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.

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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From Sauna Ritual to Design Philosophy: A Finnish Architect’s Approach

What if the future of hospitality, wellness, and architecture lies not in adding more—but in building less, feeling more, and reconnecting deeply with ourselves?

In this thought-provoking conversation, architect Mikko Jakonen from Studio Puisto Architects joins Sam-Erik Ruttmann to explore the intersection of sustainable design, Finnish sauna culture, meditation, and human-centered hospitality.

From designing immersive nature-based experiences to redefining luxury through silence, materiality, and emotional connection, this episode reveals how the most powerful spaces are not just seen—but deeply felt. Mikko Jakonen is a founding partner of @studiopuisto3459 , a Finland-based architecture firm known for redefining sustainable hospitality and nature-integrated design.

With over a decade of experience, he specializes in creating human-centric, environmentally conscious spaces that combine architecture, wellness, and emotional experience. His work spans international hospitality projects, with a focus on sauna design, sensory environments, and holistic wellbeing. Alongside architecture, Mikko has practiced meditation for over 15 years, deeply influencing his design philosophy.

Mikko can be reached on mikko@studiopuisto.fi

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikko-jakonen-5063431a/

Guest Website: https://studiopuisto.fi/
Guest Social Media https://www.instagram.com/studiopuisto?igsh=MWhqdmwzdmtvdGR3eg==

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