Episodios
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Innovations in Disability Employment: An Insightful Discussion with Dr. Jenny Crosbie
Join co-hosts Andrea Comastri and Saraya O'Connell from Hotel Etico as they welcome Dr. Jenny Crosbie, a principal industry fellow at the Centre for Social Impact at Swinburne University, to discuss the WISE (Work Integration Social Enterprises) model and the unique WISEability model. The conversation includes an in-depth look at social enterprises, the evolution and funding of supported employment in Australia, and the importance of bridging the employment gap for people with intellectual disabilities. The discussion also highlights the live-in component of the Hotel Etico training program, further emphasizing the importance of independent living skills. There's a call for systemic change and collaboration to uplift existing disability infrastructures for better employment outcomes. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone passionate about social justice and disability employment.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
02:38 Meet Dr. Jenny Crosbie
03:28 The WISE Model and Social Enterprises
04:15 Jenny's Background and Passion for Social Justice
09:02 Challenges in Disability Employment
14:18 Segregated Education and Employment
20:24 Defining WISE and Wiseability
29:22 Adapting the WISE Model for Intellectual Disabilities
30:43 Challenges in Disability Employment
31:46 School Leaver Employment Support Programs
33:27 In Situ Learning and Training
34:41 Success Stories and Personal Journeys
36:22 Structured Pathways and Customization
40:38 Replicating and Scaling Employment Models
48:42 Funding and Sustainability of WISE Models
53:58 Future Directions and International Perspectives
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Quinn's Inspirational Journey: From Trainee to Accomplished Chef
In a special episode of 'Room For All,' hosts Andrea Comastri and Saraya O'Connell celebrate Andrea's birthday with an extraordinary guest, Quinn Jones. Quinn, one of the original trainees from the first intake back in 2021, shares his inspiring journey from a shy, reserved individual to a confident apprentice chef at the Fairmont. The episode delves into Quinn's unique upbringing by activist parents, his struggles and successes in various roles at Hotel Etico, and his ambitious goals, including buying multiple properties and aiming to make $100,000 a year by age 30. The emotional episode also highlights Quinn's perseverance, resilience, and continuous quest for self-improvement, making it a compelling watch filled with heartfelt moments and valuable life lessons.
00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement
01:53 Birthday Celebrations and Toasts
03:24 Meet Quinn Jones: Background and Early Life
09:30 Quinn's Education and Volunteer Work
14:39 Joining Hotel Etico and Early Impressions
27:56 Transition to Fairmont and High Tea Challenges
36:08 Starting an Apprenticeship in Commercial Cookery
36:45 Learning Process at TAFE
38:30 On-the-Job Training and Program Duration
39:34 Personal Goals and Achievements
41:46 Investing in Real Estate
44:21 Challenges and Support in Real Estate
51:20 Driving Milestones
59:00 Future Aspirations and Reflections
01:09:49 Final Reflections and Gratitude
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Training for Inclusion: Interview with Hotel Etico's Training Manager
In this episode of Room for All, hosts Andrea Comastri and Saraya O'Connell welcome special guest Nathalie Kasselis, the Training Manager at Hotel Etico. They discuss Nathalie's personal background, her passion for fitness, nature, and poetry, and her professional journey from finance to training. The conversation delves deep into the individualized training methods developed by Nathalie, focusing on strength-based, practical, and accessible approaches for trainees with disabilities. They also cover the importance of employer adaptability, the role of visual aids, and how to measure the success of training programs. Additionally, Nathalie shares her excitement about securing the Global Footprints scholarship and her upcoming trip to study disability employment inclusion overseas. This episode provides valuable insights into creating inclusive workplaces and tailored training programs.
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
01:49 Meet Nathalie Kasselis: Our Training Manager
03:25 Nathalie's Background and Journey
04:20 Role and Responsibilities of a Training Manager
06:41 Training Approach and Curriculum Development
16:03 Measuring Success and Challenges
19:34 Advice to Employers
21:11 Breaking Down Barriers in Society
22:20 Addressing Skill and Need Gaps
23:11 Practical Examples and Solutions
24:33 Tools and Adjustments for Accessibility
26:08 Visual Aids and Training Efficiency
27:33 Implementing Accessibility in the Workplace
34:34 Global Footprints Scholarship
38:08 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
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Customer Service and Guest Experience - Featuring Samantha Cox
In this episode of 'Room for All,' Andrea Comastri and Saraya O'Connell, hosts from Australia's first social enterprise hotel, Hotel Etico, dive into the world of inclusive employment. They discuss the importance of creating opportunities for people with disabilities, particularly in customer-facing roles within the hospitality industry. Joined by Samantha Cox, former EA to Sir Richard Branson and founder of Samantha Cox International, they explore leadership, guest experience, and the impactful training provided at Hotel Etico. Through inspiring conversation and practical insights, this episode showcases how businesses can lead the charge toward inclusion and build meaningful careers. Tune in for a heartwarming discussion filled with personal stories, valuable takeaways, and a touch of fun.
