Hospitality Daily Podcast

In this episode, Sean Murphy , General Manager at The Bower , shares how technology like AI can optimize operations, free your team to elevate guest experiences, and deliver a strong ROI. Hear more of Sean's story: From Pool Attendant to Achieving Forbes 5-Star Recognition A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here .  You can send me a message here with question...

In this episode, Sean Murphy , General Manager at The Bower , shares his inspiring career journey in hospitality, from his beginnings at Ritz-Carlton to leading an independent hotel to Forbes five-star recognition in Mexico. 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 m...

In this episode, Lou Zameryka , founder of Alively and partner at Ventures Hospitality , shares insights on integrating wellness into hospitality to drive guest loyalty, boost satisfaction, and unlock new revenue streams. Check out these other episodes with Lou: Unlocking Human Potential: The Power of "Healthspan" in Hospitality - Lou Zameryka Building Booking.com: Lessons In Culture, In...

In this episode, Dylan Barahona shares his journey from building Lego hotels as a child to creating immersive VIP experiences at high-profile events like Coachella and Gary Vaynerchuk's VeeCon. He discusses his recent 50-day experiential hospitality challenge, where he used generative AI to visualize bold hospitality concepts, and offers insights into why brands should invest in experiential...

In this episode, Ben Rafter , President and CEO of Springboard Hospitality , shares insights on how innovation and technology can empower hospitality providers and elevate the guest experience. We cover: Springboard's dedicated department for innovation The importance of beta-testing technology What frustrates Ben about technology companies What it takes to successfully implement technology E...

In this episode, Ben Rafter , President and CEO of Springboard Hospitality , shares his career journey from the tech industry to hospitality and his innovative approach to blending technology, transparency, and a guest-first mindset to turn challenges into opportunities. We cover: (01:08) Ben's start in hospitality (04:09) Lessons from growing Aqua Hotels during the 2008 financial crisis (06:...

In this episode, Rachel Roginski , Principal at Pinnacle Advisory Group , shares her take on our State of the Hotel Industry research . You may also enjoy: The State of the Hotel Industry: 5 Things To Know for 2025 - Josiah Mackenzie Beyond Efficiency: How AI Can Help Hospitality Thrive in 2025 - Lou Zameryka A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here .  You can send...

In this episode, Lou Zameryka shares his take on the State of the Hotel Industry research discussed yesterday . Article referenced: The AI Revolution in Hospitality: Transforming the Hotel Industry through Innovation and Employee Empowerment You may also enjoy this from Lou: Creative but Practical Uses for AI Today in Hotel Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Management (Takeaways From HSMAI's Late...

In this episode, Josiah Mackenzie shares key insights about the state of the hotel industry for 2025, based on a comprehensive survey conducted on this topic. View the research charts here on HotelOperations.com 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, Katina and Kyle Connaughton, the visionary founders of SingleThread , share the story behind ThroughLine , an innovative dining experience blending storytelling, film, and exquisite cuisine. Learn how their collaborations with artisans, farmers, and partners such as Auberge Resorts, Audi, and OpenTable bring deeper connections to food and its origins while inspiring sustainability...

Take our Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality survey   In this episode, Janette Roush , the SVP of Innovation and Chief AI Officer at Brand USA, shares her insights on embracing AI in the workplace and how it can drive innovation in the tourism industry. Watch this conversation on YouTube Mentions: Brand USA & AI (including framework for use) Listen to Janette Live From Travel Week: Leadersh...

In this episode, Martin Soler , a former hotel general manager turned marketing strategist, shares insights on how AI is reshaping hotel operations and how it can be used to streamline work, improve communication, and stay competitive in 2025 and beyond. (01:33) The two "camps" of AI adoption (02:36) The importance of experimenting with AI (03:14) Specificity in AI applications (03:34) J...

In this episode, Matthias Huettebraeuker , an independent hospitality strategist with experience at citizenM and Design Hotels, shares how we can break free from outdated thinking, embrace innovation, and create hotels and hospitality businesses that people love. (01:27) The shift in the hospitality industry 20 years ago (02:09) Importance of community  (03:13) The need to rethink and innovate (03...

