Behind the Gates cover art

Behind the Gates

Behind the Gates

By: Ed Chapman & Michael Herd
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Join us for wide-ranging conversations with guests from around the world as we approach every topic with Private Club management and leadership.


Who are your hosts?

Ed Chapman, CCM, PGA - a Club hospitality professional and current CEO of Royal Auckland & Grange Golf Club in New Zealand, who has worked in four countries on three continents over the past 20 years in Clubs.

Michael Herd - one of the industry's leading recruiters, Head of International Search & Consulting for Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace, and Club aficionado who has placed some of the best managers at some of the most distinguished Clubs in the world.


If you enjoy listening then please join your peers by subscribing through your favourite podcast listening app and leave a review to help others with similar interests find this show more easily.


FOLLOW

https://behindthegates.riverside.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/behindthegatespodcast

2026 Ed Chapman & Michael Herd
Economics Golf Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Behind the Gates | A brand new podcast
    May 10 2026

    The Behind the Gates podcast launches, and its hosts, Ed Chapman, CCM, and Michael Herd, discuss their experience co-hosting, their different approaches to asking questions, and the importance of authenticity in conversations. They share insights into how they got started, the fascinating conversations they've had, and the launch of the podcast with its partners. The hosts also engage the audience and encourage participation.

    Takeaways

    • Importance of authenticity in podcast conversations
    • Engaging the audience and encouraging participation

    This episode is brought to you by

    • Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace. The most trusted name in executive search and consulting. People focused, quality driven. https://kkandw.com
    • Club Connections. Club Connections works with private clubs globally to strengthen member experience through better communication, storytelling and engagement. Founded by Emily McCarvill, the business partners with clubs to ensure the way they communicate reflects the culture and standards behind the gates. https://www.linkedin.com/company/clubconnections/
    • SHANX Mini Golf. SHANX Mini Golf is an Australian company known for producing some of the world's best mini golf courses. https://shanxminigolf.com.au

    They're not the typical novelty putt-putt with windmills and clowns—instead, they build bespoke, high-quality 18-hole courses using synthetic turf, challenging terrain inspired by actual golf, often located at or near real golf clubs. Their architect is responsible for a few of the world's top 100 golf courses, too!

    Contact the SHANX team and mention BTG podcast for a complimentary site feasibility assessment!

    Links

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/edchapmanclubindustryleader/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-herd-2686598b/

    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • Denny Corby | Hospitality is Magic
    May 24 2026

    Denny Corby shares his journey from a family business to a career in magic and entertainment, navigating the pandemic, reviving Private Club Radio, and embracing adaptability and resilience. He emphasises the importance of commitment, curiosity, and embracing imperfection, drawing from his experiences and lessons learned from his family's business.

    The conversation explores the art of adaptation, reading the room, and observing club culture. It delves into the impact of leadership on team dynamics, the importance of vibe and tribe, and the significance of hiring for culture fit. It also discusses behavioural issues in leadership, effective language and communication, and the parallels between leadership and magic.

    Takeaways

    • Adaptability and resilience are essential in navigating uncertainty and challenges.
    • Commitment, curiosity, and embracing imperfection are key to success in business and entertainment. Adaptation and observation are crucial in club culture and leadership.
    • Vibe attracts tribe - the importance of hiring for culture fit.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction and Sponsorship
    • 05:44 Reviving Private Club Radio
    • 11:39 Embracing Imperfection and Agility
    • 18:09 Authenticity and Adaptation
    • 23:24 Reading the Room
    • 29:30 Club Culture and Leadership Impact
    • 35:10 Behavioural Issues in Leadership
    • 42:24 Making It Happen

    Links

    Denny's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennycorby/

    Private Club Radio

    https://www.privateclubradio.com

    Denny Corby

    https://www.dennycorby.com

    This episode is brought to you by

    • Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace. The most trusted name in executive search and consulting. People focused, quality driven. https://kkandw.com
    • Club Connections. Club Connections works with private clubs globally to strengthen member experience through better communication, storytelling and engagement. Founded by Emily McCarvill, the business partners with clubs to ensure the way they communicate reflects the culture and standards behind the gates. https://www.linkedin.com/company/clubconnections/
    • SHANX Mini Golf. SHANX Mini Golf is an Australian company known for producing some of the world's best mini golf courses. https://shanxminigolf.com.au

    They’re not the typical novelty putt-putt with windmills and clowns—instead, they build bespoke, high-quality 18-hole courses using synthetic turf, challenging terrain inspired by actual golf, often located at or near real golf clubs. Their architect is responsible for a few world top 100 golf courses too!

    Contact the SHANX team and mention BTG podcast for a complimentary site feasibility assessment!

    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Jim Rohrstaff | Bag room to Boardroom
    May 17 2026

    The conversation delves into Jim Rohrstaff's passion for golf and his journey in creating a world-class experience in the golf industry. From his early golf experiences to his transition to Southern California, meeting industry leaders, and his philosophy of creating a great work environment, Jim shares insights on hiring the right people, balancing time, and taking his family on the journey. He also discusses the concept of hardware and software, servant mindset, and breaking through mental limits. The conversation delves into the power of risk assessment and the importance of trust in decision-making. It also explores the development of golf courses and the potential of emerging markets in the industry.

    Takeaways

    • Passion for Golf
    • Creating a World-Class Experience Risk assessment
    • Golf course development

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction and Sponsorship
    • 07:05 Servant Mindset and Desire to Please
    • 13:38 Hardware and Software Concept
    • 19:29 Balancing Time and Managing Projects
    • 26:31 Breaking Through Mental Limits
    • 44:44 Golf Course Development and Emerging Markets

    Links

    Legacy Partners | Exclusive New Zealand Real EstateTe Arai Links

    This episode is brought to you by

    • Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace. The most trusted name in executive search and consulting. People focused, quality driven. https://kkandw.com
    • Club Connections. Club Connections works with private clubs globally to strengthen member experience through better communication, storytelling and engagement. Founded by Emily McCarvill, the business partners with clubs to ensure the way they communicate reflects the culture and standards behind the gates. https://www.linkedin.com/company/clubconnections/
    • SHANX Mini Golf. SHANX Mini Golf is an Australian company known for producing some of the worlds best mini golf courses. https://shanxminigolf.com.au

    They’re not the typical novelty putt-putt with windmills and clowns—instead, they build bespoke, high-quality 18-hole courses using synthetic turf, challenging terrain inspired by actual golf, often located at or near real golf clubs. Their architect is responsible for a few world top 100 golf courses too!

    Contact the SHANX team and mention BTG podcast for a complimentary site feasibility assessment!

    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
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