

NEWMORROW SESSIONS - A PodCast Series on the Future of Hospitality
Mario C. Bauer, Florian Schneider, Axel Weber & Dr. Tillman Bardt
The Newmorrow PodCast is more than a podcast — it's a platform for open dialog on the future of our business, a platform for those building what doesn’t exist yet. Here, we share and embrace our passion for the hospitality industry, but we won’t romanticize the journey. We ask the tough questions, confront uncomfortable truths, and prepare for a future that resists easy answers. We believe that the tougher and wilder times become, the more openly, honestly and humanely people need to talk to each other and act together. We believe, openness, togetherness, and truthfulness should also be cornerstones of a professional community to develop our utopian idea of „open source“.
This is a space where visionaries don’t just imagine the future — they wrestle with the paradoxes that shape it: success vs. happiness, data vs. instinct, stability vs. reinvention. Join leaders, entrepreneurs, and thinkers as they share not what made them — but what’s actively shaping them, now and next.
So tune in, follow us and do not hesitate to interact with the group – we are human.
http://www.new-morrow.com
(C) NEWMORROW
MUSIC: HEAL ARMS INST MIX AB OZ PROVIDED BY MOBYGRATIS
This is a space where visionaries don’t just imagine the future — they wrestle with the paradoxes that shape it: success vs. happiness, data vs. instinct, stability vs. reinvention. Join leaders, entrepreneurs, and thinkers as they share not what made them — but what’s actively shaping them, now and next.
So tune in, follow us and do not hesitate to interact with the group – we are human.
http://www.new-morrow.com
(C) NEWMORROW
MUSIC: HEAL ARMS INST MIX AB OZ PROVIDED BY MOBYGRATIS
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 18, 2025 • 33min
Reflections from Greece – A NEWMORROW Retreat Special
In this special episode, the co-creators of NEWMORROW reflect on their first retreat held in the mountains of the Peloponnese, Greece. More than just a workshop or conference, this retreat became the beginning of a movement—a deeply personal and transformative experience.
Key Highlights
The Magic of MANNA: A secluded hotel in the Greek mountains that created the perfect atmosphere for slowing down and opening up.
"Professional Togetherness": A new way of collaborating—creative, honest, focused, and deeply personal.
Happiness as a KPI: Exploring how happiness, emotional health, and social connection can become measurable drivers of business and longevity.
Open-Source Thinking: Tackling challenges collaboratively instead of in isolation, with trust and transparency at the core.
Who is NEWMORROW for?: A call for open-minded, humble, curious leaders ready to co-create the future of hospitality.
What Comes Next: Reflections on how to grow NEWMORROW into a sustainable movement—lean, purpose-driven, and community-led.
One Word Takeaways
At the end of the episode, each speaker shares one word to summarize their personal takeaway from the retreat:
Florian: Encouraging
Axel: Trust
Tillman: Full-Contact
Join the Movement
Are you an entrepreneur or leader with heart, vision, and a desire for deep collaboration?
Do you believe in rethinking leadership and shaping a healthier, more connected future for hospitality? Then NEWMORROW might be for you. Reach out to us and become part of what’s next.
https://www.new-morrow.com/
MUSIC HEAL ARMS INST AB OZ PROVIDED BY MOBYGRATIS

May 14, 2025 • 53min
“Frustration doesn’t help”- Jessica Jeworutzki - Co-Founder and Co-CEO of “Brammibal’s Donuts”
From Doubt to Drive - Entrepreneurs Only.
This week with Jessica Jeworutzki, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of “Brammibal’s Donuts” www.brammibalsdonuts.com
Brammibal’s Dounts was founded by Jessica Jeworutzki and her partner Bram van Montfort in 2015. The aim: bringing vegan donuts to the Berlin market. Today Brammibal’s has 12 outlets in Berlin and Hamburg. 150 people staff are working in both cities.
What started in their apartment kitchen and with an online Etsy Shop is today Europe’s most popular vegan Donut bakery concepts with a 1000 sqm production site. Their start-up was already profitable in its first year and now generates sales in 10 millions.
