Special - I'm In - Hands Across the Water with the HTMi
04/17/25 • 48 min
I'm In Special – The Institute of Hospitality’s Official Podcast in association with the Hotel Management and Tourism Institute Switzerland (HTMi)
Podcast Sponsored by: LeonardoHotels UK & Ireland
Host: Phil Street FIH
Guests:
- Sofia Muchova
- Jane Kalenichenko
- Ali Alkubaish
- Patricia Cobasnean
- Ciprian Voinea
Artwork and Branding: Sonia Cresswell (MIH)
Music by: Leon Williams (FIH)
Hands Across the Water: Opportunities and Challenges for International Students
In this special edition of the Institute of Hospitality's official podcast, host Phil Street is joined by a dynamic group of past and present students from the Hotel and Tourism Management Institute of Switzerland (HTMi). This episode dives deep into the experiences, opportunities, and challenges faced by international hospitality students today.
From cultural integration to leveraging technology, this conversation is full of insights and practical advice for students and industry professionals alike.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
- The appeal of hospitality education at HTMi and its unique offerings
- Real-world experiences and how internships play a crucial role in a student's career development.
- Navigating cultural differences and the power of adaptability in the hospitality industry.
- Current challenges in the industry, including the rise of AI and environmental concerns.
- The importance of soft skills, networking, and being open to global opportunities.
Why Our Guests Said, “I’m In!” and chose the HTMi to start their career in hospitality
Sofia: Passionate about hospitality's blend of luxury and personal interaction, Sofia chose HTMi for its strong reputation and real-world learning approach.
Ciprian: With a 14-year career in hospitality, Ciprian sees the value in HTMI's connections and hands-on learning, which set the foundation for his successful career so far.
Jane: Drawn by the international nature of hospitality and the stunning location of HTMi, Jane appreciates the dynamic and multicultural environment of the industry.
Ali: Aiming to align his career with Saudi Arabia's vision for hospitality, Ali values the extensive internship opportunities and practical experience offered by HTMi.
Patricia: From high school jobs to professional growth, Patricia sees HTMi as a place that shapes both personal and professional development.
Outstanding Quotes from the Episode:
- "The industry needs to think differently. Co-leadership and job-sharing could be the future of hospitality leadership." – Ali
- "Be empathetic. Embrace cultural diversity and develop strong networking skills." – Ciprian
- "Master the soft skills such as empathy, communication, because this is actually a universal language for the industry." – Jane
To learn more about the HTMi, visit their website at https://htmi.ch/
Join the Conversation:
Twitter/X: @IoH_Online
Instagram: @ioh_online
LinkedIn: Instituteof Hospitality
Tune in to explore the future of hospitality through the eyes of international students poised to lead the industry forward!
We’d love your feedback!
Want to share your thoughts or put yourself forward as a future guest? Contact Phil Street at [email protected]
I'm In Special – The Institute of Hospitality’s Official Podcast in association with the Hotel Management and Tourism Institute Switzerland (HTMi)
Podcast Sponsored by: LeonardoHotels UK & Ireland
Host: Phil Street FIH
Guests:
- Sofia Muchova
- Jane Kalenichenko
- Ali Alkubaish
- Patricia Cobasnean
- Ciprian Voinea
Artwork and Branding: Sonia Cresswell (MIH)
Music by: Leon Williams (FIH)
Hands Across the Water: Opportunities and Challenges for International Students
In this special edition of the Institute of Hospitality's official podcast, host Phil Street is joined by a dynamic group of past and present students from the Hotel and Tourism Management Institute of Switzerland (HTMi). This episode dives deep into the experiences, opportunities, and challenges faced by international hospitality students today.
From cultural integration to leveraging technology, this conversation is full of insights and practical advice for students and industry professionals alike.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
- The appeal of hospitality education at HTMi and its unique offerings
- Real-world experiences and how internships play a crucial role in a student's career development.
- Navigating cultural differences and the power of adaptability in the hospitality industry.
- Current challenges in the industry, including the rise of AI and environmental concerns.
- The importance of soft skills, networking, and being open to global opportunities.
Why Our Guests Said, “I’m In!” and chose the HTMi to start their career in hospitality
Sofia: Passionate about hospitality's blend of luxury and personal interaction, Sofia chose HTMi for its strong reputation and real-world learning approach.
Ciprian: With a 14-year career in hospitality, Ciprian sees the value in HTMI's connections and hands-on learning, which set the foundation for his successful career so far.
Jane: Drawn by the international nature of hospitality and the stunning location of HTMi, Jane appreciates the dynamic and multicultural environment of the industry.
Ali: Aiming to align his career with Saudi Arabia's vision for hospitality, Ali values the extensive internship opportunities and practical experience offered by HTMi.
