Creativity Episodes

In this episode, Milou Neelen, the Founder of Hôtel Magique, shares why so many beautifully designed hotels leave guests feeling nothing. You'll hear why she chases awe over polish, how imperfection makes a space feel more human, and why she believes an awe-inspired hotel moves guests from memorable to transformational. She also gets into the science of awe through the work of UC Berkeley's Dacher Keltner, author of Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder. Connect with Milou: LinkedIn Instagram...

Sarah Eustis, CEO of Main Street Hospitality, shares how art plays a direct role in how she leads and drives performance across her portfolio. She explains why her team invests in Artist in Residence programs, rotating galleries, and cultural programming as a way to create energy guests feel the moment they walk in. Sarah also talks about why she avoids standard hotel art packages and instead focuses on work with real meaning and local connection. Toward the end, she reveals an unexpected benefi...

In this episode, Betsy Freeman joins Josiah Mackenzie to share her thinking behind creating Hospitality Daily’s first piece of merch: a special edition t-shirt. The conversation explores how art, feeling, and collaboration shape brand identity. Betsy breaks down her creative process, why emotion matters, and how collaboration leads to great outcomes. Watch on YouTube Get the shirt Learn more about Betsy's work A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You ...

In this episode, we're learning from Craig Stanghetta, Founder and Creative Director of Ste Marie, to explore why the most successful hospitality concepts are designed around emotion rather than just aesthetics. Drawing on his background in theatre, Craig shares how story, risk, and a balance of comfort and wonder shape spaces guests actually return to. He also shares what emotional design looks like in an increasingly AI-driven world and why human connection remains hospitality's most durabl...

In this episode, our innovation correspondent Matthias Hüttebräuker explores the power of hotel design with LIND + ALMOND's Pernille Lind, the award-winning designer behind Hotel Sanders in Copenhagen and The Newman in London. Together, they examine how thoughtful design influences how guests feel, move, and connect. 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 m...

Saar Shai, co-founder of Wanderland, returns to share how a simple idea—born from watching his own kids on vacation—is changing the way hotels welcome families. (See our first conversation here.) Since our last conversation, Saar has been working with leading hotel brands to introduce “Screener,” a modular, themed room divider that gives kids their own space while improving the stay experience for parents. We explore how this innovation solves a common operational challenge—limited connecting r...

In this episode, Jess Werner, Chief Creative Officer at Sage Hospitality Group, explores how AI is reshaping hospitality without losing its essential human touch. Jess explains how Sage integrates AI to enhance operational efficiency and brand consistency, from refining marketing strategies to maintaining impeccable guest experiences. Yet, she emphasizes that technology must complement, not replace, genuine human connection and creativity. Jess also shares why authentic, experiential hospitality...

So far in our series with Jess Werner, we've explored her path to becoming Chief Creative Officer at Sage Hospitality Group and learned about Sage Studio, the innovative in-house design team she's built. Today, we dive even deeper, taking you behind the scenes of Sage Hospitality’s standout Denver projects—from the community-driven luxury of the Crawford Hotel at Union Station to the compact creativity and modular innovations of Catbird Hotel. You may also enjoy: The Dana Crawford Playb...

In this episode, Jess Werner, Chief Creative Officer at Sage Hospitality Group, takes us behind the scenes of Sage Studio, the innovative team responsible for shaping hotels and restaurants into thriving, beloved hospitality brands. Jess shares her approach to aligning creativity, authenticity, and strategic clarity to build places that not only resonate with guests but also deeply connect with teams and communities. You may also enjoy: Creativity Beyond Aesthetics: How Sage Hospitality’s Jess...

Jessica Werner has one of the most intriguing roles in hospitality: as Chief Creative Officer at Sage Hospitality Group, she designs spaces that go far beyond just looking good. In this episode, Jess explains how her operational background shapes her creative approach, resulting in hospitality projects that deliver both profit and community impact. She shares why great design must start with business strategy, how placemaking creates meaningful connections, and how Sage’s creativity consistently...

In this episode, Ryan Bukstein shares the behind-the-scenes process of how brands like Ace Hotel and Vacation were built, showing how curiosity, experimentation, and unexpected collaborations drove their groundbreaking approaches. Ryan reveals how Ace Hotel thrived by challenging industry norms, embracing cultural programming, and forging authentic partnerships, like its notable collaboration with Converse. He illustrates how these same principles allowed Vacation to redefine sunscreen as a play...

