People Episodes
People power hospitality. Learn all about how to attract, engage, retain and lead the people you work with to help them thrive in hospitality by listening to our guests talk all about people.
Feb. 29, 2024
How We Improved Employee Satisfaction From 2.5 to 4.7/5 on Glassdoor - James Ferguson, Wurzak Hotel Group
Sponsored by Otelier - the software behind every great host. Glassdoor is sort of like those online reviews your hotels get on TripAdvisor and Google - but it's from employees. Because of this, it's a crucial place to monitor and improve if you want to attract talented people to your teams. In this episode, you'll hear James Ferguson, Director of Culture at Wurzak Hotel Group, explain how they've improved employee satisfaction and increased their Glassdoor rating from 2.5 to its current overall...
Feb. 22, 2024
How We Cross-Train Hospitality "Athletes" For High Performance - Kristie Goshow & Chris Riccardi, KSL Resorts
In this episode, Kristie Goshow, Chief Commercial Officer, and Chris Riccardi, SVP of Global Sales Strategy at KSL Resorts, share how they cross-train their team to keep them engaged, growing, and performing at their best. What did you think about this episode? Join the Hospitality Daily community on LinkedIn and share your thoughts. If you care about hospitality, check out the Masters of Moments podcast where Jake Wurzak interviews top leaders in hospitality. His conversations with Bashar Wali...
Nov. 15, 2023
Boosting Morale with Fun: The Impact of Wellness Wednesdays at Cameo Beverly Hills
We met Amy Salvago earlier this year when she explained the "Wellness Wednesday" program they have at the Cameo Beverly Hills, a Remington Hotels property. I recently went back to the hotel to meet with Amy and her team, and in this episode, you'll hear a bit more about this program and what the impact has been. I think you'll be as inspired as I was by what providing something like this could do for your teams. Join in the conversation on this episode on the Hospitality Daily LinkedIn page ...
Nov. 13, 2023
How We Set Up New Team Members for Success - Joanna Dodaro Johansen, citizenM
Would you like to set up your new team members for success from the very start? In this episode, Joanna Dodaro Johansen, head of people experience for citizenM hotels in the US, explains how she thinks about this and does this with her teams. Follow Joanna on LinkedIn Learn more about citizenM hotels careers Listen to our other episode with Joanna: Leading People Experience at citizenM Hotels Join in the conversation on this episode on the Hospitality Daily LinkedIn page here. This episode...
Nov. 10, 2023
Investing in Education: The Graduate Academy Program - Kevin Osterhaus, Graduate Hotels
In this episode, Kevin Osterhaus, the President of Graduate Hotels, explains the Graduate Academy program, a best-in-class offering that allows team members to pursue undergraduate degrees paid for by Graduate Hotels. Kevin shares examples of team members pursuing university certifications related to their roles within the organization, highlighting the company's commitment to employee education. Tune in to learn about the investments Graduate Hotels has made in education and the positive impac...
Oct. 16, 2023
How I Am Empowering People in Hospitality - Stacia Harvey-Randall, Black Women of Hospitality
In this episode, we learn from Stacia Harvey-Randall, the Director of Human Resources at the Whitley Hotel (an HEI Hotels property) and the co-founder of Black Women in Hospitality. Stacia empowers those around her by helping them see opportunities in hospitality and overcome barriers. We discuss self-care and mental health in hospitality and the importance of this in leadership. Follow Stacia on LinkedIn Learn more about Black Women in Hospitality Follow Black Women in Hospitality on Linke...
Oct. 13, 2023
Breaking Barriers to Innovation in Hospitality Today - Calvin Tilokee, Lighthouse
Calvin Tilokee has fascinated me for years. He's been named a top influencer in hospitality, the mastermind behind the Instagram comedy account @revparblems, followed by tens of thousands of people who enjoy the memes and hilarious videos he creates that often go viral. But that's just one side of his life. Calvin is also an experienced revenue leader for hospitality companies in major markets like New York and just recently cofounded a new strategic advisory firm, Lighthouse. In this episode,...
Guest: Calvin Tilokee
Sept. 24, 2023
We Make Every Employee An Owner - Greg Kennealey, Mission Hill Hospitality
"Think like an owner!" I’m sure you’ve heard that phrase before - and maybe even used it yourself. It’s a powerful guiding principle - but in practice, it’s hard to make others feel unless they actually have an ownership stake. In this episode, you’ll hear how Mission Hill Hospitality CEO Greg Kennealey does this at his investment firm. Follow Greg on LinkedIn Learn more about Mission Hill Hospitality Join in the conversation on this episode on the Hospitality Daily LinkedIn page here. Thi...
