Hospitality Daily Podcast

In this episode, Jennifer Clay , Vice President of Hotel Operations at Appellation , shares what she looks for when hiring general managers and the unexpected qualities that separate a great manager from a good one. Listeners will learn: What Jennifer asks during interviews  (01:28) The connection that's a key trait to look for (03:15) The importance of finding outlets to disconnect and recha...

In this episode, Christopher Hunsberger , co-founder and chief operating officer of Appellation , shares how the Appellation Crafted program embeds his brand deeply into local communities through partnerships with artisans, farmers, and makers. Listeners will learn: How Appellation celebrates makers, artisans, and people who are the fabric of the community through the Appellation Crafted program (...

In this episode, Christopher Hunsberger , co-founder and chief operating officer of Appellation - and former Chief People Officer at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts - shares his insights on recruiting top talent and how building strong relationships, leveraging tools like LinkedIn, and crafting compelling story-driven job descriptions have helped him attract some of the best in the business. Liste...

In this episode, Christopher Hunsberger , co-founder and chief operating officer of Appellation , shares how stepping into a new role at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts pushed him beyond his comfort zone and the key lessons he learned about collaboration and building a culture of innovation. Listeners will learn: How Christopher led product and service innovation at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts...

In this episode, Christopher Hunsberger , co-founder and chief operating officer of Appellation , shares how his family's love of food and hospitality shaped his early passion for the industry, the key lessons he learned from legendary mentors, and why embracing every opportunity can make all the difference in your career. Listeners will learn: How Christopher's mother influenced his lov...

Jennifer Krapp is the head of restaurant operations at The Indigo Road Hospitality Group . You can hear her career journey here and thoughts on mentorship here if you missed them. In this episode, she shares her insights on what makes great hospitality and why it's so important. Listeners will learn: What doesn't make great hospitality (00:48) Why hospitality is attention (01:10) Why hos...

In this episode, Tely Nagle, owner of The Drake Oak Brook , shares the inspiring story of purchasing and transforming a neglected historic Chicago area hotel into a Condé Nast award-winning property. Listeners will learn: The history of The Drake Oak Brook and its connection to the famous Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago (01:09) The state of disrepair the hotel was in when Tely and her husband Jim...

In this episode, hotel workers on strike in San Francisco share their experiences working in hotels recently, their reasons for striking, and the changes they hope to achieve. Listeners will learn: Why hotel workers feel management has stopped listening to them and what it's like "talking to a brick wall" (01:26) How hotel workers' hours have shrunk while they're expected...

In this episode, Linsey Gallagher , President & CEO of Visit Napa Valley , shares insights on how collaboration between destination marketing organizations and hospitality businesses can drive tourism and boost the industry. Listeners will learn: The economic impact of tourism in Napa Valley (01:09) Opportunities for collaboration (05:33) The various marketing channels and efforts Visit Napa V...

In this episode, Amy Smith , owner of the Saratoga Arms Hotel , and Rachel Paley , the hotel's general manager, share how they've implemented a variable pay program based on the concept of yield management to address staffing challenges. Listeners will learn: How the variable pay program at Saratoga Arms Hotel was developed and implemented (03:54) The impact of the variable pay program o...

In this episode, Bashar Wali , founder and CEO of Practice Hospitality and This Assembly , shares his perspective on what makes a compelling hospitality brand and the opportunities for innovation in the industry today. Listeners will learn: How to balance aesthetics and profitability in hotel design (01:34) The importance of having a "face" and soul behind a hospitality brand (03:51) Why...

In this episode, Bashar Wali , founder and CEO of Practice Hospitality and This Assembly , shares why "shock and awe" tactics often fall flat and why simple gestures can elevate the ordinary into something memorable. Listeners will learn: Why true loyalty isn't earned with points but with something far more profound that taps into our human nature  What we can learn from the world o...