Our guest has made it into the Forbes 30 under 30 list and is ranked amongst the OMR Top 50 (next to names like Toni Kroos and Susanne Klatten). Let’s dive into her incredible story and see what doubts and struggle she faced and how triathlon helped her to overcome them.
The main learnings from this conversation are:
-Do it yourself and combine it with passion
-Our business is a 24 hour commitment
-Allow yourself windows of weakness and anger
-Frustration doesn’t help
-You need to endure
-Don’t doubt yourself
Hit the subscribe button and hear more stories from successful entrepreneurs worldwide in hospitality, food and beverage, and related industries, as they share their inspiring journey FROM DOUBT TO DRIVE. Uncover their tools and tactics, shifts in mindset, and breakthrough moments - how they knew they were stuck and how they got out. Join our community & learn how you can move from DOUBT TO DRIVE.
© From Doubt to Drive Podcast, owned and operated Newmorrow
Recorded on October 24, 2024 via Zoom in Berlin, Germany (Jessica Jewowurtzki) – Amsterdam, Netherlands (Mario C. Bauer) – Hamburg, Germany (Florian Schneider)

Apr 16, 2025 • 49min
“See an opportunity and take it” - Delf Ness, Marketing & Communication Expert
From Doubt to Drive - Entrepreneurs Only.
This week with Delf Ness, marketing and communications expert (www.delf-ness.com)
Now and then we invite not only entrepreneurs from the hospitality industry but also specialist in psychology, marketing, personal and business development to reflect on what we learned. Delf Ness is a German marketing and communications professional with over two decades of experience in developing strategies, activations, and communications for brands, particularly in sponsorships and partnerships.
He has held significant roles in various organizations, including serving as the Marketing and Communications Director for the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
In addition to his professional endeavors, Delf has been actively involved in field hockey. And he has served as Vice-President Marketing & Communications of the German Hockey Federation (DHB). He is the founder of Alster Capetown Hockey project.
Delf has also held leadership positions in the corporate sector, including Chairman of the Board Deutsche Wasserkraft AG. Beyond his corporate and sports-related activities, he is involved in personal development and coaching, which focuses on personal growth, professional development, and sports. He recently published the book “Mutige Lebensreisen” (https://www.amazon.de/Mutige-Lebensreisen-verwirklichten-Erfahrungen-verändern/dp/300078750X?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=APLBV1JHFAE4S) where he interviews interesting individuals out of sport, business and society.
The main learnings from this conversation are:
Just do something. See an opportunity and take it
All comes down to people and communications
Mental strength is key
Get your kids to do teams sports – you learn to win and lose
You will never be your old self. Forget about the past but don’t ignore
You have to love yourself to be loved
Instagram: delfness
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/delf-ness-a7a85a81
Zum Buch: Web Inspiring-u.de oder Amazon
Zum Projekt
Instagram: alstercapetownhockeyproject
Web: alstercapetown.org
Hit the subscribe button and hear more stories from successful entrepreneurs worldwide in hospitality, food & drinks, and related industries, as they share their inspiring journey FROM DOUBT TO DRIVE. Uncover their tools and tactics, shifts in mindset, and breakthrough moments - how they knew they were stuck and how they got out. Join our community & learn how you can move from DOUBT TO DRIVE.
© From Doubt to Drive Podcast, owned and operated by Aperitivo International B.V
Recorded on April 8, 2024 via Zoom in London, UK (Tom Barton) – Bandarawella, Sri Lanka (Mario C. Bauer) – Amsterdam, Netherlands (Florian Schneider),

Mar 27, 2025 • 1h 1min
“I adore technology” - Dina Ravera, President of Destination Italia Group
In this episode of From Doubt to Drive, we chat with Dina Ravera, the powerhouse behind Destination Italia Group, a company listed on the Italian Stock Exchange. Dina’s journey from engineer in telecommunications to President of a travel tech company is nothing short of inspiring.
Founded in 2016, Destination Italia has revolutionized the travel industry by creating tailor-made itineraries and working with over 10,000 partners. The company specializes in travel technology, with a team of 120 people dedicated to making a difference in the tourism sector.
