Michael Dargie on Creative Strategy, Storytelling & Making Your Brand Unforgettable

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with Michael Dargie — branding strategist, creative thinker, and author of BrandJitsu — for a sharp, no-fluff conversation on how brands are really built, why most messaging fails, and how hospitality (and beyond) can stop chasing trends and start creating meaning.This episode is a deep dive into brand clarity, creative discipline, and strategic storytelling — with real-world applications for operators, founders, and creatives alike.🧠 What You’ll Learn• Michael’s path into branding and the philosophy behind BrandJitsu• Why most brands confuse noise with impact — and how to cut through• The difference between branding, marketing, and storytelling (and why it matters)• How creative constraints can actually unlock stronger brand identity• Live Q&A: applying BrandJitsu thinking to hospitality, personal brands, and businesses⏱ Timestamp Highlights (Approximate)• 00:02:30 – Michael’s background and the origin of BrandJitsu• 00:14:00 – Why most brands fail: clarity vs chaos• 00:28:00 – Creative discipline, constraints, and brand consistency• 00:42:30 – Live Q&A: applying branding frameworks to real businesses• 00:57:00+ – What strong brands get right — and where most go wrong🎯 Who It’s ForHospitality operators, founders, creatives, marketers, and leaders who want to build brands with intention, stop chasing applause, and create identities that actually resonate — internally and externally.✅ If You Loved This Episode• Hit Like• Subscribe and tap the 🔔 for more conversations on leadership, creativity, and brand strategy• Drop your favourite BrandJitsu insight or question in the comments• Share this episode with your team, creative partners, or anyone responsible for “the brand.”

DOWNLOAD Business Clarity Workbook - https://www.soolehospitality.com/free-resources-1/business-clarity-workbookWelcome back to the Post Shift Podcast! I'm bringing back the Tuesday episodes, the Post Shift Shots, to offer more insights that don't always fit into my interviews. My goal is to provide clarity and motivation to the community, focusing on personal development and a positive thinking mindset for success.

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with Sean Finter — operator, trainer, and mastermind behind some of North America’s most respected hospitality playbooks. From frontline execution to strategic leadership, Sean breaks down how to build systems, culture, and habits that help teams scale without losing soul.🧠 What You’ll Learn• Sean’s journey from bartending and FOH leadership into building playbooks that transform teams• How systems, rituals, and repeatable frameworks reduce chaos and drive consistency• The difference between compliance and ownership — and how to foster accountability• Practical tools for coaching, KPIs, training cycles, and team psychology• Live Q&A: real-world problem solving, service scenarios, and legacy thinking⏱ Timestamp Highlights (Approximate)• 00:02:45 – Sean’s origin story: from bar shifts to leadership frameworks• 00:14:30 – What makes a playbook work: clarity, simplicity, adoption• 00:28:15 – Coaching teams: accountability, standards, and culture velocity• 00:42:50 – Live Q&A: service challenges, scaling teams, and keeping morale strong• 00:57:00+ – Leadership habits: vision, structure, and servant leadership in action🎯 Who It’s ForHospitality leaders, general managers, beverage directors, trainers, and operators who want to move from reactive management to proactive, scalable culture systems — building hospitality that works no matter the floor plan.✅ If You Loved This Episode• Hit Like• Subscribe and tap the 🔔 to stay up to date with weekly strategy sessions• Drop your favorite Sean Finter insight or service question in the comments• Share with your team or anyone building culture from the ground up

