Defining Hospitality

Dan Ryan
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Jun 11, 2025 • 56min

Beyond the Bell Curve: Luxury and Hospitality - Eric Brey - Defining Hospitality - Episode #204

How can embracing the Japanese concept of omotenashi create better connections? Dr. Eric Brey, a Professor of Hospitality in the School of Management at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, joins Dan on the show today. Eric brings a wealth of experience from his time in the US Army to earning a PhD in hospitality administration and management. They discuss the significance of hospitality in various contexts, the launch of the nation's first Luxury Management Program at UW Stout, and how luxury isn't limited to opulence but extends to heartfelt interactions and detailed customer service. From the importance of thoughtful gift giving to cultural insights about hospitality, Eric shares the essence of genuine, anticipatory hospitality that enhances guest experiences across the spectrum, whether at a local tavern or a five-star property.Takeaways:Strive to deliver genuine hospitality, which involves anticipating guests' needs and providing meticulous attention to detail.Understand the varying expectations in different hospitality settings, from budget accommodations to luxury establishments.Recognize the value of understanding and integrating cultural nuances in hospitality. Consider participating in study-abroad programs or international internships to broaden your perspective.Engage with industry professionals and participate in hospitality summits and conferences. Extend your network by connecting with professors, industry leaders, and peers on platforms like LinkedIn.Always seek to learn from various sources, including other industries and educational programs, to continuously improve your hospitality skills.Cultivate meaningful relationships with guests, colleagues, and mentors. Emphasize the importance of personal interactions in an increasingly digital world.Quote of the Show:“ Omotenashi is at the heart of every interaction.” - Eric BreyLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/professorbrey/ Website: https://www.uwstout.edu/Shout Outs:2:45 - New York University https://www.nyu.edu/ 2:46 - Pennsylvania State University https://www.psu.edu/ 2:51 - Cornell University https://www.cornell.edu/ 10:56 - Green Bay Packers https://www.packers.com/ 12:34 - Kwik Trip https://www.kwiktrip.com/ 14:13 - Courtyard https://courtyard.marriott.com/ 14:17 - Ritz-Carlton https://www.ritzcarlton.com/ 14:30 - Hampton Inn https://www.hilton.com/en/brands/hampton-by-hilton/ 19:08 - Four Seasons https://www.fourseasons.com/ 20:58 - Michigan State University https://msu.edu/ 20:59 - University of Central Florida https://www.ucf.edu/ 21:00 - University of Nevada-Las Vegas https://www.unlv.edu/ 22:08 - Scott Pierson https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-pierson/ 23:15 - Giftology https://www.amazon.com/Giftology-Increase-Referrals-Strengthen-Retention/dp/1619614332 25:40 - Paul Bunyan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Bunyan 33:24 - Dan Seymour https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-seymour-549a4326/ 33:39 - HD Expo https://hdexpo.hospitalitydesign.com/ 40:14 - David Byrne https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Byrne 40:16 - American Utopia https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11874226/ 42: 57 - McDonald’s https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us.html 46:32 - Disney https://www.disney.com/ 🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/
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Jun 4, 2025 • 44min

