David Collyer, Global Senior Vice President at Aspire, has shed light on a pivotal moment from his early career, which had significant repercussions for his relationship with clients. During a high-stakes meeting with InterContinental Hotels & Resorts (IHG) at London's esteemed Cinnamon Club, he unwittingly ordered the hottest dish on the menu – the 'Vindaloo Inferno' – and paid the price with a sweat-drenched spectacle.
Collyer recounts that, despite the waiter's discreet warning about the spiciness, he insisted it was his 'favourite'. The consequence was a prolonged struggle to breathe and excessive sweating. Undeterred, he committed to finishing the dish, much to the amusement of his boss and clients present.
Collyer's career trajectory began after a decade at WPP, where he worked with global luxury brands such as British Airways, Virgin, IHG, and Accor. He subsequently joined IHG, focusing on guest experience strategy and developing his 'Preference Wheel' methodology. This approach has been invaluable in his current role at Aspire, where the company strives to elevate pre-flight hospitality standards to match those of 4- and 5-star hotels.
Collyer also spoke about his achievements within IHG, including winning an IHG 'Star award' for the Holiday Inn Open Lobby Concept. He expressed a deep affection for London, describing it as 'the best city in the world'. Furthermore, he advocated for free access to its museums to foster national pride and cultural enrichment. One of his most memorable experiences was a surprise visit to Enzo Ferrari's office in Rome, which he recalls as a significant moment, given his admiration for the Italian automotive icon.
The Cinnamon Club, situated in Westminster, is renowned for its modern Indian cuisine and is a popular venue for business and political gatherings. Collyer's anecdote offers an intriguing glimpse into the personal side of high-stakes business dealings, demonstrating that even experienced professionals can encounter unexpected challenges – as he did at the dinner table.