Episodes

In this episode, we're learning from Ira Vouk, a former hotel operator and technology company founder turned industry advisor and educator. Ira's viral illustration of the hotel tech stack gained widespread attention recently, and today she breaks down the key components and their connections - as well as gives her advice for shopping for technology and where technology is headed. See Ira's illustration of the hotel tech stack here Follow Ira on LinkedIn Visit Ira's website Join in the con...

Zach Busekrus has one of the best hospitality podcasts I've come across: Behind the Stays. As its name suggests, he gets the backstory of some of the coolest people in hospitality and does a deep dive into how they built what they built. That's why I was thrilled and honored when he reached out and asked to do a story on Hospitality Daily - the inside story of everything that led up to it, the opportunity I see here for all of us, and where we're going. I've never shared this much detail on al...

In this episode, Margaret Lefton, Creative Director at Yours Truly, shares the importance of deep, meaningful conversations - a foundation of hospitality - and how you can create environments that are conducive to this. Follow Margaret on LinkedIn Listen to our other episodes with Margaret: How We Turned Our Hotel Into a Community Hotspot How I Stay Creative And Fight Burnout Join in the conversation on this episode on the Hospitality Daily LinkedIn page here. This episode is brought to...

How can you turn your hotel into a community hub that drives business from both locals and people visiting your city? In this episode, you'll hear from Margaret Lefton, Creative Director at Yours Truly, a hotel in Washington, DC, about the practical ways they did this. Follow Yours Truly on Instagram Follow Margaret on LinkedIn Listen to our other episode with Margaret: How I Stay Creative And Fight Burnout Join in the conversation on this episode on the Hospitality Daily LinkedIn page her...

In this episode, Eli Sokol, Vice President of Development and Investment at citizenM Hotels, shares the unique business model of citizenM and how they maintain momentum while staying innovative. From their "asset-heavy" approach to working with companies like Meta, to technology and urbanism, Eli shares insights on what growth in hospitality can look like in a rapidly changing world. Follow Eli on LinkedIn Learn more about citizenM Join in the conversation on this episode on the Hospitalit...

In this episode, we learn from Michelle Duffy, the general manager of the Best Western Novato Oaks Inn. Michelle shares her secrets to winning the prestigious M.K. Guertin Award 14 years in a row, making her hotel the only Best Western out of over 2,000 to achieve this feat. Learn how Michelle's strategies and dedication have led to exceptional guest satisfaction ratings, employee retention, and business success. Follow Michelle on LinkedIn Learn more about Best Western Novato Oaks Inn Lear...

In this episode, Dr. William Murray, an associate professor in the School of Hospitality, Food, and Tourism at the University of Guelph, shares his experience as a "Thinker in Residence" for one of Canada's most innovative hotel brands. We hear his observations and insights on culture, service, and providing remarkable hospitality. About William (0:59) The "Thinker in Residence" program (2:47) Access that enables this (5:21) What he is hearing and learning (8:35) How to study cul...

A little while back, Netflix ran a competition to improve its algorithms — the technology that suggests new movies and TV shows it thinks you'll like. Everyone expected the top data scientists to dominate the Netflix challenge. But they didn't... In this episode, we learn from Michel Jensen Session about the surprising lessons behind the Netflix challenge, the importance of diversity, understanding cultural differences, and the significance of conversations for successful leadership in hospital...

In this episode, we learn from Stacia Harvey-Randall, the Director of Human Resources at the Whitley Hotel (an HEI Hotels property) and the co-founder of Black Women in Hospitality. Stacia empowers those around her by helping them see opportunities in hospitality and overcome barriers. We discuss self-care and mental health in hospitality and the importance of this in leadership. Follow Stacia on LinkedIn Learn more about Black Women in Hospitality Follow Black Women in Hospitality on Linke...

In this episode, we learn from two hospitality leaders, Eleanor Erickson and Phil Cordell, about the importance of culture in creating a thriving hospitality business and how they did that at Hampton Inn - a Hilton brand. Eleanor, a former general manager with Hampton Inn, shares her career journey early in the discussion, and then Phil - Hilton's global head of lifestyle brands and new brand development - joins the conversation to discuss the key elements of creating a culture that drives busi...

Calvin Tilokee has fascinated me for years. He's been named a top influencer in hospitality, the mastermind behind the Instagram comedy account @revparblems, followed by tens of thousands of people who enjoy the memes and hilarious videos he creates that often go viral. But that's just one side of his life. Calvin is also an experienced revenue leader for hospitality companies in major markets like New York and just recently cofounded a new strategic advisory firm, Lighthouse. In this episode,...

Lark Hotels is an award-winning boutique hotel management and development company, and in this episode, we hear from their founders - partners in life and in business - Meg Kennedy and Rob Blood - about their fascinating story of getting started in hospitality, the career opportunities this industry provides, expressing creativity through hospitality - and much more. Follow Meg on LinkedIn Follow Rob on LinkedIn Lark Hotels website Follow Lark Hotels on Instagram Join in the conversation on...

