Episodes

In this episode, Charlie MacGregor, founder of The Social Hub, shares how they pioneered the concept of hybrid hospitality, blending different groups of people and using space flexibly to maximize revenue and create vibrant, multi-use spaces. Listeners will learn: What hybrid hospitality is (01:30) How hybrid hospitality creates a fun, safe, and vibrant environment that reflects real life (03:07) The benefits of connecting workers through co-working spaces (04:32) How hybrid hosp...

In this episode, hotel investor and Hospiamo founder Adam Zembruski shares his insights on the systemic barriers that hold hoteliers back and the practical steps needed to foster a more creative and collaborative culture in hotels. Listeners will learn: The reasons why collaboration is often an afterthought for hotel owners and how to change that mindset (01:37) The importance of encouraging creativity among hotel employees (05:32) A real-world example of successful collaboration in...

In this episode, hotel investor and Hospiamo founder Adam Zembruski shares his perspective on the systemic issues within the hotel industry that are holding back real innovation and progress. (Listen to Adam's story here if you missed it earlier.) Listeners will learn: What it's really like working at a hotel today (01:47) The disconnect between leaders and the workers on the ground (06:17) The importance of an abundance mindset (14:58) The hotel companies face (16:18) Mentions:...

In this episode, Anna Marie Presutti, the new President & CEO of San Francisco Travel, shares why she stepped into this pivotal role, what she believes it will take to bring San Francisco back into the spotlight, and the opportunities she sees for the city and its hospitality community. Listeners will learn: What excites Anna Marie most about her new role as CEO of San Francisco Travel (02:22) The progress being made in San Francisco's recovery and what it took to drive action and resu...

In this episode, Adam Zembruski, a hotel investor and hotel industry enthusiast, is the Founder of Hospiamo, Inc., a social enterprise, and the Hospitality Industry Impact Initiative, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. He shares his personal story and insights on the challenges and importance of staying connected with those on the front lines in the hospitality industry. Listeners will learn: Adam's career progression from front desk agent to chief operating officer and hotel investor (...

In this episode, Bill Graf, CEO of ONDA (Instagram), shares his thoughts on the future of hospitality and opportunities for innovation now. Listeners will learn: Bill’s unconventional path into hospitality and the pivotal travel experience that inspired him to start ONDA (02:41) The concept of "Hospitality 3.0" and how it's different from previous waves of innovation in the industry (09:59) Why the next big opportunity in hospitality lies in serving niches (12:47) Lessons from re...

In this episode, Jennifer Clay, Vice President of Hotel Operations at Appellation, shares her unique perspective on how hotel design choices play a vital role in immersing guests in a destination - and how she thinks about this as an operations leader. Listeners will learn: How hotels can embody and celebrate the destination they are in [01:58] The evolution of hotel design from formulaic to celebrating local materials and artisans [02:34] The journey of selecting specific design elements li...

In this episode, Jennifer Clay, Vice President of Hotel Operations at Appellation, shares how she empowers emerging talent to step into big roles and grow into confident leaders. Listeners will learn: How to cultivate curiosity, encourage collaboration, and push people to embrace discomfort as part of their growth (01:55) Why the hospitality industry is more than just a job (02:48) How to build trust and empower your team (00:31) A few more resources: If you're new to Hospit...

In this episode, Jennifer Clay, Vice President of Hotel Operations at Appellation, shares what she looks for when hiring general managers and the unexpected qualities that separate a great manager from a good one. Listeners will learn: What Jennifer asks during interviews (01:28) The connection that's a key trait to look for (03:15) The importance of finding outlets to disconnect and recharge(04:14) A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a me...

In this episode, Christopher Hunsberger, co-founder and chief operating officer of Appellation, shares how the Appellation Crafted program embeds his brand deeply into local communities through partnerships with artisans, farmers, and makers. Listeners will learn: How Appellation celebrates makers, artisans, and people who are the fabric of the community through the Appellation Crafted program (01:47) How Appellation showcases its own team members' talents and skills through the Crafted class...

In this episode, Christopher Hunsberger, co-founder and chief operating officer of Appellation - and former Chief People Officer at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts - shares his insights on recruiting top talent and how building strong relationships, leveraging tools like LinkedIn, and crafting compelling story-driven job descriptions have helped him attract some of the best in the business. Listeners will learn: The importance of treating people as you'd want to be treated and maintaining...

In this episode, Christopher Hunsberger, co-founder and chief operating officer of Appellation, shares how stepping into a new role at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts pushed him beyond his comfort zone and the key lessons he learned about collaboration and building a culture of innovation. Listeners will learn: How Christopher led product and service innovation at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts (00:00) The importance of being nimble and agile when innovating (03:19) The value of ri...

