Episodes
March 3, 2025
From Ritz-Carlton to Reinventing Hospitality: What I’ve Learned So Far - Abdul Baaghil
In this episode, Abdul Baaghil, co-founder of Harvest Cotton Tail, shares his journey from a fascination with hotel lobbies to becoming a hospitality visionary and how he continues to innovate today. 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 Hospitali...
March 2, 2025
Behind the Stars: How Forbes Travel Guide Defines Luxury & Five-Star Hospitality - Amanda Frasier, Forbes Travel Guide
In this episode, Emily Goldfischer, founder and editor of hertelier, interviews Amanda Frasier, President of Standards & Ratings at Forbes Travel Guide. Listen to hear insights into her career journey, the Forbes rating system, and the evolution of luxury travel. Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:20) Amanda's background in hospitality (04:34) The world of hotel ratings (08:46) Changes in the luxury traveler (10:04) Testing for intuitive service (11:23) Impact on female travelers (17:2...
March 1, 2025
"Hawaiian Culture Is Not a Condiment" - Kainoa Horcajo, Mo'olelo Group
In this episode, Kainoa Horcajo, founder and principal at Mo'olelo Group, shares insights on integrating culture into hospitality to benefit everyone. 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, Li...
Feb. 28, 2025
Culture of Innovation: How Hospitality Leaders Can Stay Ahead - Hans Meyer, Zoku
In this episode, Matthias Huettebraeuker interviews Hans Meyer, the co-founder and managing director of Zoku, about how to cultivate a culture of innovation. 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 YouT...
Feb. 27, 2025
The Blurring Lines Between Hotels, Offices & Community Spaces - Hans Meyer, Zoku
In this episode, Matthias Huettebraeuker interviews Hans Meyer, the co-founder and managing director of Zoku, about what he is observing in the market today. 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 YouT...
Feb. 26, 2025
From Concept to Success: The Strategy Behind Our Hospitality Innovation - Hans Meyer, Zoku
In this episode, Matthias Huettebraeuker interviews Hans Meyer, the co-founder and managing director of Zoku, about the process he used to bring innovation to 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, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conver...
Feb. 25, 2025
The End of the Hotel Room as We Know It - Hans Meyer, Zoku
In this episode, Matthias Huettebraeuker interviews Hans Meyer, the co-founder and managing director of Zoku. 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 ad...
Feb. 24, 2025
Forget Trends: How citizenM Redefined Hotels Around What Guests Truly Want - Hans Meyer
In this episode, Matthias Huettebraeuker interviews Hans Meyer, one of the initial creators and founding partners of citizenM, before he co-created his latest company, Zoku. Here, Hans shares insights into citizenM's groundbreaking approach to hospitality, and the importance of focusing on customer needs over industry norms. Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (00:29) Hans Meyer’s background and achievements (00:55) Innovation from within the industry (01:16) The inception of citize...
Feb. 23, 2025
Serving in the Storm: How Hospitality Leaders Support Their Communities - David Jackson
In this episode recorded in January 2025, David Jackson, President & CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, shares how hotels became lifelines during a hurricane and how collaboration and hospitality are driving the region's long-term growth. 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 ...
Feb. 22, 2025
Hospitality Daily is The #1 Hospitality Podcast (Here's What That Means for You) - Josiah Mackenzie
Josiah Mackenzie shares the news of Hospitality Daily being voted the #1 hospitality podcast for 2025 and invites you to participate. Message Josiah here on LinkedIn or email your thoughts or suggestions here. 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...
Feb. 21, 2025
Hospitality's AI Wake-Up Call: What Leaders Must Do Now - Frits van Paasschen
In this episode, Frits van Paasschen, former CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, shares his thoughts about technology and AI in hospitality today. 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...
Feb. 20, 2025
Follow the Trend Lines, Not the Headlines: Hospitality Leadership in a Changing World - Frits van Paasschen
In this episode, Frits van Paasschen, former CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, shares insights and updates from his book, The Disruptor's Feast. 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...
Feb. 19, 2025
From Cynicism to Success: How Starwood Built a Culture of Trust and Innovation - Frits van Paasschen
In this episode, Frits van Paasschen shares what he learned about building trust and a culture of innovation when he was the CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. 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 You...
Feb. 18, 2025
How Great Leaders Build Other Leaders in Hospitality (Career Reflections & Lessons from Former Starwood CEO Frits van Paasschen)
In this episode, Frits van Paasschen, former CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, shares lessons from his career journey, as well as the importance of mentorship. Buy The Disruptor's Feast Follow Frits on LinkedIn 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. Follo...
