It's Personal Stories, A Hospitality Podcast

Anthony discusses his path from military service to media personality with a passion for hotel turnarounds. He shares how he lives with gratitude and how he overcame paralyzing stagefright to become one of the industry's most recognizable public speakers. Anthony talks about his view on work-life balance and what’s behind his advice that "slow is fast" and "be kind to yourself....

Alison shares the importance of mentoring others, including people from a different demographic – not just because mentors benefit and learn from their mentees, but also because hiring leaders are requesting this.  She also discusses how to cultivate a network – and where the magic is.  Alison talks about recent trends in recruiting, what makes candidates stand out . . . and what makes hiring lead...

Suzanne outlines her journey from part-time public broadcaster to CEO of GBTA with stops in Hawaii and Connecticut and her progressive experience in several tech companies that helped her develop skills and approaches that have made her a successful executive in the travel industry. How being aware of the trends in the industry and the workplace in general gives you the opportunity to plan for new...

Rosanna Maietta shares her path from reporter to hospitality industry executive. She also discusses the work of the AHLA Foundation, which she leads, and its DEI vision, “to build an industry as diverse as the guests we serve.”  Rosanna also shares the lessons she’s learned along the way, including the importance of public speaking skills, advocating for yourself while also finding champions to ad...

H World Group Ltd. Is the 7th largest hotel group in the world with over 8,200 hotels in 17 countries, and is listed on NASDAQ. Miss Liu has been the architect of the group's transformation from a traditional hotel company to also being a leader in hospitality technology. In our interview, Ms. Liu shares her thoughts on formal education, how she broke into a field traditionally dominated by m...

Nelson details his distinct career journey from Payne Weber as an investment banker, Viacom and other media companies and how that has led him to his current career in the travel industry. During that career journey he shares the impact mentors had on his career and how a few hours with Quincy Jones had a profound impact on how he viewed his approach to mastering a career.  He relates his own jour...

Rupesh shares his journey and his secret to his tremendous success on social media. We discuss how his parents as immigrants have shaped him and the evolution in thinking from generation to generation. Rupesh also offers advice on dealing with setbacks and challenges, building networks and finding inspiration and passion.

Nic offers a solution for the industry's labor crisis. He discusses his approach to challenges and difficulties. In addition, he shares how he adapts as a foreigner to fit in and lessons from working in complex and political situations in his career. He  ends with some advice for aspiring individuals.

Rob shares his career journey and offers learnings on how he overcame setbacks and challenges. We discuss the current inequity and lack of inclusion and diversity in our industry and how individuals can empower themselves to achieve their aspirations. Rob also offers advice on networking, finding mentors and advocates, and how he developed talent.

Sylvia Douglin, Founder, Refined Training & Consulting, shares insights gained in her 20 years as a trainer, including what personal branding entails and why it’s important.  She also offers practical tips on how to ask for advice, how to speak up and share your ideas in a way that gets heard, and why learning how to write for business can further your career.  Sylvia explains the difference b...

Clara shares how she took a risk by leaving her corporate job to start her own business, eventually bringing $5 million of new event business to San Diego within 3 years, the challenges she had to overcome and the advice her mentors have offered her along the way.  She also discusses how she built her network and launched the Women in Tourism & Hospitality Conference to celebrate the achieveme...

Craig shares his career journey and his learnings. He offers advice on embracing diversity and creating alignment based on his experience working in multiple countries. We discuss strategic agility and finding inspiration for innovation. He shares the best advice he has received and we discuss work life balance. He offers parting advice on personal empowerment.

Dr. Jeffrey O epitomizes the incredible career path which the hospitality industry provides - from front desk agent to CEO.  He shares why he felt he had a knack for leadership early on and how overcoming his hesitancy to delegate has been a main focus of his leadership development. He talks about why giving back is so fundamental to his mission, why diversity matters, and the importance of mentor...

Jeff Higley discusses how he discovered his aptitude for leadership at a young age and how a combination of both being his genuine self and knowing his stuff weaves through many of his leadership styles and successes. He shares how he tackles risks and how he works hard to develop skills needed for leadership which don't come as naturally to him. He also talks about his advice to his younger...

Michael shares the factors that contributed to his success plus the importance of intellectual curiosity.  He talks about the value of getting involved in industry groups and how public speaking helps to build your personal brand.  Michael shares his 3 steps for leading teams – and while the concepts are simple, he admits executing them is harder.  Finally, he shares advice for having a long and s...

Glenn shares his path from celebrity journalist to one of the industry's most recognizable faces as podcast host and public speaker.  He discusses how he builds relationships in an authentic way, why and how he overcame his fear of public speaking to make it his career, and how his daily podcast keeps him up to date on the industry.  Glenn also shares how he's built his personal brand, w...

Jagruti Panwala shares her journey from her childhood in India to the first Chairwoman in AAHOA’s then 30-year history. Jagruti also shares how she manages two careers and her family life, her reliance on her personal and professional support systems, her passion for the hospitality industry, and why she’s so involved with hospitality industry organizations. She also discusses how she overcomes ne...

Cindy shares how she became an entrepreneur, founding three hospitality companies focused on data analytics and co-authoring over 10 industry books on topics related to the digital space and data analytics.  She discusses how advocates propelled her career forward, how she chooses the people who are part of her support system, and her approach to advocating for herself.  Cindy also advises people...

Jin explains why he would advise his younger self not to chase the money and the reason he always keeps a framed picture of the Lollipop of Mediocrity on his desk.  He shares the 4 things critical to his career development, and how he benefits from discussions with the women leaders on his team, who often bring different perspectives.  He also explains how his champions have furthered his career a...

Jon shares his career journey and key success factors. He discusses leadership habits, the "Imposter Syndrome" and risk taking. He offer thoughts on improving diversity and inclusion in our industry. He offers his advice on approach to challenges, overcoming setbacks and networking. You won't want to miss his advice on self empowerment. 

Heather shares her fascinating career journey that began in Japan and led to her co-founding and leading a hospitality investment firm.  She shares how skydiving as a senior in college helped reset her sense of risk and a time when she successfully advocated for herself.  She explains why self doubt can be a good thing and her strategy for networking, and how her win-win approach to negotiations h...

Tiffany shares why not getting an opportunity she once sought turned out to be the best thing that happened in her career.  She discusses why it’s important to fail at things and the gifts of imposter syndrome.  Tiffany explains how her mother’s career provided her with a vision for her own life, and how she came to be called The Velvet Hammer.  She also describes the dynamics of a really good tea...

Stephanie Ricca shares her unusual path from biology major to trade journalist. She discusses her own public speaking journey and how she coaches others to succeed in this area. Stephanie talks about building relationships, learning from her network of industry peers, and what resources she relies on to stay on top of trends. She also shares what she'd tell that 21-year old biology major self...

Mary Beth Cutshall shares her path from hotel real estate and operations to founding her own firm, Amara Capital, a real estate DE&I investment platform for women and minority investors to gain access into hospitality. Mary Beth also discusses the lessons she’s learned along the way, including, among others, the importance of taking risks, why women should set dreams and execute upon them, and...

Brian King, President - Marriott International Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) thinks a great leader has more impact when leading from a position of influencing rather than authority. This is achieved by following the practice of listening and observing how others carry out their positions—from the front desk to finance: always being open to asking questions and learning from the experts. Liste...