Career Episodes

The career episodes on the Hospitality Daily Podcast feature candid conversations with hospitality professionals about how they’ve navigated pivotal moments, developed as leaders, and built meaningful careers. Listeners will gain practical insights on growth, mentorship, decision-making, and personal reinvention -- directly from those shaping the hotel industry.
How to "Manage Up" to Your Boss in Hospitality - Rob Paterson
July 29, 2024

How to "Manage Up" to Your Boss in Hospitality - Rob Paterson

In this episode, Rob Paterson shares how to "manage up" to your boss, which is especially tricky in a hospitality environment.New to Hospitality Daily? Start here.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.Music by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands
This Is Why Operations Matters So Much In Hospitality (And Makes A Fascinating Career) - Simon Mais, EOS Hospitality
July 22, 2024

This Is Why Operations Matters So Much In Hospitality (And Makes A Fascinating Career) - Simon Mais, EOS Hospitality

In this episode, Simon Mais, CEO of EOS Hospitality, shares insights into the dynamic world of hotel operations and management. Listen now to learn about:Why management and operations matter in the hospitality industry (00:52)The appeal of a career in hotel operations (01:06)The importance of adaptability and excitement in operations roles (01:50)The role of revenue and accounting in successful hotel management (02:33)How operations contributes to guest experience and satisfaction (02:...
Abundance Mindset Mentorship - Nikheel Advani, Grace Bay Resorts
July 16, 2024

Abundance Mindset Mentorship - Nikheel Advani, Grace Bay Resorts

In this episode, Nikheel Advani, co-founder, chief operating officer, and principal at Grace Bay Resorts in Turks and Caicos, shares his journey and insights on the power of leadership and mentorship in the hospitality industry.The importance of mentorship in career growth (01:14) - Nikheel discusses how mentorship has been a common theme throughout his career, starting with his father and continuing with various leaders at the Ritz-Carlton.Key advice from mentors (03:18) - Nikheel shar...
Cultivating Heartfelt Hospitality - Nathan Woods
July 14, 2024

Cultivating Heartfelt Hospitality - Nathan Woods

In this episode, Nathan Woods shares his insights on cultivating a heart of hospitality and how it can transform both personal and professional interactions.The concept of providing hospitality with both home and heartThe importance of seeing everyone as beloved and deeply lovedHow gratitude and recognition of others' needs can open up opportunities for hospitalityThe intrinsic value of people and its impact on creating beautiful hospitality experiencesListen to our other episode with ...
More Than A "Stepping Stone": How My Journey To Leading Hilton's Luxury Brands Showed Me Hospitality is the Ultimate Career Choice - Dino Michael, Hilton
July 8, 2024

More Than A "Stepping Stone": How My Journey To Leading Hilton's Luxury Brands Showed Me Hospitality is the Ultimate Career Choice - Dino Michael, Hilton

In this episode, Dino Michael, Global Category Head of Luxury Brands at Hilton, shares his inspiring journey from being a server at Planet Hollywood to leading iconic luxury brands at Hilton such asListen now to learn about:The importance of communicating the benefits of a career in hospitalityDino's early life and family influences that shaped his career (02:09)How working at Planet Hollywood instilled a love for the restaurant business (03:43)The diverse career opportunities within t...
Lessons in Hospitality From My Family, For My Family - Reg Smith
July 7, 2024

Lessons in Hospitality From My Family, For My Family - Reg Smith

In this episode, Reg Smith, part of a family that has defined the hospitality experience in northern Michigan through their hotels and restaurants, shares the story of his family's legacy and the lessons they've learned in stewarding it while staying personally engaged in the work of hospitality.The origins of Stafford's Bay View Inn and the early days of the family business (01:13)What a Chautauqua community is and its significance in northern Michigan (02:45)The story of how Reg's parent...
What It Takes To Recruit & Retain Top Executive Talent in Hospitality (And Become That Talent) - Sean Tribull, Venari Partners
July 6, 2024

What It Takes To Recruit & Retain Top Executive Talent in Hospitality (And Become That Talent) - Sean Tribull, Venari Partners

In this episode, Sean Tribull, Practice Lead for Leisure and Hospitality at Venari Partners, shares his journey in hospitality, insights on leadership, and effective strategies for recruiting and retaining top executive talent.Sean's Career Journey in Hospitality (02:02) - Learn about Sean's international background and his early career experiences, including his apprenticeship at Brenner's Park-Hotel & Spa in Germany and his education at Les Roches in Switzerland.The Importance of Operation...
Don't Overlook The Role of Sales - Brock Taylor, Cameo Beverly Hills
June 13, 2024

Don't Overlook The Role of Sales - Brock Taylor, Cameo Beverly Hills

In this episode, Brock Taylor, General Manager at Cameo Beverly Hills, shares insights into the sales role in hospitality and its critical importance to the success of a hotel.Understanding the Sales Role in Hospitality (01:33) - why sales matters in a hotel setting.Misconceptions About Sales in Hospitality (02:54) - including the idea that sales is only about direct selling and the importance of being hospitable and understanding guests' needs.Day in the Life of a Sales Professional (03:5...
How "Transformational Hospitality" Changed My Life (And Can Change Your Business) - Steve Palmer, The Indigo Road Hospitality Group
June 10, 2024

