Hospitality Daily Podcast

Dr. Lalia Rach, an esteemed author and educator, shares her remarkable journey from busing tables to becoming a leader in hospitality. She emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning and mentorship in building leadership skills. Dr. Rach discusses the lessons learned from early mistakes and the transformative power of failure in personal growth. She also reflects on her transition to academia and advocates for diversity in leadership within the industry, highlighting programs that promote innovation and effective practices.

Douglas Keane, a Michelin-starred chef and James Beard award winner, redefined his restaurant, Cyrus 2.0, after a burnout from the demanding industry. He now champions a sustainable model that ensures every employee earns $75,000 and enjoys a four-day workweek. Keane discusses how this innovative approach not only boosts employee well-being but also enhances customer satisfaction. Notably, Harvard Business School highlighted his successful transformation, showing that ethical hospitality can thrive alongside profitability.

Walter Isenberg, Co-founder and CEO of Sage Hospitality Group, shares his expertise on urban renewal and the transformative power of hospitality in cities. He discusses how tourism and social media can drive revitalization, highlighting Denver’s Union Station as a case study. Isenberg emphasizes community engagement through local art and the importance of strong leadership post-pandemic. He cultivates optimism for the industry’s future, inviting collaboration to enhance city appeal and foster lasting community relationships.

Walter Isenberg reveals how Sage Studio uses storytelling to create memorable hotel experiences. He explains how local history shapes branding and engages customers through cohesive narratives. The importance of authenticity shines through as he recounts a personal dining experience, emphasizing that genuine interactions resonate with visitors. There’s a strong call for collaboration within the hospitality industry, encouraging professionals to share insights and work together to enhance customer experiences.

Walter Isenberg, co-founder and CEO of Sage Hospitality Group, dives into his impactful partnership with preservationist Dana Crawford. He discusses their transformative work on iconic projects like the revitalization of Union Station. The conversation highlights the significance of storytelling and risk-taking in hospitality design. He also shares challenges faced while revitalizing Denver’s Oxford Hotel and Larimer Square, emphasizing how a compelling narrative can shape the success of independent hotels and foster teamwork in the industry.

In this special sponsored episode, Lindsey Goedeker from Actabl shares how ProfitSword and ProfitOwner can give you the power to profit.A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode of Hospitality Daily, Josiah Mackenzie interviews Walter Isenberg, Founder and CEO of Sage Hospitality Group. The discussion centers on building a people-first culture within the hospitality industry. Walter shares how Sage Hospitality's purpose of "enriching lives one experience at a time" is implemented across all levels of the organization, from housekeepers to executives. Key themes include the importance of investing in culture, leadership, and creating an environment where associates feel seen, supported, and inspired. This episode is particularly valuable for hospitality leaders, operators, and investors looking to enhance their organizational culture and employee engagement.Key Moments and Quotes[00:01:04] "Sage is a purpose-led organization, and our purpose is to enrich lives one experience at a time."[00:01:35] "We wouldn't be here if our housekeepers didn't get up every day to come in."[00:02:06] "We have to make sure that they have a great environment to work in, that they know that we care for them."[00:02:41] "We talk about this notion of service to others and really about enriching lives."Actionable Advice for ListenersStart small: Even daily recognition builds long-term culture.Prioritize associate development: Drive retention and performance through continuous support and training.Embed culture in onboarding: Use cultural immersion programs to instill core values and purpose from the start.Recognize every role: Ensure that all team members, from housekeepers to executives, feel valued and essential to the organization's success.About Sage HospitalityMission: To enrich lives one experience at a time.Focus: Creating a supportive and inspiring work environment for all associates.Industry Impact: Known for its strong emphasis on culture and employee engagement within the hospitality industry.Leadership: Committed to investing in the development and well-being of its team members. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode, Walter Isenberg, Founder and CEO of Sage Hospitality Group, shares his journey from a 14-year-old dishwasher to a hospitality leader, highlighting the importance of mentorship and paying it forward. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode, Danica Smith, founder of Morningstar GX and our guest experience correspondent, interviews Billy Skelli-Cohen, CEO of Beaumier, about opportunities for providing "soulful hospitality" today.Recommended next episode: Strategy Meets Soul: Leading with Both Sides of the Brain A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode, Danica Smith, founder of Morningstar GX and our guest experience correspondent, interviews Billy Skelli-Cohen, CEO of Beaumier, about opportunities in guest experience today.Recommended next episode: Strategy Meets Soul: Leading with Both Sides of the Brain A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands