Back of House, Front of Mind
“Back of House, Front of Mind” is a podcast presented by Healthy Mind Menu, an industry-led initiative that aims to improve the lives and normalise conversations around mental health for those working in the hospitality industry.
Welcome, Bridget
In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Bridget Le Grove, a seasoned hospitality professional with over three decades of experience. Bridget, currently serving as the venue manager at Island Market Trigg, has successfully owned and operated two coastal venues in Perth. Her remarkable journey in the hospitality industry began as a waitress at Subi Hotel, where she gradually rose to a supervisor role before making her mark at the Rydges Hotel on Hay Street in Perth city.
I was attracted to the industry for the simple reason of learning a skill that could help me travel and work my way around the world. My very first job was at a little place called Sonny’s on Hay Street in Subiaco. It later became Alto’s which was owned by Steve Scaffidi who was someone I met at Oriel years later after my return from overseas travel.
Explain the reasons why mental well-being has become important to you.
My ex-husband and friend forever, the father of our beautiful two adult boys, struggled with his mental health. It was tricky running two venues with a young family. I was diagnosed with a lymphoma diagnosis right in the thick of it.
How do you prioritise self-care and balance it with other responsibilities in your life? Work-life balance. (Sleep, nutrition, connectedness, physical activity, downtime)
This is such a work in progress.
It was prioritised in my darkest times.
Can you tell us about a person who has had a significant impact on your life?
I was very fortunate to spend my early hospitality days with some awesome people. Luke Brennan, and Matthew Hurley are two standouts.
If you could simplify your philosophy on life, how are you living? What do you tell yourself each morning when you wake up?
Sometimes I wake in the night and can’t wait for the sun to come up. I just want to get up and do things. Inspire people. Make them happy.
How do you approach goal setting and achieving success?
I approach it at full speed, I thrive on it.
What does healthy hospitality mean to you?
It’s about support, understanding, boundaries, and expectations.