In this episode, Andrea Stokes , practice lead for hospitality at J.D. Power , shares insights from the latest J.D. Power research. Listeners will learn: How higher room rates are impacting guest satisfaction and value perception (00:28) The importance of service, personalization, and property upkeep in driving guest satisfaction (01:11) How third-party managed hotels are outperforming brand-manag...

In this episode, Stuart Greif, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy, Innovation, and Operating Officer at Forbes Travel Guide , shares his insights on the power of leading with listening and the importance of understanding what's going on in the lives of the people on your team to unlock their potential. Listeners will learn: The importance of asking questions and understanding what&ap...

In this episode, Wayne Boatwright shares his powerful story of redemption and his challenges while reentering society and the workforce. Listeners will learn: How Wayne's life took a dramatic turn to spending time in San Quentin, one of California's most notorious prisons (00:21) The challenges Wayne encountered when trying to find housing and employment after being released from prison...

In this episode, Denise Joseph , Director of Curatorial at NINE dot ARTS , shares how art can transform hospitality spaces, create local connections, and boost the bottom line for hotels and resorts. Listeners will learn: The role of a curator in selecting and implementing art for hospitality spaces [02:26] How art drives both social and financial impact in the hospitality industry [10:50] The imp...

This is part of our series with Horst Schulze - listen to our other episodes here . In this episode, legendary hotelier Horst Schulze shares his deeply personal journey of facing death years ago and how it completely reshaped his approach to excellence, purpose, and the power of intent in every aspect of his life and work. Listeners will learn: How receiving a diagnosis from doctors changed Schulz...

This is part of our series with Horst Schulze - listen to our other episodes here . In this episode, Horst Schulze , co-founder of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, shares his insights on the changing face of luxury, the critical importance of individualization, and why the art of welcoming guests is more crucial than ever in our world today. Listeners will learn: How luxury has changed (01:05) How...

This is part of our series with Horst Schulze - listen to our other episodes here . In this episode, Horst Schulze , co-founder of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, shares the story behind the iconic phrase "Ladies and Gentlemen Serving Ladies and Gentlemen" and how it can transform your approach to hiring, training, and creating a purposeful work environment. Listeners will learn: How Hor...

This is part of our series with Horst Schulze - listen to our other episodes here . In this episode, Horst Schulze , the legendary co-founder of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and Capella Hotels and Resorts, shares his wisdom about excellence in hospitality, leadership, and life. Listeners will learn: The importance of starting with intent, vision, and purpose (01:03) How actions follow intent and...

In this episode, I share what it was like meeting Horst Schulze, the co-founder of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and Capella Hotels and Resorts - both of which reached #1 in the world. 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...

In this episode, Tal Shnall (IG: @ TalShnall ), Learning and Development Manager at The Joule - a luxury hotel in Dallas - reveals why personal and professional growth is essential for you and your team, and how to make it a priority. Listeners will learn: Tal's story of rising through the ranks from hotel operations to leadership. (00:51) How Tal's career trajectory wasn't linear,...

In this solo episode, I share my experiences and observations from my recent vacation in Paris, focusing on small things hotels can do to help guests immerse themselves in their location and enhance their satisfaction. Listeners will learn: How music can help guests connect with a place and feel like they're there (01:58) (Check out my conversation with Clay Bassford : How To Use Music To Ele...

In this episode, I share my thoughts on staying in love with the work of hospitality and ask you to share your own experiences and insights on this. (DM me on LinkedIn !) In this, I cover: The importance of viewing hospitality as a craft and the love that goes into it (00:31) The challenge of staying in love with hospitality work (02:38) How I try to disconnect and restore (04:04) A few more resou...

In this episode, Claire Llewellin-Davis , General Manager at The Lensbury Resort , shares her experience hosting elite sports teams like Manchester United, the All Blacks, and the Lionesses. Listeners will learn: How the Lensbury Resort differentiates itself by hosting elite sports teams (01:08) The importance of providing the right food and beverage offerings, working closely with the teams'...