How "Transformational Hospitality" Changed My Life (And Can Change Your Business) - Steve Palmer, The Indigo Road Hospitality Group

In this episode, Steve Palmer, founder and chief vision officer of The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, shares how hospitality transformed his life and the principles that guide his company today.Listen now to learn about:Steve's Early Experience with Hospitality (01:43) - the profound advice from his mentor, Chris Goss, that shaped his view on hospitality.The True Meaning of Hospitality (00:02:52) - Steve's light bulb moment about the true meaning of hospitality and how it differs from...
Guest: Steve Palmer
Say Grace: How Sobriety Saved My Life (And How I'm Helping Others) - Steve Palmer, The Indigo Road Hospitality Group
June 9, 2024

Say Grace: How Sobriety Saved My Life (And How I'm Helping Others) - Steve Palmer, The Indigo Road Hospitality Group

In this episode, Steve Palmer, founder and chief vision officer of The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, shares his inspiring journey to sobriety and how it has influenced his approach to developing a supportive culture within his company.What You'll Learn:Steve Palmer's Personal Journey to Sobriety (01:17) - his early struggles with addiction and the pivotal moment that led him to choose rehab over losing his job.Challenges of Sobriety in the Hospitality Industry (02:10) - the difficulties o...
Trapeze Talks: My Club Med Journey (With Insights For You) - Sabrina Cendral
May 13, 2024

Trapeze Talks: My Club Med Journey (With Insights For You) - Sabrina Cendral

Sabrina Cendral is a hospitality advisor and strategist and in this episode, shares her extensive experience with Club Med, where she ended up becoming the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales for the company's North American operations.Listeners will learn:The Benefits of All-Inclusive Hospitality: Discover how all-inclusive resorts like Club Med enhance the guest experience and provide significant benefits to team members.Personal and Professional Growth Through Travel: Sabri...
Building Bridges: Hospitality Leadership Across Cultures (Anna Marie Presutti and David Arraya)
May 2, 2024

Building Bridges: Hospitality Leadership Across Cultures (Anna Marie Presutti and David Arraya)

Anna Marie Presutti, Vice President and General Manager of Hotel Nikko San Francisco, and David Arraya, a seasoned general manager with a background in managing hotels across continents, discuss the intricacies of navigating, managing, and leading within diverse cultural environments in the hospitality industry.Listen now to learn:Effective strategies for navigating cultural diversity in hospitalityThe importance of humility and adaptability in leadershipPractical tips for integ...
My Story from Disney to Hospitality Leadership - Anna Marie Presutti, Hotel Nikko San Francisco
April 28, 2024

My Story from Disney to Hospitality Leadership - Anna Marie Presutti, Hotel Nikko San Francisco

Anna Marie Presutti is Vice President and General Manager of Hotel Nikko San Francisco. She has been recognized as one of the most influential leaders in the hospitality industry and has been on the San Francisco Business Times' "The Most Influential Women in the Bay Area" for nine consecutive times - among other accolades. We will be learning a lot about leadership, culture, and hospitality from Anna Marie this week, but in this episode, I want you to hear her story of how she got started in ho...
A Road Trip with James Lemon with Career and Innovation Lessons from his Journey from IHG Strategist to Global Technology Leader
April 26, 2024

A Road Trip with James Lemon with Career and Innovation Lessons from his Journey from IHG Strategist to Global Technology Leader

This episode is going to be quite different than most - you're going to be joining me on a little road trip with James Lemon, who started in hospitality at a small bed & breakfast in England and then went on to eventually work in strategy and innovation at IHG before building a hospitality mentorship community and then today leading travel and hospitality for Stripe. (See our other episode: Making payments more hospitable)In this episode, you'll hear us cover a wide range of topics, including:...
Guest: James Lemon
My Lessons in Hospitality Excellence Learned Through A Global Career in Leadership - Ashish Verma, Hyatt
April 15, 2024

My Lessons in Hospitality Excellence Learned Through A Global Career in Leadership - Ashish Verma, Hyatt

Ashish Verma is Senior Vice President of the Luxury Division at the Unbound Collection by Hyatt. In this episode, you will gain valuable knowledge from Ashish's extensive experience in the hospitality industry, learning about the key influences and lessons that have shaped his successful career.Listeners will discover:The importance of cultural roots in hospitality and how Indian traditions have influenced Ashish's approach to guest service.The significance of attention to detail and focus...
Amplifying Hospitality: How I Engage with AHLA - Dina Belon, Staypineapple Hotels
April 13, 2024

Amplifying Hospitality: How I Engage with AHLA - Dina Belon, Staypineapple Hotels