Charting New Courses - Carmen Vlasceanu - Defining Hospitality - Episode #203

How do you truly make people feel cared for? Dan welcomes Dr. Carmen Vlasceanu, an industry veteran with over 25 years of experience in the hotel, aviation, catering, and cruise industries. They discuss the essence of hospitality, Dr. Carmen's career journey from Romania to Carnival Cruises, and her current roles, including Founder and CEO of Global Hospitality and Maritime Leaders. They touch on Dr. Carmen's book “Dare to C.A.R.E”, her contributions to improving customer experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her charity work through Angel's Wings Charity. The episode highlights her insights on personal and professional growth in the hospitality industry and her vision for future success.Takeaways:Emulate the spirit of hospitality by ensuring clients and guests feel cared for and valued during their experiences, no matter the industry or context.Looking beyond one's own country for hospitality practices can broaden horizons and provide valuable insights into delivering and receiving hospitality.Encourage yourself and others to pursue career paths aligned with personal dreams and passions, and be open to changing directions if new opportunities or interests arise.Attend events and workshops to connect with peers and leaders in the hospitality industry, gaining diverse perspectives and learning from their experiences.Prioritize your mental and emotional well-being to better serve others. If you are fulfilled in your personal life, it will reflect positively in your professional interactions.Explore educational platforms providing leadership and personal development courses to enhance your skills and career trajectory in hospitality.Quote of the Show:“ I wanted to get to the point where I would anticipate their needs successfully and not just meet their expectations, but exceed them.” - Carmen VlasceanuLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-vlasceanu-phd-mba-fih-21400425/ Website: https://ghleaders.com/ Book Link: https://amzn.to/4mj73Cp Shout Outs:0:42 - Institute of Hospitality https://www.instituteofhospitality.org/ 0:56 - Angels-Wings Charity https://angels-wings.org/ 5:38 - Carnival Cruise Line https://www.carnival.com/ 42:21 - Royal Victoria Patriotic Building https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Victoria_Patriotic_Building 42:55 - Queen Victoria https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Victoria 🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/
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May 28, 2025 • 1h 10min

Creating Impact: Sustainability in Hospitality - Andrea Foster - Defining Hospitality - Episode #202

What is the balance between hospitality’s business efforts and sustainability efforts? That’s what Andrea Foster, EVP of Hospitality Development at MindClick, is here to talk about on the podcast. The conversation covers how sustainability initiatives can improve guest experiences and align with corporate values. Andrea discusses the importance of measuring sustainability, the impact of intentional design, and the benefits of MindClick's data-driven platform. With anecdotes from their own experiences and practical insights, Dan and Andrea illustrate how forward-thinking practices in the hospitality industry can create positive environmental and economic outcomes.Takeaways:Integrate sustainability into the core values and operations of your business. Audit and measure sustainability metrics to continually improve practices.Create one-pagers and marketing materials that highlight sustainability initiatives and share them with corporate travel buyers and event planners. Train front-line employees to articulate the sustainability story to guests.Explore opportunities for green financing and lower cost of capital. Use data to demonstrate the financial benefits of sustainability to shareholders and stakeholders.Capture demand by aligning with the values of specific demographics (e.g., millennials, Gen Z, female travelers).Foster a company culture that celebrates continuous improvement in sustainability efforts.Incorporate sustainability into the initial planning stages of new projects to avoid disruptive changes later. Set clear benchmarks and goals for sustainability efforts and track progress over time.Quote of the Show:“ We can achieve growth and achieve success and profitability and return on investment while also making decisions that are considerate, careful, respectful, and responsible. There is a way to do both.” - Andrea FosterLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreakmfoster/ Website: https://www.mindclick.com/ Shout Outs:0:44 - Cornell University https://www.cornell.edu/ 0:45 - Boston University https://www.bu.edu/ 0:47 - Purdue University https://www.purdue.edu/ 0:49 - Miraval Resorts  https://www.miravalresorts.com/ 0:50 - CBRE https://www.cbre.com/services/property-types/hotels 0:51 - Marcus Hotels https://www.marcushotels.com/ 0:54 - AHLA Foundation https://www.ahlafoundation.org/ 4:33 - JoAnna Abrams https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannaabrams/ 9:05 - Marriott https://www.marriott.com/default.mi 11:53 - Bitty and Beau’s Coffee https://www.bittyandbeauscoffee.com/ 15:32 - Steve Jobs https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Jobs 19:58 - Metropolis Magazine https://metropolismag.com/ 39:51 - Ritz-Carlton https://www.ritzcarlton.com/ 47:14 - Hotel Marcel https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/hvnsdup-hotel-marcel-new-haven/ 52:04 - Paul McElroy https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-mcelroy-3387954a/ 52:05 - Highgate https://www.highgate.com/ 58:59 - Arne Sorenson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arne_Sorenson_(hotel_executive) 1:00:48 - Gloria Steinem https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloria_Steinem 1:08:38 - NYU Lodging Conference https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/academics/divisions-and-departments/jonathan-m--tisch-center-of-hospitality/international-hospitality-conference.html 🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/
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4 snips
May 21, 2025 • 1h 10min

