Episodes

  • Women in Hospitality Leadership: Confidence, Connection & Career Growth

    Women in Hospitality Leadership: Confidence, Connection & Career Growth
    Feb 17 2026
    Hospitality careers don’t follow straight lines — and that’s exactly where the opportunity lies. In this episode, Kimberley Malcolm, General Manager of Member Experience & Compliance at the Australian Hotels Association (Victoria), shares her journey from pouring beers behind the bar to shaping leadership, compliance and community across the hospitality and gaming sectors. You’ll hear practical insights on: Why “soft skills” are actually leadership superpowers How women can confidently step into leadership — even when the room doesn’t look like them The power of mentorship, sponsorship and genuine networking How hospitality venues remain the heartbeat of their communities This is a must-listen for hospitality professionals, emerging leaders and women ready to grow their influence without losing authenticity. Listen now & share with someone building their career in hospitality. Contact Kimberley AHA Website: www.ahavic.com.au State of the Industry Report: https://www.ahavic.com.au/get-to-know-us/13569-2/ Global Gaming Women: https://www.globalgamingwomen.org/ Contact Michelle Website: www.michellepascoe.com
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    47 mins
  • Leadership Communication Skills: Project Certainty & Influence

    Leadership Communication Skills: Project Certainty & Influence
    Feb 10 2026
    How do leaders make a powerful first impression — before they even speak? In this episode, Michelle sits down with leadership communication trainer and pitch advisor Michael Kelly to unpack the subtle (but critical) skills that separate confident leaders from those who struggle to be heard. From body language and vocal tone to pausing, certainty, and executive presence, this conversation is packed with practical tools hospitality leaders can apply immediately — on the floor, in meetings, and under pressure. You’ll learn why people believe certainty before content, how to avoid rambling, and how to communicate with calm authority even when things go off script. If you lead people, pitch ideas, or manage teams in fast-paced environments, this episode is essential listening. Connect with Michael Website: michaelkelly.com.au Connect with Michelle Website: michellepascoe.com
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    46 mins
  • Raising the Bar: Leadership Behaviours That Create Respectful and Safe Hospitality Venues

    Raising the Bar: Leadership Behaviours That Create Respectful and Safe Hospitality Venues
    Feb 3 2026
    Content warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics including sexual harassment and workplace safety. In this episode of The Michelle Pascoe Hospitality Podcast, we explore the leadership behaviours that create safer, more respectful hospitality venues — and why hope is not a strategy when it comes to workplace culture. Michelle is joined by Karen Maher, founder of Smart Culture and a leading WHS and cultural consultant, who brings over 20 years’ experience working across hospitality, government, and private organisations. In this episode, we discuss: Why leadership behaviour matters more than policies How hospitality culture has shifted — and where gaps still exist The real impact of sexual harassment on individuals, teams, and bystanders What strong leaders do differently to prevent unsafe behaviours How to build a speak-up culture that people actually trust Practical steps leaders can take to respond safely and supportively Why “hope” is one of the most dangerous workplace strategies This is an essential listen for hospitality leaders, middle managers, HR professionals, and anyone responsible for workplace culture and safety. If this conversation resonates, share it with someone who leads people in hospitality, then subscribe to the podcast for more industry insights on leadership and customer experience. Connect with Karen: smartculture.com.aukarenmaher.com.au Connect with Michelle: michellepascoe.com
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    54 mins
  • Community Leadership in Hospitality: How Connection Drives Culture

    Community Leadership in Hospitality: How Connection Drives Culture
    Dec 23 2025
    In this special end-of-year episode, Michelle wraps up the December theme of community and shares the most important leadership lessons from over 300 episodes and eight years behind the mic. From heartfelt stories with guests Clare Pearson (Little Wings), Paul Allan (Club Taree) and Natalie Hawkins (Cronulla RSL), to Michelle's own reflections on leadership, resilience, and culture, this episode is a reminder that AI may be advancing — but human connection remains irreplaceable. In this episode, Michelle covers: Why community is built one human moment at a time How connection protects teams from burnout and disengagement Powerful leadership lessons from clubs, charities and grassroots communities Practical ways to protect your energy during peak hospitality seasons Why teams thrive when leaders lead with heart, not just systems If you lead teams in hospitality, clubs, pubs, tourism or service industries, this episode will ground you in what truly drives engagement, wellbeing and sustainable performance — especially during the high-pressure summer season. NEXT STEPS & RESOURCES ▶️ Subscribe on Spotify or your favourite podcast platform: https://www.michellepascoe.com/The-Michelle-Pascoe-Hospitality-Podcast📩 Join Michelle's newsletter for leadership insights and episode updates: https://www.michellepascoe.com/blog WORK WITH MICHELLEMichelle Pascoe is a trusted hospitality leadership coach with over 30 years in business. Through OOPS, she partners with clubs, pubs and hospitality organisations to build emotionally intelligent leaders, strong cultures and connected teams from the inside out. Whether you’re planning leadership development, middle management training, or customer experience strategy for 2026 — Michelle is ready to support you: https://www.michellepascoe.com/contact
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    18 mins
  • How Clubs Build Culture Through Community Work