Guest: Greg Kennealey
Sept. 15, 2023
How To Really Care For Your People and Move Beyond Lip Service - Anthony Pellegrino, Ash
In the hospitality industry, the phrase "people matter" is often thrown around. However, this sentiment frequently falls flat when it comes to the everyday experiences of front-line employees. So, how can we move beyond platitudes to genuinely care for our team members? Today, we're learning from Anthony Pellegrino, Head of Hotels at Ash, an award-winning company involved in the design, development, ownership, and operation of hotels from Detroit to Providence, Rhode Island. In this episode, ...
Guest: Anthony Pellegrino
Sept. 4, 2023
Celebrating Housekeepers - Stephanie Leger, First Rate Hospitality
Today we're diving deep into a role that's central to our ability to provide hospitality: housekeeping. International Housekeeping Week is coming up, and to learn more about this, today we're joined today by Stephanie Leger, Chief Excellence Officer at First Rate Hospitality. With a track record of leadership that includes roles at luxury brands such as Ritz Carlton as well as serving as a service evaluator for Forbes Travel Guide, Stephanie has now trained more than 20,000 people in hospitalit...
Guest: Stephanie Leger
Aug. 30, 2023
Supporting A Stronger Hotel Workforce - Anna Blue, AHLA Foundation
Anna Blue brings more than two decades of social impact leadership to her role as President of the AHLA Foundation, the charitable arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, supporting a stronger and more equitable hotel industry workforce. In this episode, we talk about the opportunity she saw that attracted her to his role, how the Foundation is supporting hotels, the future of work, and what's most exciting to her now. Learn more about the AHLA Foundation, and connect with it here F...
Guest: Anna Blue
Aug. 15, 2023
Training From Real-World Experience - Stephanie Leger, First Rate Hospitality
Today we're learning from Stephanie Leger, Chief Excellence Officer at First Rate Hospitality about common service mistakes she's seen recently, what makes for effective training, and how training and development can play a role in attracting and retaining more people to our businesses. Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn Follow Stephanie on Facebook Follow Stephanie on Instagram Follow Stephanie on YouTube Learn more about First Rate Hospitality Listen to Stephanie's podcast, Walk The Floors Join...
Guest: Stephanie Leger
Aug. 7, 2023
AI, Talent & The Future of Hospitality - Jacqui Nunley, Salesforce
Jacqui Nunley is a Travel & Hospitality Advisor at Salesforce, one of the most advanced companies in the world when it comes to AI, and in this episode, we dive into the implications of AI on jobs and talent in hospitality. Listen to our previous episode with Jacqui: Career Lessons in Hospitality Technology Follow Jacqui on LinkedIn Learn more about Salesforce for Travel & Hospitality Join the conversation on today's episode on the Hospitality Daily LinkedIn page. Hospitality Daily isn't j...
Guest: Jacqueline Nunley
Aug. 4, 2023
Why People Are The Key To Staying Inspired - Bashar Wali, Practice Hospitality
Bashar Wali is one of the most recognized names in hospitality because he's done it all - as a leading operator, investor, and hotel branding expert that 180,000 people follow on LinkedIn alone. While he's done it all, today he shares with us what inspires him most. Follow Bashar on LinkedIn Follow Bashar on Twitter Follow Bashar on Instagram Follow Bashar on Facebook Follow Bashar on Tiktok Visit Bashar's website Join the conversation on today's episode on the Hospitality Daily LinkedIn pa...
Guest: Bashar Wali
July 31, 2023
Recruiting Multi-Dimensional People Into A Dynamic Industry - Robin Coleman, Carver Hotel Group
Robin Coleman is a National Account Manager with Carver Hotel Group, and in this episode, you'll learn how she invites others into a career in hospitality - and why she's so focused on the multi-dimensional nature of the people she works with. Follow Robin on LinkedIn Learn more about Carver Hotel Group Join the conversation on today's episode on the Hospitality Daily LinkedIn page. Hospitality Daily isn't just a podcast! Every morning - Tuesday through Friday - I summarize the stories you nee...
