Hospitality on Air

What happens when traditional editorial experience meets the fast-moving world of new media? In this episode, Whitney sits down with Amy Cavanaugh, co-founder of American Weekender , to talk about building a modern travel and food publication rooted in authentic storytelling, hospitality, and culture. From her background in legacy media to launching an independent platform on Substack, Amy shares...

In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Cortnie Cozeck, VP of Operations for Barter and Shake, to uncover the story behind her journey in hospitality and the unique experiences her brands bring to life. They dive into the innovative concepts behind Barter and Shake, exploring how storytelling in cocktails and curated experiences can transform a night out into something memorable. Cortnie share...

Most business owners say they want more sales. What they actually want is predictable sales. And in hospitality right now? Predictability is basically a fantasy. Whitney sits down with Ryan Thomas, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Camby in Phoenix, to talk about what it really looks like to drive revenue when customers book at the last minute, ownership wants answers, and the market won’t si...

Whitney Lee sits down with Kianna Pitegoff, Director of PR for the iconic Hotel Valley Ho and Mountain Shadows Resorts in Scottsdale, Arizona, for an inside look at the fast-paced world of hospitality public relations. Kianna opens up about her path into the industry and what it takes to manage PR for two distinctly different properties. From behind-the-scenes daily responsibilities to the critica...

In this episode, Brian pulls back the curtain on what it really took to host the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills at his Sedona property — an opportunity most hospitality pros only dream of. He walks us through the whirlwind process of securing the deal through VRBO, from initial outreach to locking in the partnership, and shares how his team rallied to deliver a seamless, high-touch experience fo...

Tim Heim opens up about the challenges he walked into when joining the team of a seasonal 55+ community and resort. Especially the overwhelmingly negative sentiment among residents. He shares how creating open lines of communication, like his “Talk with Tim” sessions, has helped residents feel heard and supported. Tim also digs into the cultural shift needed both internally with his team and acros...

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Scott Russell, partner at Dynamic Sales Solutions, to unpack one of the biggest shifts happening in sales and marketing today: the move from efficiency to true effectiveness through personalization. Scott breaks down why many brands are stuck chasing efficiency—more emails, more touchpoints, more automation—yet still struggle to convert. He expla...

In this episode, we dive into an inspiring and refreshingly honest conversation with Susie Thimm , founder of Knife and Fork Media , who went from the structured world of banking to building a thriving PR agency in the fast-paced food and beverage space. Susie shares how her early career unexpectedly shaped her ability to sell, strategize, and lead—skills she now considers essential to success in...

In this episode, James Ferguson, Director of Culture for Worsak Hotels, takes us through his unconventional path from hotel operations to a people-first HR role designed to elevate workplace culture. He breaks down why genuine recognition, clear communication, and employee engagement aren’t just “nice to have,” but essential to building teams that thrive. James also dives into his book, The Confet...

In this episode, Whitney sits down with Lindsey Kirsh, the powerhouse behind Slayer PR, to unpack her bold leap from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. After years managing sixteen agencies simultaneously, Lindsey knew she wanted more control, more creativity, and more impact — so she built it herself. Lindsey shares the real story behind launching her own agency, including the lessons she c...

Keywords hospitality, customer service, Bruce Craul, hospitality advantage, generational changes, technology in hospitality, personal connection, self-audit, business improvement, predictive index Summary In this engaging conversation, Bruce Craul shares his extensive journey in the hospitality industry, emphasizing the importance of genuine hospitality in all business sectors. He discusses the ge...

In this engaging conversation, Whitney Lee interviews Amelie Brouhardt, the VP of Marketing for North America and US Sales at Club Med. Amelie shares her journey with the brand, its evolution over the years, and how Club Med has adapted to changing travel trends. The discussion covers the unique offerings of Club Med, the importance of integrated marketing, and the brand's commitment to sustainabi...

In this conversation, Barnabas Correga, founder and CEO of The Great Experience, shares his journey from a tennis background to creating unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for clients. He discusses the evolution of his business, the importance of building relationships, and the shift in consumer preferences towards experiential travel. Barnabas highlights the significance of storytelling in ma...

In this episode, Whitney Lee discusses the essential considerations for individuals thinking about buying a franchise. She emphasizes the importance of understanding franchise costs, operational support, marketing strategies, and the significance of a strong grand opening. Whitney shares insights from her experience, highlighting common pitfalls and offering advice on how to navigate the franchise...

Is your brand franchise-ready? Or maybe you're a franchisee wondering what it really takes to thrive. In this episode, Whitney Lee pulls back the curtain on the world of franchising—what works, what doesn’t, and what most people overlook. From setting expectations to building marketing systems that actually scale, Whitney dives into the mindset shifts and operational must-haves for franchise succe...

💡Is PR really just about getting media coverage? Think again. Today, Whitney Lee sits down with Adriana Sol, founder of Wander PR, to break down the biggest misconceptions about public relations and what it really takes to build a successful agency. Adriana shares her journey into PR, the impact of COVID-19 on her business, and how she’s navigated the challenges of leadership in a constantly evol...

Ever wonder why those picture-perfect ads don’t hit like they used to? Whitney Lee shares why authenticity is everything in 2025 — and how businesses are rethinking marketing, PR, and even their teams. From shorter planning cycles to the growing popularity of fractional CMOs, this episode is all about adapting to what really works now. ------- Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney...

You’ve probably heard the term “fractional CMO” floating around—but what does it actually mean? In this episode, Whitney breaks down the growing trend of fractional roles in business, with a deep dive into the role of a fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). She’s covering it all: what a fractional CMO does, how they can level up your marketing, and why more businesses are ditching the traditio...

Should you hire in-house or bring in an agency? In this episode, Whitney breaks down one of the biggest questions business owners face when it comes to marketing. She walks through the pros and cons of both approaches—and how to know what’s right for your business. From the role agencies can play in strategy, to why communication (not just contracts) makes or breaks a partnership, Whitney keeps it...

You’ve refreshed the website. You’ve posted to Instagram. You’ve sent the press release. And still… crickets. 😬 If your marketing or PR efforts just aren’t hitting like they used to, this episode is for you. Whitney Lee gets real about what to do when your strategy feels stale and why even the most experienced pros hit that wall sometimes. Drawing from her own pivot from in-house hospitality mark...

Is your business truly ready for PR? In this episode, Whitney Lee breaks down the key factors that determine whether your PR efforts will thrive—or fall flat. She explores the importance of defining your brand identity, setting realistic expectations, and ensuring your business is prepared to make the most of media opportunities. Whitney also uncovers common reasons companies waste money on PR, fr...