Hotel Soprana: A Year in Hotel Life

Your frontline team is not a cost—it’s your growth engine. In this episode at Hotel Soprana, Diana Soprana and Karlis Vilbers sit down with Geoffrey Toffetti, the CEO of Frontline Performance Group (IN-Gauge) to discuss how service-driven businesses can turn everyday interactions into measurable revenue. Topics we cover: • Leadership blind spots about frontline work • 3 uncomfortable changes for C...

In this episode, we explore how geopolitical changes are shaping the Scandinavian (Norwegian) hospitality market in 2026. We cover: - Tourism shifts and political impact - Challenges in remote hotel locations - Recruitment trends and staff shortages - Why the right people and processes matter more than ever Get real industry insights and learn how hotels can adapt to uncertainty and stay competiti...

Great service starts long before the first guest arrives. In this episode of the Hotel Soprana Podcast, ‪@DianaSoprana‬ and Karlis Vilbers explore why hiring the right people and training them properly is the foundation of consistent hospitality standards — and why many in-house training efforts fail to deliver real change. Would like to reach out to us? Send us an email podcast@soprana.no.

Welcome to the Hotel Soprana Podcast – where heart meets hiring in the world of hospitality. Each episode explores the human side of recruitment, leadership, and team-building in fast-paced hospitality sectors. In this episode our guest is  Karlis Vilbers, who trains and launches hotel and restaurant teams accross Europe. Topics in this episode: Post-COVID, human interaction remains irreplaceable...

Welcome to the Soprana Podcast – where heart meets hiring in the world of hospitality. Each episode explores the human side of recruitment, leadership, and team-building in fast-paced service industries. In this episode our guest is  Beatrix Westphal , founder of  We Rent Awesome People , to talk about the realities of recruiting for gastronomy and hospitality – from middle-of-the-night job inquir...

How should hotels handle guest complaints? In our first live episode, we talk real-life stories, emotional check-outs, and why the  goodbye  is just as important as the  welcome . Discover practical tips on communication, feedback, and creating memorable guest experiences. “Exit is the start of a new welcome.” Would like to suggest a topic? Reach out to ⁠podcast@soprana.no⁠ .

In this episode we are speaking about processes and integration of technological solutions in the hotels. Can AI and robots replace humans? Would like to suggest a topic? Reach out to podcast@soprana.no .

We are finishing the yearly cycle with August episode and coming into the new year at Hotel Soprana podcast. What are the expectations of hiring for short season vs. long-term in hospitality industry and is it a better solution to employ robots in hotels to cut the shortages in hotel industry? These are the topics we are exploring in our newest podcast episode. Subscribe, comments and reach out to...

In this Hotel Soprana July episode we are sharing the experiences in dealing with customer claims. What do you do when your client is unhappy? Is the customer really always right? Join us in this episode and subscribe for the newest ones! If you have any comments or would like to join our podcast as a guest, reach out to us  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@soprana.no⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ .

In this episode we discuss the trend in hospitality for going from standard to exclusive with services and experiences in the hotels. If you have any comments or would like to join our podcast as a guest, reach out to us  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@soprana.no⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ .

In this Hotel Soprana episode we are speaking with our guest at Hotel Soprana - Tomas Perers, owner at NordFjord Hotel in Norway, who shares his inspiring story about his career as a chef that turned into owner of several hotels in Scandinavia - from changes in the career to transformations in hospitality sector, managing hotel remotely and changes in hospitality sector. Join us in this episode an...

In this episode of Hotel Soprana podcast for hoteliers together with  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Diana Soprana⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sebastian Wanitschka⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  we are speaking about hospitality sector in April, where we are getting ready for onboarding the best teams for best guest experience. Planning growth for your summer season? Definately join us!  If you have any comments or would like to join our podcast as a guest, r...

In this episode we are speaking about excellence in hospitality sector together with our guest Ueli Bohnenblust, general manager of Gudbrandsgard Hotell in Norway. If you have any comments or would like to join our podcast as a guest, reach out to us  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@soprana.no⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ .

In this episode of Hotel Soprana podcast for hoteliers together with  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Diana Soprana⁠⁠⁠⁠  and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sebastian Wanitschka⁠⁠⁠⁠  we are speaking about hotel industry in March, where we are getting ready for hiring internationally. Planning growth for your summer season? Definately join us!  If you have any comments or would like to join our podcast as a guest, reach out to us  ⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@soprana.n...

In this episode of Hotel Soprana podcast for hoteliers together with  ⁠⁠⁠Diana Soprana⁠⁠⁠  and  ⁠⁠⁠Sebastian Wanitschka⁠⁠⁠  we are speaking about hotel industry in February, which we dedicate for building sense in your teams, teambuilding, trainings and process reviews.  If you have any comments or would like to join our podcast as a guest, reach out to us  ⁠⁠⁠podcast@soprana.no⁠⁠⁠ .

In this episode of Hotel Soprana podcast for hoteliers together with  ⁠⁠Diana Soprana⁠⁠  and  ⁠⁠Sebastian Wanitschka⁠⁠  we are speaking about hotel industry in January, setting goals and personalisation of services for different generations. If you have any comments or would like to join our podcast as a guest, reach out to us  ⁠⁠podcast@soprana.no⁠⁠ .

In this episode of Hotel Soprana podcast for hoteliers together with ⁠Diana Soprana⁠  and  ⁠Sebastian Wanitschka⁠ we are speaking about the unique challenges faced by the hotel industry during the festive season of December. We explore the heightened stress levels due to Christmas events and the impact on both staff and management. The conversation takes a deeper dive into family-run hotels, focus...

In November episode, industry experts Diana Soprana and Sebastian Wanitschka discuss how to harness technology to boost team performance and cohesiveness and create a work environment that fosters growth and productivity. Discover your team's potential of cross-training and leveraging internal resources, gain practical tips on using multimedia tools for seamless onboarding. Join us as we explore e...

As the first snowflakes of the season grace the mountaintops, the air at the digital Hotel Soprana is abuzz with anticipation and the crisp scent of winter adventures. Join us, Diana Soprana and Sebastian Wanitschka , as we navigate through the behind-the-scenes exploring the multifaceted aspects of gearing up for the skiing season in the hotel industry. Stay tuned for our next episode where we'll...

In this episode, join us to explore the dynamic world of the hotel industry, emphasising the blend of technology and guest experience. We discuss: Reflecting and innovating in the post-season phase. Defining true innovation: it's more than just new tools; it's about results. The pivotal role of feedback in shaping guest experiences. How AI can personalize and elevate the guest journey. The challen...