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with chef-entrepreneur and hospitality operator Calen McNeil, founder of Zambris and Big Wheel Burger. Calen breaks down how he’s built loyal teams and passionate communities around two distinctly local brands — one rooted in elevated comfort and community dining (Zambris), and the other in iconic burgers with personality (Big Wheel Burger). This conversation bridges operational strategy, culture building, and creative hospitality that resonates beyond the plate.🧠 What You’ll Learn• Calen’s journey from first shifts to building two beloved hospitality brands focused on people first.• The culture and DNA behind Zambris — how atmosphere, approachability, and intentional design create memorable guest experiences.• Why Big Wheel Burger works as both local favourite and community hub — blending great food with genuine hospitality.• How team culture, leadership style, and communication drive employee retention and guest loyalty.• Live Q&A: managing growth, balancing creativity with consistency, and keeping hospitality human at scale.⏱ Timestamp Highlights (Approximate)• 00:02:30 – Calen’s early hospitality roots and the vision behind his brands• 00:14:00 – Building culture at Zambris: craft, community, and experience• 00:28:15 – The story of Big Wheel Burger: personality, consistency, and local love• 00:42:00 – Live Q&A: scaling teams, operational clarity, and creative growth• 00:56:45+ – What’s next: new ideas, community engagement, and future plans🎯 Who It’s ForRestaurant owners, operators, chefs, beverage directors, and hospitality leaders who care about building brands rooted in culture, connection, and community — not just menus and margins.✅ If You Loved This Episode• Tap Like• Subscribe and hit the 🔔 to stay locked into more hospitality strategy & culture talks• Drop your favourite Calen insight or question in the comments• Share this with your team, your chef friends, or anyone building communities through food and drink

In this special seminar recorded live at Portland Cocktail Week, Shawn Soole delivers one of his most personal and impactful talks: Turn & Burn to Build & Belong — a deep dive into the culture of hospitality, the burnout cycle, and how operators and bartenders can reclaim purpose, connection, and long-term belonging in this industry.Drawing from decades of experience behind the bar, in management trenches, and in mentorship roles, Shawn breaks down how the industry got here, what needs to change, and how teams can build workplaces people want to stay in.SLIDE DECK AND DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES - https://www.proof-and-practice.com/pdxcw-from-turn-burn-to-build-belong/seminar-deck🧠 What You’ll Learn• Why “turn & burn” culture became the norm — and why it’s no longer sustainable• How to build belonging, identity, and community inside your venue• Systems, training, and culture frameworks that reduce turnover and increase engagement• What real leadership looks like in 2025: clarity, accountability, and daily habits• How operators can create workplaces where people grow instead of grind• Live Q&A insights from attendees at Portland Cocktail Week⏱ Timestamp Highlights (Approximate)• 00:02:15 – Opening: the reality of “turn & burn” and its impact on teams• 00:11:40 – The psychology of belonging: why people stay (or leave)• 00:24:00 – Building systems that support culture, not replace it• 00:37:20 – Leadership in practice: accountability without intimidation• 00:52:10 – Q&A: retention strategies, communication habits, and operator pitfalls• 01:03:00+ – Closing: why belonging is the future of hospitality🎯 Who It’s ForBar managers, operators, owners, bartenders, educators, and hospitality leaders who want to build teams that stay, grow, and belong — not just survive the shift.✅ If This Seminar Resonated With You• Hit Like• Subscribe and tap the 🔔 for more leadership, culture, and operations conversations• Leave a comment with your biggest takeaway or how your venue is tackling culture• Share this with your team, management group, or anyone building hospitality from the inside out