00:00 Introduction to Room for All Podcast
00:10 Meet Your Hosts: Andrea and Saraya
00:35 Mission and Vision of Hotel Etico
00:47 Podcast Content Overview
01:33 Starting the Episode
01:45 Casual Morning Banter
02:31 Introducing Samantha Cox
03:40 Samantha's Early Life and Travel Adventures
07:16 Career Journey: From UK to Australia
09:29 Working with Richard Branson
10:44 Life on Necker Island
24:35 Leadership Insights and Lessons
26:04 Leading by Example: The Core of Leadership
26:46 Empathy in Leadership: A Strength, Not a Weakness
27:48 The Importance of Honest Feedback
28:39 Authenticity and Vulnerability in Leadership
30:41 The Loneliness of Leadership
31:23 First Impressions and Customer Service
33:36 Enhancing Guest Experience: Practical Changes
38:16 Continuous Improvement and Team Engagement
43:47 The Unique Value of Hotel Etico
49:03 Wrapping Up: Reflections and Future Plans
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Exploring Social Enterprise with Sally McGeoch - Inclusion in Hospitality Podcast
Join hosts Andrea Comastri and Saraya O'Connell on the Room for All - Inclusion in Hospitality podcast as they welcome special guest Sally McGeoch. In this episode, Sally shares her inspiring journey from growing up in a family business committed to inclusive employment to becoming a Senior Advisor at Westpac Foundation. Learn about her work supporting social enterprises, including her involvement with the Bread and Butter Project and her ongoing PhD research on collaboration and scale in the sector. Discover the impactful initiatives of the Westpac Foundation and get insights into the challenges and opportunities for work integration social enterprises. Whether you're passionate about social impact or curious about the future of inclusive business models, this episode has something for you!
00:00 Introduction and Host Banter
02:20 Introducing the Guest: Sally McGeoch
03:32 Sally's Background and Early Influences
05:29 Career Path and Social Enterprise Involvement
10:29 Westpac Foundation's Mission and Impact
18:15 Challenges and Successes in Social Enterprise
25:11 Collaborative Efforts and Future Goals
31:28 Collaborative Practices and Ecosystem Growth
32:08 Streat's Strategic Shift and Purpose Precinct
33:37 Whitebox's Payment by Outcomes Initiative
35:49 Challenges and Successes in Social Enterprise Models
38:33 Jigsaw's Collaborative Approach
45:11 Future Prospects and Personal Reflections
56:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Westpac Foundation - https://www.westpacfoundation.com.au/
Social Outfit - https://thesocialoutfit.org/
Bread and Butter Project - https://thebreadandbutterproject.com/
White Box Enterprises - https://whiteboxenterprises.com.au/
Streat - https://streat.com.au/
Jigsaw - https://jigsawaustralia.com.au/ -
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Welcome to Room for All!
Join hosts Saraya O'Connell and Andrea Comastri as they discuss Hotel Etico's innovative Program Elevate with guest Mariella Cuttonaro. This initiative focuses on transitioning individuals with disabilities from supported employment to open employment in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Learn about Mariella's extensive experience in the field, the genesis of the program, challenges faced, and the positive impact of inclusive hiring. The episode delves into the specifics of Program Elevate, its phases, and goals, providing invaluable insights for employers and disability employment services. Stay tuned to uncover how this program is making strides toward true inclusion in the workforce!00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Guests
02:14 Mariella's Background and Family Business
04:01 Transition to Recruitment and Personal Life
05:35 Challenges in Employment Services
08:35 Joining Hotel Etico for Pilot Project Local Tourism Navigator
16:48 Structural Adjustment Fund and Future Plans
22:29 Setting Ambitious Goals for Employment
22:59 Building a Supportive Community
23:19 Collaborating with Co-Hive Hub
24:58 Program Structure and Phases
29:50 Partnering with Torrens University
31:40 Challenges in Disability Employment Services
36:56 Advice for Employers on Inclusivity
40:52 Wrapping Up and Future Plans
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Creating Inclusive Employment: Hotel Etico's Journey with Scott Bear
In this episode of 'Room for All,' hosts Andrea Comastri and Saraya O'Connell delve into inclusive employment for people with disabilities, featuring Scott Bear, General Manager of Mercure Sydney Manly Warringah. They discuss the success of Hotel Etico, a social enterprise providing career opportunities in hospitality, and highlight Scott's passion for inclusion influenced by his upbringing and experiences. Scott shares insights on starting the Young Hotel Leaders group, his professional journey, and the cultural shifts in the workplace prompted by inclusive hiring practices. The conversation also explores accessibility challenges in the hospitality industry and the importance of creating meaningful and inclusive guest experiences.
