Episodes

Ed Skapinok, Chief Commercial Officer at Appellation, has joined us before to talk about culinary-forward luxury hospitality and reimagining hospitality through technology. In this episode, we explore the rapid developments and strategic decisions shaping Appellation into a standout name in the hospitality industry. Listeners will gain insights into: Appellation's Expansion: Learn about the brand's growth through new construction and acquisitions. Technology and Personalization: Discover how ...

With extensive experience in strategic and creative marketing, Maurice Ajanaku specializes in crafting compelling brand narratives and executing innovative strategies that resonate. In this episode, we explore the essence of what makes a strong brand and how it transcends beyond mere logos to encompass every aspect of your hospitality business. What You'll Learn: The True Meaning of Branding: Discover why branding is more than just a logo and how it represents the personality and values of you...

Dina Belon is President at Staypineapple Hotels. In this episode, she shares her insights and experiences on how Staypineapple is updating and improving its technology to empower its teams and enhance guest experiences. Listeners will learn about: The Importance of Technology in Guest Services: Discover why Staypineapple is committed to a tech-forward approach behind the scenes while maintaining personal guest interactions. Selecting the Right Tech Stack: Understand the rigorous select...

Ashish Verma is Senior Vice President of the Luxury Division at the Unbound Collection by Hyatt. In this episode, you'll hear the practical steps his team takes to ensure each guest receives a personalized and exceptional experience. Listeners will learn about: The importance of a tailored guest experience in luxury hospitality. The role of a Guest Experiences Manager (GEM) in coordinating and synchronizing the efforts of various departments. The meticulous process of guest arrival, from per...

Ashish Verma is Senior Vice President of the Luxury Division at the Unbound Collection by Hyatt. In this episode, he shares what truly defines luxury in the hospitality industry. Listeners will learn: The Essence of Luxury: Understand the importance of creating exceptional and personalized experiences for guests that go beyond the conventional definitions. Rejecting Mediocrity: Hear the significance of not settling for mediocrity, both professionally and personally, and the potential we have ...

Ashish Verma is Senior Vice President of the Luxury Division at the Unbound Collection by Hyatt. In this episode, you will gain valuable knowledge from Ashish's extensive experience in the hospitality industry, learning about the key influences and lessons that have shaped his successful career. Listeners will discover: The importance of cultural roots in hospitality and how Indian traditions have influenced Ashish's approach to guest service. The significance of attention to detail and focus...

In this week's episode of San Francisco Sundays, we're talking with Dina Belon, President at Staypineapple Hotels, whose property here is a TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice award winner for San Francisco. Listen to hear the story of how they began working with this property, improved it, and used the hotel to welcome people to our beautiful city. This episode is brought to you with support from Sojern. I teamed up with Sojern to study how hoteliers use data to drive revenue and build stronger gues...

Dina Belon is President at Staypineapple Hotels. In this episode, she shares her perspective on the importance of being an active participant in the hospitality industry and how it can advance your business and the sector as a whole. Listeners will learn about: The significance of engaging with the broader hospitality industry and the benefits it brings to individual businesses. The unique approach of Staypineapple Hotels to the boutique hotel model and how it contrasts with branded hotels. ...

In this episode, we're joined by Anthony Melchiorri, host of the new show "Hotel All-Stars." Anthony shares his knowledge of hiring in the hospitality industry, the essential qualities for success, and effective leadership in today's hotel landscape. Listeners will learn: Anthony's insights on the magic of working in hospitality and what it takes to succeed in this dynamic field. The importance of emotional intelligence and a service-oriented mindset in hospitality roles. Strategies...

In this episode, Jen Murphy, a travel writer for publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Travel and Leisure, and Condé Nast Traveler (among other publications), shares what she's seeing and excited about in hospitality today. Listeners will learn about: The rise of specialized retreats, such as hiking and wellness-focused getaways, and how properties like Sensei Lanai and Palazzo Fiuggi are innovating in this space. The shift towards purposeful travel post-pandemic, with trav...

Don Barnett is the Director of Sales and Marketing at LondonHouse Chicago. In this episode, we discuss how to effectively collaborate with influencers to grow your hospitality business. Listeners will learn: The Value of Influencers in Hospitality: Discover why influencers can be a powerful asset for your hospitality business and how they can impact your growth and reputation. Micro vs. Macro Influencers: Understand the difference between micro and local influencers versus national or interna...

Don Barnett is the Director of Sales and Marketing at LondonHouse Chicago. In this episode, we explore LinkedIn's untapped potential for hospitality professionals. Listeners will learn: The Power of LinkedIn: Discover why LinkedIn is an underutilized platform in the hospitality industry and how it can be a game-changer for your business and personal brand. Content Creation Tips: Gain insights into creating engaging and 'edutaining' content that resonates with your audience and helps you stay ...