Revolutionizing Hospitality Education - Nicolas Graf - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 201

Nicolas Graf, a chaired professor and Associate Dean at NYU’s Jonathan M Tisch Center of Hospitality, shares his inspiring journey from high school dropout to educator. He discusses the evolving world of hospitality education, emphasizing the importance of saying 'yes' to new opportunities. The conversation delves into diverse pathways for students, the future of customer experiences, and the significance of hospitality conferences. Graf highlights how institutions can shape the industry while tackling the financial barriers many students face.
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May 14, 2025 • 44min

Building The Dream: Dubai’s Hospitality Scene - Jensen Moonien - Defining Hospitality - Episode #200

There’s a lot that goes on pre-opening in hospitality, whether it be a hotel, a club, or a restaurant. That’s where Jensen Moonien comes in. He is the Founder and Managing Director of La Rencontre, a consulting firm specializing in the F&B space of hospitality. Jensen discusses the importance of hospitality, sharing enduring memories without expecting anything in return, and highlights his entrepreneurial journey, including his move from Mauritius to Dubai. The conversation covers the complexities and strategies of opening a successful restaurant in Dubai, including market adaptation, the significance of the pre-opening phase, and the vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene in the UAE. Jensen also sheds light on the influx of investments in Dubai and the evolving trends in creating immersive and festive dining experiences.Takeaways: Bring global brands or concepts, but adapt them to fit the local market requirements. Understanding the local customer psyche is essential.Focus on getting the pre-opening phase right. Ensure all aspects, from design to marketing, are flawlessly executed to make a strong first impression.Engage with local consultants who understand the market dynamics, regulatory framework, and customer preferences to navigate the challenges more effectively.Location is crucial. Evaluate whether the concept is better suited for a hotel environment or an independent setup based on the target clientele and business goals.Establish connections with local PR firms, promoters, and concierge services that can drive customer footfall and enhance visibility.Consider innovative business models like dinner shows or hybrid concepts (restaurant + nightclub) that cater to local trends and customer behaviors.Identify and capitalize on the unique aspects of the business, whether it's the design, the culinary experience, or exclusive entertainment offerings.Quote of the Show:“I think everybody is kind of sold on the dream of coming to Dubai, of having the platform to create things, and it's true.” - Jensen MoonienLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jensen-a-moonien-121388b3/ Website: https://larencontre.ae/ Shout Outs:0:44 - Four Seasons https://www.fourseasons.com/ 0:45 - St Regis https://st-regis.marriott.com/ 0:46 - Ritz-Carlton https://www.ritzcarlton.com/ 4:33 - Vatel Mauritius https://www.vatel.mu/ 7:21 - Titanic https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanic 29:17 - Bagatelle https://bagatelle.com/ 29:21 - Zuma https://www.zumarestaurant.com/en/dubai 34:04 - RECA Hospitality https://www.linkedin.com/company/recahospitality/ 34:05 - Sunset Hospitality https://www.sunsethospitality.com/ 35:21 - Gaia https://www.gaiarealty.ae/services 40:57 - Sheikh Mohammed https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammed_bin_Rashid_Al_Maktoum 🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/
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May 7, 2025 • 1h 15min

Investing in Hospitality - Nate Edgerly and Tom Donaldson - Defining Hospitality - Episode #199

