In this episode, Anthony Torres , one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares his journey of personal development, revealing the key lessons he learned along the way. Listen now to learn: The power of self-awareness in leadership. The impact of having a good coach. The difference between driving results and truly connecting with your team. The importance of understanding your own "triggers." How developing yourself can transform your leadership. The benefits of doing ...
Nov 16, 2024•11 min
In this episode, Angel Hernandez , General Manager at Timber Cove Resort , shares his journey from the high-energy hospitality scene of New York to creating a vibrant community hub in a quiet coastal town in California. Listen now to learn about: The unique challenges and rewards of managing a remote resort and creating a home-like atmosphere for guests. The importance of personalized guest experiences and attentiveness in hospitality. Insights into Angel's leadership style and how he motivates ...
Nov 15, 2024•37 min
In this episode, Anthony Torres , one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares his insights on Kimpton and its influence on hospitality, including how it can inspire innovation and creativity today. Listen now to learn about: How Kimpton Hotels pioneered the boutique hotel movement in the US. The importance of chef-driven restaurants and vibrant bars in creating neighborhood hubs. The unique organizational structure at Kimpton that separates hotel and restaurant manage...
Nov 14, 2024•18 min
In this episode, Anthony Torres , one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares why food and beverage (F&B) is a crucial component of hotel businesses and how it can significantly impact overall profitability and guest satisfaction. Listen now to learn: The complexities and challenges of managing F&B in a hotel setting. The importance of understanding the economics and financial side of F&B. How to balance costs, labor, and guest expectations in F&B oper...
Nov 13, 2024•10 min
In this episode, Anthony Torres , one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares his insights on why you should consider a career in hospitality, particularly in the food and beverage sector. Listen now to learn about: The opportunities for growth and mobility within the hospitality industry. The variety of creative and exciting roles available in food and beverage within hotels. How working in a hotel setting allows for diverse and innovative event planning. The benefit...
Nov 12, 2024•6 min
In today’s competitive hospitality landscape, attracting and retaining top talent has become a strategic advantage. In this special sponsor bonus episode, we're learning from Adam Robinson , CEO of Hireology , about innovative recruiting tactics that can help hotels and hospitality leaders transform their hiring process into a true competitive edge. From refining the application experience to streamlining communications, Adam shares data-backed insights and actionable steps to turn your recruitm...
Nov 12, 2024•43 min
In this episode, Anthony Torres , one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares his insights on the strategic importance of F&B in hospitality and his experiences at Starwood, W Hotels, Kimpton, and IHG. Listen now to learn about: The role of food and beverage in creating atmosphere and driving business in hospitality. Anthony's career journey and key learnings from his time at Starwood and W Hotels. The importance of company culture and how Starwood fostered a stro...
Nov 12, 2024•19 min
In this episode, we dive into the powerful impact of AI on the hospitality industry and how it’s reshaping everything from guest interactions to digital marketing. We're learning from Adam Wallace , CEO of Spherical , who has more than 15 years of experience leading hospitality marketing innovation. Together, we explore practical strategies for hoteliers to stay ahead in an AI-driven world without losing the human touch that defines great hospitality. In this episode, we cover: AI’s Expanding Ro...
Nov 11, 2024•21 min
Executive leadership teams and hotel ownership across the hospitality industry still don’t reflect the diversity of its workforce—or of the guests and communities it serves. Ashli Johnson , founder of Hospitality Hued , is on a mission to change that by creating pathways to leadership and ownership for Black and Brown hospitality professionals. In this episode, Ashli shares her journey from her influential role at Howard University’s Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality to founding Hospitali...
Nov 10, 2024•1 hr 7 min
What if a hotel could do more than offer a comfortable stay? What if it could become a force for positive change—for its guests, its employees, and the planet? In this episode, we're learning from with Ken and Pam Cruse, co-founders of Soul Community Planet (SCP) Hotels, a groundbreaking hospitality brand dedicated to transforming the industry. Drawing from their extensive backgrounds in hotel investment and marketing, Ken and Pam share how SCP is redefining hospitality with a purpose-driven app...
Nov 09, 2024•1 hr 10 min
Natalie Clafton shares a question after listening to Leanne Harwood's career story . What do you think? A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here . You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free . Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube , LinkedIn , and Instagram . If you want to advertise...