Jennifer Curtin is the General Manager of The Beatrice hotel in Providence, Rhode Island. Discover the innovative strategies and thoughtful leadership that propelled The Beatrice to the top of TripAdvisor's rankings for Providence and earned it a spot among the best hotels in the Northeast, according to Condé Nast Traveler. Listeners will learn about: The importance of prioritizing team care to enhance guest experiences. Jennifer's unique approach to hiring and nurturing talent within ...

Homi Vazifdar is the founder and Chairman of The Canyon Group, a vertically integrated investment company focused on the acquisition or development of ultra-luxurious and best-in-class resorts in unique destinations around the world, including Amangiri, the #1 resort in the United States. In this episode, you'll hear about his unique approach to the ultra-luxury hospitality sector and how contrarian thinking has led to unprecedented success. What You'll Learn: Contrarian Thinking: Discover how...

Homi Vazifdar is the founder and Chairman of The Canyon Group, a vertically integrated investment company focused on the acquisition or development of ultra-luxurious and best-in-class resorts in unique destinations around the world, including Amangiri, the #1 resort in the United States. In this episode, you'll hear his advice for building a career in hospitality today. Music by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

Homi Vazifdar and his teams at The Canyon Group have created some of the best ultra-luxury resorts in the world - including Amangiri, the #1 resort in the United States. In this episode of San Francisco Sundays, you'll hear how the Bay Area shaped his life and work, starting out with his first hospitality business: a restaurant just across the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County. Listeners will learn about: Homi's Inspiration: Discover what drew Homi to America and how the cultural revolution o...

This episode is an excerpt from Josiah Mackenzie's episode with David Arraya on the Conscious Hospitality Podcast (YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify). It explores the origins of Hospitality Daily and trends and opportunities in hospitality today. Listen now to hear about: The personal and professional inspirations behind Hospitality Daily. The evolution of hospitality and the role of technology in shaping its future. The importance of staying connected to the core reasons for working in hospi...

In this episode, Lucia Penrod, CEO of the iconic luxury beach club brand Nikki Beach, joins us to share the company's moving origin story—how it was born from a family tragedy and transformed into a global symbol of celebration and joy. What You'll Learn: The beginnings of Nikki Beach and how the brand honors the memory of Nicole ("Nikki"), Lucia's late stepdaughter. The importance of listening to guests and how their feedback has shaped the growth of Nikki Beach. The key to organic expansion...

In this episode we're learning from Meg Gutowski, the Events and Operations Senior Director at the Independent Lodging Congress (ILC). With a wealth of experience in producing top-tier events, Meg shares her insights into what it takes to create gatherings that are not only memorable but also foster genuine connections. Listeners will learn about: The Creative Process: Discover how Meg and her team at ILC blend meticulous planning with spontaneity to curate unique event experiences. Ve...

Do you want to learn about emerging market trends in order to serve people and innovate through hospitality? Today, we're learning how Margot Stern does this. She went from managing a $450 million dollar consumer products portfolio for Mattel and Disney to becoming a hospitality strategist and advisor to now building The Hopewell, her new conservation-minded hospitality experience in an old country manor north of Philadelphia. I want you to listen to Margot to hear what it can look like to con...

In this episode, Karl Scarlett, CEO of both a technology development and strategy consulting firm (NetAesthetics) and a hospitality property management company (Great Dwellings). Karl shares his unique perspective at the intersection of technology and hospitality, revealing the potential and pitfalls of AI today. Listeners will gain valuable insights into: The surprising outcomes of a pilot AI program in guest service and why it didn't meet expectations. Karl's perspective on the biggest oppo...

In this episode, we learn from Terri Haack, Senior Vice President at Lowe, former President of the Terranea Resort, and a trailblazer in the hospitality industry. Terri's career has been marked by resilience, strategic leadership, and a deep commitment to community and service. Her insights are a masterclass in leadership. Listeners will learn about: Authentic Leadership: Discover the importance of staying true to oneself and the impact of authenticity on leadership effectiveness. Serv...

On this week's episode of San Francisco Sundays we're learning from Jen Darwin, the founder of The Village Postnatal Retreat Center - a sanctuary for new parents to rest, recover, and bond with their newborns while receiving professional support. In this conversation, you'll discover: The Inspiration Behind the Retreat: Learn about Jen's journey from a labor and delivery nurse to creating a unique space that bridges the gap between hospital discharge and the realities of new parenthood. ...

Chris Silcock, President of Global Brands and Commercial Services at Hilton, shares his advice on rest and taking breaks - something he has learned is foundational in providing hospitality. You may also enjoy: Career Lessons in Leadership - Chris Silcock, Hilton How We Build Strong Brands - Chris Silcock, Hilton Music by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands