

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

Sep 3, 2025 • 13min
How We Bring Independent Ideas to Life in Hospitality - Ryan Magnon & Scott Rohm, Ithaka Hospitality Partners
Scott Rohm, Chief Development Officer at Ithaka Hospitality Partners, and Ryan Magnon, Chief Operating Officer, delve into the vibrant world of independent hospitality. They share insights on how their roots at Auburn University shaped their innovative projects, including teaching hotels and culinary initiatives. The duo emphasizes the power of collaboration with owners to create unique experiences. They also explore the intricate balance between visionary ideas and operational expertise, revealing how this synergy fosters community-connected hospitality brands.

Sep 3, 2025 • 15min
How Hoteliers Use Tech in Budget Season for Faster, Smarter Decisions - Stephen German, Actabl [Sponsor Bonus]
In this discussion, Stephen German, SVP of Product at Actabl, illuminates how technology is transforming budgeting for hoteliers. He delves into how ProfitSword offers real-time visibility and aligns property data for smarter, quicker decisions. Stephen shares insights into recent tech advancements that cut down budgeting time from days to hours, helping hotel leaders navigate economic uncertainties with confidence. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their budgeting process in the hospitality industry.

Sep 2, 2025 • 26min
How to Survive & Thrive With Proactive Planning for 2025-2026: Advice from The Hotel Financial Coach, David Lund
David Lund, The Hotel Financial Coach, shares his expertise in navigating the complex financial landscape of the hospitality industry. He emphasizes the importance of proactive financial management and regular operational reviews to avoid crisis reactions. Listeners learn about the importance of personal accountability in budgeting and operational efficiency. Lund also discusses cost containment reviews and how collaboration among managers can enhance performance. His insights encourage a culture of financial stewardship integrated with quality guest service.

5 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 15min
The Power of Recognition, Awards & What I've Learned From The Hospitality Hero - Steven Hesketh
Steven Hesketh, CEO of Savvy Hotel Group and founder of Hospitality Hero, passionately discusses the vital role of recognition and kindness in the hospitality industry. He shares inspiring stories that highlight how appreciation can transform careers and foster vibrant team cultures. The conversation also touches on the importance of listening, the impact of small acts of kindness—like a heartwarming moment with a young boy learning to make his bed—and the need to introduce hospitality back into schools to inspire future professionals.

Aug 31, 2025 • 13min
The Beauty of Hospitality Work and the Power of Kindness - Steven Hesketh
Steven Hesketh, CEO of Savvy Hotel Group and founder of Hospitality Hero, stresses the vital role of kindness in the hospitality sector. He emphasizes the need to inspire the next generation, particularly through children's stories that highlight career opportunities. Hesketh also discusses the balance of traditional values and technological advancements in hospitality. His personal anecdotes show how kindness fosters community and connection, showcasing hospitality as not just a job, but a meaningful career.

Aug 30, 2025 • 8min
What It Takes to Be a Great Hospitality Executive - Jon Tisch
Jonathan Tisch, Executive Chairman of Loews Hotels, closes our series with reflections on what defines truly great hospitality executives. In this conversation with our careers correspondent, Emily Goldfischer -- also founder and editor-in-chief of hertelier -- Tisch shares leadership lessons shaped by decades of experience.You’ll hear why he believes every job provides valuable knowledge, how responsibility extends far beyond “giving back,” and why the details of communication and design matter so deeply in hospitality. Tisch also explains how storytelling is at the heart of hotel leadership, and how those lessons shaped the way he built Loews Hotels.For hospitality professionals at every stage of their careers, this episode offers timeless guidance on leadership, responsibility, and growth. 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

Aug 29, 2025 • 10min
The Right Person for the Job: How Women Leaders Drove Loews Hotels' Success - Jon Tisch
Jonathan Tisch, Executive Chairman of Loews Hotels, shares how his leadership philosophy of always hiring the right person for the job often led to women rising into senior roles. Drawing on the influence of his family and the leaders he worked with throughout his career, Tisch reflects on how strong, talented women helped shape the growth and success of Loews Hotels.This conversation is hosted by Emily Goldfischer, founder and editor-in-chief of hertelier. 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

Aug 28, 2025 • 10min
Making The Case for Travel: From Power Breakfasts to Capitol Hill - Jon Tisch
In this episode, Jonathan Tisch, Executive Chairman of Loews Hotels, goes beyond hotels to examine travel and tourism as one of America’s most powerful—but often overlooked—economic engines.Drawing on decades of advocacy, Tisch shares stories from his roots at the Regency’s "power breakfasts" to lobbying Congress after 9/11. He explains how travel creates more jobs than industries like manufacturing, why lawmakers consistently underestimate its impact, and what hospitality leaders must do to change that.From educating policymakers to preparing for global events like the World Cup and the LA Olympics, Tisch makes a compelling case for unified industry advocacy. Listeners will come away with a sharper understanding of travel’s economic importance, the influence of collaboration, and the responsibility every hospitality professional has to tell this story.This conversation is hosted by Emily Goldfischer, founder and editor-in-chief of hertelier. 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

Aug 27, 2025 • 12min
Jon Tisch: What 45 Years at Loews Hotels Taught Me
Jonathan Tisch, Executive Chairman of Loews Hotels, reflects on 45 years in hospitality and what he learned leading the company in this conversation with Emily Goldfischer, founder and editor-in-chief of hertelier. Tisch shares how he redefined the guest experience, why team members create loyalty, and the culture shifts that helped Loews Hotels stand out.Also see on hertelier: Mr. August: Jonathan Tisch — The Original AllySee Jon's book, Chocolates on the Pillow Aren't Enough: Reinventing the Customer Experience. 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

Aug 26, 2025 • 9min
How Hospitality Leaders Can Get Stuff Done: Purpose, Clarity, Trust - Amy Yip
What does it really take to get things done as a leader? In this conversation, Amy Yip—executive coach and two-time TEDx speaker—shares her insights on leading high-performing teams. She explains why purpose drives productivity, how communication expectations prevent breakdowns, and why conflict isn’t something to avoid but a catalyst for innovation. Amy also highlights Google’s research on psychological safety and why trust is the single biggest factor in team effectiveness. Hospitality leaders will walk away with practical lessons on creating cultures where people feel safe to contribute, stay aligned on vision, and ultimately get more done together.Also see: Leadership vs. Management: The Career-Defining Shift Amy Yip Learned at GoogleLearn more about Amy Yip's work 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