Episodes

Nov. 15, 2023

Boosting Morale with Fun: The Impact of Wellness Wednesdays at Cameo Beverly Hills

We met Amy Salvago earlier this year when she explained the "Wellness Wednesday" program they have at the Cameo Beverly Hills, a Remington Hotels property. I recently went back to the hotel to meet with Amy and her team, and in this episode, you'll hear a bit more about this program and what the impact has been. I think you'll be as inspired as I was by what providing something like this could do for your teams. Join in the conversation on this episode on the Hospitality Daily LinkedIn page ...
Nov. 14, 2023

Building Booking.com: Lessons In Culture, Innovation, And Global Growth from Behind The Scenes - Lou Zameryka

Booking.com is one of the most powerful companies in hospitality today, and the story of how it got started and grew has lessons for all of us - wherever we are in the hospitality and travel ecosystem. Lou Zameryka was an early employee and eventual Director of Global Accounts for the company, where he led the efforts to engage with the world's biggest hotel brands. In this episode, he shares the fascinating story of Booking's growth and evolution. You'll hear about the company's origins and l...
Nov. 13, 2023

How We Set Up New Team Members for Success - Joanna Dodaro Johansen, citizenM

Would you like to set up your new team members for success from the very start? In this episode, Joanna Dodaro Johansen, head of people experience for citizenM hotels in the US, explains how she thinks about this and does this with her teams. Follow Joanna on LinkedIn Learn more about citizenM hotels careers Listen to our other episode with Joanna: Leading People Experience at citizenM Hotels Join in the conversation on this episode on the Hospitality Daily LinkedIn page here. This episode...
Nov. 12, 2023

What Guests Are Looking For In Luxury and Hospitality Today - Bill Walshe

Today, we're learning from Bill Walshe, the former CEO of Viceroy Hotel Group, who today is helping others in hospitality as a board member, strategic advisor, and keynote speaker. In this episode, you'll learn about the word that defines luxury and hospitality for people today...and the three factors that will affect the success of any hospitality experience today. Follow Bill on LinkedIn Visit Bill's website Watch Bill's Ted talk: A Roadmap of Pride Join in the conversation on this episode on...
Nov. 11, 2023

Investing in Outdoors-Focused Hospitality - Matt Mering, Outbound Hotels

In this episode, we're learning from Matt Mering, the Executive Vice President of Hospitality at Waterton. Matt shares the origins and development of Outbound Hotels, a nature and adventure-focused lifestyle portfolio. We explore the investment opportunities in the hospitality industry and how Waterton's experience in multifamily real estate has positioned them well to invest in hospitality. Tune in to learn more about the intersection of investment and outdoor-focused hospitality and travel. J...
Nov. 10, 2023

Investing in Education: The Graduate Academy Program - Kevin Osterhaus, Graduate Hotels

In this episode, Kevin Osterhaus, the President of Graduate Hotels, explains the Graduate Academy program, a best-in-class offering that allows team members to pursue undergraduate degrees paid for by Graduate Hotels. Kevin shares examples of team members pursuing university certifications related to their roles within the organization, highlighting the company's commitment to employee education. Tune in to learn about the investments Graduate Hotels has made in education and the positive impac...
Nov. 9, 2023

Leading People Experience at citizenM Hotels - Joanna Dodaro Johansen, citizenM

In this episode, Joanna Dodaro Johansen, head of people experience for citizenM hotels in the US, shares how they create a great employee experience at one of the most innovative hotel brands in the world. Joanna discusses their approach to recruiting, hiring, and daily practices that encourage a culture of celebrating individuality. She emphasizes the importance of employee experience in shaping the guest experience and the success of the business. Watch the video: Let your talents travel Fol...
Nov. 8, 2023

What It Will Take To Win Today: Advice for Hotel Owners, Brands, and Management Companies - Anthony Melchiorri

In this episode, Anthony Melchiorri discusses the state of the hotel industry and the interconnected relationships between owners, real estate investors, brands, and management companies. He emphasizes the challenges faced by the industry, such as rising costs and the importance of working together, along with the need to balance profit-making with preserving the soul of the industry. Anthony highlights the significance of strong relationships between these stakeholders and the impact they will ...
Nov. 7, 2023