Dina shares her fascinating career path, starting with her role as the first Chairman in telecommunications, before moving into the hospitality sector.
Tired of her former job, Dina found a new passion mentoring young entrepreneurs and then shifted focus to Destination Italia's mission of promoting lesser-known Italian municipalities.
Destination Italia’s unique B2B model focuses on providing travel operators with alternative destinations, aiming to spread tourism beyond the overcrowded cities to the 7,000 small towns that are often overlooked. With 150,000 tourists using this service last year, Dina’s vision is to reach 3 million tourists soon. The company leverages AI and gamification to stay ahead in a highly competitive industry.
She also shares how the company faced major struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic and how she managed to list the company on the stock market, taking a big leap with a business partner she had only recently met.
A special highlight of the episode is Dina’s collaboration with Whoopi Goldberg, who promotes Destination Italia’s mission to save small Italian villages and put them on the global tourism map
Our Key Takeaways from Our Interview
Give value to the gift of life.
Follow opportunities – don’t let fear come in between.
Your duty is to do your best. Be useful.
Don’t close your eyes. Help when you can.
When you make a decision, don’t look back.
You cannot succeed without strong technology.
Speak to different people outside of your business if you are stuck to get a different perspective.
Big changes take time.
Help the people around you overcome challenges.
In crises, work on your fundamentals.
Here you can find more information about https://destinationitaliagroup.com/en/
Here you can find the White Paper we reference throughout the recording: https://docsend.com/view/k39mnmkghc9irid4
…
Hit the subscribe button and hear more stories from successful entrepreneurs worldwide in hospitality, food & drinks, and related industries, as they share their inspiring journey FROM DOUBT TO DRIVE. Uncover their tools and tactics, shifts in mindset, and breakthrough moments - how they knew they were stuck and how they got out. Join our community & learn how you can move from DOUBT TO DRIVE.
© From Doubt to Drive Podcast, owned and operated by Aperitivo International B.V
Recorded in 2024 via Zoom in Italy (Dina Ravera) – Sri Lanka (Mario C. Bauer) – Germany (Florian Schneider).

Mar 13, 2025 • 56min
“I am made out of Teflon” Robert Dahl, CEO & Creator Karls Erlebniswelt
From Doubt to Drive – Entrepreneurs Only
In this episode of From Doubt to Drive, we sit down with Robert Dahl, a third-generation leader of Karls, a powerhouse business that has evolved from a small fruit and vegetable stand to a retail, entertainment, amusement park, and hospitality empire. Named after his grandfather, Karl, who began selling produce nearly 100 years ago, Robert and his family have grown the business to generate over 200 million euros in sales annually, with six parks across Germany and an expansion planned in LA for 2027.
Robert shares insights into the challenges of running a family business, particularly in the third generation, and reflects on the identity crisis Karls faced a few years ago. Through a process of redefining their values and mission, they developed a powerful manifesto centered around their "big WHY." We explore the tough balancing act between family and business, as well as how Robert’s children have become his biggest influencers and the most challenging source of new ideas.
Robert also discusses a pivotal moment in his journey when his father gave him a letter in 1991, which outlined the family's history and strongly advised him to start his own strawberry farm. This letter not only guided Robert but was also crucial in securing the bank loan that would launch the next phase of their business.
In addition to business insights, Robert opens up about the personal struggles his family faced, including the failure of their second amusement park and how they rebuilt confidence in the aftermath. On a lighter note, Robert reveals how ice bathing helps him find calm amidst tough decisions and admits to his addiction to news – to the point where he’s had to uninstall the news app.
Our Key Takeaways from Our Interview
Try to inspire as many people as possible.
Running a company can be a lot of fun, with lots of freedom.
You need to change what you're doing when you're no longer proud of it.
Define how you want people to see you. For Karls, it was: Creative – Generous – Witty – Family-Oriented – Authentic – Loving – Natural.
Know your numbers. Daily. And act accordingly.
Make sure to secure a healthy cash flow, especially during phases of heavy growth.
Reduce the entrance barrier for your potential guests.
You need to be out of Teflon during crises.
Give power to your people to make decisions and take responsibility.
Get involved in the details.
Think in opportunities, not in problems.
Don’t focus on negative news in the world. They don’t change much.
In a crisis, you need to bring your things in order and clean up. This helps to find the problem and tackle it.
Here more Information about Karls; https://www.karls.de/
Here you can find the White Paper we reference throughout the recording: https://docsend.com/view/k39mnmkghc9irid4
…
Hit the subscribe button and hear more stories from successful entrepreneurs worldwide in hospitality, food & drinks, and related industries, as they share their inspiring journey FROM DOUBT TO DRIVE. Uncover their tools and tactics, shifts in mindset, and breakthrough moments - how they knew they were stuck and how they got out. Join our community & learn how you can move from DOUBT TO DRIVE.
© From Doubt to Drive Podcast, owned and operated by Aperitivo International B.V
Recorded on 7th January 2025 via Zoom in Germany (Robert Dahl) – Netherlands (Mario C. Bauer) – Germany (Florian Schneider).

6 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 1h 1min
“I have always been in doubt about everything” - Claus Meyer, serial culinary entrepreneur, co-founder of NOMA
Claus Meyer, a celebrated Danish restaurateur and co-founder of Noma, dives into the interplay between culinary art and social responsibility. He shares insights on how love is linked to deliciousness and the role of everyday happiness in motivation. Meyer discusses his efforts through The Melting Pot Foundation to use food as a tool for social change, addressing issues like poverty. He reflects on transforming despair into gratitude, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of purpose, emphasizing the healing power of communal dining.

Feb 6, 2025 • 51min
“Mental contrasting gives the possibility to overcome obstacles” Dr. Gabriele Oettingen, psychologist & creator of WOOP
From Doubt to Drive
This week with Dr. Gabriele Oettingen, a German psychologist and professor known for her pioneering work in the fields of motivation, self-regulation, and goal-setting. She teaches at New York University and the University of Hamburg. Gabriele Oettingen is best known for developing the concept of mental contrasting, a self-regulation strategy that helps people turn positive thinking into actionable plans by contrasting their desired future with present obstacles. She also created the WOOP method (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan), a practical application of her research that helps individuals achieve their goals.
Her book “Rethinking Positive Thinking: Inside the New Science of Motivation” challenges the idea that positive thinking alone leads to success, emphasizing the importance of confronting reality to foster meaningful progress.
The main learnings from this conversation are:
Only positive thinking can sap your energy
Daydreams about the future are important
Be honest about the obstacle
Mental contrasting gives the possibility to overcome obstacles
Doubts are not the problem, not looking at them, that’s the problem
Look at the wish in the context of your doubt
Tune in and listen to Dr. Gabriele Oettingen and learn how you can apply the WOOP method and other tools for goal settings and achievements. In addition, please check out the website (https://woopmylife.org) and downlowd the WOOP kit under the practice section and the new WOOP App.
Hit the subscribe button and hear more stories from successful entrepreneurs worldwide in hospitality, food & drinks, and related industries, as they share their inspiring journey FROM DOUBT TO DRIVE. Uncover their tools and tactics, shifts in mindset, and breakthrough moments - how they knew they were stuck and how they got out. Join our community & learn how you can move from DOUBT TO DRIVE.
© From Doubt to Drive Podcast, owned and operated by Newmorrow
Recorded on May 21, 2024 via Zoom in Hamburg Germany (Dr. Gabriele Oettingen) – Bandarawella, Sri Lanka (Mario C. Bauer) – Hamburg, Germany (Florian Schneider),

Jan 29, 2025 • 24min
“Only you can do it, but you are more than one!” Special episode: Newmorrow starts now
From Doubt to Drive - Entrepreneurs Only.
This week with Axel Weber, Tillman Bardt, Mario C. Bauer and Florian Schneider, the founders of Newmorrow
Tune in and listen to our special episode where we give you an update on the preparation of our NEWMORROW Think Tank Retreat https://www.new-morrow.com that takes place in Greece beginning of April.
We also talk about what is planned and what will happen at Manna Arcadia (www.mannaarcadia.gr), a hidden gem in the outback of the Greek Peloponnese.
