Episodes

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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:...

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 ...

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 ...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

In this episode, Matthias Huettebraeuker interviews Jan Garde, founder and chairman of THE EMBASSIES. The discussion centers on how hospitality principles can be applied to senior living, creating a community that fosters dignity, quality of life, and intergenerational connections. Key themes include the importance of community, the innovative approach to senior living, and the role of mentorship and lifelong learning. Guest Name: Jan Garde Title / Affiliation: Founder and Chairman, THE EM...

In this episode, Josiah Mackenzie shares a lesson from his experience at the Magnolia Hotel Denver. Also see: The Innkeeper Mindset - Tom Luersen, CoralTree HospitalityBalancing Fun with Attention to Detail: What I Learned from Steve Bartolin at The Broadmoor - Tom Luersen, CoralTree 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 insi...

In this episode, Josiah Mackenzie shares ideas from his panel discussion at the 2025 NYU International Hotel Investment Forum. Also see: The Money Behind the Magic: A Different Take on Hospitality - Josiah Mackenzie Think Like An Owner, Act Like A GM - Josiah Mackenzie Hospitality Is The Place To Be Now, And For The Future (My Thoughts from NYU IHIF) - Josiah Mackenzie A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here . You can send me a message here with question...

In this episode, Josiah Mackenzie shares ideas from his panel discussion at the 2025 NYU International Hotel Investment Forum. Also see: The Money Behind the Magic: A Different Take on Hospitality - Josiah Mackenzie Think Like An Owner, Act Like A GM - Josiah Mackenzie Hospitality Is The Place To Be Now, And For The Future (My Thoughts from NYU IHIF) - Josiah Mackenzie A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here . You can send me a message here with question...

In this episode, Josiah Mackenzie shares ideas from his panel discussion at the 2025 NYU International Hotel Investment Forum. Also see: The Money Behind the Magic: A Different Take on Hospitality - Josiah Mackenzie Tariffs, Unfolding Travel Trends, and San Francisco’s Comeback - Zach Demuth, JLL Hospitality’s Early Warning Signs: What the Data Reveals About the Economy Ahead - Jamie Lane, AirDNA A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here . You can send me a...

In this episode, Josiah Mackenzie shares insights from the 2025 NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum held in New York. Josiah discusses the conference's theme, "Engagement Drives Returns," and highlights the importance of active participation in the hospitality industry. He delves into consumer spending patterns, the impact of AI on jobs, and the resilience of the hospitality sector. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here . You can send me a mess...

Hotel owner, leadership coach, and now flight attendant — Rachel Vandenberg returns to the show in a candid conversation with hertelier co-founder and Hospitality Daily career correspondent, Nancy Mendelson . They dive into what it really means to lead with empathy, why great service starts with your team, and how Rachel uses a coach approach to build stronger hospitality cultures. Plus, Rachel shares what inspired her to chase a lifelong dream: 30,000 feet in the air. A few more resource...