The Story Behind Mint House: Pioneering a New Kind of Stay - Christian Lee, Mint House

In this episode, we're learning from Mint House CEO Christian Lee about the story behind their tech-forward hospitality company, whose board and investors include former chief executives from Four Seasons, Disney, Club Med, Starwood Hotels, St. Regis Hotels, JBG Smith, and Travelocity. Christian shares his unique global perspective and how it has shaped his career in hospitality. You'll hear what sets Mint House apart, the trends they are tracking, and the creative approaches they are taking to...
Guest: Christian Lee
Nov. 6, 2023

Empower Yourself: Insights from Wall Street - Trica Jean-Baptiste

If you care about hospitality, why should you care about finance and Wall Street? To answer that question, I went to Wall Street in New York and met with Trica Jean-Baptiste, Founder and CEO of Morgensheer Hospitality, who has a fascinating career that started in hospitality, PR, and media and has evolved into her current work as a capital connector - someone at the heart of the investment world in hospitality today. In this conversation, you'll learn about how Trica built and evolved her care...
Nov. 5, 2023

Why (And How) We're Creating a "Deconstructed Resort" - Tanner Cummings, Thin Spaces Hotel Company

Tanner Cummings is creating a "deconstructed resort" based on an old Celtic concept of "thin places" - the notion of heaven meeting earth. In this episode, you'll learn how he and his wife Melissa drew from their background of ministry and caring for others into the opportunity they had to create a radically different kind of hospitality business in northern Georgia. You'll learn how they also draw from their career experiences in technology and e-commerce to build this business, how they think...
Nov. 4, 2023

Never Stop Learning - Fernando Vives, NH Hotel Group

Fernando Vives is the Chief Commercial Officer of NH Hotel Group, and one of the biggest takeaways I had from our conversation is the need to never stop learning. In this episode, you'll learn why he encourages us to live with a learner's mindset and stay curious to succeed in hospitality today. Join in the conversation on this episode on the Hospitality Daily LinkedIn page here. This episode is brought to you with support from Sojern. Finding and appealing to travelers online means getting to...
Nov. 3, 2023

The Hotel Culture I Experienced That Cared For People, Enabled Innovation & Earned Media Attention - Adam Wallace

Everyone wants to be innovative, create something remarkable, and provide memorable hospitality - but what does that take....really? Getting to know our guest today, Adam Wallace, over the past 15 years has shown me the answer to that question is culture. Early in his career, Adam worked at his family's hotel in New York, getting national media coverage for the innovative community building they were doing - and today runs Spherical, a hotel marketing agency with a client roster that's a who's...
Nov. 2, 2023

How To Attract More Of The Right Guests with Data and AI - Gina Lambright, Sojern [Sponsor Bonus]

Are you looking to attract more travelers to book a stay with you and enhance their experience when they do? If so, you'll love this episode because we're learning from Gina Lambright, VP of Marketing at Sojern, a SaaS-based travel marketing platform powered by AI and machine learning. Gina shares insights on how hospitality providers can use data to drive direct bookings, increase campaign ROI, and build long-term loyalty. You'll learn about the importance of owning and managing data well, the...
Nov. 2, 2023

Beyond Sustainable: How America's First "Carbon Positive" Hotel Shows What's Possible For The Planet (And Profits) - Jon Buerge, Urban Villages

Populus is going to be the first carbon-positive hotel in America when it opens in Denver in 2024, which basically means it leaves the planet in a better place than before it existed because it's removing carbon dioxide (C02) emissions from the air. In this episode, we’re going behind the scenes with the developer of the incredible project, Jon Buerge of Urban Villages, to hear all about how it got started and the opportunity it presents for all of us in hospitality. Follow Jon on LinkedIn ...
Guest: Jon Buerge
Nov. 1, 2023

Think Big: What I Learned As Expedia's CMO (And Beyond) - Melissa Maher

Melissa Maher helped build Expedia over 20 years into one of the biggest companies in the world as its Chief Marketing Officer. In this episode, you'll hear the career and leadership lessons she learned through that experience - as well as how she planned and navigated her transition into the work she's doing today. Watch Melissa's interview with DEI Advisors on her career journey Follow Melissa on LinkedIn Learn more about Pinnacle Enterprises Group Join in the conversation on this episode...
Oct. 31, 2023

How To Apply Creativity To Stand Out In Hospitality - Stefan Merriweather, The LINE

Stefan Merriweather is Head of Creative for The LINE hotels, and today, we're learning from him about everything from developing new projects to collaborating with artists to empowering team members. After listening to this episode, you're going to be inspired to use art, design, and creativity as a powerful way to delight your guests and grow your hospitality business. Follow Stefan on LinkedIn Follow Stefan on Instagram Join in the conversation on this episode on the Hospitality Daily Li...
Oct. 30, 2023

Charge Confidently and Give Generously - Bill Walshe

Whether you're still working on your budgets for the year ahead or have those all done, our guest today has advice for what it will take to succeed over the year ahead. Bill Walshe is the former CEO of Viceroy Hotel Group, and today, he's helping others in hospitality as a board member, strategic advisor, and keynote speaker. In this episode, you'll learn the two titles Bill wants you to have - as well as how you need to think about balancing bold pricing with generosity. Follow Bill on Link...
Guest: Bill Walshe
Oct. 30, 2023

Inspiring Change Through Hospitality - Jeff Stanford, Stanford Inn

In this episode, we delve into the transformative hospitality and strong convictions of Jeff Stanford, co-owner (with his wife Joan) of the Stanford Inn in Mendocino, California. They are not just passionate about providing a great guest experience; they're committed to promoting plant-based eating, local travel, and a connection with nature. Join us as we explore how the Stanfords are using their inn as a tool to inspire positive change in the world. Join in the conversation on this episode ...
Oct. 28, 2023

Unlocking Human Potential: The Power of "Healthspan" in Hospitality - Lou Zameryka

In this episode, Lou Zameryka discusses his transition from being an early leader at Booking.com and building that business to focusing now on health, wellness, and longevity. You'll hear about the importance of health and wellness in unleashing human potential, along with insights on how you can lead a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. But it doesn't stop there - stay tuned to learn the concept of "healthspan" - and the unique opportunity hospitality providers have in moving wellness fro...
Oct. 27, 2023

Show Up - Anthony Melchiorri

Anthony Melchiorri started his hospitality career working at an Embassy Suites in Kansas and then worked his way up to becoming one of the most successful hotel general managers in New York City. Throughout that journey, he discovered some practical things that allowed him to show up for himself and for the hotels and people he served. Then in 2012, he landed a deal with the Travel Channel that led to him hosting nine seasons of the hit show, Hotel Impossible, where he gave millions of people a...
Oct. 26, 2023

Opening Hotels Well: Top Lessons Learned From Kimpton, Two Roads & Hyatt - Jorge Treviño

A new opening sets the tone for a hotel's success for years to come - so what does it take to do it right? I can't think of someone better to answer this question than Jorge Treviño, who, in his first role dedicated to this, opened up 44 hotels for Kimpton - before opening countless others as executive vice president at Two Roads Hospitality, and his most recent role as Senior Vice President of Openings and Operations for Hyatt. In this episode, we cover everything from what's at stake during ...
Oct. 25, 2023

What It Takes to Operate at Peak Personal Performance - Melissa Maher

In this episode, Melissa Maher, Founder and CEO of Pinnacle Enterprises Group, shares her insights on what it takes to be a successful leader today - drawing from her experience as Expedia's former Chief Marketing Officer. Follow Melissa on LinkedIn Learn more about Pinnacle Enterprises Group Join in the conversation on this episode on the Hospitality Daily LinkedIn page here.
Oct. 24, 2023

Make More Money (And Increase Guest Satisfaction) with "Bionic Revenue Management" - Fernando Vives, NH Hotel Group

In this episode, Fernando Vives, Chief Commercial Officer at NH Hotel Group, discusses the evolution of revenue management from the earliest days to the opportunity today, something he calls "bionic revenue strategy" - which is all about combining the best of human intuition with the power of artificial intelligence. Listen to learn how this approach is revolutionizing pricing strategy in hospitality and increasing customer satisfaction by creating a more personalized guest experience. Follow ...