This week Michelle sits down with Steve Sidd, a leading figure in hospitality management and consulting, with over 28 years of experience. Despite a winter cold, Michelle couldn’t miss the opportunity to talk with Steve, whose journey in the industry—from opening his first restaurant at 18 to now managing over 13 venues and 350+ staff—offers powerful insights for hospitality professionals and business leaders alike. Steve shares pivotal moments from his career, the importance of nurturing and promoting talent within teams, and why staff retention is crucial for long-term business success. Discover how Steve and his company, Catering HQ, use automation and AI to streamline operations—freeing up staff for better customer service and a more rewarding workplace. You’ll also learn about “Hospo in a Box”, Steve’s innovative franchise system crafted to support small and regional venues struggling with staffing and operational challenges. Hear how this solution offers everything smaller operators need, from menu development to tech-enabled management systems, helping ensure product consistency and profitability across Australia. If you’re interested in restaurant management, hospitality industry trends, workforce planning, or how tech and people can work together for business growth, this episode is for you! To connect with Steve and learn more about Catering HQ's services, visit https://www.cateringhq.com.au.