Hospitality Daily Podcast

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 in...

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 hote...

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 . Foll...

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 c...

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...

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 fr...

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 wh...

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 eventu...

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 , founde...

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 hospit...

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 impo...

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...

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 acco...

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 det...

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"...

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 sig...

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 hiri...

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...

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 evaluat...

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...

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 artic...

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 commun...

This episode is brought to you with support from Hireology . Check out our free masterclass: How To Hire Great People, Faster. In this episode, Meg Kennedy and Rob Blood , founders of Lark Hotels , share their insights on creativity in hospitality and their recent experiences during a road trip in Northern California. Listen to learn:  How Meg and Rob approach research and draw inspiration for the...

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 how AI and technology are transforming HR and learning and development at MGM Resorts. In this, we cover: How MGM Resorts is leveraging technology t...

This episode is brought to you with support from Hireology . Check out our free masterclass: How To Hire Great People, Faster. In this episode, Kevin Osterhaus , President of Global Lifestyle Brands at Hilton, shares his journey and insights on integrating lifestyle hotels into one of the world's largest hotel companies. In this, you'll learn: The reasons behind Kevin's move from Gr...