Career Episodes

In this episode, Steven Marais, Vice President of Rooms at Noble House Hotels & Resorts, shares his journey from bellman to VP, the importance of culture and opportunity in career growth, and insights into leading through change in the hospitality industry.(00:00) Introduction(00:32) Steven's career journey from Bellman to VP(01:47) How Steven got started in hospitality(02:33) Career opportunities in the hospitality industry(03:09) Steven's current role as VP of Rooms(04:04) The inte...

In this episode, Josiah Mackenzie, founder of Hospitality Daily and Head of Marketing at Actabl, shares more takeaways from the recent Hunter Hotel Investment Conference, highlighting the opportunity in hotel operations today.Also check out: Control What You Can: How Top Hoteliers Are Navigating Chaos in 2025 (Hunter Hotel Investment Conference Insights)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 sug...

In this episode, Sara Masterson, President of Olympia Hospitality, shares what photography taught her with our host, Nancy Mendelson.More with Sara:Learning, Leading, and Letting Go: Sara Masterson’s Approach to Hospitality LeadershipWhy Staying in One Company Can Actually Accelerate Your Hospitality CareerMastering Hotel Onboarding: Olympia’s People-First Strategy for Seamless TransitionsA few more resources:If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here.You can send me a message her...

In this episode, Sara Masterson, President of Olympia Hospitality, shares what she's learned about the value of tenure with our host and career correspondent, Nancy Mendelson.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 delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free.Follow Hospitality Daily a...

In this episode, Eva Klausner, Director of Guest Experience at Numa, shares how she and her company pushed through tough times to succeed.This episode is hosted by our guest experience correspondent, Danica Smith, founder of MorningStar GX.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 delivered to your inbox each day,...

Josiah Mackenzie shares what he's learned about influence in hospitality and beyond.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 delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free.Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram.If you want to advertise on Hospitality Da...

In this episode, Abdul Baaghil, co-founder of Harvest Cotton Tail, shares what he's learned about recharging.This episode is brought to you with support from Sojern, the leading marketing platform built for hotels. With their fully managed email solution, hoteliers can re-engage past guests, drive direct bookings, and keep more revenue in their pocket through Sojern’s transparent pay-for-performance commission model. Learn more at Sojern.com.A few more resources:If you're new to Hospitalit...

In this episode, Sarah Dandashy, an award-winning concierge and thought leader in travel and hospitality, shares insights from her TEDx talk, "The Secret to Making Someone Feel Special," and discusses the importance of genuine connection.Watch Sarah's TEDx talk: The Secret to Making Someone Feel SpecialSee our other episode with Sarah: Mastering Media: How I Became An In-Demand Travel & Hospitality Expert For TV, Newspapers & Social MediaWatch Sarah's series with Anthony Melchiorri and Cur...

In this episode, Emily Goldfischer, founder and editor of hertelier, interviews Candice D'Cruz, Vice President of Luxury Brands at Hilton.Read on hertelier - Maximizing Your Mentorship Experience: A Guide For MenteesIf you missed it, check out Personal News + Changes Coming to Hospitality DailyA 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 actiona...

In this episode, Marc Schwarz, Director of Service at Thrive Hospitality, shares what he's learned about a life and career in hospitality.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 delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free.Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and ...

In this episode, Leigh Silkunas, Founder and CEO of 1AX Consulting, takes us through her journey in hospitality—from the childhood moment that sparked her love for the industry to her unexpected pivot from revenue management to digital marketing. She shares invaluable insights on career growth, the power of mentorship, and how embracing change led her to build a consulting firm that has helped over 500 hotels maximize their digital strategies. Whether you're looking to advance your career or ret...

In this episode, Michiel Bakker, President and CEO of the Culinary Institute of America, shares why he's so excited about shaping the future of culinary and hospitality education.This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group, the global hospitality technology leader that helps hotels streamline operations and transform guest experiences. Recognized by their clients for their best-in-class solutions and exceptional service and support, Shiji Group is trusted by leading brands wor...

In this episode, Michiel Bakker, President and CEO of the Culinary Institute of America, shares his journey through the hospitality industry, pivotal career moments, and the lessons he's learned along the way.This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group, the global hospitality technology leader that helps hotels streamline operations and transform guest experiences. Recognized by their clients for their best-in-class solutions and exceptional service and support, Shiji Group ...

