Hospitality Daily Podcast

In this episode, Josiah Mackenzie shares ideas from his panel discussion at the 2025 NYU International Hotel Investment Forum. Also see:Think Like An Owner, Act Like A GM - Josiah MackenzieMy AI Research Results: 87% of Hospitality Pros Already Use AI (Here's How) - Josiah MackenzieLess Ringing, More Hospitality: AI-Powered PBX To Give Our Teams More Time for Guests - Steven Marais, Noble House Hotels & ResortsWhy Real-Time Operations Will Define Success in Hospitality - Josiah Mackenzie & Wil SlickersHow AI Helps Me Run More Profitable Hotels - Sean Murphy, The BowerBeyond Efficiency: How AI Can Help Hospitality Thrive in 2025 - Lou Zameryka 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

Discover how strategic investments can transform the hospitality industry into a profit powerhouse. Josiah Mackenzie shares insights from the NYU International Hotel Investment Forum, emphasizing that enhancing guest experiences is key to financial success. He connects high-quality service to better earnings, showcasing that cost-cutting is not the only route to profitability. This engaging discussion offers a fresh perspective on how to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

Josiah Mackenzie dives into the significance of thinking like an owner while managing in hospitality. He shares insights from the NYU International Hotel Investment Forum, highlighting the need for a mindset that prioritizes data-driven decisions. The discussion emphasizes enhancing operational performance and cultivating collaboration within the industry. Mackenzie encourages listeners to implement these strategies to achieve measurable success and invites sharing this wisdom with peers for collective growth.

In this episode, Josiah Mackenzie shares insights from the 2025 NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum held in New York. Josiah discusses the conference's theme, "Engagement Drives Returns," and highlights the importance of active participation in the hospitality industry. He delves into consumer spending patterns, the impact of AI on jobs, and the resilience of the hospitality sector.  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

Hotel owner, leadership coach, and now flight attendant — Rachel Vandenberg returns to the show in a candid conversation with hertelier co-founder and Hospitality Daily career correspondent, Nancy Mendelson. They dive into what it really means to lead with empathy, why great service starts with your team, and how Rachel uses a coach approach to build stronger hospitality cultures. Plus, Rachel shares what inspired her to chase a lifelong dream: 30,000 feet in the air. 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

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.