In this episode, Katina and Kyle Connaughton, the visionary founders of SingleThread, share the story behind ThroughLine, an innovative dining experience blending storytelling, film, and exquisite cuisine. Learn how their collaborations with artisans, farmers, and partners such as Auberge Resorts, Audi, and OpenTable bring deeper connections to food and its origins while inspiring sustainability and community. If you liked this, you may also like these other episodes with Kyle and Katina: A Ho...

Mary Alice Palmer is the Global Creative Director and Founding Partner of ROAM Interior Design, and in this episode, shares insights on the power of design in providing hospitality and how she approaches creating memorable and emotional guest experiences. Listeners will learn: Mary Alice's definition of the essence of hospitality and what it means to create a warm, welcoming environment. How her background in set design and luxury leather goods influences her work in hospitality design. The ...

In this episode, Teddy Albertson shares how blending creativity with practicality can transform spaces, revitalize cities, and create unique, memorable experiences that drive foot traffic and engagement. What you’ll learn by listening: How art and immersive experiences can revitalize urban areas and hospitality spaces. The unique collaboration between Teddy and artist Mike Bennett to create public joy in Portland. Why "attainable joy" is a key factor in creating inclusive, repeatable experie...

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, Anthony Torres, one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares his insights on why you should consider a career in hospitality, particularly in the food and beverage sector. Listen now to learn about: The opportunities for growth and mobility within the hospitality industry. The variety of creative and exciting roles available in food and beverage within hotels. How working in a hotel setting allows for diverse and innovative event planning. The ben...

In this episode, we sit down with Lily Ackerman, founder and director of Ackerman Design Studios, to explore the transformative power of art in hospitality. With a background spanning luxury automobiles to fine art curation, Lily shares her unique insights on how design and art create memorable, joy-filled guest experiences. From personal influences and pivotal career moments to her innovative collaborations with emerging and established artists, Lily dives deep into the role of art as a tool fo...

In this episode, we explore a largely overlooked segment in the hospitality industry: kids, teens, and families. While many hotels focus on adult experiences, there’s a growing opportunity to cater meaningfully to younger guests. Joining us today are Saar Shai and Alicia Zur-Szpiro, founders of Wanderland, the world’s first consultancy specializing in kids' and teens' guest experiences within the hospitality sector. With backgrounds in game design, toy innovation, and children’s publishing, Saa...

This episode is brought to you with support from Hireology. Check out our free masterclass: How To Hire Great People, Faster. In this episode, Jason Himber, CEO of MINA Group, shares his insights on how hospitality is pushing boundaries and blending with retail, entertainment, and even office spaces. Listeners will learn: How the line between food and beverage and other industries is becoming blurred (00:25) How F&B is being infused into retail experiences, entertainment concepts, and ...

In this episode, Chef Tyler Florence, a culinary legend with a portfolio of acclaimed restaurants and 27 years as a star on the Food Network, shares his approach to crafting immersive experiences that keep guests coming back. Listeners will learn: The three key elements of an amazing hospitality experience (01:03) How to create a restaurant that transports guests to another time and place (01:25) The importance of building restaurants that feel timeless and timely (03:48) How Tyl...

In this episode, hotel investor and Hospiamo founder Adam Zembruski shares his insights on the systemic barriers that hold hoteliers back and the practical steps needed to foster a more creative and collaborative culture in hotels. Listeners will learn: The reasons why collaboration is often an afterthought for hotel owners and how to change that mindset (01:37) The importance of encouraging creativity among hotel employees (05:32) A real-world example of successful collaboration in...

In this episode, Jennifer Clay, Vice President of Hotel Operations at Appellation, shares her unique perspective on how hotel design choices play a vital role in immersing guests in a destination - and how she thinks about this as an operations leader. Listeners will learn: How hotels can embody and celebrate the destination they are in [01:58] The evolution of hotel design from formulaic to celebrating local materials and artisans [02:34] The journey of selecting specific design elements li...

In this episode, Denise Joseph, Director of Curatorial at NINE dot ARTS, shares how art can transform hospitality spaces, create local connections, and boost the bottom line for hotels and resorts. Listeners will learn: The role of a curator in selecting and implementing art for hospitality spaces [02:26] How art drives both social and financial impact in the hospitality industry [10:50] The importance of integrating art early in the hotel design process [12:59] Advice for hospitality busin...

In this episode, Michaelangelo L'Acqua, Global Director of Entertainment and Culture at SH Hotels and Resorts, shares his insights on how creativity can elevate the guest experience in the hospitality industry. Listen now to learn about: Michelangelo's Unique Role (01:26) - Learn about Michelangelo's role as a creative director in the entertainment and culture space and how it differs from traditional roles. The Importance of Music (03:23) - Discover why Michelangelo always starts with t...