Nov 08, 2024•5 min
In this episode, we sit down with Lily Ackerman , founder and director of Ackerman Design Studios , to explore the transformative power of art in hospitality. With a background spanning luxury automobiles to fine art curation, Lily shares her unique insights on how design and art create memorable, joy-filled guest experiences. From personal influences and pivotal career moments to her innovative collaborations with emerging and established artists, Lily dives deep into the role of art as a tool ...
Nov 08, 2024•45 min
In this episode, we explore a largely overlooked segment in the hospitality industry: kids, teens, and families. While many hotels focus on adult experiences, there’s a growing opportunity to cater meaningfully to younger guests. Joining us today are Saar Shai and Alicia Zur-Szpiro , founders of Wanderland , the world’s first consultancy specializing in kids' and teens' guest experiences within the hospitality sector. With backgrounds in game design, toy innovation, and children’s publishing, Sa...
Nov 07, 2024•1 hr 12 min
In this special episode, we explore the transformative role of hospitality in bridging divides, fostering empathy, and building community across cultural and political lines. Listen for insights from recent conversations with hospitality leaders across the US and around the world who believe in hospitality’s ability to bring people together despite differences. In this episode, you'll hear from: Ashli Johnson, Founder of Hospitality Hued: Ashli discusses how hospitality, when centered around ser...
Nov 06, 2024•43 min
Today, we’re revisiting a conversation with a guest who has profoundly impacted me and, I believe, represents the true potential of hospitality. Craig Poole , a three-time Hilton Connie Award winner and the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s General Manager of the Year, has set an incredible example at the DoubleTree in Reading, Pennsylvania. His hotel excels financially and has redefined what it means to be a community cornerstone. Craig’s story offers a powerful reminder of how hospitali...
Nov 05, 2024•30 min
In today’s episode, we’re joined by Jyoti Chopra , Chief People, Inclusion, and Sustainability Officer at MGM Resorts International, whose inspiring career journey has taken her from the iconic United Nations headquarters in New York to the vibrant world of Las Vegas hospitality. Jyoti’s path is anything but typical—starting as a journalism student surrounded by international diplomats, she eventually found her way into the hospitality industry, where she now leads MGM’s initiatives in human res...
Nov 04, 2024•22 min
What does it take to create a hotel restaurant that becomes a local culinary hotspot that guests can’t wait to experience—and locals can’t stop recommending? In this episode, we dive deep into the art and strategy behind creating unforgettable hotel dining experiences with the experts at Allday , a Milwaukee-based collective of hospitality innovators. Our returning guest, Brigette Harenda , founder of B&Co. , is joined by a powerhouse team: Chef Dan Jacobs , Top Chef finalist and co-owner of...
Nov 03, 2024•36 min
In this episode, Sarah Eustis , Founder and CEO of Main Street Hospitality Group , shares her story and vision for hotels that serve as community anchors. Listeners will learn: How Sarah built a company that balances creative innovation with operational excellence. Insights into hotel ownership structures and building lasting partnerships. The importance of aligning objectives and values in hospitality projects. Sarah's career journey from fashion to hospitality leadership. The concept of "dynam...
Nov 02, 2024•48 min
In this episode, Joli Barfield , Cluster Director of Learning at Montage International, shares her insights on managing burnout in the hospitality industry and maintaining personal well-being. Listeners will learn: The prevalence of burnout in the hospitality industry and its impact on career decisions. Strategies for maintaining mental and physical health in a demanding work environment. The importance of disconnecting from technology and finding personal ways to recharge. Habits that can enhan...
Nov 01, 2024•13 min
In this episode, Elizabeth Harlow , Chief Brand Officer at Sonesta Hotels , shares how she creatively partnered with Rolling Stone magazine to bring unique live music experiences to their guests and communities. Listen now to learn: How the collaboration between Sonesta Hotels and Rolling Stone began Rolling Stone's Musicians on Musicians series - and its activation at Sonesta Hotels Examples of live music events held in Chicago and Miami The potential for hotels to be "cultural conversation pla...
