In this episode, host Michelle Pascoe sits down with Michael Johnson, inaugural CEO of Accommodation Australia, who guided the hotel sector through COVID-19, coordinated quarantine hotels with just 48 hours’ notice, and spearheaded the long-awaited merger of Australia’s two peak accommodation bodies.
Now retired from executive leadership, Michael is channelling his passion into ReLove, a Sydney charity furnishing homes for people escaping homelessness and domestic violence. By connecting hotels undergoing refurbishments with families in need, ReLove is also helping the sector achieve its ESG goals — a win for people and the planet.
Key Points
How mentoring and saying “yes” can transform careers
What Michael learned from crisis leadership during COVID-19
Why the Accommodation Australia merger finally succeeded
How ReLove is repurposing furniture to create dignity-filled homes
Ways you can support the movement
Timestamps
0:00 – Intro
2:30 – From Diesel Mechanic to Hospitality
7:20 – Early Hotel Lessons & Mentors
12:15 – Culture Shock: Sydney’s King’s Cross
17:10 – Career Growth: F&B to Management
22:00 – Training as a Chef & Expanding Skills
26:50 – Leadership in Hotels & Transitions
31:40 – Steering TAA Through COVID
37:15 – Hotel Quarantine & Crisis Leadership
41:45 – Amalgamating Industry Bodies
45:55 – Lessons in Resilience & Adaptability
48:25 – The ReLove Initiative & Impact
51:20 – Global Potential & Closing Reflections
Next Steps + Resources
Support Relove (donate quality furniture, volunteer, or partner via ESG); https://www.relove.org.au/
Work With Michelle
Michelle Pascoe helps hospitality leaders build multigenerational teams, lift service standards, and embed values-led culture. Book customer service workshops, and middle-management programs tailored to clubs, hotels, and hospitality venues.
Visit the website to learn more; https://www.michellepascoe.com/traininganddevelopmentprograms
Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify; https://www.michellepascoe.com/The-Michelle-Pascoe-Hospitality-Podcast
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