Episodes

  • S1E37: Speaking with Mr. Kamran Birjees Khan CEO of Nia Ltd

    S1E37: Speaking with Mr. Kamran Birjees Khan CEO of Nia Ltd
    Oct 17 2024
    In our first interview with a CEO, Mr. Kamran Birjees Khan kindly joined us in the studio to share his beginnings in Al-Futtaim, his illustrious career with Panasonic, and how he built Nia Limited into the family-like business that it is today. Spanning from the business landscape of the UAE in the 1990's to the impact Japanese corporate culture has had on his ethos as a leader, Mr. Khan is full of wisdom and anecdotes that shaped him and his business into the leaders they are today. Mr. Khan also delves into the wellness aspect of plastic-free living, sharing with us insights on how removing plastics from hotels and sporting events goes beyond erasing a recycling issue but also removes microplastics from our biological systems. The conversation ends with some sage leadership advice on how to build a company culture that fosters happiness and growth; a fact that led Nia Limited to sponsor the Taqdeer Award, Dubai government initiative that recognizes companies who demonstrate a profound commitment to workforce care, employee happiness, and prosperity. Don't miss out on this illuminating conversation along with some great book recommendations. Watch the conversation here, on Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Listeners are encouraged to stay updated by subscribing to the Sustainability Kiosk newsletter and to explore further learning opportunities mentioned in the show notes. Hospitality is witnessing change because of climate change, and we all must do our bit for the next generation. As we share these stories, we uncover the rationale, of real change makers committing resources to reducing emissions. We encourage hoteliers to share stories and not just about reducing plastics in the operations, or it's not about reducing food waste. Don’t get me wrong. These things are important, but it's not the whole picture. We want to hear about the holistic sustainability management practices they have implemented to benefit the people, planet, place and prosperity and share these with our listeners. Show notes: Sustainability Kiosk: https://sustainabilitykiosk.com/podcast/s1e38-kamran-birjees-khan-ceo-nia-ltd-bluewater/ Kamran Birjees Khan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamranbirjeeskhan/ Nia Limited: https://nia.me/ Bluewater: https://sustainabilitykiosk.com/brand/nia-limited/bluewater/ The Desert Vipers cricket team: https://www.thedesertvipers.com/sustainability/partners/bluewaterResponsible Hoteliers Summit: https://sustainabilitykiosk.com/responsible-hoteliers-summit-successful-event-dubai/Taqdeer Award: https://taqdeeraward.ae/faqsGood to Great by Jim Collins: https://www.magrudy.com/product/Good_To_Great_9780712676090 Built to Last by Jim Collins: https://www.magrudy.com/product/Built_To_Last_9781844135844 The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma: https://www.magrudy.com/product/The_Monk_Who_Sold_His_Ferrari:_A_Fable_About_Fulfilling_Your_Dreams_And_Reaching_Your_Destiny_9780061125898 The 5am Club by Robin Sharma: https://www.magrudy.com/product/The_5_Am_Club:_Own_Your_Morning._Elevate_Your_Life._9780008312831 The Greatness Guide by Robin Sharma: https://www.magrudy.com/product/The_Greatness_Guide:_One_Of_The_World'S_Top_Success_Coaches_Shares_His_Secrets_To_Get_To_Your_Best_9780007242870The Leader Who Had No Title by Robin Sharma: https://www.magrudy.com/product/The_Leader_Who_Had_No_Title:_A_Modern_Fable_On_Real_Success_In_Business_And_In_Life_9781849833844Last Place on Earth by Roland Huntford: https://www.magrudy.com/product/Last_Place_on_Earth_9780375754746HR from the Outside In: Six Competencies for the Future of Human Resources by David Ulrich: https://www.magrudy.com/product/HR_from_the_Outside_In:_Six_Competencies_for_the_Future_of_Human_Resources_9780071802666
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    49 mins
  • S1E36: Speaking with Kempinski Area General Manager Levant and KSA Sebastien Mariette