Do you want to attract talented people, and not only keep them in your organization but keep them happy and effective in delighting your guests and customers? Our guest today, Bill Walshe, is a global hospitality leader and the former CEO of The Viceroy Hotel Group. Today, he’s helping others in hospitality as a board member and strategic advisor - and in this episode, you’ll learn why belonging is the key to success today, and how you can transform your culture to create an environment where e...

Are you looking to exceed your guests' expectations and create unforgettable experiences through hospitality? What if you could do this in a way that not only improves the lives of the people you’re serving but makes your own life better and creates opportunities for you and those working with you? If you want to know the answers to these questions, stick around, because today we’re getting a masterclass from Josh Liebman on what he calls “The Hospitality Mentality” - which is also the name of ...

Michael Pace is the general manager of the iconic InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco. In this episode, you'll learn about what he calls "passion-driven management." Follow Michael on LinkedIn Learn more about the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Listen to our other episodes with Michael: Engaging The Next Generation of Hospitality Talent Immerse In Brand History and Culture To Guide It Forward From Porsches to Bee Colonies: Partnerships for Sustainability and Fun Earth Da...

In this episode, Zoku Director of Concept and Brand, Veerle Donders, shares her definition of culture - and how it can be shaped through stories. Listen to our other episodes with Veerle Follow Veerle on LinkedIn Learn more about Zoku Join in the conversation on this episode on the Hospitality Daily LinkedIn page here. This episode is brought to you with support from Actabl. Discover the power of actionable insights with the software company dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of leadi...

In our recent episode with Mariana Safer and Sara O'Brien, something that came up was "energy management" for ourselves. This is so important to our work as hospitality providers that I wanted to share it with you as a separate episode. Listen in to learn what this means for you - and the people you lead. Follow Mariana on LinkedIn Follow Sara on LinkedIn Visit Sara's website Listen to Sara's podcast: Lead Easy Join in the conversation on this episode on the Hospitality Daily LinkedIn page ...

You've probably heard of YouTube houses or TikTok houses where social media creators live together and create together - but could this work in hospitality? In this episode, we hear from Sébastien Felix, founder and CEO of Influence Society, a marketing agency that helps some of the world's best hotels and resorts with digital strategy - about something he's organizing next week that he's calling "Influence House." Hear what this is - and the power of getting together to create and innovate. ...

In this episode, Carl Oldsberg, CEO of eBerry by Strawberry, discusses the remarkable story of how Nordic Choice Hotels underwent a major rebranding to position itself to expand the way they provide hospitality far beyond the hundreds of hotels, restaurants, and spas they have. Facing the challenges brought on by the crisis, the company initiated a strategy process involving a hundred employees to look beyond the pandemic and strengthen their business model. The rebranding not only created enga...

What if marketing is more than just advertising - and it's a chance to learn, try new things, and ultimately succeed as a hospitality provider? Today, we're learning from Sam Trotter, head of digital marketing at The Indigo Road Hospitality Group about the big opportunity with marketing that applies even if you don't work in this area! Follow Sam on LinkedIn Follow Sam on Instagram Follow Sam on Facebook Join in the conversation on this episode on the Hospitality Daily LinkedIn page here. ...

Could you benefit by getting a little more emotional? In this episode, we're learning from Sébastien Felix, an expert hospitality marketer and the Founder & CEO of Influence Society, which helps some of the best luxury hotels and resorts in Europe and beyond create better advertising and marketing strategies. I had the chance to experience what this felt like as a guest this summer by visiting some of the hotels that are clients of Sébastien's and since he was in San Francisco this week, we met...

Why does marketing matter in hospitality today? In this episode, we're learning from Fernando Vives, Chief Commercial Officer at NH Hotel Group, about the role of marketing in providing hospitality - and the type of marketing he thinks too many are overlooking right now. Follow Fernando on LinkedIn Learn more about NH Hotel Group 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 appeali...

What do we get wrong when we try to earn guest loyalty today? In this episode, Bashar Wali shares what he's seeing and what you can do as a result. Follow Bashar on LinkedIn Follow Bashar on Twitter Follow Bashar on Instagram Follow Bashar on Facebook Follow Bashar on Tiktok Visit Bashar's website Listen to our other episodes with Bashar: Reinventing the Art of Hospitality Why People Are The Key To Staying Inspired Culture Enables The Best Type of Hospitality To Spread Join in the conv...

Would you like more media coverage? In this episode, we're getting a PR masterclass from CJ Arlotta on how you can work with journalists to get coverage for your hospitality business. Follow CJ on LinkedIn Visit CJ Media Solutions website 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 know them, and that's why first-party data - the info...