00:00 Introduction to Room for All Podcast
00:10 Meet the Hosts: Andrea and Saraya
01:51 Special Guest: Scott Bear
02:33 Scott's Journey in Hospitality
03:36 Young Hotel Leaders Initiative
07:38 First Impressions of Hotel Etico
14:42 Sam's Journey at Mercure Manly
18:28 Scott's Passion for Inclusion
28:33 Progress in Inclusion and Accessibility
29:12 Innovative Programs and New Hotel Builds
30:50 Impact of Inclusive Culture
33:00 Personal Reflections and Charity Work
35:53 Fundraising Challenges and Industry Support
37:47 Career Aspirations and Industry Insights
46:08 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans
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In this reflective episode of 'Room for All,' hosts Andrea Comastri and Saraya O'Connell discuss their journey with the podcast, personal challenges, and their mission for inclusion in the hospitality industry. They delve into their demanding schedules, touching on personal life pressures, leadership struggles, and the importance of self-care. The episode includes light-hearted moments, such as planning a wine tasting, celebrating small wins, and recounting humorous interactions with guests. Andrea and Saraya also announce upcoming episodes and fundraising challenges, including a nerve-wracking skywalk and a skydive. The conversation concludes with mutual appreciation and gratitude, underscoring the importance of recognizing achievements and supporting each other in leadership roles.
00:00 Starting the Recording
01:57 Introduction to the Podcast
02:27 Wine and Whining
04:12 Reflecting on Past Episodes
08:02 Leadership Challenges and Personal Struggles
14:19 Facing Fears and Fundraising
21:09 Upcoming Events and Awards
24:28 Burnout and Self-Care
28:52 Introduction to SK Bodyworks
29:00 Holistic Wellbeing and Mental Health
29:44 Fitness and Leadership
30:23 Celebrating Successes
31:18 Friday Night Fun
33:36 Upcoming Podcast Episodes
34:41 Rapid Fire Questions
45:17 Leadership and Appreciation
50:06 Final Thoughts and Farewell
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White wine: Arneis, Nahsdale Lane, Orange, https://nashdalelane.com/
Red wine: Tash, Adelaide Hills, 2023 https://thethiefwnes.com.au
Scenic World Beyond Skyway: https://www.beyondskyway.com.au/
Skydive Australia: https://www.skydive.com.au/ -
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Empowering Inclusive Careers in Hospitality: Insights and Strategies
In this insightful episode of Room for All, hosts Andrea and Saraya engage in an enlightening discussion with Sofia Ballone, Employment Manager at Hotel Etico, about the importance of inclusive hiring practices in the hospitality industry. The episode delves into Sofia's background, her passion for human rights, and her commitment to aiding trainees with disabilities in securing meaningful employment. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of employment, tackling barriers such as staff shortages, immigration policies, and outdated recruitment processes. Emphasizing practical work experience and innovative recruitment strategies, the episode offers actionable solutions for integrating individuals with disabilities into the workforce. Sofia shares the significance of extending work experience, providing support for complex hiring processes, and leveraging government funding for necessary workplace adaptations. The cultural benefits of inclusivity are underscored through case studies and real-world examples, demonstrating the positive impacts on workplace dynamics and employer attitudes. The episode concludes with a motivational note on resilience and persistence, encouraging employers to embrace inclusivity and listeners to stay tuned for more inspiring content.
