Career Episodes

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...

In this episode, the team from The Hoxton, Downtown LA, shares what they’ve learned about building high-performing hotel teams, fostering mentorship, and creating a culture of growth and development. Kara Bartelt, the hotel’s General Manager; Michael Lopez, Director of Engineering; and Steven Birl, Engineer, dive into the strategies they’ve used to empower their team members, tackle challenges, and encourage those all-important "light bulb moments." You’ll hear how they: Cultivate crit...

In this episode, Joli Barfield, Cluster Director of Learning at Montage International, shares her journey from education to hospitality training and the unique approaches her company takes to ensure service excellence. Listen to learn about: Joli's career story. The importance of taking leaps of faith. Insights into the ultra-luxury hospitality environment. The significance of company culture and leadership in hospitality. The power of education and continuous learning. The s...

In this episode, Masho Khabazashvili shares how her Georgian heritage and involvement with the CHLA Hospitality Foundation have shaped her approach to creating exceptional guest experiences and inspired her vision for the future of hospitality. What You’ll Learn Georgian traditions, such as "every guest is a gift from God," influence Masho’s approach to hospitality. The role her mother’s hospitality career played in inspiring her passion for the industry. How hands-on experiences with events ...

Learn how to earn media coverage that accelerates your career and builds your company from three of hospitality's top media professionals. In this replay of a special LinkedIn Live collaboration between Hospitality Daily and hertelier, you'll discover proven strategies for crafting compelling stories, landing meaningful coverage, and maximizing media opportunities. Our Expert Panel Emily Kanders Goldfischer: Founder & Editor-in-Chief of hertelier, former VP of PR at Loews Hotels Nancy Men...

In this episode, Christine Morairty, VP of Brand + Marketing at Palisades Hospitality Group, shares her journey through the hospitality industry, highlighting the importance of people, places, and mentorship in shaping her career. Listen now to learn: The impact of key mentors and colleagues in Christine's career. Insights from her experiences working with Starwood and W Hotels in New York. The significance of event-driven marketing and brand activation. How constructive feedback can pivot ...

In this episode, Tim Harmon, founder and CEO of Palisades Hospitality Group, shares his journey from law to hospitality, his passion for cycling, and the leadership lessons he's learned along the way. Listen now to learn about: The importance of stillness and mindfulness in leadership and success. How personal passions, like cycling, can contribute to professional clarity and problem-solving. The unique alignment between hospitality skills and personal life skills. Tim's career piv...

In this episode, Anthony Torres, one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares his journey of personal development, revealing the key lessons he learned along the way. Listen now to learn: The power of self-awareness in leadership. The impact of having a good coach. The difference between driving results and truly connecting with your team. The importance of understanding your own "triggers." How developing yourself can transform your leadership. The benefits of ...

In this episode, Anthony Torres, one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares his insights on the strategic importance of F&B in hospitality and his experiences at Starwood, W Hotels, Kimpton, and IHG. Listen now to learn about: The role of food and beverage in creating atmosphere and driving business in hospitality. Anthony's career journey and key learnings from his time at Starwood and W Hotels. The importance of company culture and how Starwood fostered a stron...

Executive leadership teams and hotel ownership across the hospitality industry still don’t reflect the diversity of its workforce—or of the guests and communities it serves. Ashli Johnson, founder of Hospitality Hued, is on a mission to change that by creating pathways to leadership and ownership for Black and Brown hospitality professionals. In this episode, Ashli shares her journey from her influential role at Howard University’s Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality to founding Hospitality...

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Jyoti Chopra, Chief People, Inclusion, and Sustainability Officer at MGM Resorts International, whose inspiring career journey has taken her from the iconic United Nations headquarters in New York to the vibrant world of Las Vegas hospitality. Jyoti’s path is anything but typical—starting as a journalism student surrounded by international diplomats, she eventually found her way into the hospitality industry, where she now leads MGM’s initiatives in human reso...

In this episode, Sarah Eustis, Founder and CEO of Main Street Hospitality Group, shares her story and vision for hotels that serve as community anchors. Listeners will learn: How Sarah built a company that balances creative innovation with operational excellence. Insights into hotel ownership structures and building lasting partnerships. The importance of aligning objectives and values in hospitality projects. Sarah's career journey from fashion to hospitality leadership. The ...

In this episode, Jason Himber, CEO of MINA Group, shares his unconventional journey from working with fast-food franchises to leading a fine dining empire, offering insights on leadership, overcoming challenges, and succeeding in the hospitality industry. Listeners will learn: The three things that made Jason "hooked" on hospitality Why hospitality levels the playing field of opportunity The story of turning around KFC The importance of building alignment and relevancy Why bei...

In this episode, Leanne Harwood, SVP and Managing Director of Luxury and Lifestyle Brands in the Americas for IHG, shares her fascinating career journey from bartending at a ski resort to leading six iconic hotel brands across the Americas. Listeners will learn: The pivotal moments that shaped Leanne's career, including her first expat role in Vietnam (02:45) and transitioning from hotel operations to corporate leadership (07:56) Practical tips for adapting to new cultures and environm...

In this episode, Rocco Bova, an experienced hotelier and consultant, shares his insights on innovative hospitality business models and the importance of human connection in luxury service. Listeners will learn about: Rocco's background and global experience Rocco’s early jobs: best and worst experiences (01:58) Transition to consultancy (07:01) Evolution of luxury service (10:34) Impact of technology on hospitality (11:35) Challenges in recruitment and retention (13:13) ...

In this episode, Christopher Hunsberger, co-founder and chief operating officer of Appellation, shares how his family's love of food and hospitality shaped his early passion for the industry, the key lessons he learned from legendary mentors, and why embracing every opportunity can make all the difference in your career. Listeners will learn: How Christopher's mother influenced his love for food and hospitality (01:29) The role his uncle played in his decision to pursue a career in hos...

In this episode, Stuart Greif, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy, Innovation, and Operating Officer at Forbes Travel Guide, shares his insights on the power of leading with listening and the importance of understanding what's going on in the lives of the people on your team to unlock their potential. Listeners will learn: The importance of asking questions and understanding what's going on in someone's life before giving advice (01:49) How to flex and accommodate team members' perso...

This is part of our series with Horst Schulze - listen to our other episodes here. In this episode, legendary hotelier Horst Schulze shares his deeply personal journey of facing death years ago and how it completely reshaped his approach to excellence, purpose, and the power of intent in every aspect of his life and work. Listeners will learn: How receiving a diagnosis from doctors changed Schulze's perspective (01:01) Why excellence is not an accident (03:04) The importance of hav...

This is part of our series with Horst Schulze - listen to our other episodes here. In this episode, Horst Schulze, the legendary co-founder of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and Capella Hotels and Resorts, shares his wisdom about excellence in hospitality, leadership, and life. Listeners will learn: The importance of starting with intent, vision, and purpose (01:03) How actions follow intent and the consequences of being purposeless (01:24) The necessity for leaders to question if t...