It will be a very special gathering of esteemed entrepreneurs of the hospitality industry, and we are really looking forward to it. If you want to learn more or even be part of it, tune in now!
Hit the subscribe button and hear more stories from successful entrepreneurs worldwide in hospitality, food & drinks, and related industries, as they share their inspiring journey FROM DOUBT TO DRIVE. Uncover their tools and tactics, shifts in mindset, and breakthrough moments - how they knew they were stuck and how they got out. Join our community & learn how you can move from DOUBT TO DRIVE.
© From Doubt to Drive Podcast, owned and operated by Newmorrow
Recorded on January 22, 2025

Jan 22, 2025 • 58min
"I want to be the BEST in the World” Greg Flynn, Founder & CEO of the Biggest Franchisee in the World
From Doubt to Drive – Entrepreneurs Only
Today’s episode features an exciting conversation with Greg Flynn, the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of the Flynn Group, the world’s largest franchisee. With over 2.900 restaurants across three countries — the USA, Australia, and New Zealand — Greg operates well-known brands such as Applebee’s, Panera Bread, Taco Bell, Arby’s, Wendy’s, and Pizza Hut, in addition to 40 fitness clubs and 120 hotels. Since its founding in 1999, the Flynn Group has maintained an impressive 30% annual growth rate, generating $5 billion in sales, $450 million in profits, and employing over 75,000 people.
In this episode, Greg shares insights into what it takes to manage such a complex organization. He discusses how focusing on running restaurants well and having a solid structure to manage thousands of locations are key to his success as a franchisee. Greg also touches on how he’s created wealth for his employees, with more than 100 of them becoming millionaires through their work with the Flynn Group.
Greg also reflects on the challenges of financing a startup. He recounts how, at the beginning of his career, he struggled to secure funding and how franchising of bigger, more known brands helped him bridge that gap by lowering the financial risks. He’s become a strong advocate for franchising, explaining why he chose not to start his own brand but instead focused on acquiring and operating well-established brands as a franchisee.
The conversation then moves to the impact of COVID-19 on the Flynn Group. Greg shares how the pandemic affected his group of mostly full-service restaurants and how key decisions — like whether to close restaurants or keep them open, and whether to lay off staff or retain them — were critical to the company’s ability to recover faster than its competitors.
Looking ahead, Greg discusses the future of casual dining. He mentions the importance of staying relevant with comfort food and human interaction, noting that 2021 was the best year in the casual dining segment for his business. He also discusses his preference for acquisitions over building new restaurants from the ground up, with his largest acquisition in 2021, when he successfully integrated over 1,000 restaurants at once.
We also explore Greg’s international expansion strategy and when we might see the Flynn Group enter Europe.
This episode is full of valuable insights for anyone interested in the franchise industry, entrepreneurship, and the future of dining. Greg’s story is one of perseverance, smart decision-making, and visionary leadership, and he offers practical lessons on how to grow and sustain a successful business over time.
Our Key Takeaways from Our Interview
The most important success factor is running restaurants well.
You can be decentralized and disciplined at the same time.
The restaurant industry is highly cash-flow dependent.
If you manage well, every crisis is an opportunity.
Always be open to change and opportunities you don’t expect.
Be nimble and agile, adapting to ever-changing circumstances.
You can make money in a shrinking segment.
Make educated bets and isolate the risk involved. Don’t bet the farm.
If you are good at something, don’t believe you are good at everything.
You are in business for yourself, but not in business by yourself.
Local operators know better how to run a restaurant, which is why you need to push authority there.
Do it better and at a lower cost.
Human relationships in big structures are crucial.
Culture is built on empowerment, trust, and a drive to win.
Build a business you are proud of.
Be mindful about the risk adjustment for opportunities.
Here more Information about Flynn Group: https://flynn.com/
Here you can find the White Paper we reference throughout the recording: https://docsend.com/view/k39mnmkghc9irid4+
…
Hit the subscribe button and hear more stories from successful entrepreneurs worldwide in hospitality, food & drinks, and related industries, as they share their inspiring journey FROM DOUBT TO DRIVE. Uncover their tools and tactics, shifts in mindset, and breakthrough moments - how they knew they were stuck and how they got out. Join our community & learn how you can move from DOUBT TO DRIVE.