    How Clubs Build Culture Through Community Work
    Dec 16 2025
    What does real community leadership look like in 2025 and beyond? In this powerful episode, Michelle sits down with Paul Allan, CEO of Club Taree, to unpack how a regional club created one of Australia’s most impactful community-driven cultures. From raising over $1.6 million, to mobilising Gen Z teams, to conquering the Southern Alps and the Shitbox Rally, Paul reveals the systems, values and mindset that have shaped a decade of legacy-level impact. In this episode, Michelle & Paul cover: Where the Club Taree Community Team began — and why it worked How to inspire multi-generational teams (especially Gen Z) Leadership lessons from extreme fundraising challenges The power of vulnerability and authentic connection How to build a lasting community legacy inside your club CONNECT WITH CLUB TAREE Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClubTaree Community Team Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575982781446 Community Challenge: https://www.clubtaree.com.au/community_challenge Community Challenge Video: https://vimeo.com/1102884972?fl=ip&fe=ec If you're a leader wanting to build a culture where community, purpose and people thrive, this episode is your blueprint. WORK WITH MICHELLE Michelle Pascoe helps registered clubs and hospitality venues build high-performing teams, exceptional guest experiences and values-driven leadership cultures. Connect with Michelle:🌐 Website: https://www.michellepascoe.com/contact📩 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellepascoe/
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Little Wings Mission: Leading With Heart & Impact

    Little Wings Mission: Leading With Heart & Impact
    Dec 9 2025
    What happens when community, leadership, and purpose collide? In this powerful conversation, Michelle sits down with Clare Pearson, CEO of Little Wings Australia, a not-for-profit providing free, life-saving air transport for seriously ill children across regional NSW and QLD. Together, they unpack the realities of country healthcare, the hidden impact on families, and the extraordinary volunteers who keep Little Wings in the air. Clare shares the childhood experiences that shaped her purpose-led leadership, the evolution of her values-driven culture, and the emotional stories behind their 400% service growth. Michelle & Clare cover: How Little Wings transforms healthcare access for regional families What real community connection looks like in action Clare’s leadership lessons from disability, anti-trafficking & child health The role of vulnerability in strong, sustainable leadership How businesses can build purpose-driven cultures that last Why “small acts” create the biggest community impact If you want to lead with impact, build community, and create meaningful change inside your organisation, this episode is essential listening. Next Steps + Resources Learn More About Little Wings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlewingsaustralia/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleWingsAustraliaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2704774/admin/dashboard/Website: https://www.littlewings.org.au/ Clare’s Book Threads of Hope — survivor stories & the power of voicehttps://projectfutures.com/threads-of-hope-book Work With Michelle Michelle helps hospitality leaders and organisations build powerful, values-driven cultures that strengthen community, elevate performance, and create lasting impact. Through her programs, workshops, and consulting, she supports middle managers to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Connect with Michelle to explore tailored leadership development, keynote speaking, and service excellence transformation --> https://www.michellepascoe.com/traininganddevelopmentprograms
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    35 mins
  • Community Connections That Change Lives

    Community Connections That Change Lives
    Dec 2 2025
    In this episode, host Michelle Pascoe explores why community matters more than ever with Natalie Hawkins, Community Projects Manager at Cronulla RSL. Together, they unpack how connection, belonging, and local support networks have become essential in a post-COVID world — especially as loneliness rises across all generations. Natalie shares how Cronulla RSL has transformed from a traditional veterans club into a vibrant hub for micro-communities, support groups, veterans, defence families and locals seeking genuine connection. From the Service Recognition Card to War Animal Day and Trees of Hope, the club is redefining what modern community building looks like. This episode covers: How post-COVID micro-communities are reshaping the Shire How Cronulla RSL supports veterans through innovative programs The rising loneliness epidemic and how clubs provide safety + connection How clubs stay relevant across six generations Creative community initiatives: Trees of Hope, War Animal Day + more The future of community engagement in the Sutherland Shire LINKS & RESOURCES Follow Cronulla RSL Community on Social Media www.instagram.com/cronullarslcommunity www.youtube.com/@CronullaRSLMemorialClub Visit the Cronulla RSL community hub Weight of War Run: https://www.cronullarslcommunity.com.au/news/weightofwar25 Trees of Hope: https://www.cronullarslcommunity.com.au/treesofhope War Animal Day: https://www.cronullarslcommunity.com.au/waranimalday War Dogs: https://www.cronullarslcommunity.com.au/wardogs Service Recognition: https://www.cronullarslcommunity.com.au/news/servicerecogntioncard For more weekly insights on leadership, customer service, and community, SUBSCRIBE to the podcast. Or visit our WEBSITE for more information on our leadership development and customer service programs.
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    36 mins
  • How to Step Back Without Losing Control

    How to Step Back Without Losing Control
    Nov 25 2025
    Are you struggling to step back without losing control? In this episode, Michelle breaks down the three pillars of scalable leadership, drawing on November’s conversations with industry leaders Sophie Paviour, Mark Condi and Chris Miller. You’ll learn why clarity, capability and systems are the real engines behind consistent performance, sustainable growth and confident leadership. Michelle shares practical ways to delegate without fear, elevate middle management, reduce firefighting, and build a team who think, decide and lead — not just follow instructions. In this episode, Michelle covers: Why “I can’t step back” is really a clarity problem How to delegate thinking — not just tasks — to grow leaders Why frontline staff often see risks earlier than executives The Clarity Equation: Vision + Values + Behaviours + Boundaries The power of early stretch opportunities Why middle management is the biggest bottleneck and the breakthrough point Next Steps + Resources 👉 Subscribe on YouTube and your favourite podcast platform; https://www.michellepascoe.com/The-Michelle-Pascoe-Hospitality-Podcast 👉 Join Michelle’s newsletter for weekly leadership tools; https://www.michellepascoe.com/blog 👉 Work with Michelle — Middle Management Movement & bespoke customer service programs; https://www.michellepascoe.com/traininganddevelopmentprograms About Michelle Michelle Pascoe helps organisations grow powerful middle managers, build consistent service cultures and develop capable leaders at every level. Her programs support CEOs and senior leaders ready to step back from daily operations and lead with clarity, confidence and structure. Connect with Michelle across her website and social platforms to explore workshops, consulting, and the Middle Management Movement; https://www.michellepascoe.com/
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    16 mins