The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald

What do hotel shows really offer beyond the exhibition floor? In this episode of The Halo Effect , Ashleigh and Michael Donald share their reflections from a busy conference season, from the Independent Hotel Show to AHC and more. They discuss ROI of attending industry events, including the power of visibility, long-term networking, and the ripple effect of those chance conversations that can lead...

Part Two of our Family Travel special moves straight from Ubud to Bali’s Amed Coast and onwards to Sanur and finally Bangkok’s mega-city energy. Ashleigh and Michael snorkel with turtles, talk safety and reviews, and unpack why simple tech plus trust still wins for local operators. In Sanur they reflect on value, calm seas and working-holiday realities. Bangkok brings Skytrain rides, river ferries...

After a short hiatus, Ashleigh and Michael return with the first of a two-part special recorded after a month travelling through Southeast Asia with their family. From Phuket’s upmarket shift and transformed airport to Ubud’s calm, green charm, they share what today’s guest experience looks like on the ground. They reflect on “Jai yen” as a blueprint for gracious service, why looking after childre...

What does it take to pivot from a 20-year global career with Marriott to launching your own hospitality consultancy?  In this episode of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael Donald are joined by the brilliant Matt Hughes , founder of Accommodate Consulting , for a rich conversation spanning hotel franchising, sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship. With experience across asset strategy,...

We’re back with Season Three of The Halo Effect, and what better way to return than with an episode that combines luxury hospitality, brand storytelling, and a touch of HBO glamour. In this episode, Ashleigh and Michael Donald are joined by the brilliant Natasha Eldred , a brand and PR specialist with years of experience working across Thailand’s most iconic hospitality brands. From her time rebra...

In Episode 18 we spoke to Graham Norris and Dean Crews about their journey in hospitality and the recent launch of InnPractice. In this episode, we welcome Dean back to explore the deep impact of mentorship within the hospitality industry. We discuss the realities of supporting people in a high-pressure sector where human connection often makes the difference between staying and walking away. Dean...

In this episode of The Halo Effect , Ashleigh and Michael explore the fundamental difference between guest service and guest experience – and why getting it right can make or break a hotel’s reputation. 🏨 Guest Service = The operational basics. Clean rooms, efficient check-in, responding to requests. 🌟 Guest Experience = The emotional connection. The moments that surprise, delight, and create lo...

In this episode of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael are excited to welcome two of the co-founders of InnPractice⁠, Graham Norris and Dean Crews , who share their incredible journeys through the hospitality industry—from accidental beginnings to shaping the future of hotel management. Graham and Dean discuss the philosophy behind their new venture InnPractice and share their mission to do hosp...

In this episode of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael chat about awards applications – and why they can be so much more than just a shiny trophy. Drawing on their own experiences from being part of hotel teams that won some amazing accolades to judging startup awards and winning industry awards with Halo, they discuss… 🏆 Why awards matter – beyond recognition, from networking to marketing impa...

In this episode, released just before International Women's Day on the 8th March, we’re joined by the incredible Naureen Ahmed , founder of Inspiring Women in Hospitality , a global community championing the voices of women across the industry. With nearly 200 podcast interviews , countless mentorship sessions, and a thriving membership network, Naureen is on a mission to inspire, connect, and emp...

In this special episode of The Halo Effect, we bring you a conversation that originally appeared as a part of Obvlo ’s webinar series, Personalising the Guest Journey. Hosted by James Parsons⁠ , this session features Ashleigh presenting her ABCs of Hotel Openings – a powerful framework designed around three core pillars, that every hotelier should consider to ensure seamless, impactful hotel launc...

In this episode of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael Donald dive into the latest travel trends for 2025, inspired by a recent Forbes series by Angelina Villa-Clarke. They discuss the growing popularity of solo female travel, the emergence of ‘soft travel,’ and the rise of silent escapes for those looking to disconnect and recharge. Links to the Original Articles are here! https://www.forbes.co...

