
Hospitality Daily Podcast
Stay informed and inspired to delight people and grow your business with daily conversations with interesting people doing interesting things. Hosted by Josiah Mackenzie.
Latest episodes

Jan 6, 2025 • 14min
The State of the Hotel Industry: 5 Things To Know for 2025 - Josiah Mackenzie
In this episode, Josiah Mackenzie shares key insights about the state of the hotel industry for 2025, based on a comprehensive survey conducted on this topic.View the research charts here on HotelOperations.com 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

Jan 5, 2025 • 29min
Collaborating with Auberge & An Emmy-Nominated Director to Create ThroughLine, Our Immersive Dining Experience - Katina and Kyle Connaughton, SingleThread
In this episode, Katina and Kyle Connaughton, the visionary founders of SingleThread, share the story behind ThroughLine, an innovative dining experience blending storytelling, film, and exquisite cuisine. Learn how their collaborations with artisans, farmers, and partners such as Auberge Resorts, Audi, and OpenTable bring deeper connections to food and its origins while inspiring sustainability and community.If you liked this, you may also like these other episodes with Kyle and Katina: A Hospitality Love Story: How the Industry's Most Successful Couple Fell in Love with Hospitality (and Each Other)The SingleThread StoryHow We’re Finding Meaning In Hospitality Beyond The Accolades 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

Jan 4, 2025 • 46min
America's Chief AI Officer for Travel Shares Advice for 2025 - Janette Roush, Brand USA
Take our Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality survey In this episode, Janette Roush, the SVP of Innovation and Chief AI Officer at Brand USA, shares her insights on embracing AI in the workplace and how it can drive innovation in the tourism industry.Watch this conversation on YouTubeMentions:Brand USA & AI (including framework for use)Listen to Janette Live From Travel Week: Leadership Alignment with Generative AIConor Grennan, Chief AI Architect at the Stern School of BusinessEthan Mollick, Professor at the Wharton School of BusinessOne Useful Thing (Newsletter by Ethan Mollick)Every (Media company)Udemy (Online learning platform) 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

Jan 3, 2025 • 16min
What AI Might Bring Hotels in 2025 - Martin Soler
In this episode, Martin Soler, a former hotel general manager turned marketing strategist, shares insights on how AI is reshaping hotel operations and how it can be used to streamline work, improve communication, and stay competitive in 2025 and beyond.(01:33) The two "camps" of AI adoption(02:36) The importance of experimenting with AI(03:14) Specificity in AI applications(03:34) Josiah's experience with ChatGPT(04:08) Martin's use of AI in daily work(05:12) Benefits of dictating to AI(06:46) AI for hotel general managers(07:36) AI in marketing and documentation(08:47) Addressing the stigma of using AI(09:31) Importance of confidentiality and security(10:23) Caution with AI tools in corporate settings(11:05) Supercharging communication with AI(11:32) AI in RFP processes for meetings and eventsRead Martin's article: What is AI going to bring hotels in 2025?Subscribe to Martin's newsletter, Tell 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

Jan 2, 2025 • 32min
Rethinking Hospitality: Bold Moves for 2025 and Beyond - Matthias Huettebraeuker
In this episode, Matthias Huettebraeuker, an independent hospitality strategist with experience at citizenM and Design Hotels, shares how we can break free from outdated thinking, embrace innovation, and create hotels and hospitality businesses that people love.(01:27) The shift in the hospitality industry 20 years ago(02:09) Importance of community (03:13) The need to rethink and innovate(03:42) Knowing your "why" (05:08) Developing a niche and "personality"(06:06) Bold hospitality(08:46) Importance of storytelling in hospitality(09:38) Claus Sendlinger's new development(10:00) Cultural relevance and resonance(11:04) Physical and social aspects of hotel experiences(12:08) Asking the right questions(12:39) User stories and use cases(13:00) Serving local communities(13:43) Expanding beyond traditional hotel services(14:52) Iterative development in hospitality(15:09) Pop-up hotel example in Munich(17:08) Structuring real estate for flexibility(18:09) "Stage for life" concept(18:51) Learning from citizemM(20:32) Power of asking the right questions(21:03) Cross-fertilization concept(21:55) Learning from the automotive industry(23:12) Rethinking hospitality and real estate(25:08) Growth potential for big hotel groups(26:11) Being an "everyday brand"(27:55) Recognition vs. reward in hospitality(28:05) Conclusion and where to learn more about Matthias 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

Jan 1, 2025 • 11min
The Opportunity for Hospitality in 2025 (Personally and Professionally) - Josiah Mackenzie
Josiah Mackenzie dives into the evolving landscape of hospitality as we look toward 2025. He highlights how personal and community ties can be strengthened through hospitality, unlocking new growth opportunities. The discussion also touches on the exciting role of artificial intelligence, shaping the future of the industry. Engaging listeners, he encourages feedback and collaboration to enhance the hospitality experience, making it both personal and innovative.

Dec 31, 2024 • 32min
2024 Highlights & Learnings + Why I'm Excited for 2025 - Josiah Mackenzie
Listen to Hospitality Daily founder and host Josiah Mackenzie share highlights and lessons learned in 2024, plus what he's excited by for 2025.Highlights:(1:37) Chip Conley(3:56) Kristie Goshow at KSL(5:04) Inn at Newport Ranch(6:11) Palisades Hospitality(7:22) Katina and Kyle Connaughton at SingleThread(9:39) Bashar Wali (episode one and two)(10:40) Dina Belon & Staypineapple(13:06) Horst Schulze(15:07) Nancy Mendelson + Emily Kanders Goldfischer (hertelier) collaboration(16:44) Hospitality Daily on LinkedInLessons:(17:54) #1 lesson for me(18:50) Video(20:27) Audio(21:56) Research(22:05) Research with Sojern on guest experienceLooking ahead:(23:23) Zach Demuth on hotel industry trends(23:46) More voices(24:32) Technology(24:59) My guide to hotel tech(26:10) Independent hospitality(26:40) Rob Blood at Lark(27:23) Events + Indie Lodging Congress 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

Dec 30, 2024 • 18min
Why The Hotel Industry is at a Pivotal Moment - Zach Demuth, JLL
In this episode, Zach Demuth, the Global Head of Hotels Research at JLL, shares why the hospitality industry is at a pivotal juncture and what it means for you.See insights and research from JLL here 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

Dec 29, 2024 • 13min
Empowering People and Elevating Hospitality Careers - Guillaume Benezech
In this episode, Guillaume Benezech, Senior Director of Global Brand Management and Marketing for The Ritz-Carlton and Ritz-Carlton Reserve, shares his observations and insights on the state of hospitality work and the importance of emotional skills, empowerment, and career development.Listen to our other episodes: What I've Learned Building a Career in Luxury Hotel LeadershipThe Evolution of Luxury Hospitality From Comfort to Connection 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

Dec 28, 2024 • 30min
The Evolution of Luxury Hospitality From Comfort to Connection - Guillaume Benezech
In this episode, Guillaume Benezech, Senior Director of Global Brand Management and Marketing for The Ritz-Carlton and Ritz-Carlton Reserve, shares his insights into the evolution of luxury hospitality and the importance of emotional connections, sustainability, and innovation.Listen to our other episode: What I've Learned Building a Career in Luxury Hotel Leadership 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