Patricia: From high school jobs to professional growth, Patricia sees HTMi as a place that shapes both personal and professional development.
Outstanding Quotes from the Episode:
- "The industry needs to think differently. Co-leadership and job-sharing could be the future of hospitality leadership." – Ali
- "Be empathetic. Embrace cultural diversity and develop strong networking skills." – Ciprian
- "Master the soft skills such as empathy, communication, because this is actually a universal language for the industry." – Jane
To learn more about the HTMi, visit their website at https://htmi.ch/
Join the Conversation:
Twitter/X: @IoH_Online
Instagram: @ioh_online
LinkedIn: Instituteof Hospitality
Tune in to explore the future of hospitality through the eyes of international students poised to lead the industry forward!
We’d love your feedback!
Want to share your thoughts or put yourself forward as a future guest? Contact Phil Street at [email protected]
Previous Episode
#043 - I'm In - Women in Hospitality
This Podcast is Sponsored by Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland
https://www.leonardohotels.co.uk/
Host:
Phil Street FIH
Guests:
Liz Hartstone (Board of Trustees, IOH & Hospitality Recruitment Specialist)
Natalie Campbell (Co-CEO, Belu Water)
Sana Bhati (Senior Sales Executive, Vacherin)
Artwork and Branding: Sonia Cresswell (MIH)
Music by: Leon Williams (FIH)
Women in 2025: The Future of Leadership in Hospitality
March marks International Women’s Day, and what better time to shine a spotlight on incredible women in hospitality? This month, Phil sat down with Liz Hartstone, Natalie Campbell, and Sana Bhati to explore the evolving landscape of leadership and opportunity for women in the industry.
From breaking down barriers to rethinking leadership models, this episode is packed with inspiration, insight, and actionable takeaways for hospitality professionals at all levels.
In this episode, we discuss:
The biggest barriers women face in leadership – and how to overcome them
The confidence gap: why self-belief is key and how to build it
The power of networking, mentoring, and support systems
Flexible working and new leadership models – is job-sharing the future?
How businesses can create more opportunities for women in leadership
The role of men as allies in driving meaningful change
Why Our Guests Said, “I’m In!”
Liz Hartstone:
A long-time advocate of networking and mentorship, Liz believes the Institute of Hospitality plays a crucial role in helping women navigate career progression, find confidence, and build meaningful industry connections.
Natalie Campbell:
Inspired by the passion for service and hospitality, Natalie joined the IOH to connect with like-minded professionals and challenge traditional leadership norms. She believes in Shine Theory – when women lift each other up, everyone benefits.
Sana Bhati:
After discovering the IOH at a networking event, Sana saw the potential for growth, learning, and community. She credits the organization with helping her develop her confidence and professional network in the early stages of her career.
Outstanding Quotes from the Episode:
"You shine, I shine. This isn’t about women competing; it’s about lifting each other up." – Natalie Campbell
"Women are their own worst critics – we need to recognise our value and step forward with confidence." – Liz Hartstone
"The industry needs to think differently. Co-leadership and job-sharing could be the future of hospitality leadership." – Natalie Campbell
"If everyone in the room looks like you, someone is missing." – Natalie Campbell
"Employers must do more to support flexible working – when they do, everyone wins." – Liz Hartstone
Join the Conversation:
Twitter/X: @IoH_Online
Instagram: @ioh_online
LinkedIn: Institute of Hospitality
Tune in now for an eye-opening discussion on the future of women in hospitality leadership!
We’d love your feedback! Want to share your thoughts or put yourself forward as a future guest? Contact Phil Street at [email protected]
Next Episode
#044 - I'm In - The Importance of Industry Collaboration
This Podcast is Sponsored by Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland
https://www.leonardohotels.co.uk/
Host:
Phil Street FIH
Guests:
● Michael Kill FIH (CEO, Nighttime Industries Association)
● Emma McClarkin OBE FIH (CEO, British Beer and Pub Association)
● Robert Richardson FIH (CEO, Institute of Hospitality)
Artwork and Branding: Sonia Cresswell (MIH)
Music by: Leon Williams (FIH)
CEO Collaboration: Why Working Together is the Key to Hospitality’s Future
In an extraordinary episode, Phil brought together the CEOs of three major forces in the UK’s hospitality landscape: the Night time 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 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
Join the Conversation
Website: https://www.instituteofhospitality.org/
Twitter/X: @IoH_Online
Instagram: @ioh_online
LinkedIn: Institute of Hospitality
Tune in now for a behind-the-scenes look at how real collaboration happens at the top, and what it means for every professional in hospitality.
We’d love your feedback! Want to share your thoughts or put yourself forward as a future guest? Contact Phil Street at [email protected]
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