In Episode 21 of the Kith & Kin podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Gareth Hazard and Alex Munford to explore their journeys through the hospitality industry. Their stories remind us of the core values that make hospitality so special: connection, courage, and a drive to nurture and support others.
Hospitality as a Journey: Learning Through Experience
Both Gareth and Alex have taken very different paths into hospitality, yet their stories share common threads of hard work, resilience, and an unwavering love for the industry.
For Gareth, the journey began at just 14 years old when he asked for a junior chef's class for his birthday. From this seemingly uncool gift, a lifelong passion was born. Whether it was working behind the bar, opening a nightclub, or running his own venue at 25, Gareth’s curiosity and eagerness to learn propelled him forward. However, his path wasn’t without its challenges.
At 28, Gareth made the incredibly brave decision to walk away from his first business, handing the keys back despite having no job lined up. He describes the decision as "chopping off a limb," but it was one that ultimately protected his health and well-being. This courage to let go, to acknowledge when something no longer aligns, is a powerful lesson for anyone in hospitality.
For Alex, the path was less linear. Hospitality was something he “fell into” after trying other industries, including yacht building. Over time, he realised that hospitality was always his constant—a place where his efforts matched his rewards. However, it was the pandemic that solidified his mission to “put the hospitality back into hospitality.” Alex’s honesty about prioritising titles and pay in his early career is a cautionary tale about leadership. He shared that chasing roles, often at the expense of relationships, left him unfulfilled. Now, his focus is on nurturing teams and driving meaningful, lasting change.
Courage to Evolve: Mistakes as Moments of Growth
One of the most refreshing moments in our conversation was when Gareth and Alex reflected on their mistakes. In an industry as dynamic as hospitality, mistakes are inevitable, but it’s how we learn from them that defines us.
Gareth’s mistake came from taking a role that didn’t align with his values. Despite red flags from day one, he pushed through, driven by the need for a steady income. Ultimately, the misalignment led to his probation being ended—an experience Gareth now describes as a relief. It was this moment that spurred him to follow his instincts and create something authentic: Why Hospitality.
For Alex, the mistake was placing titles above all else. His laser focus on promotions and pay rises came at the cost of relationships and his own sense of purpose. It wasn’t until he stepped back and re-evaluated his priorities that he began to find true satisfaction in his role as a leader.
These candid stories highlight a key Kith & Kin value: mistakes are opportunities for growth. Whether it’s stepping away from a misaligned role or rethinking your leadership style, every challenge presents a chance to evolve.
Why Hospitality: A Love for People and Possibility
When asked why they remain so devoted to hospitality, both Gareth and Alex pointed to its unique ability to reward hard work, nurture teams, and create lasting connections.
For Gareth, it’s all about people. He shared a powerful story of recruiting a young team in Biggleswade, including a 16-year-old with incredible courage and confidence. Her journey from her first hospitality role to working for Disney Cruises reflects the impact that great leaders can have. Hospitality, at its best, is about building people up, equipping them with skills, and watching them flourish.
For Alex, it’s the clear link between effort and reward. Hospitality is an industry where what you put in is what you get out. He sees the opportunity to rebuild the industry’s culture and values—something that feels more vital now than ever before.
The Mission Behind Why Hospitality
Gareth and Alex have partnered to create Why Hospitality, a business built on the belief that the industry needs more support, connection, and accessible resources. Their work focuses on four key pillars:
Training and workshops for businesses big and small.
Consulting support to help managers and owners succeed.
Free resources to ensure knowledge is accessible to everyone in the industry.
Recruitment solutions to address ongoing staffing challenges.
What sets Why Hospitality apart is its heart. Gareth and Alex’s shared passion for supporting businesses—particularly small businesses—reflects the values at the core of the hospitality industry: generosity, community, and care.
Final Thoughts: A Call to Courage and Connection
Gareth and Alex’s stories serve as a reminder of why hospitality matters. It’s an industry built on people—on teams, on guests, and on the leaders who nurture those around them. Their journey embodies the Kith & Kin values of courage, connection, and the belief that we are stronger when we support one another.
Whether it’s having the bravery to walk away, the humility to learn from mistakes, or the drive to make the industry better for the future, their experiences inspire us to reflect on our own journeys.
To connect with Gareth and Alex or learn more about Why Hospitality, you can find them on LinkedIn or visit their website at www.whyhospitality.com.
At Kith & Kin, we celebrate these stories because they remind us of the beauty, resilience, and humanity of hospitality. Here’s to the courage to evolve, the passion to serve, and the connections that keep us coming back for more.
