Join us as we explore the global golf industry with Nathanael Pietrzac-Swirc, CCM, CEO of UGolf International. Discover insights on international golf management, leadership challenges across cultures, and the booming development of golf in Africa and emerging markets.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nathaniel Piazak-Svertz

00:59 Nathaniel's Journey in Golf Management

04:08 Choosing UGolf: A Calculated Bet

09:10 UGolf's Global Operations and Management

11:37 Motivating and Training Staff in Africa

15:43 Challenges of Training and Service Standards

24:28 Government Investment in Golf in Africa

28:48 Future of Golf Development in Africa

31:38 Navigating Historical Context in Golf Development

35:11 Lessons Learned in Leadership and Management

UGolf International - https://ugolf-international.com

CMAE (Club Management Association of Europe) - https://www.cmae.org

This episode is brought to you by

Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace. The most trusted name in executive search and consulting. People focused, quality driven. https://kkandw.com

Club Connections. Club Connections works with private clubs globally to strengthen member experience through better communication, storytelling and engagement. Founded by Emily McCarvill, the business partners with clubs to ensure the way they communicate reflects the culture and standards behind the gates. https://www.linkedin.com/company/clubconnections/

SHANX Mini Golf. SHANX Mini Golf is an Australian company known for producing some of the world's best mini golf courses. https://shanxminigolf.com.au

They’re not the typical novelty putt-putt with windmills and clowns—instead, they build bespoke, high-quality 18-hole courses using synthetic turf, challenging terrain inspired by actual golf, often located at or near real golf clubs. Their architect is responsible for a few world top 100 golf courses too!

Contact the SHANX team and mention BTG podcast for a complimentary site feasibility assessment!

We are joined by M. Kent Johnson, CCM, CCE, ECM, the GM/COO of Baltimore Country Club.

The conversation explores the importance of work-life harmony and fostering a positive work culture in club management. It delves into the challenges of balancing work and personal life, the definition of work-life harmony, and the strategies for building a positive work culture. The conversation covers the importance of maintaining non-negotiable standards, adapting values, and learning from mistakes.

It also delves into the challenges of correcting people, transitioning to leadership roles, empowering and letting go, the importance of asking questions, and the role of governance and leadership in organizational culture.

Takeaways

• Work-life harmony
• Creating a positive work culture Non-negotiable standards
• Learning from mistakes

Chapters

• 00:00 Balancing Work and Life
• 10:04 Building a Positive Work Culture
• 21:49 Maintaining Non-Negotiable Standards
• 26:53 Empowering and Letting Go
• 38:50 The Role of Governance and Leadership

This episode is brought to you by

• Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace. The most trusted name in executive search and consulting. People focused, quality driven. https://kkandw.com
• Club Connections. Club Connections works with private clubs globally to strengthen member experience through better communication, storytelling and engagement. Founded by Emily McCarvill, the business partners with clubs to ensure the way they communicate reflects the culture and standards behind the gates. https://www.linkedin.com/company/clubconnections/
• SHANX Mini Golf. SHANX Mini Golf is an Australian company known for producing some of the world's best mini golf courses. https://shanxminigolf.com.au

They're not the typical novelty putt-putt with windmills and clowns—instead, they build bespoke, high-quality 18-hole courses using synthetic turf, challenging terrain inspired by actual golf, often located at or near real golf clubs. Their architect is responsible for a few of the world's top 100 golf courses, too!

Contact the SHANX team and mention BTG podcast for a complimentary site feasibility assessment!

The Behind the Gates podcast launches, and its hosts, Ed Chapman, CCM, and Michael Herd, discuss their experience co-hosting, their different approaches to asking questions, and the importance of authenticity in conversations. They share insights into how they got started, the fascinating conversations they've had, and the launch of the podcast with its partners. The hosts also engage the audience and encourage participation.

Takeaways

• Importance of authenticity in podcast conversations
• Engaging the audience and encouraging participation

This episode is brought to you by

• Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace. The most trusted name in executive search and consulting. People focused, quality driven. https://kkandw.com
• Club Connections. Club Connections works with private clubs globally to strengthen member experience through better communication, storytelling and engagement. Founded by Emily McCarvill, the business partners with clubs to ensure the way they communicate reflects the culture and standards behind the gates. https://www.linkedin.com/company/clubconnections/
• SHANX Mini Golf. SHANX Mini Golf is an Australian company known for producing some of the world's best mini golf courses. https://shanxminigolf.com.au

They're not the typical novelty putt-putt with windmills and clowns—instead, they build bespoke, high-quality 18-hole courses using synthetic turf, challenging terrain inspired by actual golf, often located at or near real golf clubs. Their architect is responsible for a few of the world's top 100 golf courses, too!

Contact the SHANX team and mention BTG podcast for a complimentary site feasibility assessment!

Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/edchapmanclubindustryleader/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-herd-2686598b/