In this episode, Steve Turk, founder of The Hospitality Mentor, shares insights from his new book "Hospitality Unlocked."Listen to Steve's conversation with Santiago Rodriguez.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 delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free.Follow Hospitality Daily and join the...

In this episode, Michael Levie shares his journey from a young hospitality enthusiast to a leader (including co-founding citizenM), his experiences with technology in hospitality, and his advice for aspiring hoteliers.This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group, the global hospitality technology leader that helps hotels streamline operations and transform guest experiences. Recognized by their clients for their best-in-class solutions and exceptional implementation support, Sh...

In this episode, Sean Murphy, General Manager at The Bower, shares his inspiring career journey in hospitality, from his beginnings at Ritz-Carlton to leading an independent hotel to Forbes five-star recognition in Mexico.Send Josiah a textTake the Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality survey now to understand how others use AI and the opportunities for you and your hospitality business.A few more resources:If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here.You can send me a message here w...

Listen to Hospitality Daily founder and host Josiah Mackenzie share what he sees as the opportunity for hospitality ahead.Links:Simon Sinek: Start with WhyThe Power of Hospitality to Bring Us TogetherHow Napa Valley's Tourism Strategy Can Boost Your Hospitality Business - Linsey Gallagher, Visit Napa ValleyA Chef's View on Food, Community, and Renewal - Tyler FlorenceEngineering Training & Mentorship at The Hoxton, Downtown LAWhy The Hotel Industry is at a Pivotal Moment - Zach Demuth, ...

In this episode, Guillaume Benezech, Senior Director of Global Brand Management and Marketing for The Ritz-Carlton and Ritz-Carlton Reserve, shares his journey in luxury hospitality, career transitions, and the mentorship experiences that shaped his leadership style.Send Josiah a textTake my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today.A few more resources:If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here.You can send ...

In this episode, Eric Jafari, founder of AENDRE Group, shares how stepping out of your comfort zone and immersing yourself in new experiences can spark ideas that transform the way that you provide hospitality.We talk about:How blending ancient traditions with modern design can drive innovation in hospitality.The importance of immersing yourself in different cultures to challenge and expand your reality.The idea of merging different traditions and experiences, such as Scandinavian saunas...

In this episode, Eric Jafari, founder of AENDRE Group, shares his journey from a stable career in real estate investment to redefining hospitality through innovative concepts.You'll learn:Why predictability stifles innovation in the hospitality industry.How culture shapes risk-taking and the importance of embracing trial and error.The disconnect between traditional hotel investments and consumer preferences.Insights into the creation and success of the Locke hotel concept.The evolvin...

In this episode, Victoria Gordon, Front-of-House Manager at Timber Cove Resort, shares her journey from front desk agent to manager and offers her unique perspective on the role of technology in hospitality.Listen now to learn about:Victoria's career path from a front desk agent to a manager at Timber Cove Resort.The importance of community and collaboration in a remote hospitality setting.The value of training and development in hospitality careers.The transition from retail ...

In this episode, Joli Barfield, Cluster Director of Learning at Montage International, shares her insights on managing burnout in the hospitality industry and maintaining personal well-being.Listen now to learn about:The prevalence of burnout in the hospitality industry and its impact on career decisions.Strategies for maintaining mental and physical health in a demanding work environment.The importance of disconnecting from technology and finding personal ways to recharge.Habits that ...

In this episode, Joli Barfield, founder of New York City Women in Hospitality, shares her inspiring story of starting the organization and offers valuable insights on building genuine relationships in the hospitality industry.Listen now to learn about:The importance of relationships in achieving success in hospitality.How New York City Women in Hospitality was founded - and its evolution.The impact of the pandemic on the hospitality industry and how the organization adapted.The activit...

In this episode, Brian Proctor, Principal at Leeds Hospitality Group and host of Tuesday’s Thanks, shares how gratitude has shaped his life, career, and leadership philosophy. Brian reflects on his journey in the hospitality industry, insights from over 130 episodes of his podcast, and practical ways to incorporate gratitude into your personal and professional life.What You’ll Learn:How Brian’s early life experiences influenced his focus on gratitude.Why gratitude is a powerful leadership t...