Episodes

Jan. 23, 2025

Creating "Quantum Leaps" In Hospitality Innovation - Michael Levie

In this episode, Michael Levie shares his insights on innovation, the importance of "importing" ideas and skills from elsewhere, and his vision for what the future of hospitality might look like. This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group, the global hospitality technology leader that helps hotels streamline operations and transform guest experiences. Recognized by their clients for their best-in-class solutions and exceptional implementation support, Shiji Group is trusted by...
Jan. 22, 2025

Better Decisions, Faster: Using Data and Technology to Boost Hotel Revenue and Profitability (Tim Wiersma and Dan Skodol)

In this episode, Tim Wiersma, founder of Revenue Generation, and Dan Skodol, the company's vice president of data science and analytics, share insights on the current state of revenue management in the hospitality industry, the transformative potential of AI, and the importance of focusing on profitability over occupancy metrics. Also see: Article from Tim: Enhancing Hotel Profitability: Leveraging AI and BI for Commercial Decision Support This episode is brought to you with support from S...
Jan. 22, 2025

What I've Learned Building Productive Tech Partnerships - Michael Levie

In this episode, 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. This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group, the global hospitality technology leader that helps hotels streamline operations and transform guest experiences. Recognized by their clients for their best-in-class solutions and exceptional implementation supp...
Jan. 21, 2025

The Magic Behind citizenM's Success - Michael Levie

In this episode, citizenM co-founder Michael Levie shares insights into the innovative strategies and operating approach that has driven the company's success. If you liked this, you may also like these episodes: The citizenM Founding Story (And What It Teaches Us Today) The Moments That Made Me: citizenM's Michael Levie Shares His Story This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group, the global hospitality technology leader that helps hotels streamline operations and transfo...
Jan. 20, 2025

The citizenM Founding Story (And What It Teaches Us Today) - Michael Levie

In this episode, Michael Levie, co-founder of citizenM, shares the story of how the innovative brand began, the challenges they faced, and the unique strategies that set them apart in the industry. This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group, the global hospitality technology leader that helps hotels streamline operations and transform guest experiences. Recognized by their clients for their best-in-class solutions and exceptional implementation support, Shiji Group is trusted ...
Jan. 19, 2025

The Moments That Made Me: citizenM's Michael Levie Shares His Story

In this episode, Michael Levie shares his journey from a young hospitality enthusiast to a leader (including co-founding citizenM), his experiences with technology in hospitality, and his advice for aspiring hoteliers. This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group, the global hospitality technology leader that helps hotels streamline operations and transform guest experiences. Recognized by their clients for their best-in-class solutions and exceptional implementation support, Sh...
Jan. 18, 2025

The Secret Sauce of Great Restaurant Concepts - Anthony Torres

In this episode, Anthony Torres, one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares insights on creating standout food and beverage concepts, emphasizing the importance of working with specialists and maintaining concept integrity. More episodes with Anthony: Lessons from Starwood, Kimpton, and IHG in F&B Leadership Why Hotel F&B is the Ultimate Creative Canvas How Personal Development Transformed My Hospitality Leadership This episode is brought to you with support from S...
Jan. 17, 2025

Hyper-Local F&B Strategies to Keep Your Property Top of Mind - Anthony Torres

In this episode, Anthony Torres, one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares essential tactics for keeping your property top of mind, from creating hyper-local strategies to leveraging partnerships with influencers and local businesses. More episodes with Anthony: Lessons from Starwood, Kimpton, and IHG in F&B Leadership Why Hotel F&B is the Ultimate Creative Canvas How Personal Development Transformed My Hospitality Leadership This episode is brought to you with su...
Jan. 16, 2025

Turnaround Story: How We Drove Revenue & Profitability Through F&B - Anthony Torres

