Episodes

July 2, 2025

Leading Under Pressure, Building Relationships & the Power of Fellowship in Hospitality - Edward Mady

In this episode, Edward Mady shares some things he's learned about leadership, relationship building, and the joy of friendship and fellowship in the world of hospitality. Learn more about Edward's new book, Honing the Human Edge. 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 my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscrib...
Guest: Edward Mady
July 1, 2025

Ritz Carlton Founder Horst Schulze Made Me a GM at 36: Here's What I Learned - Edward Mady

In this episode, Edward Mady shares his experience working for Ritz Carlton founder Horst Schulze. Listen to our series with Horst Schulze here. Learn more about Edward's new book, Honing the Human Edge. 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 my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hos...
June 30, 2025

From Fear to Respect: Leadership Lessons from Working with the "Queen of Mean" - Edward Mady

In this episode, Edward Mady shares his experience working for a tough boss - and the power of being unfazed under pressure. Learn more about Edward's new book, Honing the Human Edge 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 my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join...
June 29, 2025

Work Hard, Be Curious, Stay Present: Edward Mady’s Career Story (And Formula for Hospitality Success)

In this episode, Edward Mady shares his career story - with lessons for us all. Learn more about Edward's new book, Honing the Human Edge 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 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...
June 28, 2025

Why Hospitality Legend Edward Mady Relies on His "Personal Board of Directors"

In this episode, Edward Mady discusses his personal "board of directors" and how it helps him grow and thrive as a leader in hospitality and beyond. Links: Learn more about Edward's new book, Honing the Human EdgeThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey (book) 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 my summary and actionable insights from each epi...
June 27, 2025

Belonging & Generosity: Hospitality’s Edge in an AI-Driven World - Shamim Ehsani

In this episode, Shamim Ehsani, co-founder of Tribe Hotel in Nairobi, shares why belonging and generosity will become hospitality’s greatest competitive advantages in an increasingly AI-driven world. Shamim discusses how deepening authentic connections with local culture, prioritizing genuine guest engagement over short-term revenue, and fostering a spirit of radical generosity enable hotels to thrive amidst rapid technological change. More with Shamim: Breaking the Colonial Mold: How Kenya's ...
June 26, 2025

From Privacy to Publicity: Hosting Royalty & A-List Guests - Shamim Ehsani

In this episode, Shamim Ehsani, co-founder of Tribe Hotel in Nairobi, shares how his team thoughtfully manages hospitality for royalty and A-list celebrities. Shamim explains how anticipating guest preferences, from complete privacy to curated events with local artists and creatives, enables Tribe Hotel to deliver uniquely memorable experiences. More with Shamim: Breaking the Colonial Mold: How Kenya's Tribe Hotel Sets a New Standard for Luxury Hospitality How Tribe Hotel’s Staff Created a Gue...
June 25, 2025

Can You Scale Personalized Hospitality? Lessons from Nairobi’s Tribe Hotel - Shamim Ehsani

In this episode, Shamim Ehsani, co-founder of Tribe Hotel in Nairobi, shares insights on scaling personalized hospitality by creating operational structures and processes that enable spontaneous hospitality. More with Shamim: Breaking the Colonial Mold: How Kenya's Tribe Hotel Sets a New Standard for Luxury Hospitality How Tribe Hotel’s Staff Created a Guest Experience Program That Showcases the Best of Kenya This episode is hosted by our guest experience correspondent, Danica Smith, founder o...
June 24, 2025

How Tribe Hotel’s Staff Created a Guest Experience Program That Showcases the Best of Kenya - Shamim Ehsani

In this episode, Shamim Ehsani, co-founder of Tribe Hotel in Nairobi, shares how his staff created a unique guest experience program designed to authentically showcase the best of Kenya. He explains how empowering hotel teams to introduce guests to local culture—whether through running alongside world-class marathoners, exploring Nairobi's nightlife, or connecting over Kenyan cuisine—leads to deeper, more memorable guest connections. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, st...
June 23, 2025

Breaking the Colonial Mold: How Kenya's Tribe Hotel Sets a New Standard for Luxury Hospitality - Shamim Ehsani

In this episode, Shamim Ehsani, co-founder of Tribe Hotel in Nairobi, shares how he's reshaping luxury hospitality by breaking away from colonial-era formality to create a more authentic, human-centered guest experience. He discusses empowering hotel teams to connect genuinely with guests, fostering inclusivity through a bold "One Planet, One Tribe" philosophy, and why true luxury lies in emotional connections rather than traditional service rituals. Shamim's insights offer powerful lessons f...
June 20, 2025

What I've Learned Building Productive Tech Partnerships - Michael Levie [Greatest Hits]

In this episode from our archives, Michael Levie, co-founder and former Chief Operating Officer of citizenM, shares his insights on effectively working with technology partners to create innovative solutions and maximize impact 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 suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day...
June 19, 2025

Turning Technology into a Competitive Advantage for Hotels - Mark Fancourt [Greatest Hits]

In this replay episode, Mark Fancourt, founder and principal of TRAVHOTECH, shares insights into the evolving landscape of hospitality technology, drawing from his extensive experience leading technology for both hospitality companies and solution providers. Read Mark's article: Where does hotel PMS software sit in the new hospitality technology stack? 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 sugges...
June 18, 2025

Why Real-Time Operations Will Define Success in Hospitality - Josiah Mackenzie & Wil Slickers [Greatest Hits]

