Founder

Hi, I’m Raj – a hospitality professional, operations leader, and founder of Blue Padma, a consultancy helping hospitality businesses build stronger, more inclusive, and people-centred operations.

Before launching Blue Padma, I was Operations Manager at Bubala, where I helped scale the brand from a single restaurant to a multi-site group across London. I’ve spent my career creating operational structures that support sustainable growth—while making sure the people behind the scenes feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Through Blue Padma, I now work with founders and teams to improve systems, culture, and leadership. My work is grounded in values: transparency, care, accountability, and equity. I support hospitality businesses in everything from scaling operations to embedding inclusion and wellbeing into their DNA.

I’ve previously partnered with respected organisations like Kelly’s Cause, Be Inclusive Hospitality, and CODE, contributing to conversations around mental health, leadership, and meaningful change in our industry.

At Blue Padma, we help hospitality businesses grow with purpose by strengthening their operations, leadership, and culture. We work with independent restaurants, multi-site groups, and industry organisations to build systems that scale—and workplaces that support their people.

The name Blue Padma is inspired by the blue lotus flower—a symbol of wisdom, growth, and clarity that blooms beautifully even in murky waters. In many cultures, it represents the journey of rising above challenges with purpose and intention.

For me, Blue Padma reflects the belief that hospitality businesses can thrive when they’re built on strong values, thoughtful leadership, and a genuine commitment to people. It’s about cultivating growth—not just in profits or scale, but in culture, care, and resilience.

Rachel Kerr Lapsley - Kelly’s Cause MD 

"Raj has been a great advocate for the work we do at Kelly’s Cause. As a guest on Beyond the Pass, they shared valuable insights and perspectives that reflect their deep commitment to making hospitality a truly sustainable industry for the people who power it. Raj really understands the importance of a mentally healthy team and has consistently demonstrated the ability to balance team wellbeing with the operational demands of a busy hospitality business."

Louise Irish - Dojo - Product Manager 

"I've found Raj to be a true fountain of knowledge in hospitality, always offering the most fitting advice on what works and what doesn’t. His insights are grounded in real-world experience, leaving me confident that the processes, tech advice  and ideas he shares bring out the best results for any business. What stands out most is how he weaves in staff empowerment—creating not just efficient systems, but thriving, motivated teams whose feedback and opinions truly matter."

Jamie Morton - Sevenrooms - Sales Manager 

“My introduction to Raj was two years ago during the transition of SevenRooms into the restaurant group where he served as operations director. In working with him then, and over the past two years, his genuine love for the hospitality industry has been incredibly evident. I've been especially struck by his commitment to employee well-being and improving the guest experience”

Lorraine Copes, CEO & Founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality

“Raj has been an avid member of our community for four years, contributing in a variety of ways,  from speaking at events to championing our work across the wider hospitality sector. Raj exemplifies everything I love about hospitality: he is passionate about the industry and, alongside working within it, he is committed to making hospitality the very best it can be.”

Media, Speaking & Recognition

Raj Markandoo, founder of Blue Padma, is a trusted voice on hospitality leadership, workplace culture, operational clarity and sustainable team growth. Featured in industry-leading publications and events, Raj regularly contributes to conversations around transparency, inclusion, and people-first operations.

🎙️ Podcasts & Interviews

• Beyond the Pass – Kelly’s Cause
  On team wellbeing, inclusion and the realities of leadership in hospitality
  🎧 Listen on Spotify

• We Recover Loudly – Hospitality Recovery Podcast
  Sharing my personal story and the role vulnerability, culture, and accountability play in hospitality leadership
  🎧 Listen on Spotify

📰 Articles & Thought Leadership

• Fostering Transparency Within Your Team – Countertalk
  Creating open, feedback-led workplace cultures
  📖 Read the article

• Show Me the Money – Countertalk
  Raj on pay transparency and practical steps for change in hospitality
  📖 Read the article

• How to Get Honest Team Feedback – Planday
  Featured insights on building feedback culture and open dialogue
  📖 Read the article

• Bubala x Lightspeed Case Study
  Operational systems and leadership through growth
  📖 Read more

• MAD Digest Feature – June 2024
  Blue Padma featured in MAD’s recommended reading
  📖 Read the digest

🎤 Speaking & Panels

• CODE Hospitality – Wellness Week 2024
  Featured panellist on leadership, balance and mental health
  📍 Event recap

• Be Inclusive Hospitality – Careers Report Launch
  Panel contributor discussing career pathways and representation in hospitality
  📍 View the report

🏆 Recognition

• Finalist – Be Inclusive Hospitality Awards
  Recognised for advocacy, leadership, and impact within hospitality
  🏅 See all finalists