It's Personal Stories, A Hospitality Podcast

Lisa shares how she earned her reputation as a "serial connector of people" in building her own relationships and expanding the networks of others.  She discusses how being an advocate for the industry with elected officials and engaging with industry trade associations has developed several of her leadership skills and also how she intentionally sought out to strengthen her public speak...

As the 2023 Chairperson of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, Leslie reflects on the key inflection points of her career journey holding senior positions at Goldman Sachs and GE. She comments on the importance of formal education being a graduate of Howard University and holding an MBA from Harvard. We discussed why our industry is lacking in women and minority representation in "C...

Having led numerous large hotel transactions and deal teams, Leslie shares his incredible career journey and his current venture, which started as a hobby that grew into a 35-hotel investment vehicle.  He describes how, early in his career, he determined the one skill that would make him sought after, and how he intentionally honed that skill, to position himself for the best opportunities.  As a...

Chris shares how he evolved from a hard charging, P&L-focused manager into an inspiring leader, whose staff would “follow him into battle.”  He shares his discovery that when he stopped looking at the numbers and started looking at the people, the numbers came – and were actually better than expected.  Chris tells a compelling story that taught him to listen with genuine interest, and why he l...

Davonne shares how she went from a front desk agent to being one of the youngest female hotel owners.  She explains the elements she considered in building her unique personal brand.  Davonne discusses how great female mentors and champions have helped her, and three major risks she took to get to where she is today.  She also shares how being confident and authentic helps her advocate for herself...

Determined to become a hotel owner from a young age, Kendra shares her career journey to hotel ownership and how her company, Elise Capital, empowers and educates women and other underrepresented groups to become hotel owners.  She discusses taking risks and overcoming obstacles, why celebrating a “positive memento” on a daily basis helps banish negative thoughts, and the benefits of developing he...

 Stacy shares her career journey and key factors that contributed to her success. She shares her approach to challenges, and also an example of rebounding from a major setback. We discuss networking, risk-taking and finding inspiration. We also talk about diversity, equity and inclusion in our industry, how we can overcome the "Imposter Syndrome" and "Head Trash". Finally, Stac...

Shruti discusses the importance of self-care and the approach which works for her. She shares tips on advocating for yourself and for overcoming obstacles and tackling risks, both of which she views as opportunities. Shruti also talks about the role of your support system, how she relies on hers, and what makes each one unique and important. Lastly, Shruti shares her advice for her younger self an...

In this episode, Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, shares his journey from dishwasher to CEO of one the largest hotel companies in the world. He reflects on the key inflection points, lessons learned and how he overcame disappointments and setbacks. Geoff also shares his experience leading Wyndham through the pandemic and how he found courage and grace in the face of...

In this interview, David tells his story as an immigrant, how he progressed up the ladder to become the CEO of one of the largest hotel companies in the world, and how he intends to use his time during retirement to help women and minority groups achieve their career aspirations. He reveals how he took risks, built networks and found champions to achieve his success. Finally, he offers advice he w...

Seema shares how she took a hotel revenue management sales strategy and turned it next into a hotel brand career and now an entrepreneurial venture. She discusses her love of public speaking, prioritizing self care, and the important role seva (selfless service) plays in her life. Seema also talks about creating your personal brand and what advice she'd give her younger self, which is the sam...

Dorothy  is a much-admired and accomplished leader in the hospitality industry. In this episode, she shares her career journey and some of the key factors that contributed to her success. We discuss the lessons she learned along the way. She talks about her personal mantra and the advice that she has given as a mentor. Dorothy also shares her experience as a public company trustee, and how she app...

Chip Rogers shares his path from entrepreneur to senator to hospitality industry executive. He shares his strategies for managing his love of and commitments to his career and his family, how he identifies talent and builds great teams, and how he has formed deep relationships across the industry. Chip also discusses, among other great advice, which skills he relied on in leading through the pande...

The first woman appointed President of a major hotel brand, Stephanie shares her spectacular career journey at Marriott International, and how surrounding herself with diverse teams has been one of the keys to her success.  She describes what she looks for in potential leaders, and how humor can be useful in defusing difficult situations.  She encourages women and underrepresented groups to advoca...

Elie shares the 6 attributes he looks for in leaders - one of them is joy! – and how mastering the skill of persuasion is essential to your career.  He discusses the importance of successful companies being more intentional in having mentors seek out mentees, rather than leaving it to chance.  On overcoming obstacles, Elie believes it’s important for teams to share the mindset that they can make t...

Allison shares the 4 questions that help her build teams, which has lead to happier, more productive team members.  She explains why she avoids the jealousy, drama and comparisons that often swirl in corporate cultures, and how she handles negative thoughts.  She also describes her technique for resolving a problematic issue (tip:  ask the quiet person in the room), and the importance of developin...

Justin discusses what he looks for in building a great team, how he evaluates and overcomes obstacles, and the importance of building relationships which then develop your network.  He also shares how he strives to be present in both his career and with his family and why he'd tell his younger self to worry less about the future and maximize the present. Justin also talks about how his volunt...

Andrea shares how her commitment to service has led her to volunteering with industry associations and non-profits, which have also helped develop her leadership skills.  She discusses how she tackles challenges, what characteristics she looks for in building her support system and when she leans into them for guidance, and how we can advocate for others and ourselves most effectively.  Andrea als...

Andrea shares how she handles those negative voices we all have in our heads and offers specific advice on creating inclusive workplaces.  When dealing with a challenge, she describes how she thinks through the problem and comes up with a plan – and a back-up plan.  She also explains how she’s successfully asked for a raise or promotion, and how she advocates for other women and underrepresented g...

Lisa discusses how she pivoted from a planned career as a doctor to a fulfilling career as a hospitality industry executive.  She shares how champions behind the scenes and a well-selected support system have helped her as she has progressed through her career and how she guides the next generation of leaders in a similar way. Lisa talks about how being present in whatever she is doing at the time...

In 5 years, Amanda rose to President of STR, the leading provider of data to the global hospitality industry; and she's been leading STR for the last decade.  In this interview, she shares her journey to leadership, how her leadership style helped her guide STR during the early days of the pandemic, the advice she learned from her mentors, and why she seeks out people who will tell her the ha...

In this episode, Mark shares his career journey and discusses Hyatt's purpose statement - "To care for people so they can be their best," and how it guides Hyatt's ESG and DEI initiatives. Mark gives details of Hyatt's focus on recruiting, retaining and promoting diverse talent. Mark shares his learnings from setbacks and disappoints and his general approach to challenges....

Lan shares her career journey and the importance of mentors and champions. We discuss the "Imposter Syndrome" and tips on overcoming that negativity.  Lan reveals her learnings from setbacks and disappointments, and how she broke through a field traditionally dominated by men.  She also offers advice to her younger self, and to students she meets at Castell @College.

In this interview, Rachel shares her career journey and how she transitioned from a trial lawyer to becoming SVP, COO and Interim CEO at AAHOA. She discusses the mentors and champions in her life and how she built a vast network. She offers advice on public speaking, approach to challenges and work life balance. You won't want to miss Rachel's personal mantra and advice to her younger se...

In this episode, Heather shares her career journey the past thirty some years ascending from her humble beginning to becoming CEO of Accor Hotels, North & Central America, and the lessons learned along the way. Heather also reveals findings of her research project to understand why women are opting out of leadership roles and how they can achieve their career aspirations. We discuss the import...