Technically Speaking

In this Leadership Lounge episode, host Cindy Hook sits down with Troy Hooper , CEO of Hot Palate America (parent company of Pepper Lunch in the U.S.). Troy shares the uncommon arc of his career, moving from back-of-house culinary roles at Michelin-level restaurants into front-of-house leadership, a formative chapter at Procter & Gamble leading large teams, and ultimately into hospitality turn...

Overview In this Leadership Lounge conversation, Cindy Hook sits down with Jeff Brainard (JJB Leadership Solutions) to unpack a 30-year journey from PR to resort operations, multi-property leadership, and ultimately the leap from a VP role to entrepreneurship. Jeff shares what it really takes to lead: being “brave for a minute,” building teams that outgrow you, hiring for hunger over résumé, and p...

Hospitality veteran Hans Schatz joins Cindy Hook for a candid masterclass on people-first leadership,how to build trust fast, earn followership, and create teams that deliver without drama. Hans breaks down why mentorship (not just management) accelerates careers, the “three-calls” networking rule for solving real problems, and how a disciplined 1% daily edge compounds into standout performance. H...

Host: Cindy Hook Guest: Chris Kehn - Principal, KH Hospitality Summary Cindy sits down with second-generation hotelier Chris Kehn to trace his path from ROTC/Army discipline to hands-on leadership across independent hotels and resorts. Drawing on early lessons at the Hawthorne Hotel and years of owner-side advisory work, Chris explains why execution; not just planning, creates results , how a toug...

Host: Cindy Hook Guest: Rian Kirkman - hospitality & marketing leader at VAI Resort (AZ) Episode summary Rian shares his journey from agency roles to leading marketing and guest experience on the client side, first across eight Caesars Entertainment properties in Las Vegas and now at VAI Resort in Arizona. We dig into pre-opening realities for a 60-acre, 1,100-room property with 12 restaurants...

In this Leadership Lounge conversation, Cindy sits down with Todd Felsen , CEO of OTH Hotels & Resorts , to trace a 40-year arc in hospitality from falling in love with the show of Disney’s Polynesian Village as a kid, to starting as a doorman , to leading multi-property operations across the U.S. and Caribbean and ultimately running a hotel platform. Todd unpacks the operational heartbeat of...

In this Leadership Lounge episode, Cindy sits down with Mark Hatch , founder of The Nest, a peer community built “like YPO for restaurant chain executives.” From a post-pandemic promotion to moderating calls with dozens of CMOs, Mark shares how relentless execution , small experiments , and the right room accelerate leadership growth. It’s a candid, fast-moving conversation about creating momentum...

Messy Moments, Meaningful Wins — Ed Dodds on Leadership That Lasts Host: Cindy Hook Guest: Ed Dodd (hospitality/restaurant leader) Series: Leadership Lounge — honest conversations over polished speeches Episode summary In our premiere, Cindy trades scripted soundbites for real stories with hospitality leader Ed Dodds . From busy Friday-night service to team hiccups and hard resets, Ed shares how l...

In this episode of Technically Speaking , we are joined by Bill Chrysler , Vice President of Operations at Southworth Clubs . With a career that started on a cherry farm in Montana and led him to managing some of the most prestigious private clubs worldwide, Bill shares his incredible journey through the hospitality industry. From overcoming imposter syndrome to leading multi-course luxury clubs,...

In this episode of Technically Speaking , we are joined by Erin Smith, the VP Of Sales at Auto Camp. Erin shares her fascinating journey in the hospitality industry, shaped by a lifetime passion for hotels and her unique upbringing living on hotel property. This engaging conversation dives into Erin's leadership philosophy, her innovative approaches in hospitality, and the strategies she employs t...

In this episode of Technically Speaking , the host Cindy welcomes Anthony Bucco, the SVP of Culinary Operations at Landmark Hospitality. Despite feeling under the weather, Anthony shares valuable insights about his dynamic role overseeing culinary programming across 18 venues, including restaurants, hotels, and catering spaces. His focus is on creating exceptional guest experiences and building la...

In this episode of Technically Speaking , we are joined by Hans Lagerweij, founder of The Flying Dutchman Consultancy and a seasoned leader in the hospitality and adventure travel industry. Hans shares his inspiring journey from consumer goods to hospitality, where he found his true passion. With years of experience across multiple countries and organizations, Hans discusses how innovation, strate...

