Episode 119: John Barnes Shares His 'Altering Course' Journey Through the Pandemic

In Ceres Podcast Episode 119, host Stelios Theocharous sits down with John Barnes, a prominent figure with over five decades of experience in hospitality and business. In this enlightening conversation, John shares his experiences navigating the pandemic, drawing on his history in industries ranging from fast-moving consumer goods to the dynamic hospitality world.

The episode dives into innovation, resilience, and the power of 'altering course.' John discusses how the pandemic forced many businesses, including his own, to rethink their approach to operations. He touches on how small businesses, like the therapy centres he supports and the restaurants he partners with, found creative solutions to survive, from virtual offerings to rapid business pivots.

A particularly striking moment in the conversation is John's reflection on losing his sense of taste due to COVID-19. As someone who has always found joy in food, the loss of taste was a stark reminder of the pandemic's personal impact. This personal insight serves as a backdrop for much of the discussion, where John highlights how businesses in the food sector, like Mitch Tonks' Rockfish and the Pizza Pilgrims, found innovative ways to stay relevant, often expanding their services and offerings in ways they had never imagined before.

One of the episode's key points is the concept of 'altering course.' John explains that he has continually adapted his business model and mindset throughout his career to meet new challenges. This is evident in his work and the businesses featured in his latest book, Altering Course: The COVID Chronicles. The book tells stories of small and large companies, each finding their way through the crisis. Notably, John shares anecdotes from Napa Valley wineries and Rockfish, where challenges led to major growth in digital marketing and other innovative practices.

Stelios and John also discuss the evolving nature of work post-pandemic. Many people, especially in hospitality, have re-evaluated their work-life balance, with some even leaving the industry for new ventures. John emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive work culture, providing development opportunities, and ensuring employees feel valued.

As the discussion wraps up, Stelios reflects on the lessons learned from the pandemic and how they could shape the future of hospitality. John offers valuable advice for business owners, especially those in hospitality, urging them to think ahead, diversify their skills, and develop 'plan B' and 'plan C' strategies in case another crisis arises.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in hospitality looking for inspiration on how to adapt, innovate, and thrive in uncertain times. John's candid insights and stories of reinvention provide a powerful message for business owners facing similar challenges.

Listen to this insightful episode to hear more about John Barnes' journey and his advice for businesses navigating change. Don't forget to subscribe to The Ceres Podcast for more valuable industry insights and stories of innovation.

This review highlights the episode's key themes—resilience, innovation, and adaptability—while keeping the tone engaging and informative. The article is structured to appeal to hospitality business owners and industry professionals who are keen to learn how others overcame the challenges posed by the pandemic.