Career Episodes

In this episode, Sarah Dinger, the first employee and now Executive Vice President of Franchise Operations at My Place Hotels, shares her advice on accelerating your hospitality career by embracing opportunities—even uncomfortable ones—and the critical role mentorship plays in professional growth.She also provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes perspective from her role as Chair of AHLA’s ForWard Advisory Committee, highlighting how women are reshaping leadership in the hospitality industry....

Sarah Dinger, the first employee and now Executive Vice President of Franchise Operations at My Place Hotels, shares how she helped build one of America's fastest-growing hotel brands from the ground up. In this episode, Sarah discusses the crucial decisions, early strategies, and core principles, such as human-centered hospitality, that shaped My Place’s remarkable growth story.You may also like: How We Built an Extended-Stay Hotel Empire from the Ground Up (Ryan Rivett, My Place Hotels)...

In this episode, Chris Kluis, VP of Product Operations & Data at Actabl, discusses his family's unique history with artificial intelligence, how early curiosity sparked his career journey, and why experimentation matters more than theory. Chris provides practical advice for hospitality professionals looking to start leveraging AI today, shares lessons from implementing AI at scale, and explores how digitization, effective prompting, and careful data management can unlock real business val...

In this episode, Ryan Bukstein shares what he's learned about the power of mentorship: both being mentored and mentoring others.

In this episode, Ryan Bukstein shares the behind-the-scenes story of Ace Hotel’s early days and how the punk, DIY spirit of Seattle’s cultural scene influenced its groundbreaking approach to hospitality. Ryan takes us back to when he joined Ace founder Alex Calderwood as an intern and reveals how Ace Hotel became a magnet for creative talent, driven by curiosity, mentorship, and a willingness to break traditional industry norms. He explains the unconventional strategies that enabled Ace to deepl...

In this episode, Edward Mady shares his experience working for Ritz Carlton founder Horst Schulze. Listen to our series with Horst Schulze here. Learn more about Edward's new book, Honing the Human Edge. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hos...

In this episode, Edward Mady shares his experience working for a tough boss - and the power of being unfazed under pressure.Learn more about Edward's new book, Honing the Human EdgeA few more resources:If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here.You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestionsIf you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free.Follow Hospitality Daily and join...

In this episode, Edward Mady shares his career story - with lessons for us all. Learn more about Edward's new book, Honing the Human Edge A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and...

In this episode, Edward Mady discusses his personal "board of directors" and how it helps him grow and thrive as a leader in hospitality and beyond. Links: Learn more about Edward's new book, Honing the Human EdgeThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey (book) A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each epi...

In this episode, Hospitality Daily hosts and hertelier founders Emily Goldfischer and Nancy Mendelson sit down with hospitality trailblazers Jennifer Fox, former President of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, and Nicki Dehler, SVP of Product at Stayntouch, to unpack the complexities of ambition. Together, they discuss the delicate balance women face between being "too ambitious" or "not ambitious enough," share personal insights on navigating power and pressure, and explore how to redefine success beyo...

In this episode, Nah-Dja Tien shares his insights with our guest experience host, Danica Smith, on how hospitality professionals can sustain their passion, manage burnout, and build enduring, impactful careers.Also see:Curiosity as a Compass: How Nah-Dja Tien Built an Award-Winning Hospitality CareerFrom Launch to #1 on TripAdvisor: How We Designed Prague’s Top-Rated Hotel - Nah-Dja TienEmpathy Is a Strategy: How Nah-Dja Tien Builds Hospitality Workplaces That WorkA few more resources:I...

In this episode, Josiah Mackenzie shares insights from the 2025 NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum held in New York. Josiah discusses the conference's theme, "Engagement Drives Returns," and highlights the importance of active participation in the hospitality industry. He delves into consumer spending patterns, the impact of AI on jobs, and the resilience of the hospitality sector.A few more resources:If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here .You can send me a mess...

Hotel owner, leadership coach, and now flight attendant —Rachel Vandenbergreturns to the show in a candid conversation withhertelierco-founder and Hospitality Daily career correspondent,Nancy Mendelson. They dive into what it really means to lead with empathy, why great service starts with your team, and how Rachel uses a coach approach to build stronger hospitality cultures. Plus, Rachel shares what inspired her to chase a lifelong dream: 30,000 feet in the air.A few more resource...