    S1E36: Speaking with Kempinski Area General Manager Levant and KSA Sebastien Mariette
    Aug 29 2024
    Keen to know how a hotel in the Middle East is making both environmental and social impact through its sustainability initiatives? Then tune into this episode where we speak with Kempinski Area General Manager Levant and KSA Sebastien Mariette, a seasoned hospitality professional with years of experience in the Middle East and beyond. Host Radhika Arappally and Sebastien cover a lot in 30 minutes, from how the country of Jordan supports local sustainability initiatives, to creating an in-house sustainability team, managing senior stakeholders and hiring local staff, and the value of sustainability certifications. Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea is part of Global Hotel Alliance and of the Green Collection, a carefully curated portfolio of over 200 hotels, resorts and palaces in the GHA DISCOVERY programme committed to creating a more sustainable future. Watch the conversation here or wherever you get your podcasts. Listeners are encouraged to stay updated by subscribing to the Sustainability Kiosk newsletter and to explore further learning opportunities mentioned in the show notes. This episode is part of the podcast series "Hotel Sustainability Stories #BeyondCOP28," featuring sustainability stories from participating Green Collection hotels. Hosted by Radhika Arapally, this episode celebrates the first anniversary of the Green Collection hotels by Global Hotel Alliance, highlighting their journey and achievements in sustainability over the past year. We also explore the positive impact that the Green Collection is having on the environment and local communities. Here are some of the key takeaways: GHA is working with its member hotels to implement several sustainability initiatives The Green Collection is having a positive impact on the environment and local communities. GHA has seen members paying +85% more and staying +13% longer at The Green Collection hotels. If you want to learn more about sustainable travel, listen to the full episode! Hospitality is witnessing change because of climate change, and we all must do our bit for the next generation. As we share these stories, we uncover the rationale, of real change makers committing resources to reducing emissions. We encourage hoteliers to share stories and not just about reducing plastics in the operations, or it's not about reducing food waste. Don’t get me wrong. These things are important, but it's not the whole picture. We want to hear about the holistic sustainability management practices they have implemented to benefit the people, planet, place and prosperity and share these with our listeners. Show notes: Website: https://sustainabilitykiosk.com/podcast/s1e36-kempinski-hotel-ishtar-dead-sea-sebastien-mariette/Sebastien Mariette: https://www.kempinski.com/en/hotel-ishtar/press-room/general-manager-of-the-year-2024-jordan Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea: https://www.kempinski.com/en/deadsea Sustainability at Kempinski: https://www.kempinski.com/en/sustainability EarthCheck Certification: https://earthcheck.org/King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF): https://www.khcc.jo/en/KHCF
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    29 mins
  • S1E35: Talking to Phil Smith about the PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore

    S1E35: Talking to Phil Smith about the PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore
    Aug 28 2024
    Imagine walking into a lush garden with bespoke architectural features peeking through the foliage and diffused natural light streaming overhead. Except, this garden is actually in the lobby of a grand hotel. In this episode, we talk to Phil Smith, the General Manager at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore, the country's first garden-in-a-hotel. We discuss the various sustainability initiatives of the property (including the forest in the lobby that acts as a carbon sink and air purification system), how to train and work with a sustainability team to promote more innovation, how to create measurable impact, and what the future holds for general managers looking to improve the sustainability standing of their properties. PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore is part of Global Hotel Alliance and of the Green Collection, a carefully curated portfolio of over 200 hotels, resorts and palaces in the GHA DISCOVERY programme committed to creating a more sustainable future. Watch the conversation here, on Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Listeners are encouraged to stay updated by subscribing to the Sustainability Kiosk newsletter and to explore further learning opportunities mentioned in the show notes. This episode is part of the podcast series "Hotel Sustainability Stories #BeyondCOP28," featuring sustainability stories from participating Green Collection hotels. Hosted by Radhika Arapally, this episode celebrates the first anniversary of the Green Collection hotels by Global Hotel Alliance, highlighting their journey and achievements in sustainability over the past year. We also explore the positive impact that the Green Collection is having on the environment and local communities. Here are some of the key takeaways: GHA is working with its member hotels to implement several sustainability initiatives The Green Collection is having a positive impact on the environment and local communities. GHA has seen members paying +85% more and staying +13% longer at The Green Collection hotels. If you want to learn more about sustainable travel, listen to the full episode! Hospitality is witnessing change because of climate change, and we all must do our bit for the next generation. As we share these stories, we uncover the rationale, of real change makers committing resources to reducing emissions. We encourage hoteliers to share stories and not just about reducing plastics in the operations, or it's not about reducing food waste. Don’t get me wrong. These things are important, but it's not the whole picture. We want to hear about the holistic sustainability management practices they have implemented to benefit the people, planet, place and prosperity and share these with our listeners. Show notes: Website⁠: https://sustainabilitykiosk.com/podcast/parkroyal-collection-marina-bay-singapore-phil-smith/⁠Phil Smith⁠: https://www.hospitalitynet.org/appointment/79027403.html⁠PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay⁠, Singapore: https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pr-collection-marina-bay.html ⁠Sustainability at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay⁠, Singapore: https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pr-collection-marina-bay/sustainability.html⁠Global Hotel Alliance⁠ (GHA): https://www.ghadiscovery.com/about-gha⁠GHA Green Collection⁠: https://www.ghadiscovery.com/explore-green-collectionGSTC Certification: https://www.panpacific.com/en/newsroom.html#/pressreleases/pan-pacific-hotels-group-is-the-first-singapore-hotel-group-to-attain-prestigious-gstc-multi-site-certification-for-sustainable-tourism-for-all-eight-of-its-properties-in-singapore-3306729Singapore Tourism Board (STB): https://www.visitsingapore.com/en/
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    47 mins
  • S1E34: What Makes One Hundred Shoreditch Hotel Unique? Hear from Jacqueline Kneebone, Head of Sustainability and Wellness at Lore Group

