Podcast Episodes

5 Star Conversations with Wayne Taranto - Leading Ovolo’s Growth with Passion and Innovation

In this episode of 5 Star Conversations, I sat down with Wayne Taranto, the Chief Operating Officer of Ovolo Group. We talk about how Wayne's journey into hospitality started unexpectedly, despite in…

Published on 10 hours ago

5 Star Conversations with Mario Mendis - Future of Hotels: AI, Culture & Human Connection

In this episode of 5 Star Conversations, we sit down with international hotelier Mario Mendis, whose 26-year journey in hospitality began humbly as a kitchen hand in Brisbane. Mario shares how his ea…

Published on 1 month ago

5 Star Conversations with Wayne Williams - Scaling Minor Hotel Group Globally & Leading with Purpose

In this episode of Five Star Conversations, I sit down with Wayne Williams, CFO of the Minor Hotel Group. Over two decades, Wayne has played a key role in the group’s transformation—from 10 propertie…

Published on 2 months ago

5 Star Conversations with Jason Nuell - From Food Runner to Marriott Regional VP - Jason Nuell on Leadership & the Future of Hospitality

In this episode of 5 Star Conversations, Jason reflects on a career built on resilience, curiosity, and the willingness to take the harder path. Having spent two decades abroad, he shares how steppin…

Published on 2 months, 4 weeks ago

5 Star Conversations with Rene Balmer - From Executive Chef to Group GM

In this special international edition of 5 Star Conversations, filmed on location in Bangkok, we sit down with Rene Balmer, Group General Manager of Chatrium Hospitality. With nearly four decades in …

Published on 4 months ago

5 Star Conversations with Anthony Metcalfe - Leading with Heart

In this episode of Five Star Conversations, Anthony Metcalfe, Hotel Manager at Capella Sydney, shares his journey through the luxury hospitality industry. With roots in a hospitality family, Anthony …

Published on 5 months ago

The Future of Hospitality: James Goodwin on Innovation, Workforce Challenges & Hotel Industry Trends

James Goodwin, CEO of Accommodation Australia, joined Brendon on 5 Star Conversations to discuss his transition into the accommodation sector, having previously worked in aviation, tourism, and publi…

Published on 6 months ago

5 Star Conversation with Dean Minett - A Journey Through Hospitality and Leadership

In this episode of 5 Star Conversations, Brendon sits down with Dean Minett, a seasoned hospitality professional with over four decades of experience in hotel management, consultancy, and asset manag…

Published on 7 months ago

5 Star Conversation with Matt Tripolone - The Future of Hospitality: Sustainability, Talent and Memorable Experiences

Season 3 Episode 2

In this episode of Five Star Conversations, Brendon Granger sits down with Matt Tripolone, Managing Director for Australia and the Pacific at IHG, to explore his remarkable journey into hospitality a…

Published on 8 months ago

5 Star Conversation with Erin Pickering - Behind the Scenes of Superyachts: Insights, Challenges, and Luxury Standards

Season 3 Episode 1

In this episode of Five Star Conversations, Brendon Granger interviews Erin Pickering, who shares her incredible journey from a career in Australian media to managing luxury super yachts for the worl…

Published on 9 months ago