Behind the scenes of success – a conversation with Nicolas O’Connell

02/08/25 • 43 min

5THWAVE - The Business of Coffee and Hospitality

In this episode, we're joined by Nicolas O’Connell – an influential coffee and business expert and a former Partner at La Colombe Coffee Roasters.

Nicolas joined La Colombe in the mid-1990s as a barista and quickly rose through the ranks, playing a key role in launching the brand’s pioneering wholesale programme. Though he’s often worked behind the scenes, Nicolas' business acumen and strategic vision were instrumental in transforming La Colombe into the international powerhouse it became.

In this candid conversation, Nicolas shares his insights on how La Colombe maintained its brand authenticity while growing across multiple sales channels. He also highlights the key strategies and partnerships that helped to forge a strong company culture and achieve long-term success.

Credits music: "Natures Hands" by Flo Perlin in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective

Subscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In this episode, we're joined by Nicolas O’Connell – an influential coffee and business expert and a former Partner at La Colombe Coffee Roasters.

Credits music: "Natures Hands" by Flo Perlin in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective

Subscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

Previous Episode

Coffee and Architecture – A conversation with Mark Sciberras, The Common E2

In today’s episode we speak with Mark Sciberras, Director of The Common E2 and Common Ground Workshop – an East London café and architecture studio specialising in hospitality and residential design.

Originally from Melbourne, Mark trained as an architect before moving to London in the mid-2000s. Inspired by the city’s emerging specialty coffee scene, he opened The Common E2 in 2014, creating a space that reflects his design philosophy and passion for community.

In this conversation, we explore the synergies between coffee and architecture and how great design can shape the way we interact with spaces, build communities, and create a sense of belonging. Mark also shares his thoughts on the impact of gentrification on East London’s coffee scene and why he advocates for slow, organic growth rather than rapid expansion.

Credits music: "Aurora" by Matt Kent in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective

Subscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

Next Episode

Coffee on the move

As consumer interest in specialty coffee continues to rise, so too does demand beyond the café. Today’s customers expect high-quality coffee to be available wherever they are – whether commuting, travelling or shopping.

In this episode, we explore the businesses redefining coffee service outside the traditional bricks-and-mortar model. From mobile coffee trucks to travel kiosks and small-format retail spaces, these operators are creating compact, high-impact coffee experiences, meeting consumer demand for specialty coffee wherever they are.

We’ll hear from Ant Duckworth, CEO & Founder, Dear Coco, Patrick Byrnes, Head of Operations, FCB Coffee, and Beatriz Ferreira, Co-founder, Swerl Coffee Roasters, to unpack shifting consumer habits and the opportunities emerging in small-format coffee service.

Credits music: "If I Fall" by Christie Huff in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective

Subscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear