Sustain is a podcast for leaders, and those who want to become leaders in food, drink, and hospitality who know the status quo isn't good enough. Hosted by David Chenery, co-founder of Reassemble, a London-based sustainable design studio pioneering a Restorative Design Framework, the show explores how to build cultures, systems, and spaces that don't just do less harm — but actively do good.
Over the past five years, Reassemble has partnered with visionary clients like Green Michelin-starred chef Chantelle Nicholson, GAIL's Bakery, and the National Trust to prove that sustainability and commercial success can thrive together.
At the heart of every conversation is one defining question: What's the least you can do to be excellent? Through candid interviews and real-world case studies, Sustain reveals how successful brands embed sustainability, design for impact, and create change with defiant, clear-eyed hope.
This is the show for anyone ready to lead the next era of hospitality — intelligently, creatively, and sustainably.
Why no guest reads your impact report, with Grace Greensitt
In this episode of Sustain, David talks to Grace Greensitt, founder and CEO of GSI, a platform that helps hotels and venues communicate their sustainability work clearly and build trust with guests, corporate buyers and investors.
Grace explains why sustainability works best when it's part of great hospitality rather than a separate department or a tab on the website. She shares how to tailor the story to different audiences, from wellness-led spa guests to conference organisers who need carbon data, and why giving people clear information beats telling them what to think. They also cover greenhushing, why certifications need explaining, the trap of data dumping, and the brands getting it right.
Grace Greensitt (https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-greensitt/)
GSI (https://gsi-hospitality.com/)
Rebel Ideas by Matthew Syed
26 Oct 2026
What does it really mean to travel sustainably? Juliet Kinsman asks if luxury hospitality could be part of the solution.
David Chenery speaks with acclaimed travel writer Juliet Kinsman about rethinking sustainability in hospitality.
From supporting local economies to redefining luxury through authenticity and human connection, Juliet explores how travel can create positive change. They also discuss the power of storytelling, the challenges of greenwashing, and why travelling better starts with understanding where our money goes.
A fresh perspective on how hospitality can do more good with less.
Juliet Kinsman (https://www.julietkinsman.com)
Conde Nast Traveller (https://www.cntraveller.com)
Craving Texture (Substack)
Humankind by Rutger Bregman
12 Oct 2026
What people get wrong about culture and hiring with Lauren Linford
A strong workplace culture is essential to building a successful and sustainable hospitality business, but the right culture looks different for everyone. Lauren Linford, founder of Home Hospitality, shares her insight on the industry's high staff turnover, the challenges of zero-hour contracts, and the importance of creating an environment where employees understand what culture they are working in and feel valued and supported within it. Drawing on her experience at Pizza Express and Cote before now specialising in recruitment, Lauren explains how businesses can build loyalty, encourage long-term commitment, and balance high standards with employee well-being.
Lauren Linford Substack (https://laurenlinford.substack.com/)
Dan Pink (https://www.danpink.com/)
Emma Grede (https://www.emmagrede.me/)
Chapters
(00:00) Why workplace culture matters in hospitality
(00:59) The importance of autonomy, mastery and purpose at work
(01:29) Meet Lauren Linford, founder of Home Hospitality
(02:00) Why hospitality struggles with staff retention
(04:56) Are zero-hour contracts really the problem?
(06:13) Why poor employment practices matter more than contract types
(06:36) What makes a great workplace culture?
(08:04) Why the right culture looks different for everyone
(08:49) Challenging hospitality's culture of constant hard work
(09:25) Different perspectives on work-life balance
(10:23) Why independent hospitality businesses deserve a different approach to recruitment
(13:01) The importance of relationships beyond recruitment
(14:29) Common hiring mistakes hospitality businesses should avoid
(16:04) Why overselling a role can damage staff retention
(17:29) The value of honesty and realistic expectations when hiring
(17:58) Simple ways to make employees feel valued
(19:26) Why employee benefits should reflect individual needs
(20:34) What larger businesses can learn from independents
(21:21) Why genuine effort makes a difference to workplace culture
(21:29) Putting human connection at the heart of hospitality
(22:30) Making hospitality careers work for parents
(25:09) Why flexibility should evolve with employees' lives
(26:02) Rethinking traditional working arrangements in hospitality
(26:50) How a nine-day fortnight can benefit teams and businesses
(27:24) Practical ways to support working parents
(28:13) Recruitment red flags worth paying attention to
(29:44) Why contracted hours should be the norm
(30:48) The importance of reviewing outdated employment contracts
(31:04) Hospitality experiences worth seeking out
(31:53) What makes The Palomar's dining experience stand out
(32:30) Why having it all isn't always realistic
(33:56) Understanding the trade-offs between work and life
(34:18) A book worth reading: Emma Grede's Start With Yourself
(35:29) The value of being realistic about career and life choices
(35:49) Final thoughts and where to connect
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