Today’s episode pivots into restaurant investing. Joining Dan is two experts of hospitality financing and investments, Nate Edgerly and Tom Donaldson, the CEO and Chairman of Enzo Group Inc. The discussion goes into the motivations behind investing in hospitality, the critical role of strong management teams, and the unique challenges and opportunities in scaling restaurant businesses. They explore the financial metrics used to evaluate investments, the impact of macroeconomic factors on the industry, and the potential for growth in fast-casual dining. This conversation provides valuable insights for investors, restaurateurs, and industry professionals looking to understand the complexities of hospitality investments.Takeaways: When considering an investment or running a restaurant, focus on delivering a strong perceived value to customers. Make sure the food quality, service, and overall experience justify the price they pay.Before expanding, ensure you have replicable systems and processes in place. Detailed documentation and standard operating procedures can help new locations maintain consistency and operational efficiency.Keep an eye on essential financial metrics. Aim for high unit volumes and substantial store-level EBITDA margins, while managing build-out costs effectively.Recognize the critical role of a general manager in each unit. Investing in their development can create a significant positive impact on operational performance. Make the GM role a career-worthy position.Weigh the risks and benefits of lease commitments. Striking the right balance between prime locations and manageable lease liability can be crucial for long-term sustainability.Stay informed about macroeconomic trends and consumer behavior, as these can significantly impact the restaurant industry. Adjust strategies accordingly to maintain a competitive edge.Quote of the Show:“What I love most about hospitality is the human connection.” - Nate EdgerlyLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-donaldson-8468a54/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-edgerly-00084b3/ Website: https://www.enzogroupinc.com/Shout Outs:15:53 - Outback Steakhouse https://www.outback.com/ 17:10 - Taco Bamba https://www.tacobamba.com/ 29:25 - Bojangles https://www.bojangles.com/ 43:24 - Setting the Table https://www.amazon.com/Setting-Table-Transforming-Hospitality-Business/dp/0060742763 46:03 - Carbone https://carboneofficial.com/ 47:01 - Sweetgreen https://www.sweetgreen.com/ 47:35 - Chopt Creative Salad https://www.choptsalad.com/ 48:11 - Chipotle https://www.chipotle.com/ 48:13 - Panera https://www.panerabread.com/en-us/home.html 50:15 - Investors Business Daily https://www.investors.com/ 50:17 - Wall Street Journal https://www.wsj.com/ 50:32 - Tiffany’s https://www.tiffany.com/ 50:49 - Kohl’s https://www.kohls.com/ 50:52 - Walmart https://www.walmart.com/ 51:01 - Apple https://www.apple.com/ 51:50 - Pret a Manger https://www.pret.com/en-US 55:07 - AOL https://www.aol.com/ 57:29 - Chick-fil-A https://www.chick-fil-a.com/ 58:09 - Subway https://www.subway.com/en-us/ 58:10 - Dunkin Donuts https://www.dunkindonuts.com/en 59:03 - McDonald’s https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us.html 59:04 - Wendy’s https://www.wendys.com/ 🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/
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Apr 30, 2025 • 1h 3min

Behind the Smoke: Media in Hospitality - Shawn Walchef - Defining Hospitality - Episode #198

What role does media play in hospitality? This episode welcomes media expert and Owner of Cali BBQ, Shawn Walchef. Shawn discusses his journey from creating award-winning barbecue restaurants in San Diego to building a successful media platform. He shares insights on the importance of hospitality, storytelling, and the role of time in perfecting one's craft. Shawn also offers practical advice on leveraging digital media to build and grow a business, emphasizing the need to create consistent content and the power of being a curious and compassionate host. This episode is a must-watch for those looking to embrace their media presence.Takeaways: Every business should think of itself as a media company. Start by creating long-form content, such as a podcast or YouTube channel, to share your story and connect with your audience.If you’re starting a podcast, commit to a regular schedule. For example, publishing every week without fail can build discipline and ensure you develop a reliable content stream.Leverage multiple social media platforms like LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to share your content. Different platforms allow you to reach different segments of your audience.Curiosity is a driving force in hospitality. Engage with people by asking questions and showing genuine interest in their stories. This approach can deepen relationships and loyalty.Adopt a mindset of rapid experimentation. Try new technologies and media quickly. If you fail, you’ll learn faster and can adjust your strategies accordingly.Find your "anchor tenant" or main partner that can lend credibility to your initiatives and help you attract more opportunities and partnerships.Listen to your audience and adjust your content strategy based on their feedback. This responsiveness can foster loyalty and better meet the needs of your listeners or viewers.Quote of the Show:“ The better that we get at our craft, the deeper the connections we make, both at our restaurants in real life, in our community, and online.” - Shawn WalchefLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/ Website: https://betheshow.media/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnpwalchef/ Shout Outs:0:41 - Toast https://pos.toasttab.com/ 0:42 - Entrepreneur Media https://www.entrepreneur.com/ 3:20 - Canterbury Tales https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Canterbury_Tales 7:21 - Rado https://www.linkedin.com/in/radoivanov/ 7:23 - Marriott https://www.marriott.com/default.mi 9:39 - The Harvest https://www.amazon.com/Harvest-Bulgarian-Wealthy-Jolla-California/dp/1593302312 21:06 - YPO https://www.ypo.org/ 22:49 - Entrepreneurs’ Organization https://eonetwork.org/ 28:15 - Pennsylvania State University https://www.psu.edu/ 32:59 - Malcolm Gladwell https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm_Gladwell 33:17 - The Beatles https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles 34:31 - Bo Burlingham https://boburlingham.com/about-bo/ 34:34 - Small Giants https://www.amazon.com/s?k=small+giants+book&adgrpid=1333708168067507&hvadid=83356831320179&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=104764&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-83357101759371%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=24658_10677455&mcid=7a177b91d24a3c459e23975de93a8c7c&msclkid=0715b194226a1581950ed985139a43a1&tag=mh0b-20&ref=pd_sl_71wu97gg72_e 34:46 - Annie DiFranco https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ani_DiFranco 46:30 - Digital Hospitality https://www.digitalhospitality.com/ 47:41 - Family Style https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9aOArcA5Ia6KBNpggZJqQmrtw_lNkGqe 47:54 - Greg Majeski / Room for Seconds https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnoDJBRl8k--uSzQfVFpLeiJmqjzQIfFq 48:53 - Field of Dreams https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_of_Dreams 50:01 - Kevin Costner https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Costner 🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/
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Apr 23, 2025 • 49min