We’re back! After a short break, The Halo Effect returns for Season Two! To kick off, Ashleigh and Michael Donald chat about Hilton’s 2025 Travel Trends Report, where they discuss the Travel Maximiser – a new breed of travellers looking to elevate their experiences in meaningful ways. This episode also covers: ✅ The rise of sleep tourism - why guests are prioritising high-quality rest ✅ Adventur...

In the final episode of the first season of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael welcome special guest Kerry Metcalfe, founder of KMedia. Together, they explore the influence of social media in hospitality marketing and offer some practical strategies to enhance brand engagement, increase bookings, and build lasting guest loyalty. Kerry shares her expertise on leveraging platforms like Instagram...

In this episode, Ashleigh and Michael Donald are delighted to be joined by Harry Fielder, CEO of Umi Digita l and Chair of the Hospitality Marketing Association . Together, they discuss the evolving role of technology in the hospitality industry, from the rise of connected property management systems to the increasing influence of AI and automation. Harry shares some remarkable insights, including...

In Episode Ten of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael Donald guests onto the podcast for the very first time! Together with ⁠ Joanna Fisher ⁠ and ⁠ Ros Hardiman , we explore the power of people-led strategies, the evolving role of technology, and the importance of authenticity in guest experiences. From insights gained at major industry events like WTM and the Independent Hotel Show to personal...

In episode nine of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael Donald celebrate five years of Halo. They reflect on their proudest achievements, from building strong client relationships to embracing their roles as entrepreneurs.  Hear how they've navigated the challenges of the past few years, including the impact of COVID-19, and learn about the evolution of their services - from generalist business c...

In Episode 8 of The Halo Effect podcast, Ashleigh and Michael Donald explore the unique dynamics of Branded vs. Independent Hotels.   With over 40 years in hospitality, they’ve seen both sides, working for major brands like Starwood and cherished  independent hotels like The Goring. From the consistency and reach of global brands to the authenticity and flexibility of independents, they unpack the...

🎃 It’s spooky season and Ashleigh and Michael Donald invite you for a chilling Halloween special where they delve into the world of hospitality horror stories. 👻  From haunted hotels and strange sightings to unexpected guests and night shifts that went wrong, this episode is packed with tales from our time in hospitality. But it’s not all ghosts and ghouls—this episode also reveals some of the c...

In this episode of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael Donald explore the world of dynamic pricing within the hospitality industry. They take listeners through the evolution from fixed pricing to modern, technology-driven strategies influenced by supply and demand. Ashleigh and Michael break down the difference between dynamic pricing and surge pricing, using examples like the Oasis ticket contr...

Welcome to Episode Five of “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald” Listen as husband-and-wife team Ashleigh and Michael Donald draw on their 40 years of combined experience in global hospitality to share insights and stories from a dynamic industry. Whether you’re just starting out, seeking growth, or venturing into entrepreneurship, we hope that this podcast can he...

Welcome to Episode Four of “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald” Listen as husband-and-wife team Ashleigh and Michael Donald draw on their 40 years of combined experience in global hospitality to share insights and stories from a dynamic industry. Whether you’re just starting out, seeking growth, or venturing into entrepreneurship, we hope that this podcast can he...

Welcome to Episode Three of “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald” Listen as husband-and-wife team Ashleigh and Michael Donald draw on their 40 years of combined experience in global hospitality to share insights and stories from a dynamic industry. Whether you’re just starting out, seeking growth, or venturing into entrepreneurship, we hope that this podcast can h...

Welcome to Episode Two of “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald” Listen as husband-and-wife team Ashleigh and Michael Donald draw on their 40 years of combined experience in global hospitality to share insights and stories from a dynamic industry. Whether you’re just starting out, seeking growth, or venturing into entrepreneurship, we hope that this podcast can hel...

Welcome to the very first episode of “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald” Listen as husband-and-wife team Ashleigh and Michael Donald draw on their 40 years of combined experience in global hospitality to share insights and stories from a dynamic industry. Whether you’re just starting out, seeking growth, or venturing into entrepreneurship, we hope that this podc...