In this episode, Christopher Hunsberger, co-founder and chief operating officer of Appellation, shares how his family's love of food and hospitality shaped his early passion for the industry, the key lessons he learned from legendary mentors, and why embracing every opportunity can make all the difference in your career. Listeners will learn: How Christopher's mother influenced his love for food and hospitality (01:29) The role his uncle played in his decision to pursue a career in hos...

Jennifer Krapp is the head of restaurant operations at The Indigo Road Hospitality Group. You can hear her career journey here and thoughts on mentorship here if you missed them. In this episode, she shares her insights on what makes great hospitality and why it's so important. Listeners will learn: What doesn't make great hospitality (00:48) Why hospitality is attention (01:10) Why hospitality is so important (02:06) A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. Y...

In this episode, Tely Nagle, owner of The Drake Oak Brook, shares the inspiring story of purchasing and transforming a neglected historic Chicago area hotel into a Condé Nast award-winning property. Listeners will learn: The history of The Drake Oak Brook and its connection to the famous Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago (01:09) The state of disrepair the hotel was in when Tely and her husband Jim purchased it in 2013 (04:01) The renovation process and Tely's creative inspiration for restoring...

I'm sure you've been hearing about the strikes by hotel workers across the country—but what's really behind them? I wanted to go beyond the headlines and press releases and hear directly from the housekeepers, bartenders, waiters, and others who work in hospitality. So, I headed to the picket sites at hotels across San Francisco this afternoon to find out. Listen now to hear: Why hotel workers feel management has stopped listening to them and what it's like "talking to a brick wall" (01:2...

In this episode, Linsey Gallagher, President & CEO of Visit Napa Valley, shares insights on how collaboration between destination marketing organizations and hospitality businesses can drive tourism and boost the industry. Listeners will learn: The economic impact of tourism in Napa Valley (01:09) Opportunities for collaboration (05:33) The various marketing channels and efforts Visit Napa Valley uses to promote the region (09:56) How hotels and hospitality businesses in the area can work w...

In this episode, Amy Smith, owner of the Saratoga Arms Hotel, and Rachel Paley, the hotel's general manager, share how they've implemented a variable pay program based on the concept of yield management to address staffing challenges. Listeners will learn: How the variable pay program at Saratoga Arms Hotel was developed and implemented (03:54) The impact of the variable pay program on employee morale, recruitment, and retention (08:14) Advice for others considering implementing a s...

In this episode, Bashar Wali, founder and CEO of Practice Hospitality and This Assembly, shares his perspective on what makes a compelling hospitality brand and the opportunities for innovation in the industry today. Listeners will learn: How to balance aesthetics and profitability in hotel design (01:34) The importance of having a "face" and soul behind a hospitality brand (03:51) Why large hotel companies are acquiring founder-led brands (06:44) The opportunity for entrepreneur...

In this episode, Bashar Wali, founder and CEO of Practice Hospitality and This Assembly, shares why "shock and awe" tactics often fall flat and why simple gestures can elevate the ordinary into something memorable. Listeners will learn: Why true loyalty isn't earned with points but with something far more profound that taps into our human nature What we can learn from the world of theater Why it's easier than ever to build guest relationships The importance of being nice and training employ...

In this episode, Andrea Stokes, practice lead for hospitality at J.D. Power, shares insights from the latest J.D. Power research. Listeners will learn: How higher room rates are impacting guest satisfaction and value perception (00:28) The importance of service, personalization, and property upkeep in driving guest satisfaction (01:11) How third-party managed hotels are outperforming brand-managed or owner-managed properties (04:03) The role of technology and mobile apps in enhancing guest ...

In this episode, Stuart Greif, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy, Innovation, and Operating Officer at Forbes Travel Guide, shares his insights on the power of leading with listening and the importance of understanding what's going on in the lives of the people on your team to unlock their potential. Listeners will learn: The importance of asking questions and understanding what's going on in someone's life before giving advice (01:49) How to flex and accommodate team members' perso...

In this episode, Wayne Boatwright shares his powerful story of redemption and his challenges while reentering society and the workforce. Listeners will learn: How Wayne's life took a dramatic turn to spending time in San Quentin, one of California's most notorious prisons (00:21) The challenges Wayne encountered when trying to find housing and employment after being released from prison (27:06) Wayne's experience working in the hospitality industry (32:13) The importance of meeting formerly ...

In this episode, Denise Joseph, Director of Curatorial at NINE dot ARTS, shares how art can transform hospitality spaces, create local connections, and boost the bottom line for hotels and resorts. Listeners will learn: The role of a curator in selecting and implementing art for hospitality spaces [02:26] How art drives both social and financial impact in the hospitality industry [10:50] The importance of integrating art early in the hotel design process [12:59] Advice for hospitality busin...