For Decades, Talent Has Been the #1 Issue. It’s Time to Act.

Shaping Tomorrow, Together

At every single forum we host with the C-suite, one issue rises above all others: talent and the future of the workforce. For decades, it has been discussed, debated, and analysed — and yet the challenge persists. It is time to move from words to action.

At EP, we are uniquely positioned to respond. Through our work across the hospitality and services sector, we understand the market and can reach areas others cannot. With partnerships spanning more than 30 leading schools worldwide, and deep relationships with industry leaders, we have both the insight and the access to help shape a new way forward.

This is not about short-term fixes or transactional recruitment. It is about building a global framework that unites students, educators, and companies — shifting the story from talent shortages to growth, readiness, and opportunity.

Our Mission

Our mission is simple, but ambitious: to reimagine the journey from education to industry by creating a collaboration where schools and employers work together to inspire, mentor, and prepare the next generation of leaders.

This means building a world where:

• Students find pathways they believe in, guided by purpose and possibility.
• Employers are known not for shortages, but for the leaders they grow and the culture they create.
• Schools prepare young people to be work-ready, resilient, and equipped for the realities ahead.

The Challenge We Face

The next generation is already here. Arguably the most educated in history, they are ambitious, globally minded, and driven by purpose. They are not asking for “a job” — they are asking for meaning. For pathways that reflect their values. For leaders who inspire.

And yet, too often, they are left navigating career choices without clarity, connection, or confidence. At the same time, industries speak of a “talent crisis,” overlooking the simple truth: the issue is not talent. The issue is connection.

Our Objective

At the heart of our approach is better storytelling — showing emerging talent what is possible, giving schools a platform to share what they offer, and helping companies understand the depth of the talent pipeline.

We believe the answer lies in three pillars:

• Storytelling with impact — authentic journeys that show the depth and breadth of careers across hospitality and services.
• Mentoring that matters — real conversations between leaders and emerging talent, where honesty inspires ambition.
• Vision 2030 — a collective commitment to prepare leaders who are adaptable, values-driven, and globally connected.

Imagine Tomorrow…

• Emerging talent making confident choices with a clear view of every pathway — from iconic roles to overlooked opportunities.
• Employers free from the shortage narrative, known instead for unlocking potential and building possibility.
• Schools shaping work-ready graduates with the resilience to thrive.

Call to Action

The future is not something to predict. It is something we create. And the more we invest in connection, the more value we unlock — for emerging talent, for educators, for companies, and for our shared future.

This is not a “nice to have.” It is a business imperative. The return is clear:

• Stronger pipelines.
• Better retention.
• Leaders who last.

This is our mission. But it cannot be achieved alone.

The question is not “can we do this?”

The question is: will we choose to?

Written by Helena Houghton, EP Business in Hospitality