A Lifetime in Hospitality - Xavier Lividini - Defining Hospitality - Episode #197

Xavier Lividini, Managing Partner at Hospitality Advance International, shares his rich journey in hospitality, rooted in a family legacy of hoteliers. He reflects on his experiences at iconic hotels like the Waldorf Astoria, emphasizing the importance of memorable guest interactions. Lividini discusses the shift toward coaching leadership styles, fostering team growth, and embracing diverse experiences. His entrepreneurial ventures in boutique hotels highlight financial acumen and interpersonal skills as keys to success in the industry. Tune in for invaluable insights and inspiring stories!
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Apr 16, 2025 • 55min

Beyond the Green: Hospitality & High-Performance - Scott Young - Defining Hospitality - Episode #196

“ Our hospitality starts with education, but it's also having a welcoming point of view.”Scott Young, Founder of SSWING, an innovative indoor golf training facility in New York City, and an expert golfer joins the podcast today to hash out the meaning of hospitality and dive into his business. They discuss the broader meaning of hospitality in various environments, focusing on creating a welcoming yet challenging space to help people improve. The conversation dives into Scott’s analytical approach to golf using math and biomechanics, balancing customer comfort with pushing them to new limits. Scott shares insights from his touring days and stories about the honesty and pressure in golf. The episode highlights the importance of process-oriented improvement and maintaining a clear mental focus.Takeaways: Whether it’s golf or any other aspect of life, embrace a mindset of continuous improvement and commit to bettering yourself.Aim to have a consistent and clear process for achieving your goals. In golf, this means focusing on your pre-shot routine and execution rather than being overly concerned with the outcome.Utilize technology such as biomechanics assessments, high-speed cameras, and other tools to get precise feedback and improve your performance.Develop mental resilience by practicing staying focused and present in high-pressure situations. This can be beneficial in sports and various other stressful scenarios in life.If appropriate for your business, consider a membership model to build a committed community and create a steady revenue stream.After any performance or practice, reflect honestly on your process and identify areas where you either succeeded or could improve.Use personal stories and experiences, whether from a professional athlete or your own life, to gain insights and inspire your growth journey.Quote of the Show:“  My essence of SSWING is that every single person who walks through our door leaves a better golfer or a better mover.” - Scott YoungLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-young-28b5569/ Website: https://www.sswing.com/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pivot-the-path/id1713829364 Shout Outs:3:28 - Rosemary Young https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosemary-k-young-92b4821/ 4:54 - Shinnecock Hills Golf Club https://www.shinnecockhillsgolfclub.org/ 4:55 - Augusta National https://www.masters.com/index.html/ 12:04 - New York University https://www.nyu.edu/ 14:17 - David Kennedy https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kennedy-03821b3/ 16:46 - British Airways https://www.britishairways.com/travel/classic-home/public/en_us/ 16:56 - JFK Airport https://www.jfkairport.com/ 22:15 - PGA https://www.pgatour.com/ 23:46 - Callaway https://www.callawaygolf.com/ 34:43 - Australian Open https://ausopen.com/ 38:09 - Rory McIlroy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rory_McIlroy 38:36 - Tiger Woods https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_Woods 39:30 - Jack Nicklaus https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Nicklaus 42:53 - Max Verstappen https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Verstappen 42:54: Roger Federer https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Federer 47:42 - US Open https://www.usopen.com/ 🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/
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Apr 9, 2025 • 60min