00:00 Welcome to Room for All
01:44 Meet Sophia Ballone
02:22 Sophia's Role at Hotel Etico
03:31 Sophia's Background and Inspiration
07:27 The Importance of Inclusive Hiring
13:56 Challenges and Misconceptions in Hiring
27:15 Exploring Innovative Tools in Hospitality
28:02 Impact of Employing Individuals with Disabilities
31:50 Training and Support for Employers
37:51 Challenges in Creating Lasting Careers
39:40 Support Systems and Employer Collaboration
42:17 Encouraging Inclusive Hiring Practices
44:22 Personal Reflections and Closing Remarks
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Empowering Through Hospitality: The Story of Hotel Etico
This episode of Room For All features hosts Andrea and Saraya O'Connell alongside guest Tracylee Arestides, delving into the inspiring journey of Hotel Etico. The conversation spans from Tracy's personal story as a mother of a child with Down Syndrome to the establishment of Hotel Etico, a pioneering initiative that trains and employs individuals with disabilities in the hospitality sector. It covers the key contributions of figures like Niccolo, Trevor Graham, and strategic partnerships with entities like the University of Technology and the Salteri family. The script highlights the significant milestones from networking efforts in Spain, obtaining crucial funding, and forming a solid board to present-day successes. The discussion also explores the symbolic meaning of Hotel Etico's logo, the challenges in disability employment, the importance of inclusion, fair wages, and changing societal perceptions. The episode underscores the systemic changes needed to foster an inclusive environment and reflects on the continuous aspirations to expand across Australia.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:48 Meet Traceylee Arestides
03:12 Tracylee's Journey with Down Syndrome
05:19 Discovering Hotel Etico
13:01 Bringing Hotel Etico to Australia
16:22 Building the Foundation
22:04 Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success
25:07 The Importance of Long-Term Vision
25:26 Meeting Jon Ackary and His Impact
27:19 The Vision for Hotel Etico
28:40 Expanding Hotel Etico Across Australia
29:20 The Symbolism Behind the Logo
33:38 Challenges and Misconceptions in Disability Employment
40:34 The Value of Employing People with Disabilities
42:59 Reflections and Future Plans
45:48 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
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Embracing Inclusion: The Journey and Mission of Hotel Etico
In this series, hosts Andrea Comastri and Saraya O'Connell introduce listeners to 'Room for All,' a podcast dedicated to sharing the mission and vision behind Hotel Etico, Australia's first not-for-profit social enterprise hotel. They explore the origins of Hotel Etico, its Italian roots, and how it serves as a pathway to independence for young adults with disabilities through employment and training programs. The hosts also delve into the broader objective of creating the most inclusive tourism and hospitality industry in the world, emphasizing the importance of training for both trainees and employers. Personal stories highlight their diverse backgrounds, extensive experience in social impact, and commitment to fostering inclusivity. Interviews with key figures, such as Tracylee Arestides and Alex Toselli, provide insights into the operational and emotional aspects of running the hotel. The podcast outlines future topics on disability employment and industry insights, ultimately aiming to inspire and educate listeners about the transformative power of inclusive employment and social enterprise.
00:00 Introduction to Room for All
01:39 The Vision Behind Hotel Etico
02:00 Starting the Podcast Journey
02:33 The NoVacancy Event
03:16 The Birth of the Podcast Idea
08:32 Hotel Etico: Australia's First Social Enterprise Hotel
12:13 The Training Program for Young People with Disabilities
19:19 The Social Enterprise Model
22:14 Meet Andrea Comastri
24:13 Starting Out at Grace Brothers
25:48 A New Opportunity in Non-Profit
26:53 Journey in Philanthropy and Social Enterprises
28:09 Personal Life and Family
29:38 Saraya's Background and Early Life
31:37 Saraya's Career in Disability Services
35:04 Andrea and Saraya's Partnership
40:33 Introduction to the Podcast
42:16 Future Episodes and Guests
44:12 The Significance of Hotel California
46:07 Wrapping Up
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Welcome to Room for All, the podcast dedicated to exploring inclusive employment, particularly for people with disabilities. Hosted by Andrea Comastri and Saraya O'Connell from Hotel Etico, Australia’s first not-for-profit social enterprise hotel, this episode delves into breaking barriers in the workplace, with a focus on hospitality and customer-facing roles. Listeners will hear success stories, best practices, and interviews with industry leaders from various sectors, all sharing a commitment to inclusion. Perfect for business owners, inclusion advocates, and anyone interested in the future of work.
00:00 Introduction to Room for All Podcast
00:10 Meet Your Hosts: Andrea and Saraya
00:35 Mission and Vision of Hotel Etico
00:47 What to Expect in This Podcast
01:11 Join Us on This Journey
