Host: Cassie Davison
Guest: Lauren McCormick, General Manager, Omi Bar, Leicester

Episode Summary
In this deeply inspiring episode of The Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast, Cassie sits down with Lauren McCormick, General Manager at Omi Bar, Leicester, and finalist for General Manager of the Year at the Kith & Kin Hospitality Awards.

Lauren’s remarkable story takes her from living on the streets and in supported accommodation to building a thriving career in hospitality. She shares how the industry became her “real-life therapy,” providing purpose, belonging, and the opportunity to make a difference to others’ lives.

Key Highlights

1. From Survival to Success:

   • How Lauren overcame a difficult start, living on the streets and supported accommodation, to begin her hospitality career at 16 as a glass collector.
   • Rising step-by-step through the industry: from bar staff to supervisor and now General Manager of Omi Bar.

2. The Power of Hospitality:

   • How hospitality became an extension of family and a place of belonging during challenging times.
   • Why creating a welcoming, compassionate environment for guests and team members is central to Lauren’s approach.

3. Career Challenges & Lessons Learned:

   • Managing the transition from peer to leader and the pitfalls of hiring friends.
   • The importance of internal team relationships for delivering exceptional customer experiences.

4. Lauren’s Vision for the Future:

   • Her dream of opening a late-night venue and breathing new life into UK nightlife.
   • Plans to relocate to London to further develop her experience and career in the big city.

Memorable Quote
"Hospitality gave me a family when I didn’t have one. It’s not just a job – it’s a place where we can make someone’s day better, no matter what they’re going through." – Lauren McCormick

Connect with Lauren McCormick

• LinkedIn: Lauren McCormick
• Email: laurenmc98@outlook.com

📺 Watch the Full Episode on YouTube 🎥:
Watch here on the Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast Channel

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