S1.E9. The Truth About Overworking in Hospitality – Jesper Skov’s Brutally Honest Story

The latest episode of our hospitality podcast is one you don’t want to miss! We sat down with Jesper, Brand Manager at Sprit & Co, to explore the rollercoaster journey that took him from pouring cocktails behind the bar to becoming one of Denmark’s key figures in spirits importing and brand management.

If you’re a bartender, bar manager, chef, or hospitality professional, this episode offers relatable experiences, valuable lessons, and real inspiration for career growth in the hospitality industry. Whether you’re thinking of transitioning out of daily service or you’re just starting your hospitality journey, Jesper’s story will resonate deeply.

PERSONAL JOURNEY: HOW ENGLISH LITERATURE LED TO SPIRITS & COCKTAILS

Jesper’s career path is far from traditional. Initially set on becoming a movie reviewer or an academic, his studies in English literature unexpectedly led him to the vibrant world of cocktails. During his university years, he took on a job as a bartender, which soon evolved from a study gig to a passion; and eventually, a career.

His early days weren’t easy. Jesper shared how between juggling university, managing a specialty coffee bar, bartending at cocktail bars, and running his own consultancy, he hit burnout. Suffering from stress and health anxiety, he learned the hard way the importance of work-life balance and mental health; especially relevant for hospitality professionals who often prioritize others while neglecting their own wellbeing.

FROM COFFEE TO COCKTAILS: CHOOSING A PATH

One of the most insightful moments came when Jesper talked about deciding between a career in specialty coffee or spirits. Though he respected the world of coffee, it was the endless possibilities of cocktail-making that truly captivated him.

“Coffee is amazing, but with spirits and cocktails, there’s infinite combinations. It’s alive. You blend acidity, balance, aroma all changing with one ingredient,” he shared. The passion in his voice made it clear he’s right where he’s meant to be.

TRANSITION TO BRAND MANAGEMENT: A FAMILY-DRIVEN SHIFT

After years of bartending and managing cocktail bars, Jesper took a step back when he became a father. The long nights and demanding schedules became increasingly difficult to manage with a young family at home. His wife, a nurse, encouraged him to seek balance.

That shift led to his current role at Sprit & Co a distributor and importer based in Denmark. As Brand Manager, Jesper bridges the gap between international spirits brands and the Danish hospitality scene. He stays in constant contact with those brands, helps develop strategy, plans events, and; like all good hospitality roles; still finds himself in Excel more often than glam cocktail parties.

VALUABLE LESSONS FOR HOSPITALITY PROFESSIONALS

1. NETWORKING MATTERS: Most of his career moves came from being recommended by someone he’d previously worked with, not from submitting stacks of resumes. “Your network is your net worth” as the old saying goes; and in this industry, connections truly open doors.
2. FOCUS ON BALANCE: Burnout hits hard and unexpectedly. Jesper reminds us that even if you’re passionate, you need to maintain a sustainable pace. His commitment to mental health practices like running, yoga, and meditation helped him rebuild and stay focused.
3. STAY CURIOUS: As a self-taught professional, Jaesper never stopped learning. He took further education in market analysis to support his transition into management. His story is proof that skills from hospitality; multitasking, performance under pressure, and adaptability; are transferable and valuable beyond the bar.

ADVOCATE FOR SUSTAINABILITY

A strong theme in the episode was sustainability. Jesper is a vocal ambassador for the B Corp movement, which emphasizes ethical, transparent business practices—not just environmental responsibility, but also how companies treat employees and communities.

“Sustainability isn’t just about the planet. It’s about people too. How you treat your team, your partners. it’s all part of it,” Jesper explained.

He encourages bars, brands, and managers to be proactive. From sourcing ethical spirits to offering work-life balance for staff, every action counts. His advice on bulk solutions to reduce waste and supporting independent craft producers was spot-on for today’s eco-conscious hospitality leaders.

WHY HOSPITALITY IS A PEOPLE BUSINESS

Despite moving behind the scenes, Jesper remains connected to the soul of the industry; its people. His motivation? Not just results, but the relationships.

“It’s all about people. The people I collaborate with every day, the stories behind the brands, when it’s just transactional, it’s not fun. But when it’s relational, it’s magic.”

Want to hear the full story?

Tune in to our latest podcast episode wherever you get your podcasts. Whether you’re pouring pints, writing menus, or leading a hospitality team, Jesper’s journey is packed with inspiration and real-world advice to help YOU thrive in the industry.

🎧 Tune in now for the full conversation raw, real, and packed with lessons.

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