From Michelin-rated Kitchens to CEO Mindset: The Truth About Hospitality Leadership
What does true excellence in luxury hospitality really look like behind the scenes? In this episode of the Social Hotelier Podcast, Sam Erik Ruttmann sits down with Chef Franck Desplechin to explore the realities of leadership, culture, and transformation in high-performance hospitality environments.
From Michelin-star kitchens and global luxury resorts to building his own consultancy, Franck shares powerful insights on leadership development, operational excellence, mentorship, and entrepreneurship—including why culture, not strategy, defines success, and how today’s leaders can build teams that truly deliver world-class guest experiences. Franck Desplechin is a seasoned hospitality leader, former Executive Chef, and Director of Food & Beverage with over 25 years of global experience in luxury hotels and resorts.
“Excellence has to become personal… without waiting for someone to tell you what to do.”
He is the founder of Incrementum, a consultancy focused on leadership development, coaching, and operational transformation in hospitality. Franck is also the author of Relentless Growth, where he distills decades of experience into a framework for personal and professional excellence. Known for his focus on culture, mentorship, and sustainable leadership, he works with organizations worldwide to elevate performance and redefine modern hospitality leadership.
✅Social and website placeholders
✅Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franck-desplechin/
📺Guest Website: https://www.cheffranck.com/
✅Host Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-erik/
🎙️Podcast Website: https://podcast.show/the_social_hotelier_show/
✍🏻Newsletter / Substack: https://substack.com/@samerikruttmann
Sponsorship Inquiries: https://b8bhospitality.com/contact-us/
✅If you’re serious about building high-performing teams and redefining excellence in hospitality, this episode is a must-watch.
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