In this episode, host Shawn Soole sits down with longtime industry veteran John Gakuru — a globally seasoned bar professional, brand strategist, and now founder of Coruscent Co.. John brings decades of experience across continents, from managing classic cocktail venues in London to shaping global spirits distribution and now advising on some of the most forward-looking spirits and hospitality projects worldwide. 🧠 What You’ll Learn• John’s journey through multiple continents — from bartending and bar management in London during the early cocktail-renaissance days, to global brand ambassadorships and trade marketing roles across Australia, Europe, and the US. • Why he believes bars are “safe spaces” — social places that no algorithm or app can replicate, and his vision for hospitality rooted in authenticity, culture, and human connection. • The founding and mission behind Coruscent Co.: building brand strategies, global events, and international trade relationships that honor people, place, and product.• His role on the board of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation and how initiatives like “Beyond the Bar” aim to support well-being, education, and inclusion for hospitality professionals worldwide. • Live Q&A: insights on global brand strategy, navigating multiple markets, supporting mental health in hospitality, and what it means to build spaces (and brands) with integrity and purpose.⏱ Timestamp Highlights (Approximate)• 00:02:45 – Early days: London’s bar scene and the roots of Gakuru’s global hospitality journey• 00:14:00 – Transition from bartending to brand ambassadorship & global trade marketing• 00:28:00 – Launching Coruscent Co.: vision, values, and global brand building• 00:42:00 – Why bars still matter — community, authenticity, and human connection in a digital world• 00:58:00+ – Q&A: wellness in hospitality, cross-continental perspectives, and what’s next on John’s horizon🎯 Who It’s ForHospitality operators, bar owners, brand builders, beverage directors — or anyone interested in understanding how global experience, cultural sensitivity, and strategic thinking can shape the future of hospitality and spirits.✅ If You Loved This Episode• Hit Like• Subscribe and tap the 🔔 to catch more global-minded hospitality conversations• Drop your favorite John insight or a question in the comments• Share this episode with your team, colleagues, or anyone passionate about where the bar world is headed

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with renowned drinks author and journalist Noah Rothbaum — a true heavyweight in cocktail culture and spirits storytelling. From deep dives into whiskey history to thoughtful reflections on the role of media in shaping how we drink, Noah delivers a conversation full of insight, perspective, and passion. 🧠 What You’ll Learn• Noah’s journey: from writing culture and news to becoming one of the world’s most respected spirits writers and editors.• Why whiskey — and cocktails — aren’t just drinks, but lenses into history, geography, culture, and community. • Behind the scenes of his latest major work: how thorough research, curiosity, and storytelling combine to create reference-level content about spirits. • The importance of context — understanding brands, origins, and narratives — when tasting or writing about spirits.• Live Q&A: media, mentorship, the future of cocktail journalism, and what keeps Noah passionate about spirits and writing.⏱ Estimated Timestamp Highlights• 00:02:30 – Noah’s origins as a writer and how he found his footing in the spirits world• 00:14:00 – What whiskey means: from label to history, and how narratives shape perception• 00:28:00 – The craft of writing about drinks: research, context and responsibility in storytelling• 00:42:00 – The role of media and writing in shaping cocktail and whiskey culture• 00:58:00+ – Live Q&A: advice for writers, bartenders, and anyone curious about spirits — and where things go from here🎯 Who It’s ForBartenders, beverage directors, writers, bar-owners, and curious drinkers — anyone who believes a good drink deserves a good story. If you care about history, context, and giving spirits the respect they deserve, this episode is for you.✅ If You Loved This Episode• Hit Like• Subscribe and tap the 🔔 to stay updated with more deep dives into the world of drinks, culture, and hospitality• Share your favourite Noah insight — or ask your own question — in the comments• Share this episode with your bar team, peers, or fellow spirits lovers

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with industry legend Sean Kenyon—third-generation bartender, owner of the award-winning Williams & Graham and more—where they explore the true meaning of bar culture, legacy, and operational excellence. Sean brings decades of experience shaping top-tier beverage programs, mentoring teams, and crafting spaces that matter. 🧠 What You’ll Learn• Sean’s journey from the pubs of New Jersey into becoming an American Bartender of the Year and visionary bar creator. • The philosophy behind Williams & Graham, Occidental, and American Bonded: how space, story, and service merge into destination bars. • How mentorship, team culture, and the front-line staff form the backbone of any lasting program.• Real operational insight: designing bar layouts, service flow, and adapting through change. • Live Q&A: reflections on legacy, resilience, the future of bartending, and what “craft” still means in today’s world.⏱ Timestamp Highlights (Approximate)• 00:02:45 – Sean’s early career: growing up behind the bar and embracing hospitality as heritage• 00:14:00 – Founding Williams & Graham: vision, identity, and setting the standard• 00:28:30 – Expanding with Occidental & American Bonded: applying craft across formats• 00:40:50 – Operational deep dive: bar design, efficiency, staffing, and culture• 00:57:20+ – Q&A: mentoring the next generation, maintaining relevance, and what comes next🎯 Who It’s ForBartenders, bar managers, beverage directors, hospitality operators, and anyone who’s serious about building a program with longevity, purpose, and authenticity.✅ If You Loved This Episode• Hit Like• Subscribe and tap the 🔔 to catch more conversations with the bar world’s best• Share your favourite Sean Kenyon insight or ask your question in the comments• Share this episode with your team, peers, or anyone passionate about the craft of hospitality

