

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

Feb 14, 2025 • 10min
The Little Things That Make a Big Impact in Hospitality - Marc Schwarz
Marc Schwarz dives into the concept of 'disruptive hospitality' and its vital impact on the industry. He emphasizes the importance of personal gestures, sharing a touching story about a unique dinner party experience that highlights authentic connections. The discussion also revolves around empowering teams by sharing insights, encouraging collaboration, and fostering a culture that enhances guest experiences. Expect a blend of technology and the irreplaceable human touch as key drivers in the evolving world of hospitality.

Feb 13, 2025 • 12min
Elevating Hospitality Training: The Gold Standard Approach to Service Excellence - Marc Schwarz
Marc Schwarz, Director of Service at Thrive Hospitality, revolutionizes hospitality training with immersive strategies. He emphasizes the importance of crafting memorable guest experiences over sticking to scripts. Marc discusses the creation of an educational platform that fosters a profound understanding of service. He highlights how personal stories can transform training, enhancing workforce engagement. Throughout the conversation, he encourages collaboration and continuous learning, urging industry professionals to share insights for collective growth.

6 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 12min
The Unexpected Intersection of Hospitality and Public Health - Marc Schwarz
Marc Schwarz, Director of Service at Thrive Hospitality, shares his unique insights gained from leading a task force for the Pennsylvania Department of Health during the pandemic. He discusses how hospitality principles can enhance public health efforts, particularly in contact tracing, emphasizing the power of human connection. Schwarz also offers innovative strategies for fostering team morale and support in remote work settings. He highlights the critical need for self-care in hospitality, advocating for mandatory breaks to enhance productivity and well-being.

Feb 11, 2025 • 8min
Lessons from Land Rover: The Hospitality Mindset - Marc Schwarz
Discover how hospitality principles from the hotel industry transform luxury automotive experiences. Marc Schwarz shares his insights from Land Rover, emphasizing personalized service and creating memorable moments. The discussion highlights the importance of active listening and personal connections, encouraging listeners to apply these techniques in their own ventures. Tune in for a blend of hospitality and automotive excellence that inspires teamwork and enhances customer experiences!

5 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 14min
The Culture Code: What Made Ian Schrager’s Hotels Different - Marc Schwarz
In this enlightening discussion, Marc Schwarz, Director of Service at Thrive Hospitality, shares his journey with iconic hotelier Ian Schrager at Morgan's Hotel Group. He highlights the importance of human connection in hospitality, recounting how humor and storytelling bond staff and guests. Marc dives into Schrager's unique work culture that nurtures creativity and personal passions, while advocating for a human-centered approach to attract and retain talent in the industry. His insights inspire a vibrant, engaged hospitality community.

4 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 11min
Service is a Privilege: The Mindset of Hospitality Success - Marc Schwarz
Marc Schwarz, Director of Service at Thrive Hospitality, brings over a decade of rich experience in the hospitality realm, including time with Ian Schrager. He shares heartwarming lessons from his childhood, emphasizing kindness and connection in service. Marc reflects on his early, nerve-wracking days working in a health food restaurant and how those moments shaped his passion for helping others. He stresses the importance of teamwork and supportive culture in boutique hospitality, advocating for shared insights that empower everyone in the industry.

12 snips
Feb 8, 2025 • 49min
Why "Irrational Hospitality" Is the Secret to Long-Term Success - Colin Nagy
Colin Nagy, a global strategy executive and travel writer known for his insightful analyses, dives deep into the essence of 'irrational hospitality.' He discusses how early travel experiences shape modern hospitality perspectives and the importance of authentic cultural interactions. Colin highlights hotels as community hubs and reflects on the challenges of maintaining creativity in an industry pressured by growth. He also critiques airline loyalty strategies, cautioning against neglecting long-term customer relationships in favor of high spenders.

7 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 21min
From Taylor Swift to "Set Jetting": The Power of Cultural Trends in Hospitality - Leigh Silkunas
Leigh Silkunas, Founder and CEO of 1AX Consulting, reveals how hotels can become culturally relevant and attract guests by aligning with current trends. She discusses the impact of Taylor Swift's tour and 'set jetting,' where travelers visit popular TV show locations. Practical strategies, like themed promotions and using tools like Google Trends, are shared to enhance marketing efforts. Leigh emphasizes the need for targeted digital marketing and community engagement to connect with diverse audiences in the hospitality sector.

Feb 6, 2025 • 30min
Why Saying Yes Opens Career Doors in Hospitality - Leigh Silkunas
Leigh Silkunas, the Founder and CEO of 1AX Consulting, shares her journey from a childhood love of hospitality to a successful career in digital marketing. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and seizing growth opportunities. Leigh discusses her career transition from revenue management to consulting, and how vibrant networking can lead to transformative moments. With insights on modern marketing strategies, she inspires listeners to build solid operational foundations and embrace change in the evolving hospitality landscape.

Feb 5, 2025 • 15min
The Future of Hotel Management: Automation, AI, and Innovation - Sloan Dean, Remington Hospitality
Sloan Dean, the CEO of Remington Hospitality, delves into how AI and automation are reshaping the hotel industry. He discusses the shifting roles in revenue management, emphasizing the need for a human touch in guest services amid technological shifts. Dean also highlights the slow adoption of innovations and the importance of strong partnerships with tech providers. He encourages learning from other industries to enhance efficiency and spark creativity in hospitality.