Cultivating Joy and Awe - Nathan St. Cyr- Defining Hospitality - Episode # 195

What does it take to be the number one small hostile in North America? Today we welcome Nathan St. Cyr, Co-Founder of Malama Capital and Owner of Howzit Hostels, to tell us just that. Dan and Nathan dive into Nathan's journey within the hospitality industry, including his foundational experiences in sales, his profound motivation rooted in personal history, and the creation of successful hospitality ventures in Maui. They talk about the six human emotional needs, their own podcast experiences, and the evolution of their business practices. This engaging conversation highlights the unique aspects of building a culture-focused hospitality brand.Takeaways: Focus on how your role or business can contribute to the well-being and happiness of others, which will enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.Ensure your service or hospitality offering addresses the six human emotional needs: variety, security/certainty, connection, significance, contribution, and growth.Leadership and mindset are crucial. Develop a leadership style that emphasizes positivity, contribution, and personal development. Shift focus towards mindset training to ensure your team operates at its best.Implement frameworks such as EOS to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and ensure your team is aligned with the company’s goals.Invest in effective marketing strategies to tell your story. Use platforms like podcasts and social media to reach a wider audience and create a personal connection with potential customers and investors.Celebrate and acknowledge significant milestones, both within the team and with guests. This creates a sense of community and shared success.Quote of the Show:“ We really focused on anybody that worked for us to not just want to want a job. We wanted people that wanted to be a part of something special and build something unbelievable.” - Nathan St. CyrLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-st-cyr-467069241/ Website: https://www.malama-capital.com/ Hotel Investor Playbook Podcast: https://www.hotelinvestorplaybook.com/ Shout Outs:7:54 - Tony Robbins https://www.tonyrobbins.com/ 8:02 - Unleash the Power Within https://www.tonyrobbins.com/events/unleash-the-power-within 21:08 - Red Week Magazine https://www.redweek.com/ 34:09 - Unique Stays Summit https://www.theuniquestays.com/ 42:15 - Entrepreneurial Operating System https://www.eosworldwide.com/ 42:15 - Traction https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Get-Grip-Your-Business/dp/1936661837/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?adgrpid=1341404754019562&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ivUyjhmThfkakmCVvM6aQvCiS2WBd8hy_jhV5TwuzPU9G-5kyOKn0VG08Gbmn0LNWMKfZcDEaOvFEcmIpasOvcygqGHIPdVb9f92F2jYT4-UUs0jHKJ0hfKqJNtqf2ts2-lnl0VTBC-btKXlD5Fbw1KlBsx7H73YC8d50hu916_KbJwfWy0nT7mEJl09olMwEOl035Dd0md2s6yJoh81daWBzNGU1pmW8NLWWWEccB4.Z6S2hs5q8J6UJuk0-qTmoFMtstrz1Qy6FvHZ0NvvO1g&dib_tag=se&hvadid=83838035983337&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=104764&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-83838151976689%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=22532_13494448&keywords=traction+book&mcid=a8e247c38b8e323ca52ee6f95a77314c&msclkid=6377a5a0deed155ecd69c250e1c39430&qid=1743798068&sr=8-3-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1 44:02 - Gino Wickman https://www.ginowickman.com/ 47:58 - Penn State University https://www.psu.edu/ 🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/

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