In this episode, Anthony Torres, one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares how he helped drive revenue growth at the Grand Wailea by listening to his team and his guests. More episodes with Anthony: Lessons from Starwood, Kimpton, and IHG in F&B Leadership Why Hotel F&B is the Ultimate Creative Canvas How Personal Development Transformed My Hospitality Leadership This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group, the global hospitality technology le...
Jan. 15, 2025

Beyond OTA Savings: Why Direct Bookings Are Your Key to Understanding Guests - Chris Bowling, BWH Hotels

In this episode, Chris Bowling, Head of Digital and Consumer Marketing at BWH Hotels Great Britain, shares insights on the importance of direct bookings, the role of OTAs, and the impact of AI on the hospitality industry. Read Chris' newsletter, The Hotel Hype. This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group, the global hospitality technology leader that helps hotels streamline operations and transform guest experiences. Recognized by their clients for their best-in-class solution...
Jan. 14, 2025

How AI Helps Me Run More Profitable Hotels - Sean Murphy, The Bower

In this episode, Sean Murphy, General Manager at The Bower, shares how technology like AI can optimize operations, free your team to elevate guest experiences, and deliver a strong ROI. Hear more of Sean's story: From Pool Attendant to Achieving Forbes 5-Star Recognition Send Josiah a text Take the Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality survey now to understand how others use AI and the opportunities for you and your hospitality business. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Dai...
Jan. 13, 2025

From Pool Attendant to Achieving Forbes 5-Star Recognition - Sean Murphy, The Bower

In this episode, Sean Murphy, General Manager at The Bower, shares his inspiring career journey in hospitality, from his beginnings at Ritz-Carlton to leading an independent hotel to Forbes five-star recognition in Mexico. Send Josiah a text Take the Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality survey now to understand how others use AI and the opportunities for you and your hospitality business. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here w...
Jan. 12, 2025

How Creative Wellness in Hospitality Is Elevating Guest Experience and Driving Revenue Now - Lou Zameryka

In this episode, Lou Zameryka, founder of Alively and partner at Ventures Hospitality, shares insights on integrating wellness into hospitality to drive guest loyalty, boost satisfaction, and unlock new revenue streams. Check out these other episodes with Lou: Unlocking Human Potential: The Power of "Healthspan" in Hospitality - Lou Zameryka Building Booking.com: Lessons In Culture, Innovation, And Global Growth from Behind The Scenes - Lou Zameryka Send Josiah a text Take the Artificial Intel...
Jan. 12, 2025

50 Days, 50 Concepts: Rethinking Experiential Hospitality with Generative AI - Dylan Barahona

In this episode, Dylan Barahona shares his journey from building Lego hotels as a child to creating immersive VIP experiences at high-profile events like Coachella and Gary Vaynerchuk's VeeCon. He discusses his recent 50-day experiential hospitality challenge, where he used generative AI to visualize bold hospitality concepts, and offers insights into why brands should invest in experiential environments. View Dylan's Experiential Hospitality Challenge on LinkedIn. Send Josiah a text Take the ...
Jan. 10, 2025

Tech CEO-Turned-Hotel CEO Shares Tech Advice - Ben Rafter, Springboard Hospitality

In this episode, Ben Rafter, President and CEO of Springboard Hospitality, shares insights on how innovation and technology can empower hospitality providers and elevate the guest experience. If you enjoyed this, you may also enjoy: What Happens When a Tech CEO Leads a Hotel Company - Ben Rafter, Springboard Hospitality ChatGPT for Hotel Reviews: AI Lessons From Our 1 Hour, $20 Live Experiment - Josiah Mackenzie Hard Truths on Hotel Tech: Unfiltered Insider Advice - Josiah Mackenzie Send...
Jan. 9, 2025

What Happens When a Tech CEO Leads a Hotel Company - Ben Rafter, Springboard Hospitality

