TALES OF THE GENERAL: JACK FISHER

About Jack Fisher

Jack Fisher is the Senior General Manager of Ovolo Brisbane, a results driven culture creator who
builds values into success, and a hospitality lifer, believing a hotel is only as good as the relationships
built inside it.

1. What is something you always have stocked in your fridge?
   Good cheese, a bottle of Hunter Semillon, way too many condiments, and at least three types of
   chocolate. No shame.
   
2. What attracted you to wanting to work in the hospitality industry?
   The people. The ones I’ve worked alongside and the ones who’ve walked through the door as
   guests, plenty of whom are now some of my closest friends. This industry is built on relationships
   and experiences, and I’m always drawn to the people willing to create them. I’ve built a life,
   professionally and personally, around the pursuit of food and wine knowledge and the small
   personal touches that turn an ordinary moment into a memory someone keeps for years.
   
3. In your opinion what is the difference between service and hospitality?
   Service is doing the job right. Hospitality is making someone feel like they mattered while you did it.
   You can train service in a week. Hospitality is a personality trait you hire for.
   
4. What are you most excited about when it comes to Ovolo Brisbane?
   The future, both for the hotel and for this city. Brisbane has six years of momentum building toward
   the Olympics, and international travel and trade are only going to sharpen their focus on us until the
   world’s eyes are firmly on Brisbane. Ovolo sits right in the middle of that trajectory. Kazba is the new
   iteration of Zazata, Above is a brand new rooftop bar opening, and my job is sourcing and refining
   the offering and the team that delivers it to our community. That’s what excites me.
   
5. What is something you are nervous about when it comes to Ovolo Brisbane?
   Nothing, honestly. Only excitement.
   
6. What is one of your fondest memories you will never forget from your experience working
   in hospitality?
   Hosting a sell out wine dinner with Tyson Stelzer, widely regarded as the country’s most notable
   wine dinner immersion. From building the menu with our head chef to aligning every pairing with
   Tyson, the night came together flawlessly. The kind of event you sit back afterwards and just enjoy,
   knowing the execution was perfect.
   
7. What is your favourite speech of all time?
   Tim Minchin’s occasional address, the nine life lessons, delivered when he received his honorary
   doctorate. It’s witty, generous, and every lesson in it applies to running a floor. Be a teacher, respect
   people with less power than you, don’t rush your read on someone, be hard on your own opinions
   before you defend them to anyone else. I lean on it more than any business or leadership book.
   
8. If you could win any award what would it be?
   I don’t need one. If I can teach, empower, and pass on knowledge and skill to my leaders, that’s
   award enough for me.
   
9. Why should people come stay at Ovolo Brisbane, now that you are the GM there?
   Because it isn’t just any old hotel. Ovolo is built on surprise and delight, and perfectly located in
   Fortitude Valley. Come for a sporting event, a puppy stay-cay, a concert with a Rockstar Room
   booked, or just to be at the doorstep of the best art, fashion, and entertainment Brisbane has to
   offer. That’s the heartbeat of what this property is built on.