5 Star Conversations

<p>In this episode of 5 Star Conversations, Julian Clark, CEO of Lancemore Group, reflects on an unexpected journey into hospitality leadership. Although he began his career in financial services and strategy roles in...

<p>Dominic Egger’s episode of 5 Star Conversations is a wide-ranging look at what modern resort leadership really takes — from goal-setting and disciplined operations to guest experience, technology, and sustainability...

<p>For this Best Of 2025 edition of 5 Star Conversations, we asked a deceptively simple question: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received throughout your career? What emerged was not a list of neat soundbites, but a...

<p>This compilation brings together one of the most consistent and heartfelt themes from 5 Star Conversations in 2025: advice for those entering, or considering, a career in hospitality. Across roles, regions and career...

<p>Marcus Hanna, Chief Operating Officer at La Vie Hotels & Resorts, shares a 25-year journey from banquet waiter at Sydney’s Regent (now Four Seasons) to leading luxury assets across Australia and Singapore—including...

<p>Zoran Pejović, Chief Growth & Strategy Officer at Lošinj Hotels & Villas, joins us from Croatia to unpack two decades across luxury development and operations (Aman, Silversea, Celebrity). He shares how a scholarship...

<p>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 initially...

<p>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 early exposure to...

<p>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 properties in Thailand to...

<p>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 stepping outside his...

<p>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 hospitality, Rene...

<p>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 initially...

<p>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 public policy. While...

<p>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 management. Dean...

<p>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 and his vision for...