The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald

By: Ashleigh and Michael Donald
  • Summary

  • Welcome to "The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh & Michael Donald". With over 40 years working in the hospitality industry, we’ve had some incredible experiences, and as a husband-and-wife team, we continue to forge a path through business and life. Through this podcast, we would like to share some of these experiences and hope that we can help anyone who is on a similar journey.
    Ashleigh and Michael Donald
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Episodes
  • Episode 12: Social Media Strategies with Kerry Metcalfe
    Dec 4 2024

    In the final episode of the first season of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael welcome special guest Kerry Metcalfe, founder of KMedia. Together, they explore the influence of social media in hospitality marketing and offer some practical strategies to enhance brand engagement, increase bookings, and build lasting guest loyalty.

    Kerry shares her expertise on leveraging platforms like Instagram and Facebook, navigating influencer collaborations, and creating authentic, engaging content tailored to the fast-paced digital landscape. Discover the value of balancing promotional and community-driven posts, how to use reels and carousels effectively, and why a solid organic strategy is key before investing in paid campaigns.

    Connect with Us:

    • Email: ⁠⁠podcast@gohalo.co.uk

    • Website:⁠⁠ www.gohalo.co.uk⁠⁠ and KMedia

    • Instagram: ⁠⁠@haloitsmichael⁠⁠, ⁠⁠@haloitsashleigh⁠⁠ and @kerrymetcalfe_

    • LinkedIn: ⁠⁠Halo Business Consulting⁠⁠ Kerry Metcalfe

    Don’t forget to like, subscribe, or follow “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald” on your preferred podcast platform. Please get in touch if you would like to see us discuss a particular subject in the next season of The Halo Effect.

    We would love to invite fellow hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs join us on future episodes so please DM us via socials or email podcast@gohalo.co.uk if you are interested.

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Episode 11: Technology in Hospitality with Harry Fielder
    Nov 27 2024

    In this episode, Ashleigh and Michael Donald are delighted to be joined by Harry Fielder, CEO of Umi Digital and Chair of the Hospitality Marketing Association.

    Together, they discuss the evolving role of technology in the hospitality industry, from the rise of connected property management systems to the increasing influence of AI and automation.

    Harry shares some remarkable insights, including the important role that friction plays in the guest experience, the complexities of integrating tech stacks, and how human brilliance will always rise to the top in a future of AI-driven tools. Watch out for a few curveball ideas that Harry throws into the discussion too!

    Connect with Us:

    • Email: ⁠⁠podcast@gohalo.co.uk

    • Website:⁠⁠ www.gohalo.co.uk⁠⁠

    • Instagram: ⁠⁠@haloitsmichael⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠@haloitsashleigh⁠⁠

    • LinkedIn: ⁠⁠Halo Business Consulting⁠⁠ & Harry Fielder

    Don’t forget to like, subscribe, or follow “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald” on your preferred podcast platform. Please get in touch if you would like to see us discuss a particular subject on a future episode.

    We would love to invite fellow hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs to join us on future episodes, so please DM us via social media or email podcast@gohalo.co.uk if you are interested.

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    44 mins
  • Episode Ten: Hospitality Trends with The Halo Effect
    Nov 20 2024
    In Episode Ten of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael Donald guests onto the podcast for the very first time! Together with ⁠Joanna Fisher⁠ and ⁠Ros Hardiman, we explore the power of people-led strategies, the evolving role of technology, and the importance of authenticity in guest experiences. From insights gained at major industry events like WTM and the Independent Hotel Show to personal reflections on transitioning to independent consultancy, Joanna and Ros share invaluable lessons from their accomplished careers. Whether you’re navigating rising costs, fostering employee engagement, or embracing flexibility, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration for hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs alike. Joanna Fisher is a seasoned Commercial Director with over 25 years of experience driving sales, marketing, and revenue strategies across leading hospitality brands, including Kew Green Hotels, IHG, Starwood, and The Ascott Group. Known for her innovative approach, she has led teams through transformative change, developed industry-first models like the “Commercial Hub,” and delivered exceptional revenue growth and operational efficiencies. A mentor and industry advocate, Joanna combines strategic vision with tactical execution to inspire teams and deliver outstanding results for stakeholders. Ros Hardiman is a dynamic HR leader with a career spanning senior roles in luxury hospitality, leisure, and multi-site operations. With expertise in organisational design, workforce transformation, and embedding company values, she has driven impactful change at companies like Kew Green Hotels, Wentworth Club, and the Gordon Ramsay Group. Passionate about talent development and employee engagement, Ros combines strategic vision with a deep understanding of the commercial impact of people on business success. An advocate for hospitality as a rewarding career, she is a trusted coach, conference presenter, and partner to senior leaders navigating complex challenges. Connect with Us: Email: ⁠⁠podcast@gohalo.co.uk Website:⁠⁠ www.gohalo.co.uk⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@haloitsmichael⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠@haloitsashleigh⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠Halo Business Consulting⁠⁠ LinkedIn: Ros Hardiman LinkedIn: ⁠⁠Joanna Fisher Don’t forget to like, subscribe, or follow “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald” on your preferred podcast platform. Please get in touch if you would like to see us discuss a particular subject on a future episode. We would love to invite fellow hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs join us on future episodes so please DM us via socials or email podcast@gohalo.co.uk if you are interested.
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    43 mins

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