July 28, 2023
Career Opportunities in Hospitality Today - Chip Rogers, AHLA
In this episode, Chip Rogers, President & CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), shares what he's seeing in hospitality today, the career opportunities that are emerging, and what AHLA is doing to support the industry. Read the research: What people (really) think about working in hotels today Follow Chip on LinkedIn Learn more about AHLA Learn more about AHLA's apprenticeship program Join the conversation on today's episode on the Hospitality Daily LinkedIn page. Hospital...
Guest: Chip Rogers
July 28, 2023
The Big Shift in Today's Job Market - Matt Gorman, Upshift
In this episode, Matt Gorman, Chief Revenue Officer at Upshift, discusses the results of our recent survey on how people outside the industry view a career working in hotels and shares his perspective on what's happening in the job market today. Read the research: What people (really) think about working in hotels today Follow Matt on LinkedIn Learn more about Upshift Join the conversation on today's episode on the Hospitality Daily LinkedIn page. Hospitality Daily isn't just a podcast! Ev...
Guest: Matt Gorman
July 28, 2023
Redefining Careers in Hospitality - Amanda Gray & Raul Moronta, Remington Hospitality
In this episode, Amanda Gray, Chief Human Resources Officer at Remington Hospitality, and Raul Moronta, Chief Commercial Officer at Remington Hospitality, discuss the results of our recent survey on how people outside the industry view a career working in and with hotels - and talk about the initiatives that Remington is doing now to support their people and create more opportunities for everyone. Read the research: What people (really) think about working in hotels today Follow Amanda on Li...
July 13, 2023
Fight For Your People - Denise Dupré, Champagne Hospitality
Today we're learning from Denise Dupré, founder and managing partner of Champagne Hospitality, about hiring, retaining, and developing talented people. 🗣️ Join the conversation on today's episode on the Hospitality Daily LinkedIn page. 👉 If you liked this, listen to our other episodes about People. Hospitality Daily isn't just a podcast! Every morning - Tuesday through Friday - I summarize the stories you need to know as a hospitality professional in a short email. Read today's issue and ...
July 11, 2023
Reimagining Hospitality Careers - Tom Luersen, CoralTree Hospitality
How might we reimagine hospitality careers in a way that helps us attract and retain the brightest and most caring people? To help us answer that question, today we're learning from CoralTree Hospitality President Tom Luersen. Tom shares how the pandemic has shifted his approach toward recruiting, the importance of creating an inviting atmosphere for those outside the hospitality industry, and why flexibility is the secret sauce to attracting and retaining great team members. Tom and I th...
June 13, 2023
Unlocking Overlooked Talent: Second Chance and Inclusive Hiring in Hospitality - Jeff Korzenik, Fifth Third Bank
Could engaging the millions of people often overlooked by employers help address the talent shortages in hospitality? Join us as we chat with Jeff Korzenik, Chief Economist at Fifth Third Bank, about the potential of second-chance hiring as a solution to this pressing issue. We discuss the importance of not overlooking individuals with felony and misdemeanor records, and how business leaders can find success in selecting and supporting these individuals, ultimately leading to thriving business...
June 1, 2023
Empowering with Perspective - Michael Hraba, Partner at Waterford Hotels & Inns
As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, we want to share a heartfelt conversation with the inspiring Michael Hraba, Partner at Waterford Hotels and Inns and an experienced hospitality leader. Michael emphasizes the importance of giving your team perspective and supporting their mental well-being in the workplace. He shares how focusing on positive experiences and interactions in hospitality can alleviate anxieties and insecurities that come with dealing with demanding customers. Joi...
May 29, 2023
The Power of Veterans in the Private Sector - Christopher Randall, Director of Impact at 21c Museum Hotels
I recently had the honor of speaking with Christopher Randall, a US Marine Corps veteran, police officer, and now the Director of Community Impact at the 21C Museum Hotel in St. Louis. Today on Memorial Day, it's essential to recognize not only those who have lost their lives serving in the armed forces but also the invaluable skills and experiences that veterans like Christopher bring to the table when transitioning to civilian life. In this insightful conversation, Christopher shares his advi...
May 25, 2023
People are the point of impact: How to create new beginnings and empower through leadership - Craig Poole, Reading Hospitality
Craig Poole is the President of Reading Hospitality, which owns and operates the DoubleTree Hotel in Reading, Pennsylvania. He's a three-time Hilton Connie Award winner and was recognized as General Manager of the Year by the American Hotel and Lodging Association. In today's episode, we discuss "second chance hiring," leading people, and cultivating a strong culture within your organization. Watch the documentary: Lead me and I'll follow you Join the conversation on today's episode on the Hosp...