EPISODE 37 – Glenda Barber: From Pubs to Purpose – A Marketing Mindset Rooted in Hospitality

Cassie is joined by Glenda Barber, a South Wales native turned freelance marketing consultant, whose love for hospitality began as a child in her grandparents’ pub. From pulling pints and building community to now shaping brand narratives for some of the industry’s leading voices, Glenda brings a rare mix of heart, hustle, and marketing savvy.Episode SummaryIn this feel-good, insight-packed episode, Glenda shares her personal and professional journey through the hospitality world—from early service jobs to scaling national brands like Brains Brewery and Cosy Club, to launching a thriving freelance career supporting B2B hospitality powerhouses. She and Cassie dive into the emotional weight of hospitality spaces, how intuition fuels great marketing, and why returning to this industry felt like coming home. Glenda also reveals her role as the new host of one of the most active hospitality marketing communities in the UK—where ideas, support, and good chat flow daily. This episode is a celebration of everything hospitality does best: connect, uplift, and create unforgettable experiences.Key Discussion Points & Timestamps00:27 – Meet Glenda: Freelance marketing consultant with deep hospitality roots01:54 – Cardiff memories: Ice cream floats and childhood impressions of service03:12 – First jobs, lasting impact: How early shifts in a pub shaped her career05:45 – Lifelong connections: The teams that helped define her sense of purpose08:37 – Trying other industries: Why hospitality feels different—and better11:29 – High growth at Loungers: Storytelling, speed, and serious ambition13:49 – It starts with trust: How Cozy Club openings were grounded in local connection14:18 – Freelancing after motherhood: Staying close to hospitality in new ways15:28 – From WhatsApp to powerhouse network: Leading a 700-strong marketing community18:56 – Sharing over secrecy: How the pandemic changed the industry’s mindset21:02 – Championing B2B women in hospitality: Glenda’s inspiring client roster23:26 – Translating front-of-house intuition into brand strategy26:10 – Service that gives you goosebumps: Glenda’s experience at Six by Nico28:38 – Bad service stories that stick: Why empathy and awareness matter29:51 – The small things that change everything: Being present for your guests30:26 – Want in on the community? How to join Glenda’s hospitality marketing groupConnect with Glenda💼 Reach out to Glenda on LinkedIn📱 Want to join the hospitality marketing group? Message her directly to be addedStay Connected with Kith & Kin🎧 Subscribe, rate & review the podcast🌍 Learn more at https://www.cassiedavison.co.uk/This episode is a love letter to hospitality—not just as a career path, but as a place where intuition, creativity, and connection come to life. Whether you're in marketing, operations, or dreaming up your next venture, Glenda’s story will remind you why this industry matters.