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with hospitality trail-blazer April Wachtel — a bartender-turned-entrepreneur with more than 25 years in the beverage world, now founder and CEO of Cheeky Cocktails. She opens up about shifting from behind the bar to building a scalable brand, and how she’s helping both professionals and home enthusiasts elevate their game. 🧠 What You’ll Learn• How April progressed from busser and bartender to brand ambassador for major spirits companies — and finally to creating her own line of professional-grade mixers and syrups. • The story of Cheeky Cocktails: why she spotted a gap in the mixer market, how she rebranded and scaled during the pandemic, and what “premium cocktail ingredients made accessible” really means. • Key lessons in entrepreneurship: product development, early-stage manufacturing, route-to-market strategy, and how to survive in a male-dominated industry. • Live Q&A: focusing on how to start with small budgets, build brand equity, navigate failure, and make a meaningful impact in the beverage industry.⏱ Timestamp Highlights (Approximate)• 00:02:30 – April’s early hospitality beginnings: bartending, beverages, brand work• 00:14:00 – Recognizing the gap: why mixers and syrups needed a rethink in the craft-cocktail era• 00:28:00 – Building Cheeky Cocktails: pivots, scaling, distribution & pandemic dynamics• 00:42:00 – Live Q&A: advice on entrepreneurship, inclusion, and staying creative behind the scenes• 00:58:00+ – What’s next: product innovation, education, and building community around the bar-to-business journey🎯 Who It’s ForBartenders, beverage directors, hospitality entrepreneurs, CPG founders, and anyone curious about how the bar world and product world intersect — how you turn craft into brand and experience into scale.✅ If You Loved This Episode• Tap Like• Subscribe and hit the 🔔 to catch more live conversations with industry makers• Leave a comment with your favourite April insight — or ask your burning question about starting a beverage brand• Share this episode with your bar team, your network of creators, or anyone looking to make their mark in hospitality

In this episode, Shawn Soole talks with Lindsey Johnson — founder of Lush Life Productions, creator of Camp Runamok, and organizer of PDXCW — about her mission to uplift hospitality professionals through education, grassroots activism, and creative collaboration. Lindsey shares stories of building communities, offering inclusive training, and using limited resources to drive change. 🧠 What You’ll Learn• Lindsey’s journey from bartender to community builder and educator. The philosophy behind her grassroots bar tours, training pop-ups, and hospitality pop culture events. How “jam econo” (doing more with less) informs her approach to building educational spaces for bartenders. • Stories of organizing on the road — pop-ups, training, pop culture collabs, and social advocacy in hospitality. • Live Q&A: scaling community events, hospitality activism, and empowering bar professionals through inclusivity and education.⏱ Timestamp Highlights (Estimated)• 00:02:45 – Lindsey’s background and how she began building Lush Life Productions.• 00:14:20 – The story behind Camp Runamok and the philosophy of grassroots training.• 00:28:00 – PDXCW: designing workshops and events for the community. • 00:42:10 – Live Q&A: empowering bartenders, building inclusive cultures, activism.• 00:58:00+ – What’s next: future events, education programs, and community growth.🎯 Who It’s ForBartenders, hospitality professionals, educators, event organizers, and anyone who wants to build meaningful communities, create inclusive learning experiences, or make an impact through hospitality. If You Loved This Episode• Hit Like• Subscribe and ring the 🔔 for more conversations with industry changemakers• Share your favourite Lindsey insight or question in the comments• Share this with your team, your colleagues, or anyone in the hospitality community