© From Doubt to Drive Podcast, owned and operated by Aperitivo International B.V
Recorded on 27th September 2024 via Zoom in San Francisco, US (Greg Flynn) – Sri Lanka (Mario C. Bauer) – Hamburg, Germany (Florian Schneider).

Jan 8, 2025 • 51min
"Picking the right founders is an art, not a science." - Darrel Connell, Managing Partner from IMBIBA
From Doubt to Drive – Entrepreneurs Only
Today, we have Darrel Connell with us, a trusted investor in our industry and Managing Partner at IMBIBA, a private equity fund specializing in the UK leisure sector. With over 25 years in the market, IMBIBA employs 14 investment specialists and manages €140 million, focusing primarily on F&B businesses such as Farmer J (www.farmerj.com) and Pizza Pilgrims (link to our podcast: https://t.ly/mznW8). Notably, IMBIBA is certified B-Corp.
Darrel discusses with us what makes a good investment: strong cash flow management, a high-quality team around the founder, proven consumer acceptance, and a solid property strategy—especially for emerging concepts. IMBIBA’s role is to support founders and their teams in areas where they might have weaknesses and to provide access to experienced management within the fund.
Darrel is the fourth investor featured on our show, alongside Henry McGovern (McWin) (https://shorturl.at/gClLc), Robin Rowland (TriSpan, https://t.ly/CkRdW), and Mats Lederhausen (https://t.ly/2WCga)
This highlights how critical funding and selecting the right financial partner are. We’ve also welcomed many entrepreneurs who have partnered with these private equity firms and shared their experiences, such as Victor Lugger, Laura Harper-Hinton, Alberto Cartasegna, and Thom Elliot and many more.
Mario, is also co-founder of White Space Partners, recently published a White Paper on “More than Money” (download here: https://tinyurl.com/WSP-2025-whitepaper ).
Back to the show, where Darrel dives into how to select the right concept within a crowded segment, such as pizza, and why IMBIBA chose to invest in Pizza Pilgrims. We also explore how IMBIBA balances providing operational support with giving entrepreneurs the freedom to make their own mistakes. Finally, we take a deep dive into the “brutal last five years” and the lessons learned.
Our Key Takeaways from an Industry Investor:
Look out for authenticity in your investments.
Get the property strategy right.
Don’t interfere in day-to-day operations.
Align with the founder’s strategy, not the investor’s strategy.
Be open about what a liquidity event means for the founders.
Resilience and adaptability of the team are key.
The restaurant industry is littered with “car crashes” of concepts growing too fast.
Picking the right founders is an art, not a science.
Money is always best spent on opening new stores and building out the team.
Insist on having a good CFO.
Investments need to be sustainable and scalable.
Allow the entrepreneur to fail—it’s part of the journey.
There are mistakes, and then there are MISTAKES.
Protecting cash during difficult times defines a great entrepreneur.
The mental health of the entrepreneur is crucial.
Motivate them to have a coach.
Encourage them to take holidays and go offline.
Entrepreneurs are humans with human problems.
Make it your default to help.
Too many people in the graveyard thought they were irreplaceable.
Mario frequently references the From Doubt to Drive White Paper, a summary of the first 30 podcasts featuring key learnings for entrepreneurs and leaders. You can download it here: https://shorturl.at/2REEy
…
Hit the subscribe button and hear more stories from successful entrepreneurs worldwide in hospitality, food & drinks, and related industries, as they share their inspiring journey FROM DOUBT TO DRIVE. Uncover their tools and tactics, shifts in mindset, and breakthrough moments - how they knew they were stuck and how they got out. Join our community & learn how you can move from DOUBT TO DRIVE.
© From Doubt to Drive Podcast, owned and operated by Aperitivo International B.V
Recorded on 12th November 2024 via Zoom in London, UK (Darrel Connell) – Steelhouse, Netherlands (Mario C. Bauer) – Hamburg, Germany (Florian Schneider).