    S1E34: What Makes One Hundred Shoreditch Hotel Unique? Hear from Jacqueline Kneebone, Head of Sustainability and Wellness at Lore Group
    Aug 3 2024
    How can hotels effectively balance guest luxury with meaningful sustainability practices? In this episode of the Sustainability Stories Podcast, host Radhika Arapally explores this intriguing question with Jacqueline Kneebone, Head of Sustainability and Wellness at Lore Group. Jacqueline shares her journey into sustainability, emphasizing the intertwined nature of wellness and sustainability and how these concepts shape her work. Jacqueline discusses the sustainability initiatives at One Hundred Shoreditch (a Lore Group hotel), highlighting the hotel's adaptive design approach and efforts to reduce single-use plastics and incorporate renewable energy. She elaborates on the advanced phase of sustainability that the hotel has entered, focusing on mandatory ESG reporting and establishing carbon baselines. The conversation also covers Jacqueline's continuous learning journey, including her participation in the ESG Executive Program at King's College, and how she upskills her team and stakeholders in sustainability practices. Jacqueline talks about the importance of making sustainability convenient and commercially sound to ensure buy-in from all stakeholders. The episode concludes with insights into the future of sustainable hospitality, the challenges faced, and the innovative partnerships and community projects that One Hundred Shoreditch is involved in, such as their collaboration with Made Blue for responsible water use and Earnt for community volunteering. Listeners are encouraged to stay updated by subscribing to the Sustainability Kiosk newsletter and to explore further learning opportunities mentioned in the show notes. This episode is part of the podcast series "Hotel Sustainability Stories #BeyondCOP28," featuring sustainability stories from participating Green Collection hotels. This episode celebrates the first anniversary of the Green Collection hotels by Global Hotel Alliance, highlighting their journey and achievements in sustainability over the past year. We also explore the positive impact that the Green Collection is having on the environment and local communities. Here are some of the key takeaways: GHA is working with its member hotels to implement several sustainability initiatives The Green Collection is having a positive impact on the environment and local communities. GHA has seen members paying +85% more and staying +13% longer at The Green Collection hotels. Notes: Earnt Community Volunteering: https://www.instagram.com/p/C7CcstBIIoo/Future Plus, sustainability management reporting platform: https://www.future-plus.co.uk/Made Blue Partnership for Responsible Water Use: https://loregroup.com/made-blue/Hotel Information on Sustainability: https://www.onehundredshoreditch.com/hotel-info/sustainability/ESG Executives program at Kings College London: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/business/executive-education/open-course/the-kings-eea-executive-esg-programme-for-hospitality-leaders Follow Sustainability Kiosk: WebsiteLinkedinYoutubeInstagramFacebook About Sustainability Kiosk: ⁠Sustainability Stories Podcast⁠ is the podcast arm of Sustainability Kiosk, a pioneering platform dedicated to assisting hotels in exploring and implementing innovative sustainability solutions in energy, water, food, waste, and consumables. Our mission is to support hotels in reducing emissions and achieving cost savings, while ensuring a balance between environmental stewardship and profitability. Each solution we offer is rigorously vetted for transparency and ease of understanding, enabling hoteliers to make informed decisions. Through our "Sustainability Management Partnership," we provide comprehensive training programs and have successfully collaborated with 43 hotels across the Middle East and Africa, driving impactful sustainability initiatives. We are proud members of the Emirates Green Building Council and accredited consultants for food waste management by The PLEDGE on Food Waste.
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    28 mins
  • S133: Certified Green Collection Hotels by Global Hotel Alliance with Jelena Kezika

    S133: Certified Green Collection Hotels by Global Hotel Alliance with Jelena Kezika
    Apr 22 2024

    Sustainability Stories Podcast: Green Collection with Global Hotel Alliance

    How are global hotel chains embracing sustainability and community support? In this episode, we speak with Jelena Kezika, Global Director Strategy, Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), about their Green Collection initiative on the one-year anniversary since launch.

    The Green Collection is a group of 200 hotels within the GHA Discovery loyalty program that are committed to protecting the environment and supporting local communities. We discuss what criteria hotels need to meet to be included in the Green Collection and how GHA is helping its member hotels to become more sustainable.

