John Gakuru on Purpose-Driven Hospitality: Creating Community Through Bars

In this episode, host Shawn Soole sits down with longtime industry veteran John Gakuru — a globally seasoned bar professional, brand strategist, and now founder of Coruscent Co.. John brings decades of experience across continents, from managing classic cocktail venues in London to shaping global spirits distribution and now advising on some of the most forward-looking spirits and hospitality projects worldwide.

🧠 What You’ll Learn

• John’s journey through multiple continents — from bartending and bar management in London during the early cocktail-renaissance days, to global brand ambassadorships and trade marketing roles across Australia, Europe, and the US.

• Why he believes bars are “safe spaces” — social places that no algorithm or app can replicate, and his vision for hospitality rooted in authenticity, culture, and human connection.

• The founding and mission behind Coruscent Co.: building brand strategies, global events, and international trade relationships that honor people, place, and product.

• His role on the board of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation and how initiatives like “Beyond the Bar” aim to support well-being, education, and inclusion for hospitality professionals worldwide.

• Live Q&A: insights on global brand strategy, navigating multiple markets, supporting mental health in hospitality, and what it means to build spaces (and brands) with integrity and purpose.

⏱ Timestamp Highlights (Approximate)

• 00:02:45 – Early days: London’s bar scene and the roots of Gakuru’s global hospitality journey

• 00:14:00 – Transition from bartending to brand ambassadorship & global trade marketing

• 00:28:00 – Launching Coruscent Co.: vision, values, and global brand building

• 00:42:00 – Why bars still matter — community, authenticity, and human connection in a digital world

• 00:58:00+ – Q&A: wellness in hospitality, cross-continental perspectives, and what’s next on John’s horizon

🎯 Who It’s For

Hospitality operators, bar owners, brand builders, beverage directors — or anyone interested in understanding how global experience, cultural sensitivity, and strategic thinking can shape the future of hospitality and spirits.

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