Listen to Hospitality Daily founder and host Josiah Mackenzie share what he sees as the opportunity for hospitality ahead. Links: Simon Sinek: Start with Why The Power of Hospitality to Bring Us Together How Napa Valley's Tourism Strategy Can Boost Your Hospitality Business - Linsey Gallagher, Visit Napa Valley A Chef's View on Food, Community, and Renewal - Tyler Florence Engineering Tr...

Listen to Hospitality Daily founder and host Josiah Mackenzie share highlights and lessons learned in 2024, plus what he's excited by for 2025. Highlights : (1:37) Chip Conley (3:56) Kristie Goshow at KSL (5:04) Inn at Newport Ranch (6:11) Palisades Hospitality (7:22) Katina and Kyle Connaughton at SingleThread (9:39) Bashar Wali (episode one and two ) (10:40) Dina Belon & Staypineapple (...

In this episode, Zach Demuth , the Global Head of Hotels Research at JLL, shares why the hospitality industry is at a pivotal juncture and what it means for you. See insights and research from JLL here 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 actionabl...

In this episode, Guillaume Benezech , Senior Director of Global Brand Management and Marketing for The Ritz-Carlton and Ritz-Carlton Reserve, shares his observations and insights on the state of hospitality work and the importance of emotional skills, empowerment, and career development. Listen to our other episodes:  What I've Learned Building a Career in Luxury Hotel Leadership The Evolutio...

In this episode, Guillaume Benezech , Senior Director of Global Brand Management and Marketing for The Ritz-Carlton and Ritz-Carlton Reserve, shares his insights into the evolution of luxury hospitality and the importance of emotional connections, sustainability, and innovation. Listen to our other episode: What I've Learned Building a Career in Luxury Hotel Leadership A few more resources: I...

In this episode, Guillaume Benezech , Senior Director of Global Brand Management and Marketing for The Ritz-Carlton and Ritz-Carlton Reserve, shares his journey in luxury hospitality, career transitions, and the mentorship experiences that shaped his leadership style.  A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here .  You can send me a message here with questions, commen...

Mary Alice Palmer is the Global Creative Director and Founding Partner of ROAM Interior Design , and in this episode, shares insights on the power of design in providing hospitality and how she approaches creating memorable and emotional guest experiences. Listeners will learn: Mary Alice's definition of the essence of hospitality and what it means to create a warm, welcoming environment. How...

In this replay from an earlier conversation, Bill Walshe , a global hospitality leader and the former CEO of The Viceroy Hotel Group, shares a tradition he developed that we all can learn from. Listen to my earlier episodes with Bill:  What Guests Are Looking For In Luxury and Hospitality Today How "Prideology" Helped Me Inspire My Teams as CEO Creating A Culture of Belonging To Enable C...

In this replay from an earlier conversation, Bill Walshe , a global hospitality leader and the former CEO of The Viceroy Hotel Group, shares thoughts about the power of generosity in hospitality. Listen to my earlier episodes with Bill:  What Guests Are Looking For In Luxury and Hospitality Today How "Prideology" Helped Me Inspire My Teams as CEO Creating A Culture of Belonging To Enable...

In this episode, Maria Navarro shares a message for all of us to keep in mind this holiday season. Listen to our past episodes with Maria: We are all family this holiday season How hospitality changes you (the story behind my viral article) 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 y...

In this replay from an earlier conversation, Christian de Boer shares what he did differently around the holiday that inspired guests and team members alike. Listen to our past episodes with Christian: This Is What Being Radically Guest-Focused Looks Like Does TripAdvisor Still Matter for Hotels in 2024? (Reputation Management Masterclass) Sustainable Hospitality: Real Steps, Real Impact  A few mo...

In this episode, Nathan St Cyr , co-founder of Howzit Hostels , shares how focusing on guest connections and rethinking traditional models can create extraordinary experiences and scalable success. Listen to learn: How Nathan transitioned from a successful sales leader in hospitality to co-founding Howzit Hostels. The importance of questioning traditional hospitality models and listening intently...