trade association does and why their work is so intertwined
• How mutual respect and honesty fuel successful collaborations
• Case studies of policy wins, and challenges, in an ever-changing landscape
• The risks of working in silos and the power of presenting a united industry voice, especially to government
• How cross-sector collaboration amplifies member benefits, learning opportunities, and innovation
• Real-world examples of sharing data, resources, and best practices to drive change
• Why supporting people, at every career stage, is central to the industry’s growth
• Key lessons from the pandemic about solidarity, resilience, and the human side of hospitality
• The critical role of association teams, and why their work behind the scenes should never be underestimated

Outstanding Quotes from the Episode:

“If you think of this as an orchestra, we each play different instruments, but together we improve the whole.” Robert Richardson

“The weakness of the industry comes in disparate voices… but a collective position is much harder to disregard.” Michael Kill

“We are all part of ensuring that we have a really strong sector, a really strong nighttime economy, and it’s something we really have to fight for.” Emma McClarkin

“There’s no one organisation that represents the entire sector. But collectively, we are an industry.” – Michael Kill

“You can’t have success and progress without collaboration.” – Phil Street

If you have any feedback about the show or would like to be a future guest, please contact Phil Street at phil.street@instituteofhospitality.org

Listening to this podcast counts toward your CPD hours.

Members can listen to Episode 44 now