In this episode,hertelierco-founderNancy MendelsoninterviewsDr. Lalia Rachabout life and leadership in hospitality.Also see:From Bussing Tables to Commanding Boardrooms: Dr. Lalia Rach Shares What’s On Her Extraordinary Mind(on hertelier)Managing the Book on YOU!: Rewriting your leadership story(Dr. Rach's book)A few more resources:If you're new to Hospitality Daily,start here.You cansend me a message herewith questions, comments, or guest suggestionsIf you ...

Michelin-starred, James Beard award–winning chef Douglas Keane closed his wildly successful restaurant at the peak of its fame, burned out by an industry he felt was broken. A decade later, he returned with Cyrus 2.0, a completely re-engineered dining journey that now pays every employee $75,000, runs a four-day workweek, and delivers higher margins than most fine-dining peers. Harvard Business School made it a case study about it, and here in this episode, he explains exactly how he did it.Li...

In this episode,Walter Isenberg, Founder and CEO ofSage Hospitality Group, shares his journey from a 14-year-old dishwasher to a hospitality leader, highlighting the importance of mentorship and paying it forward.A few more resources:If you're new to Hospitality Daily,start here.You cansend me a message herewith questions, comments, or guest suggestionsIf you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day,subscribe here...

In this episode,Danica Smith, founder ofMorningstar GXand our guest experience correspondent, interviewsBilly Skelli-Cohen, CEO ofBeaumier, about what he's learned about leading and hospitality through his career so far.A few more resources:If you're new to Hospitality Daily,start here.You cansend me a message herewith questions, comments, or guest suggestionsIf you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day,...

In this episode,Kevin Kelleher, a former hotel leader who is now an account manager atActabl, shares what he's learned about the hotel pre-opening and opening process.Recommended next episode with Kevin:The 70% Rule: Why Hospitality Leaders Grow Faster by Stepping Beyond Their Comfort ZoneA few more resources:If you're new to Hospitality Daily,start here.You cansend me a message herewith questions, comments, or guest suggestionsIf you want to get my summary and action...

In this episode,Kevin Kelleher, a former hotel leader who is now an account manager atActabl, shares a surprising insight about leadership that anyone in hospitality can learn from.Recommended next episode with Kevin:The 70% Rule: Why Hospitality Leaders Grow Faster by Stepping Beyond Their Comfort ZoneA few more resources:If you're new to Hospitality Daily,start here.You cansend me a message herewith questions, comments, or guest suggestionsIf you want to get my summ...

In this episode,Kevin Kelleher, a former hotel leader who is now an account manager atActabl, shares what he's learned about growth in hospitality.Recommended next episode with Kevin:From Heart of House to Leadership: Lessons From My Journey to Hospitality ExcellenceA few more resources:If you're new to Hospitality Daily,start here.You cansend me a message herewith questions, comments, or guest suggestionsIf you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each...

In this episode,Kevin Kellehershares what he's learned along his career journey so far.A few more resources:If you're new to Hospitality Daily,start here.You cansend me a message herewith questions, comments, or guest suggestionsIf you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day,subscribe here for free.Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation onYouTube,LinkedIn, andInstagram.If you want to adv...

In this episode, Emily Goldfischer, founder and editor-in-chief of hertelier, interviews Hazel Hagans Farris, Le Meridien Washington, D.C., The Madison. Hazel shares her unconventional journey from studying chemistry to becoming a leader in the hospitality industry, tackling leadership challenges, and championing women in hospitality.In this, we cover:(00:00) Introduction(00:21) Hazel's background and career shift(01:17) First role at W Atlanta Buckhead(02:46) Gradual realization of pa...

In this episode, Anna Blue, a seasoned leader in hospitality and beyond, shares her insights on navigating career transitions, the importance of finding purpose, and the power of saying "I don't know yet."We cover:(00:00) Intro: Layoffs in the U.S. and career transitions(00:32) Anna's own career transition(03:09) Being "highly employable"(04:50) Learning from others' experiences(05:40) Balancing work and personal life(07:07) Finding excitement in new opportunities(09:17) Career a...

In this episode, Steven Marais, Vice President of Rooms at Noble House Hotels & Resorts, shares insights on challenges and strategies for recruiting and retaining talent in the hospitality industry, including the importance of creating career paths and a fun work environment.A few more resources:If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here.You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestionsIf you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode...