Hospitality Daily Podcast

In this episode, Jeremy Wells , principal at Longitude and partner at Flyover Developments , walks through his latest project in the Ozarks and then gets into what it might reveal about where lifestyle hospitality is headed. Jeremy's LinkedIn post with photo of fishing books Learn about The Ozarker Lodge (Jeremy's other hotel) Buy Jeremy's book -- INDIE HOTEL: Why Hoteliers Are Brea...

Rob Blood , founder and chairman of Lark , and principal at Elder & Ash , joins the show to talk about what it looks like to put down roots in a place so projects can connect to each other. Drawing from recent work in Cambridge, Massachusetts, he explains how lodging, bars, bookstores, and cultural spaces create more value together -- when they encourage people to stay, linger, and build relat...

Rob Blood , founder and chairman of Lark , joins the show to reflect on the collapse of Sonder and what it revealed for owners, operators, brands, and technology companies. Drawing from firsthand experience working with properties affected, Rob explains where the master lease model broke down and why control and transparency matter when hotels operate at scale. The conversation explores the right...

In this episode, Tony Roumph , Managing Director of Argonaut Hotel in San Francisco, shares a practical look at how his team balances timeless hospitality with modern operational realities. This episode includes a case study on how AI and workflow automation reduced front desk call volume by 80 percent, freeing teams to focus on the people in front of them. Technologies Tony mentions: EHVA AI Alic...

In this episode,  Tony Roumph , Managing Director of Argonaut Hotel in San Francisco, shares why mentorship produces stronger leaders than micromanagement and why teaching people about the P&L changes how they think, lead, and collaborate. The conversation focuses on breaking down silos, building business understanding beyond individual roles, and using culture as a practical management tool....

In this episode, we hear the career journey of Tony Roumph , Managing Director of Argonaut Hotel  in San Francisco, and the formative leadership lesson that shaped how he leads today. Tony reflects on the moment a former boss gave him the opportunity to fail—and how that trust built confidence, accountability, and long-term growth. He shares how that experience influences his approach to hiring, m...

In this episode of San Francisco Sundays , Josiah sits down with Tony Roumph , Managing Director of Argonaut Hotel , to talk about what community engagement really looks like for hotels operating in a complex, evolving city. Drawing on the Argonaut’s historical roots and Tony’s civic involvement across San Francisco’s tourism and neighborhood organizations, the conversation explores how hotels and...

In this episode, Mews founder Richard Valtr shares a practical look at how AI is reshaping hotel operations, guest experience, and revenue strategy. The conversation focuses on why hoteliers should design the guest journey first, then apply technology to scale it—along with concrete ideas for monetizing beyond rooms and preparing teams for what’s coming next in hospitality tech. Resources: Our pre...

In this episode, Monika Nerger , former Group Global Chief Information Officer at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, shares a leadership perspective on AI in hospitality. Drawing on her experience leading global digital transformation—and her current immersion in the AI and technology ecosystem in San Francisco—Monika introduces the concept of “calmxiety”: the tension leaders feel between urgency and...

In this episode, Monika Nerger , former Group Global Chief Information Officer at Mandarin Oriental, shares how she led a large-scale digital transformation by putting brand DNA—not technology—at the center of the strategy. She explains why data governance became the foundational layer, how cross-functional collaboration reshaped decision-making, and what it took to drive real change during the pa...

In this episode, Craig Poole , a three-time Hilton Connie Award winner and AHLA’s General Manager of the Year, shares why returning to the basics of hospitality starts with leadership presence on the floor. He shares how being visible to guests, employees, and the surrounding community directly impacts revenue, demand, and long-term growth. Craig explains the concept of the “point of impact,” why...

In this episode, Craig Poole , a three-time Hilton Connie Award winner and AHLA’s General Manager of the Year, shares why it’s time to go back to the basics of hospitality. Craig shares why leadership, presence, knowing your people, and engaging directly with guests still matter more than ever. Drawing on decades of experience, he offers practical reminders for hotel leaders seeking to build stron...