    Listeners will learn about the significant positive impact the Green Collection has had over the past year, including a 10% collective reduction in carbon emissions by the participating hotels. Additionally, Jelena discusses the enhanced guest experiences, with members of GHA Discovery loyalty program choosing to pay more and stay longer at Green Collection hotels, reflecting a growing preference for eco-friendly accommodations.

    Here are some of the key takeaways from the interview:

    • The various sustainability initiatives implemented by GHA's member hotels.
    • The measurable environmental benefits, such as the collective reduction in carbon emissions.
    • The increasing consumer demand for sustainable travel options, evidenced by longer stays and higher spending at Green Collection hotels.

    For anyone interested in sustainable travel and hospitality, this episode provides valuable insights and inspiration. Be sure to listen to the full episode and subscribe to the Sustainability Kiosk newsletter for more updates and information on green travel initiatives!


    This episode is part of the podcast series "Hotel Sustainability Stories #BeyondCOP28," featuring sustainability stories from participating Green Collection hotels. Hosted by Radhika Arapally, this episode celebrates the one-year anniversary of the Green Collection hotels by Global Hotel Alliance, highlighting their journey and achievements in sustainability over the past year.
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    36 mins
  • S1E32: Hotel Sustainability Leadership with John Roberts, Group Director Sustainability & Conservation, Minor Hotels (part 2)

    S1E32: Hotel Sustainability Leadership with John Roberts, Group Director Sustainability & Conservation, Minor Hotels (part 2)
    Apr 11 2024

    The two-part episode is with ⁠John Roberts⁠, Group Director of Sustainability & Conservation at Minor Hotels.

    John is a visionary leader with over two decades of experience, overlooking the 500 hotels in the field of sustainability.

    Under his leadership, Minor Hotels, which includes Anantara, Avani, NH Collection, Oaks, nhow, Tivoli and Elewana hotels has achieved significant milestones, including a 20% reduction in water consumption and a 30% reduction in carbon emissions. But John's passion goes beyond the numbers.

    John shares his vision of the changing landscape for sustainability, and what the future holds for sustainability at MINOR Hotels.

    We hope to continue the discussions with John in a future episode, where he will discuss the Anantara Golden Triangle hotel, known for elephant conservation.

    Notes:

    Minor Hotels Sustainability Report: https://www.minorhotels.com/en/sustainability
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    26 mins
  • S1E31: Hotel Sustainability Leadership with John Roberts, Group Director Sustainability & Conservation, Minor Hotels (part 1)

    S1E31: Hotel Sustainability Leadership with John Roberts, Group Director Sustainability & Conservation, Minor Hotels (part 1)
    Apr 9 2024

    The two-part episode is with John Roberts, Group Director of Sustainability & Conservation at Minor Hotels.


    John is a visionary leader with over two decades of experience, overlooking the 500 hotels in the field of Sustainability and Conservation of hotels.

    Under his leadership, Minor Hotels, which includes Anantara, Avani, NH Collection, Oaks, nhow, Tivoli and Elewana hotels has achieved significant milestones, including a 20% reduction in water consumption and a 30% reduction in carbon emissions. But John's passion goes beyond the numbers.

    John shares his vision of the changing landscape for sustainability, and what the future holds for sustainability at MINOR Hotels.

    We hope to continue the discussions with John in a future episode, where he will discuss the Anantara Golden Triangle hotel, known for elephant conservation.

    Notes:

    Minor Hotels Sustainability Report: https://www.minorhotels.com/en/sustainability

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    25 mins
  • S1E30: Reviving Kerala Tourism Through Sustainable Practices, Short Conversation with Mr K.S. Srinivas

    S1E30: Reviving Kerala Tourism Through Sustainable Practices, Short Conversation with Mr K.S. Srinivas
    Apr 8 2024

    Welcome back to Sustainability Stories Podcast

    The 30th episode is with Mr. K. S. Srinivas, Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Principal Secretary of The Department of Kerala Tourism.


    This meeting is during a brief encounter with him during United Nations World Trade Organization (UNWTO event) at Abu Dhabi.


    Kerala, a state in south India, is named as one of the ten paradises of the world by National Geographic Traveler, and is known worldwide especially for its ecotourism initiatives and beautiful back waters.


    As for Kerala tourism, the villages initially rebelled against tourism development because of over-crowding and lack of substantial returns to the local economy

    To address this, the department did two things

    (1) developed collaborations with local producers and artists

    (2) Additionally, the development of cooperatives and village life experiences for tourists. This created new market opportunities to revive the tourism economy.

    We'll explore these initiatives and hear first hand from Mr Srinivas, how state of Kerala has revitalized its tourism industry through a focus on sustainable practices.
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    9 mins