Hospitality Daily Podcast

A little while back, Netflix ran a competition to improve its algorithms — the technology that suggests new movies and TV shows it thinks you'll like. Everyone expected the top data scientists to dominate the Netflix challenge. But they didn't... In this episode, we learn from Michel Jensen Session about the surprising lessons behind the Netflix challenge, the importance of diversity, un...

In this episode, we learn from Stacia Harvey-Randall , the Director of Human Resources at the Whitley Hotel (an HEI Hotels property) and the co-founder of Black Women in Hospitality .  Stacia empowers those around her by helping them see opportunities in hospitality and overcome barriers. We discuss self-care and mental health in hospitality and the importance of this in leadership. Follow Stacia...

In this episode, we learn from two hospitality leaders, Eleanor Erickson and Phil Cordell, about the importance of culture in creating a thriving hospitality business and how they did that at Hampton Inn - a Hilton brand.  Eleanor, a former general manager with Hampton Inn, shares her career journey early in the discussion, and then Phil - Hilton's global head of lifestyle brands and new bran...

Calvin Tilokee has fascinated me for years. He's been named a top influencer in hospitality, the mastermind behind the Instagram comedy account @ revparblems , followed by tens of thousands of people who enjoy the memes and hilarious videos he creates that often go viral.  But that's just one side of his life. Calvin is also an experienced revenue leader for hospitality companies in majo...

Lark Hotels is an award-winning boutique hotel management and development company, and in this episode, we hear from their founders - partners in life and in business - Meg Kennedy and Rob Blood - about their fascinating story of getting started in hospitality, the career opportunities this industry provides, expressing creativity through hospitality - and much more.  Follow Meg on LinkedIn Follow...

Do you want to attract talented people, and not only keep them in your organization but keep them happy and effective in delighting your guests and customers? Our guest today, Bill Walshe , is a global hospitality leader and the former CEO of The Viceroy Hotel Group. Today, he’s helping others in hospitality as a board member and strategic advisor - and in this episode, you’ll learn why belonging...

Are you looking to exceed your guests' expectations and create unforgettable experiences through hospitality? What if you could do this in a way that not only improves the lives of the people you’re serving but makes your own life better and creates opportunities for you and those working with you? If you want to know the answers to these questions, stick around, because today we’re getting a...

Michael Pace is the general manager of the iconic InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco. In this episode, you'll learn about what he calls "passion-driven management." Follow Michael on LinkedIn Learn more about the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Listen to our other episodes with Michael: Engaging The Next Generation of Hospitality Talent Immerse In Brand History and C...

In this episode, Zoku Director of Concept and Brand, Veerle Donders , shares her definition of culture - and how it can be shaped through stories. Listen to our other episodes with Veerle Follow Veerle on LinkedIn Learn more about Zoku 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 wa...

In our recent episode with Mariana Safer and Sara O'Brien , something that came up was "energy management" for ourselves. This is so important to our work as hospitality providers that I wanted to share it with you as a separate episode. Listen in to learn what this means for you - and the people you lead.  Follow Mariana on LinkedIn Follow Sara on LinkedIn Visit Sara's website...

You've probably heard of YouTube houses or TikTok houses where social media creators live together and create together - but could this work in hospitality?  In this episode, we hear from Sébastien Felix, founder and CEO of Influence Society, a marketing agency that helps some of the world's best hotels and resorts with digital strategy - about something he's organizing next week th...

In this episode, Carl Oldsberg , CEO of eBerry by Strawberry , discusses the remarkable story of how Nordic Choice Hotels underwent a major rebranding to position itself to expand the way they provide hospitality far beyond the hundreds of hotels, restaurants, and spas they have. Facing the challenges brought on by the crisis, the company initiated a strategy process involving a hundred employees...

What if marketing is more than just advertising - and it's a chance to learn, try new things, and ultimately succeed as a hospitality provider? Today, we're learning from Sam Trotter , head of digital marketing at The Indigo Road Hospitality Group about the big opportunity with marketing that applies even if you don't work in this area! Follow Sam on LinkedIn Follow Sam on Instagram...

Could you benefit by getting a little more emotional? In this episode, we're learning from Sébastien Felix , an expert hospitality marketer and the Founder & CEO of Influence Society, which helps some of the best luxury hotels and resorts in Europe and beyond create better advertising and marketing strategies.  I had the chance to experience what this felt like as a guest this summer by v...

Why does marketing matter in hospitality today? In this episode, we're learning from Fernando Vives , Chief Commercial Officer at NH Hotel Group , about the role of marketing in providing hospitality - and the type of marketing he thinks too many are overlooking right now. Follow Fernando on LinkedIn Learn more about NH Hotel Group A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily...

What do we get wrong when we try to earn guest loyalty today? In this episode, Bashar Wali shares what he's seeing and what you can do as a result. Follow Bashar on LinkedIn Follow Bashar on Twitter Follow Bashar on Instagram Follow Bashar on Facebook Follow Bashar on Tiktok Visit Bashar's website Listen to our other episodes with Bashar: Reinventing the Art of Hospitality Why People Are...

Would you like more media coverage? In this episode, we're getting a PR masterclass from CJ Arlotta on how you can work with journalists to get coverage for your hospitality business. Follow CJ on LinkedIn Visit CJ Media Solutions website 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 I...

Do you want to be a more confident, effective leader? In this episode, Mariana Safer and Sara O'Brien share what they've found effective in their career journeys. You'll learn how to become great at leading others by leading yourself first. Follow Mariana on LinkedIn Follow Sara on LinkedIn Visit Sara's website Listen to Sara's podcast: Lead Easy A few more resources: If y...

I'm hosting an event this Friday at Manny's in San Francisco with Ali Wunderman! Click here to learn more and register. 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...

Are you listening to this exhausted, burned-out, and wondering how to best recharge? In this episode, you'll hear from Margaret Lefton , Creative Director at Yours Truly , a hotel in Washington, DC, about how she's been thinking about this and what she's found useful for staying energized and creative. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here .  You...

The role of the concierge represents many of the best parts of hospitality - but what would happen if the entire hotel staff acted as one? Today we're learning from the owners of a property they call a "concierge hotel" - Kathleen Smith and Amy Smith - about why they operate the Saratoga Arms Hotel this way and what it allows them to do. Learn more about the Saratoga Arms Hotel Foll...

What does it mean to provide hospitality in the age of AI? In this special sponsor bonus episode, Adam Harris , CEO of Cloudbeds - a company that has been using AI in its technology for years - explains the opportunity he sees for all of us. Follow Adam on LinkedIn Learn more about Cloudbeds Register for the (free) Passport conference Listen to The Turndown Podcast A few more resources: If you&apo...

What does it take to design a new hospitality brand or concept from scratch? Today we're learning from Bashar Wali , one of the most recognized names in hospitality because he's done it all - as a leading operator, investor, and hotel branding expert that 180,000 people follow on LinkedIn alone. In this episode, you'll learn where he starts, who he's thinking about, the role of...

We first heard about The Eddy Taproom & Hotel from Tom Luersen , President of Coraltree Hospitality in the episode " Embedding Your Brand In The Community ," and today we're doing a deep dive into how they do this in Golden, Colorado by speaking with The Eddy's General Manager, Chris Luersen .   We cover:  Background on The Eddy [0:27] What we miss when we look at metro are...

In this episode, we hear from Jen Barnwell , President at Curator Hotel and Resort Collection , about why and how they did a big reposition and relaunch of their website to lead with experiences. We cover: Jen's journey to independent hospitality [0:56] Why double down on experiences? [3:11] Challenges hotels face in providing experiences [5:25] The opportunity to reframe the travel buying pr...