In this episode, Agnelo Fernandes , CEO of Cote Hospitality , shares his take on what will matter most for hospitality leaders in the year ahead. As technology and AI continue to accelerate, Agnelo argues that people and culture—not platforms or tools—will ultimately define the winners in the industry. He explores why the guest journey is becoming more complex, why labor challenges are structural...

In this short update, Josiah shares how Hospitality Daily is evolving in the year ahead.  Ask your question here on LinkedIn 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...

In this short episode, Craig Poole reflects on what Christmas reveals about leadership in hospitality and why this season is often when culture matters most. You may also enjoy these from Craig:  When Places Are Broken, Hospitality Can Lead With Hope Why Hospitality Creates Hope A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here .  You can send me a message here with questio...

In this episode, Craig Poole reflects on why hospitality is uniquely positioned to create hope—especially in broken or forgotten places. Drawing on his experience turning around marginalized properties and communities, Craig explains why hope isn’t something leaders can wish for but must actively build through selfless decisions and risk-taking. The conversation explores hospitality as a giving pr...

In this episode, Josiah Mackenzie speaks with Craig Poole , a three-time Hilton Connie Award winner and AHLA’s General Manager of the Year, about hospitality’s unique ability to heal broken places. Craig shares how he approaches struggling hotels and communities by changing perception first—restoring dignity, self-esteem, and hope long before financial results follow. Drawing on real-world turnaro...

In this episode, Rob Blood , Founder and Chairman of Lark , returns for a one-year check-in following Lark’s blockbuster deal with Life House. Rob reflects on what it actually takes to scale a hospitality company after the announcement—working through integration challenges, repairing trust, and intentionally building culture under pressure. The conversation explores how values are operationalized...

In this episode, Josiah Mackenzie reconnects with Lynn Bruni-Perkins , Chief Marketing Officer of the San Francisco Travel Association , to talk about where San Francisco is right now and where it’s headed. Lynn shares how storytelling and hospitality play a central role in shaping a city’s future, from rebuilding civic pride to driving visitors to powering the economy. The conversation explores S...

In this episode, Josiah Mackenzie is joined by Danica Smith , guest experience correspondent for Hospitality Daily and founder of MorningStar GX , to discuss whether hoteliers should start “vibe coding” with AI.  Danica shares why she decided to experiment with building software herself, what surprised her most along the way, and how AI is removing long-standing technical barriers across hospitali...

In this episode, Josiah Mackenzie speaks with Mark Fancourt , cofounder and principal at TRAVHOTECH , and a former senior leader across global hospitality brands and technology companies. Their conversation moves beyond the typical AI talking points in our industry to examine the less-discussed implications for hospitality — from the workforce and robotics to shifting consumer demand and long-term...

In this sponsor bonus episode, Agnelo Fernandes , CEO of Cote Hospitality , shares how he and his team use ProfitSword by Actabl to manage hotel performance each day. He explains how real-time visibility into revenue, labor, and other costs enables better game-time decisions to drive profitability. You may also enjoy: What Our "52 Games a Year" Mindset Reveals About Leading Performance i...

In this episode, Agnelo Fernandes , CEO of Cote Hospitality , shares how recent conversations during a trip to Northern California sharpened his perspective on the pace of technological change—and what it means for hospitality leaders. He explains why technology, and increasingly AI, is no longer just about efficiency, but a critical enabler of personalization, empowered teams, and delivering on t...

In this episode, Agnelo Fernandes , CEO of Cote Hospitality , shares how he thinks about leading performance in a challenging operating environment. As demand flattens and costs continue to rise, Agnelo explains why labor is unlikely to return to "normal" anytime soon, how simplicity and adaptability have become competitive advantages, and why strong brands are built in moments. He intro...

In this episode, Agnelo Fernandes , CEO of Cote Hospitality , takes us inside the thinking behind the company’s GUIDE mentorship program —designed to develop leaders from within while improving retention and strengthening culture. Agnelo explains why mentorship works best as a two-way relationship, how personal branding fits into leadership development, and why human connection—not hierarchy—is th...