In this episode, Ben Rafter, President and CEO of Springboard Hospitality, shares his career journey from the tech industry to hospitality and his innovative approach to blending technology, transparency, and a guest-first mindset to turn challenges into opportunities. We cover: (01:08) Ben's start in hospitality (04:09) Lessons from growing Aqua Hotels during the 2008 financial crisis (06:01) Data and reports Ben focuses on (08:16) Personal development and learning (10:19) What's on Ben's...
Jan. 8, 2025

What’s Really Happening in Hotels Now: A Conversation with Top Hotel Asset Manager Rachel Roginsky

In this episode, Rachel Roginski, Principal at Pinnacle Advisory Group, shares her take on our State of the Hotel Industry research. You may also enjoy: The State of the Hotel Industry: 5 Things To Know for 2025 - Josiah Mackenzie Beyond Efficiency: How AI Can Help Hospitality Thrive in 2025 - Lou Zameryka Send Josiah a text Take the Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality survey now to understand how others use AI and the opportunities for you and your hospitality business. A few more resourc...
Jan. 7, 2025

Beyond Efficiency: How AI Can Help Hospitality Thrive in 2025 - Lou Zameryka

In this episode, Lou Zameryka shares his take on the State of the Hotel Industry research discussed yesterday. Article referenced: The AI Revolution in Hospitality: Transforming the Hotel Industry through Innovation and Employee Empowerment You may also enjoy this from Lou: Creative but Practical Uses for AI Today in Hotel Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Management (Takeaways From HSMAI's Latest Event) Send Josiah a text Take the Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality survey now to understand ho...
Jan. 6, 2025

The State of the Hotel Industry: 5 Things To Know for 2025 - Josiah Mackenzie

In this episode, Josiah Mackenzie shares key insights about the state of the hotel industry for 2025, based on a comprehensive survey conducted on this topic. View the research charts here on HotelOperations.com Send Josiah a text Take the Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality survey now to understand how others use AI and the opportunities for you and your hospitality business. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questio...
Jan. 5, 2025

Collaborating with Auberge, Audi & An Emmy-Nominated Director to Create ThroughLine, Our Immersive Dining Experience - Katina and Kyle Connaughton, SingleThread

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...
Jan. 4, 2025

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

Take our Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality survey In this episode, 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 ...
Jan. 3, 2025

What AI Might Bring Hotels in 2025 - Martin Soler

In this episode, Martin Soler, a former hotel general manager turned marketing strategist, shares insights on how AI is reshaping hotel operations and how it can be used to streamline work, improve communication, and stay competitive in 2025 and beyond. (01:33) The two "camps" of AI adoption (02:36) The importance of experimenting with AI (03:14) Specificity in AI applications (03:34) Josiah's experience with ChatGPT (04:08) Martin's use of AI in daily work (05:12) Benefits of dictating to...
Jan. 2, 2025

Rethinking Hospitality: Bold Moves for 2025 and Beyond - Matthias Huettebraeuker

In this episode, Matthias Huettebraeuker, an independent hospitality strategist with experience at citizenM and Design Hotels, shares how we can break free from outdated thinking, embrace innovation, and create hotels and hospitality businesses that people love. (01:27) The shift in the hospitality industry 20 years ago (02:09) Importance of community (03:13) The need to rethink and innovate (03:42) Knowing your "why" (05:08) Developing a niche and "personality" (06:06) Bold hospitality (...
Jan. 1, 2025

The Opportunity for Hospitality in 2025 (Personally and Professionally) - Josiah Mackenzie

Listen to Hospitality Daily founder and host Josiah Mackenzie share what he sees as the opportunity for hospitality ahead. Links: Simon Sinek: Start with Why The Power of Hospitality to Bring Us Together How Napa Valley's Tourism Strategy Can Boost Your Hospitality Business - Linsey Gallagher, Visit Napa Valley A Chef's View on Food, Community, and Renewal - Tyler Florence Engineering Training & Mentorship at The Hoxton, Downtown LA Why The Hotel Industry is at a Pivotal Moment - Zach Demuth, ...