SPEAKING

Paul’s hands-on, no-nonsense approach has led him from work as a casual bartender to working his way up to General Manager of the 251-bedroom Crowne Plaza Newcastle hotel, with extensive event space and leisure facilities.   

Under Paul's leadership, Crowne Plaza Newcastle has achieved outstanding results even in the face of the challenges posed by the global pandemic and more recently the rising operating costs and labour shortages.  

  To change the perception of the industry among young people and address labour shortages across the UK, Paul actively engages with schools, colleges, and universities as a guest lecturer and speaker. In particular, he is enthusiastic about empowering young people to succeed in unconventional career paths, building positive and constructive team dynamics, and using feedback productively to grow and innovate.  

SPEAKER TOPICS

  • In this talk, Paul will inspire and empower young people to consider a range of career opportunities. Drawing from his own experiences, he will share valuable insights on how to navigate unconventional career paths, seize opportunities, and succeed, regardless of the industry. 

  • In this engaging talk, Paul explores the crucial role of cultivating the right workplace culture, drawing from his extensive experience in transforming team dynamics. He emphasises that a positive, people-first culture is not just a "nice-to-have," but essential for business success, particularly in industries where customer experience is key.  

  • "We found Paul's presentation very interesting , engaging and very informative and had impact for the level of students attending . It was made simple for the students to understand and take on board".

    Bill Johnston, Senior Lecturer, Darlington College

  • "Paul has been an invaluable support to the Hospitality and Catering department at New College Durham, helping to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry needs. He has played a key role in the development of our Level 4 Hospitality Management qualification modules, providing expert insights into industry requirements. His guidance has helped ensure that our curriculum is both relevant and aligned with what students will face in the real world".

    Leanne Cheek, New Durham College

  • "Paul delivered an outstanding presentation to our Gateshead College students about building a successful career in the hospitality industry and his personal journey to becoming a General Manager. His talk was refreshingly honest, engaging, and genuinely inspiring. Paul’s openness about the realities of the sector, combined with his clear passion for hospitality, really resonated with our students."

    Louise Grant, Lead Practitioner and Teacher in Hospitality, Events, Customer Service, Travel and Tourism. 

     

  • "What makes Paul such a powerful speaker is his authenticity and approachability. My students, many of them unsure about their place in the industry, listen closely when Paul speaks. He doesn’t pretend that hospitality is easy. But he makes it feel worth it. And that’s a rare gift. Paul's commitment to supporting emerging professionals in hospitality is also remarkable. He has become a trusted mentor to many of my students, offering guidance and encouragement as they take their first steps into the industry. His influence has made a lasting difference in their confidence and career ambitions."

    Dr Serkan Uzunogullari,
    Programme Leader for International Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Sunderland

BOOK PAUL AS YOUR NEXT GUEST SPEAKER TODAY