Feb. 17, 2025
The Money Behind the Magic: A Different Take on Hospitality - Josiah Mackenzie
In this episode, Josiah Mackenzie, founder and host of Hospitality Daily, shares his thoughts on the importance of understanding the business side of hospitality and how it can ultimately enhance guest experiences and career opportunities. Also see: A new chapter for me 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 deliv...
Feb. 16, 2025
The Secret to Making Someone Feel Special (TEDx Talk Deep Dive) - Sarah Dandashy
In this episode, Sarah Dandashy, an award-winning concierge and thought leader in travel and hospitality, shares insights from her TEDx talk, "The Secret to Making Someone Feel Special," and discusses the importance of genuine connection. Watch Sarah's TEDx talk: The Secret to Making Someone Feel Special See our other episode with Sarah: Mastering Media: How I Became An In-Demand Travel & Hospitality Expert For TV, Newspapers & Social Media Watch Sarah's series with Anthony Melchiorri and Cur...
Guest: Sarah Dandashy
Feb. 15, 2025
Making Big Career Moves: Relocating, Learning, and Growing in Hospitality - Candice D'Cruz, Hilton
In this episode, Emily Goldfischer, founder and editor of hertelier, interviews Candice D'Cruz, Vice President of Luxury Brands at Hilton. Read on hertelier - Maximizing Your Mentorship Experience: A Guide For Mentees If you missed it, check out Personal News + Changes Coming to Hospitality Daily 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 actiona...
Feb. 14, 2025
The Little Things That Make a Big Impact in Hospitality - Marc Schwarz
In this episode, Marc Schwarz, Director of Service at Thrive Hospitality, shares what "disruptive hospitality" means to him - and why it's so important. 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, ...
Feb. 13, 2025
Elevating Hospitality Training: The Gold Standard Approach to Service Excellence - Marc Schwarz
In this episode, Marc Schwarz, Director of Service at Thrive Hospitality, shares what he's learned about effective training. 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...
Feb. 12, 2025
The Unexpected Intersection of Hospitality and Public Health - Marc Schwarz
In this episode, Marc Schwarz, Director of Service at Thrive Hospitality, shares hospitality lessons from an unexpected role that we can all learn from. Also see: Service is a Privilege: The Mindset of Hospitality Success - Marc Schwarz Creating Alchemy with Ian Schrager (And How Hospitality Needs to Change) - Ben Pundole, PUBLIC Hotels 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 w...
Feb. 11, 2025
Lessons from Land Rover: The Hospitality Mindset - Marc Schwarz
In this episode, Marc Schwarz, Director of Service at Thrive Hospitality, shares what he learned working at Land Rover that we can all learn from. Also see: Service is a Privilege: The Mindset of Hospitality Success - Marc Schwarz The Culture Code: What Made Ian Schrager’s Hotels Different - Marc Schwarz From Ferraris to Fine Art: Crafting Joy Through Design - Lily Ackerman A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, co...
Feb. 10, 2025
The Culture Code: What Made Ian Schrager’s Hotels Different - Marc Schwarz
In this episode, Marc Schwarz, Director of Service at Thrive Hospitality, shares his experiences working with the legendary hotelier Ian Schrager and the unique culture at Morgan's Hotel Group. Also see: Service is a Privilege: The Mindset of Hospitality Success - Marc Schwarz Creating Alchemy with Ian Schrager (And How Hospitality Needs to Change) - Ben Pundole, PUBLIC Hotels Working with Ian Schrager: The Iconic Studio 54 Founder's Approach to Hospitality Today - Adam Wallace A few more reso...
Feb. 10, 2025
Service is a Privilege: The Mindset of Hospitality Success - Marc Schwarz
In this episode, Marc Schwarz, Director of Service at Thrive Hospitality, shares what he's learned about a life and career 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, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and ...
Feb. 8, 2025
Why "Irrational Hospitality" Is the Secret to Long-Term Success - Colin Nagy
In this episode, Colin Nagy, a global strategy executive and travel writer, shares why and how he travels, what's catching his attention, and the opportunities he sees in hospitality today. (00:00) Introduction (02:13) Colin's early travel experiences (05:16) Why Colin travels thoughtfully (07:29) Fascination with the Middle East and Japan (10:40) Why Colin writes about travel (12:18) Objectivity in travel writing (15:00) Building a network of primary sources (17:48) Rol...