Nov 01, 2024•8 min
In this episode, Jamelia Lehn , Chief Financial Officer at SPIRE Hospitality, shares why she took her teams on a field trip and the surprising lessons they learned. The importance of connecting accounting teams with hotel operations. How understanding hotel operations can lead to more accurate financials. The structure and preparation involved in organizing site visits. Feedback from both the accounting team and hotel staff on the visits. The impact of these visits on relationships and communica...
Nov 01, 2024•9 min
In this episode, Gwen Mills, President of Unite Here , shares insights into the ongoing hotel worker strikes across the United States, the asks they have, and the broader implications for the hospitality industry. Listen now to learn: The motivations behind the hotel worker strikes The impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry and how it has affected workers The process Unite Here uses to determine appropriate pay and working conditions The challenges hotel workers face due to cost of livin...
Oct 31, 2024•34 min
In this episode, Elizabeth Harlow , Chief Brand Officer at Sonesta Hotels, shares her insights on maintaining a personal touch in the hospitality industry and recounts a memorable story that exemplifies true hospitality. Listen to learn: The importance of focusing on the individual in hospitality. How personal attention can create lasting memories for guests. Why the term "heads in beds" diminishes the true value of hospitality. The impact of hospitality on all travel experiences. Strategies for...
Oct 31, 2024•11 min
This episode is brought to you with support from Hireology . Check out our free masterclass: How To Hire Great People, Faster. In this episode, Jyoti Chopra , the Chief People, Inclusion, and Sustainability Officer at MGM Resorts International, shares insights into her powerful partnership with the company's CFO and how they have aligned their finance and human capital strategies to drive significant change. Listen to learn: How strong collaboration between finance and human resources can turn b...
Oct 30, 2024•9 min
This episode is brought to you with support from Hireology . Check out our free masterclass: How To Hire Great People, Faster. In this episode, Jyoti Chopra , the Chief People, Inclusion, and Sustainability Officer at MGM Resorts International, shares insights on transforming hiring strategies and employee engagement in a rapidly changing world. Listen to learn: How MGM Resorts overhauled its hiring strategies from one-size-fits-all fairs to specialized events. The importance of flexibility and ...
Oct 29, 2024•22 min
In this episode, Matt Campbell , Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal Officer at My Place Hotels , shares his journey from an unexpected path into the hospitality industry to leading a brand known for smart cost efficiencies and a people-centered culture. In this episode we cover: Matt's career story, including his transition from law to hospitality. Matt's roles and responsibilities as a Chief Operating Officer today, including overseeing sales, marketing, revenue management, and operations....
Oct 28, 2024•31 min
Josiah Mackenzie has spent over 20 years building, selling, and buying technology. In this tell-all episode, he shares his insider's guide to buying, implementing, and getting the most out of hotel technology today. Listen now to learn: Why technology is essential in today’s fast-paced hospitality landscape Key steps to take before searching for technology solutions Proven methods for evaluating tech solutions Tips for making a strong business case and getting buy-in How to implement technology ...
Oct 27, 2024•48 min
In this episode, André Mallet , Assistant Front Office Manager at The Jefferson in Washington, D.C., shares his journey in the hospitality industry, insights into his role, and the importance of relationship-building and mentorship. Listeners will learn: André's career path from working in South Africa to studying in Switzerland and returning to the U.S. The diverse roles and responsibilities of a front office manager in a luxury hotel. The significance of building relationships with guests and ...
Oct 27, 2024•40 min
In this solo episode, I share my thoughts on the recent Sausalito Congress from the Independent Lodging Congress and my top takeaways from that event. Also see: How We Produce The Best Events in Hospitality - Meg Gutowski, The Independent Lodging Congress Road Trips & Revelations: Fresh Ideas for Hospitality - Meg Kennedy & Rob Blood, Lark Hotels Be a VOICE, not an ECHO! (Bashar Wali article) Indie Lodging Congress Confab Palm Springs 2024 Recap Hospitality Daily LinkedIn page A few more...
Oct 26, 2024•11 min
In this episode, Jessie Fischer , Founder & CEO of GuestOS and Member of the Board of Yosemite Tourism, shares invaluable lessons about blending hospitality, community, and the outdoors to create unforgettable guest experiences. We cover: Jessie's story How to create deeper connections with guests Why nature-based experiences are more relevant than ever How engaging with your local community can elevate your business The importance of understanding and participating in the broader tourism ec...
Oct 26, 2024•22 min