Dina Belon is President at Staypineapple Hotels. In this episode, she shares her perspective on the importance of being an active participant in the hospitality industry and how it can advance your business and the sector as a whole.Listeners will learn about:The significance of engaging with the broader hospitality industry and the benefits it brings to individual businesses.The unique approach of Staypineapple Hotels to the boutique hotel model and how it contrasts with branded hotels....
How I Use LinkedIn to Grow in Hospitality Today - Don Barnett, LondonHouse Chicago
April 10, 2024

How I Use LinkedIn to Grow in Hospitality Today - Don Barnett, LondonHouse Chicago

Don Barnett is the Director of Sales and Marketing at LondonHouse Chicago. In this episode, we explore LinkedIn's untapped potential for hospitality professionals.Listeners will learn:The Power of LinkedIn: Discover why LinkedIn is an underutilized platform in the hospitality industry and how it can be a game-changer for your business and personal brand.Content Creation Tips: Gain insights into creating engaging and 'edutaining' content that resonates with your audience and helps you stay ...
How to Set Up Your Hospitality Career for Success - Homi Vazifdar, The Canyon Group
April 8, 2024

How to Set Up Your Hospitality Career for Success - Homi Vazifdar, The Canyon Group

Homi Vazifdar is the founder and Chairman of The Canyon Group, a vertically integrated investment company focused on the acquisition or development of ultra-luxurious and best-in-class resorts in unique destinations around the world, including Amangiri, the #1 resort in the United States. In this episode, you'll hear his advice for building a career in hospitality today.Music by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands
Why You Should Take a Break - Chris Silcock, Hilton
March 30, 2024

Why You Should Take a Break - Chris Silcock, Hilton

Chris Silcock, President of Global Brands and Commercial Services at Hilton, shares his advice on rest and taking breaks - something he has learned is foundational in providing hospitality.You may also enjoy:Career Lessons in Leadership - Chris Silcock, HiltonHow We Build Strong Brands - Chris Silcock, HiltonMusic by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands
From Motels to Music: How Owning and Operating Hospitality Businesses Helped Rupesh "Rup" Patel Achieve His Dream of Becoming a DJ
March 29, 2024

From Motels to Music: How Owning and Operating Hospitality Businesses Helped Rupesh "Rup" Patel Achieve His Dream of Becoming a DJ

In this episode, Rupesh "Rup" Patel shares his story from the early days of his family's first motel to becoming a renowned hospitality owner, operator, and now, a DJ.How He Got Started: The story of entering the hospitality industry with no prior knowledge and the challenges of operating their first 50-room motel in South Florida.Transition from Reluctance to Passion: Hear about Rupesh's initial reluctance about the hotel business when he was young and how his perspective shifted after...
The Mental Model Top Leaders Use to Win in Hospitality Today - Kristie Goshow, KSL Resorts
March 6, 2024

The Mental Model Top Leaders Use to Win in Hospitality Today - Kristie Goshow, KSL Resorts

Kristie Goshow is the Chief Commercial Officer for KSL Resorts, and in this episode, explains how "systems thinking" can help you lead your teams in engaging guests and driving business performance.This episode is brought to you with support from Sojern. Finding and appealing to travelers online means getting to know them, and that's why first-party data - the information you have about your guests - is so important to providing hospitality today. I teamed up with Sojern to study how hoteliers...
Never Give Up: How I Became CEO (And How I'm Empowering Others Now) - Sima Patel, Ridgemont Hospitality
March 1, 2024

Never Give Up: How I Became CEO (And How I'm Empowering Others Now) - Sima Patel, Ridgemont Hospitality

Sponsored by Otelier - the software behind every great host.Sima Patel is one of the most widely respected leaders in hospitality, earning recognition as Hotelier of the Year by AAHOA and becoming the first board-elected Chair of Visit California, among other recognitions. Sima is the co-founder and CEO of Ridgemont Hospitality, a San Francisco Bay Area-based hospitality development and management company and in this episode, you'll hear her story of grit, resilience, and success in hospitalit...
Chip Conley: Learning to Love Midlife - Insights for Hospitality
Feb. 3, 2024

Chip Conley: Learning to Love Midlife - Insights for Hospitality

This episode is sponsored by Sojern - the #1 marketing platform for hospitalityToday, Chip Conley joins us to talk about his new book, Learning to Love Midlife, and what he's doing now as the co-founder of the Modern Elder Academy.You may also enjoy our other episode with Chip - What I Learned At Airbnb About Hospitality - or our entire conversation on YouTube.Let's connect!Engage with the Hospitality Daily community on LinkedInSubscribe to the Hospitality Daily YouTube channel her...
How I Stay Motivated to Provide Hospitality - Rami Zeidan, Life House
Jan. 2, 2024

How I Stay Motivated to Provide Hospitality - Rami Zeidan, Life House

Why does travel and hospitality matter to you? Having a really clear answer to this is really important as we begin a new year because knowing your "why" is going to help you perform at your best.In this episode, I want you to hear Life House CEO Rami Zeidan explain what motivates him to provide hospitality because I think it will inspire you to get really specific and personal about why you're in this business and excited for the year ahead.Follow Rami on LinkedInLearn more about Life H...