In this episode, originally published in March 2025, Josiah Mackenzie and Wil Slickers discuss the major shifts happening in the hotel industry now, the importance of real-time data, and innovative strategies for improving operations and profitability. (00:31) Josiah's recent career change (02:00) Building Hospitality Daily and market research (03:03) Challenges in the hotel industry (04:25) The shift towards operational efficiency (05:07) Future of the hotel and hospitality landscape (06:...
June 17, 2025

America's Chief AI Officer for Travel Shares Advice for 2025 - Janette Roush, Brand USA [Greatest Hits]

In this episode, originally published December 2024, Janette Roush, the SVP of Innovation and Chief AI Officer at Brand USA, shares her insights on embracing AI in the workplace and how it can drive innovation in the tourism industry. Watch this conversation on YouTube Mentions: Brand USA & AI (including framework for use) Listen to Janette Live From Travel Week: Leadership Alignment with Generative AI Conor Grennan, Chief AI Architect at the Stern School of Business Ethan Mollick, Professor ...
June 16, 2025

Designing Tech That Hotel Teams Actually Want to Use: Insights from Jerimi Ford

In this episode, hospitality tech pioneer Jerimi Ford shares his approach to designing technology that hotel teams genuinely want to use. He discusses why curiosity, empathy, and real-world observation are critical for creating practical solutions that solve non-obvious problems. Listen in to discover how Jerimi's methods help hotel teams become more productive, engaged, and ready for an AI-driven future. Learn more about Transcendent here and Actabl here. A few more resources: If you're new ...
June 15, 2025

The Hotelier Who Gives 100% of Profits Away Shares What We Can All Learn About Generosity - Micah Lacher

In this episode, Micah Lacher, Principal of Anchor Investments and Mission Hotels, shares his mission to build America's most generous real estate company through the power of hospitality. The discussion covers Micah's journey from starting Anchor Investments during the Great Recession to his innovative approach to hospitality and real estate. We get into the importance of generosity in business, the challenges and rewards of converting historic buildings into hotels, and the impact of providing hospitality to both paying guests and those in need. This episode offers valuable insights for hospitality leaders, operators, and investors looking to integrate purpose and generosity into their business models.
June 14, 2025

Unpacking Ambition: Navigating Power, Pressure & Purpose in Hospitality Leadership with Emily Goldfischer & Nancy Mendelson

In this episode, Hospitality Daily hosts and hertelier founders Emily Goldfischer and Nancy Mendelson sit down with hospitality trailblazers Jennifer Fox, former President of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, and Nicki Dehler, SVP of Product at Stayntouch, to unpack the complexities of ambition. Together, they discuss the delicate balance women face between being "too ambitious" or "not ambitious enough," share personal insights on navigating power and pressure, and explore how to redefine success beyo...
June 13, 2025

Emily’s Australian Adventure: Behind the Scenes at InterContinental Sydney with Josh O'Brien

In this episode, hertelier founder and Hospitality Daily host Emily Goldfischer shares a conversation from her recent trip to Australia, speaking with Josh O'Brien, Hotel Manager at InterContinental Sydney. Josh discusses his unique journey from studying marine biology in Tasmania to leading one of Australia's most iconic hotels, blending historical charm and modern luxury. He reveals how thoughtful employee engagement, innovative solutions to common hospitality challenges, and genuine warmth he...
June 12, 2025

Why Great Hospitality Leaders Always Return to the Front Desk - Andrew Arthurs

In this episode, Andrew Arthurs, President & Chief Operating Officer at Actabl, shares his experience as a Chief Information Officer at some of the world's largest hotel management companies. 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 my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily...
June 11, 2025

The Magic Wand Question: Building Digital Night Audit (and Hotel Tech That Matters) - Brian Blanda & Stephen German, Actabl [Sponsor Bonus]

What if one simple question could transform hotel operations? In this episode, Actabl’s Stephen German and Brian Blanda share the behind-the-scenes journey of creating Digital Night Audit, a new product designed to eliminate tedious manual tasks and free hospitality professionals to focus on meaningful work. Listen to discover how digitizing processes can not only streamline your operations today but also position your hospitality business to leverage future innovations such as AI. Learn more a...
June 11, 2025

Hooked on Hospitality: Following Your Passion Without Burning Out - Nah-Dja Tien

In this episode, Nah-Dja Tien shares his insights with our guest experience host, Danica Smith, on how hospitality professionals can sustain their passion, manage burnout, and build enduring, impactful careers. Also see: Curiosity as a Compass: How Nah-Dja Tien Built an Award-Winning Hospitality Career From Launch to #1 on TripAdvisor: How We Designed Prague’s Top-Rated Hotel - Nah-Dja Tien Empathy Is a Strategy: How Nah-Dja Tien Builds Hospitality Workplaces That Work A few more resources: I...
June 10, 2025

Empathy Is a Strategy: How Nah-Dja Tien Builds Hospitality Workplaces That Work

In this episode, Nah-Dja Tien tells our guest experience host Danica Smith about the power of empathy. 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 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...
June 9, 2025

From Launch to #1 on TripAdvisor: How We Designed Prague’s Top-Rated Hotel - Nah-Dja Tien

In this episode, Nah-Dja Tien tells our guest experience host Danica Smith how he built what because the #1-rated hotel in Prague. Also see: Curiosity as a Compass: How Nah-Dja Tien Built an Award-Winning Hospitality Career Danica's firm, 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 suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered...
June 8, 2025

Curiosity as a Compass: How Nah-Dja Tien Built an Award-Winning Hospitality Career

In this episode, Nah-Dja Tien tells his story to our guest experience correspondent, Danica Smith . 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 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...