In this episode of Technically Speaking , we are joined by Victor Simmons, who brings a wealth of experience from the luxury hospitality industry. Victor shares their inspiring journey of breaking barriers, driving innovation, and crafting unforgettable guest experiences. This thought-provoking discussion dives deep into the heart of luxury hospitality, exploring how passion, creativity, and resil...

In this episode of Technically Speaking , we are joined by Alfonso Arevalo , Director of Human Resources at Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort of Davidson Hospitality. A visionary leader in the hospitality industry. Alfonso discusses his journey through the ever-evolving landscape of hospitality, from starting in engineering to becoming a pioneer in hotel management. He shares how adaptability,...

In this episode of Technically Speaking, we are joined by Zoltan Payerli, General Manager of the Emily Hotel in Chicago’s Fulton Market District. Zoltan shares his inspiring career journey—from starting as a young hospitality professional at Hilton Hotels to leading the transition and management of the boutique luxury Emily Hotel. With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Zo...

In this episode of  Technically Speaking , we are joined by  Natasha Perez , the Executive Director of Grand Living at the Grove , a senior living community in Austin, Texas. Natasha takes us through her fascinating career journey—from her early days in the biotech industry to finding her passion in senior living. She shares how embracing unexpected changes, stepping outsi...

In this episode of Technically Speaking, we are joined by  Ken Patel , the founder of  EV Hotel , the world's first AI-driven, tech-focused hotel brand. With a vision to revolutionize the hospitality industry through technology, crypto, and sustainable design, Ken shares how his journey from working in hospitality to launching a cutting-edge hotel concept has shaped h...

In this episode of  Technically Speaking , we are joined by  Kayla Bolyai , the Marketing Director at  Altamarea Group  and the founder of  BELONG : A Space for You and Your Belongings . Kayla takes us on an incredible journey through her career, sharing how her passion for hospitality evolved into a thriving business and marketing expertise. From working as...

In this episode of  Technically Speaking , we are joined by Vivian Campbell , founder of  Campbell Consulting , a hospitality leadership expert who has dedicated her career to empowering managers and teams in the hospitality industry. From her early days in special events to launching her own consulting business, Vivian shares her incredible journey of growth, challenges, and the lessons...

In this episode of  Technically Speaking , Teresa Guastella , founder of Roomrite , shares her fascinating career journey, from climbing the corporate ladder in the hospitality industry to becoming an innovative entrepreneur. Teresa discusses how her experiences working with major hotel brands like Hilton and Marriott shaped her understanding of the hospitality landscape and led her to create...

In this episode of  Technically Speaking , Dr. Kelly Makino , a hospitality operations expert and key executive at Wurzak Hotel Group , takes us on a captivating journey from her beginnings in the service industry to her current leadership role. Kelly shares how her experiences working in restaurants and bars shaped her understanding of hospitality and how she leveraged her passion for the in...

In this episode of  Technically Speaking , we are joined by Ira Vouk , a hospitality tech entrepreneur and industry leader, who takes us through her inspiring journey from cleaning hotel rooms to revolutionizing the hospitality tech landscape. Ira shares how her immigrant experience and humble beginnings in the hotel industry shaped her passion for innovation and growth. Today, as the founder...

In this episode of  Technically Speaking , we sit down with Samella Watson , the visionary founder of  Theblck   and  Sebiya , to discuss her entrepreneurial journey, the evolving landscape of hospitality, and the future of home exchange. Samella opens up about her entrepreneurial evolution, from founding  Sebiya , a hospitality tech startup, to launching  Theblck , a...

In this episode of  Technically Speaking , Carolyn Schneider , founder of Corner Booth Hospitality and co-founder of Casita Group , shares her dynamic journey from the art world to shaping creative, immersive hotel experiences. Carolyn’s unique blend of expertise in art curation and hospitality consulting has led her to work with top-tier clients in hotels across California, including Palm Sp...

In this episode of  Technically Speaking , host Kevin Lillis , CEO of  Hospitality Alliance , opens up about his remarkable journey from working at iconic hospitality brands like the Plaza Hotel and Dream Downtown to founding his own company. Alongside his partner Kelly Jones, Kevin built Hospitality Alliance into a successful venture by blending his expertise in venue launches with Kell...