In this episode of What It Takes: Business Owners Tell All, host Jamie Seeker sits down with Robert Ancill, CEO of The Next Idea Group, to discuss his journey of reinvention from a culinary professional to a global business leader in hospitality and design.
Robert shares how he pivoted industries, scaled a business to 24 countries, and oversaw 89+ brand launches and 800+ restaurant openings worldwide. He dives into the challenges of growing a business internationally, the key ingredients for success, and what he’s learned from working with top hospitality brands.
Memorable Quotes from Robert Ancill:
💡 "Success isn’t just about a great idea—it’s about how well you execute it."
💡 "Reinvention isn’t about starting over—it’s about taking what you’ve learned and applying it in new, meaningful ways."
💡 "Scaling a business globally means understanding cultures, not just markets."
💡 "In business, you either evolve or become irrelevant. There’s no in-between."
If you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or someone considering a career pivot, this episode is packed with invaluable insights on reinvention, scaling, and long-term success.
📌 Show Notes: "Scaling a Vision: Robert Ancill’s Path to Building an International Brand"
👤 Guest: Robert Ancill
- CEO & Chairman, The Next Idea Group
- Expert in restaurant consulting, branding, and interior design
- Over 89 brands launched and 800 restaurant openings in 24 countries
- Former executive with Aroma Café Group, Planet Hollywood, Panera Bread, and HMS Host
- Provides executive coaching to hospitality and design industry leaders
📢 Key Topics Covered:
✅ Robert’s journey from culinary arts to global business leadership
✅ The moment that led him to pivot from hospitality operations to consulting & design
✅ How he built The Next Idea Group and scaled internationally
✅ The biggest challenges of growing a business across multiple markets
✅ The lessons he’s learned from 800+ restaurant openings
✅ Trends shaping the future of restaurant & hospitality design
✅ Advice for entrepreneurs looking to pivot industries or scale globally
🔥 Key Takeaways:
✔️ Reinvention is possible—but requires adaptability, vision, and persistence
✔️ Scaling a business internationally demands an understanding of cultural differences and market trends
✔️ Execution matters just as much as a great idea
✔️ Success in business comes down to strategic planning, relationships, and continuous innovation
🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
📌 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music
📌 Connect with Robert Ancill:
🔗 Website: https://thenextideagroup.com
🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/robertancill
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