Hospitality Daily Podcast

So far in our series with Jess Werner , we've explored her path to becoming Chief Creative Officer at Sage Hospitality Group and learned about Sage Studio , the innovative in-house design team she's built. Today, we dive even deeper, taking you behind the scenes of Sage Hospitality’s standout Denver projects—from the community-driven luxury of the Crawford Hotel at Union Station to the c...

In this episode, Jess Werner , Chief Creative Officer at Sage Hospitality Group , takes us behind the scenes of Sage Studio, the innovative team responsible for shaping hotels and restaurants into thriving, beloved hospitality brands. Jess shares her approach to aligning creativity, authenticity, and strategic clarity to build places that not only resonate with guests but also deeply connect with...

Jessica Werner has one of the most intriguing roles in hospitality: as Chief Creative Officer at Sage Hospitality Group , she designs spaces that go far beyond just looking good. In this episode, Jess explains how her operational background shapes her creative approach, resulting in hospitality projects that deliver both profit and community impact. She shares why great design must start with busi...

In this episode, Shozib Khan , VP of Hotel Performance and Analytics at Spire Hospitality , shares what he calls "the people side of data" and his approach to freeing hoteliers from being overwhelmed by reports, empowering them to focus on their guests and support their teams.  Learn more about ProfitSword by Actabl - the tool Shozib mentioned several times in the show. Also see:  The Ch...

In this episode, Shozib Khan , VP of Hotel Performance and Analytics at Spire Hospitality , shares his unique journey from studying chemistry to improving hotel performance through data-driven insights. Shozib reveals how applying a scientific mindset and curiosity helped him identify hidden operational problems and enhance guest and employee experiences. By combining analytical rigor with human-c...

In this episode, Suraj Hinduja , Managing Director of RTRX , shares how he and his team at Rockbridge are rethinking events by creating experiences centered around curiosity, connection, and impact. Originally inspired by the desire to support cancer research, RTRX has evolved from a small hospitality-focused gathering into a multi-day, cross-industry event intentionally designed to spark spontane...

In this episode, Sarah Dinger, the first employee and now Executive Vice President of Franchise Operations at My Place Hotels , shares her advice on accelerating your hospitality career by embracing opportunities—even uncomfortable ones—and the critical role mentorship plays in professional growth.  She also provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes perspective from her role as Chair of AHLA’s ForWa...

In this episode, Sarah Dinger, Executive Vice President of Franchise Operations at My Place Hotels , shares how they build strong, profitable relationships with hotel owners. Learn how Sarah and her team engage owners strategically, using technology to drive bottom-line results and deliver value for all stakeholders. Also see: How Sarah Dinger Helped Build My Place Hotels As Employee #1 How We Bui...

In this episode, Sarah McCay Tams , Head of Editorial at Actabl , joins Josiah Mackenzie to discuss the launch of HotelData.com and insights from their new 2025-2026 budgeting guide. The conversation explores how hotels are managing a gap between budgeted and actual RevPAR performance, while maintaining ADR discipline and successfully hitting gross operating profit targets through strategic cost m...

In this episode, Sarah Dinger, Executive Vice President of Franchise Operations at My Place Hotels , shares how training and development drive guest satisfaction and fuel business growth. Sarah explains the innovative approach her team takes, including a dedicated group that regularly visits properties to ensure consistent excellence. Learn how investing in people directly impacts guest loyalty an...

In this episode, Sarah Dinger, the first employee and now Executive Vice President of Franchise Operations at My Place Hotels , shares how operational culture and empowering frontline associates have driven the rapid growth and success of their brand.  Also see: How Sarah Dinger Helped Build My Place Hotels As Employee #1 How We Built an Extended-Stay Hotel Empire from the Ground Up (Ryan Rivett,...

Sarah Dinger, the first employee and now Executive Vice President of Franchise Operations at My Place Hotels , shares how she helped build one of America's fastest-growing hotel brands from the ground up. In this episode, Sarah discusses the crucial decisions, early strategies, and core principles, such as human-centered hospitality, that shaped My Place’s remarkable growth story. You may als...

In this episode, Chris Kluis , VP of Product Operations & Data at Actabl , discusses his family's unique history with artificial intelligence, how early curiosity sparked his career journey, and why experimentation matters more than theory. Chris provides practical advice for hospitality professionals looking to start leveraging AI today, shares lessons from implementing AI at scale, and...

In this episode, Ryan Bukstein shares what he's learned about the power of mentorship: both being mentored and mentoring others. Resources: Podcast: The Problem with Men (Scott Galloway) Big Brothers, Big Sisters If you or someone you know is struggling, get help: SAMHSA’s National Helpline The 988 Lifeline Hear other episodes with Ryan here: Ace Hotel’s Early Days: Punk Spirit and Hospitalit...

In this episode, Ryan Bukstein shares the behind-the-scenes process of how brands like Ace Hotel and Vacation were built, showing how curiosity, experimentation, and unexpected collaborations drove their groundbreaking approaches. Ryan reveals how Ace Hotel thrived by challenging industry norms, embracing cultural programming, and forging authentic partnerships, like its notable collaboration with...

In this episode, Ryan Bukstein shares the behind-the-scenes story of Ace Hotel ’s early days and how the punk, DIY spirit of Seattle’s cultural scene influenced its groundbreaking approach to hospitality. Ryan takes us back to when he joined Ace founder Alex Calderwood as an intern and reveals how Ace Hotel became a magnet for creative talent, driven by curiosity, mentorship, and a willingness to...

In this episode, citizenM CEO Lennert de Jong shares with our innovation correspondent, Matthias Hüttebräuker , how citizenM transformed the traditional hotel loyalty model by launching a subscription program inspired by Amazon Prime and Netflix. Lennert explains how his team developed the subscription concept during COVID, initially as a response to occupancy challenges, and how it evolved into a...

In this episode, citizenM CEO Lennert de Jong shares his vision with our innovation correspondent, Matthias Hüttebräuker , on how hotel technology, AI, and guest interactions are rapidly evolving. He explains why traditional hotel processes—from front desk check-ins to booking—are ripe for reinvention, detailing how citizenM is using integrated technology and AI to streamline guest experiences and...

citizenM CEO Lennert de Jong joins our innovation correspondent Matthias Hüttebräuker to discuss citizenM's strategic sale to Marriott, future growth, and implications for the hotel industry. Learn how this deal accelerates global expansion, leverages Marriott’s Bonvoy loyalty program, maintains citizenM's unique brand identity, and integrates operational excellence with technological in...

In this episode, Edward Mady shares what he's learned from baseball. Learn more about Edward's new book, Honing the Human Edge . 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,...

In this episode, Edward Mady shares what he has learned about creating a culture of welcome throughout every part of a hotel business.  Read Edward's article on Harvard Business Review: How Luxury Brands Can Motivate Service Employees Learn more about Edward's new book, Honing the Human Edge . A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here .  You can send me a...

In this episode, Edward Mady shares what he's learned about leading through crisis. Learn more about Edward's new book, Honing the Human Edge . 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 i...

In this episode, Edward Mady shares some things he's learned about leadership, relationship building, and the joy of friendship and fellowship in the world of hospitality. Learn more about Edward's new book, Honing the Human Edge . 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...

In this episode, Edward Mady shares his experience working for Ritz Carlton founder Horst Schulze. Listen to our series with Horst Schulze here . Learn more about Edward's new book, Honing the Human Edge . 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...

In this episode, Edward Mady shares his experience working for a tough boss - and the power of being unfazed under pressure. Learn more about Edward's new book, Honing the Human Edge 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 fro...