
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

Jul 25, 2024 • 28min
What's Happening in Hotel Tech Today? - Jordan Hollander, Hotel Tech Report
In this episode, Jordan Hollander, co-founder of Hotel Tech Report, shares insights on the evolving landscape of hotel technology, including the changing buying process, key technologies to watch, and strategies for successful implementation.Listen now to learn about:The changing buying process for hotel technology - How buyers are becoming more sophisticated, and the shift away from trade shows to online research and reviews.Decentralization in decision-making - How technology purchase decisions are moving from centralized CIOs to functional areas, and the importance of empowering teams to make informed decisions.Advice for buying technology - The importance of being proactive, leveraging vendor knowledge, and acting as a fiduciary for your company by evaluating multiple vendors.Innovations in meetings and event sales technology - The rise of tools for real-time revenue management and sales automation, and examples of companies innovating in this space.Guest experience platforms - The emergence of integrated, modular platforms and how they are driving revenue and improving guest experiences.The importance of integration and best-of-breed solutions - Why hotels should focus on solutions that best serve their specific needs.Successful technology implementation strategies - Examples of hotels that have effectively piloted and scaled new technologies and the importance of setting KPIs and having a clear plan for technology rollouts.Upcoming AI tech stack advisor tool from Hotel Tech Report - How the new tool will provide end-to-end tech stack recommendations and audits.Watch this conversation on YouTube 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

Jul 24, 2024 • 26min
The English Escape From Loneliness & Burnout - Penny Brown, Burgh Island Hotel
In this episode, Penny Brown, Managing Director of the Burgh Island Hotel in England, shares insights into creating a unique and relaxing hospitality experience that helps guests disconnect from their busy lives and recharge. Listen now to learn about:The importance of the arrival experience - How the journey to the hotel and the initial welcome with champagne sets the tone for relaxation.Intentional design choices for relaxation - The decision to exclude televisions from rooms to help guests disconnect and the impact of natural elements like the sound of waves and the smell of sea air.Creating a unique dining experience - The different dining options available at the hotel, including a black-tie ballroom experience, a seafood restaurant, and a rustic fish and chips option.Themed events and guest interaction - How themed events like Murder Mystery nights encourage guest interaction and create lasting friendships.Personalized guest relations - The role of the guest relations team in understanding and accommodating guest preferences to make their stay special.The evolving concept of wellness - Penny's perspective on wellness and how the hotel provides a space for guests to relax and recharge, away from the fast-paced demands of modern life.Future of hospitality and experiential offerings - The exciting potential for new experiences in the hospitality industry and how Burr Island Hotel plans to incorporate them into their offerings.Watch our full conversation here on YouTube 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

Jul 23, 2024 • 7min
Why Hotels Need Older Staff - Penny Brown, Burgh Island Hotel
In this episode, Penny Brown, Managing Director of the Burgh Island Hotel in England, shares why age diversity is important and the benefits of hiring older workers in the hospitality industry. Listen now to learn about:The current staffing challenges in the hospitality industry and typical hiring practices.The transient nature of young workers and the impact of high turnover on hotels.The lack of proper induction and care for new employees in many hotels.The advantages of hiring older workers, including their maturity, reliability, and connection to the local community.The importance of balancing younger and older workers to create a thriving and sustainable hospitality business. 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

Jul 22, 2024 • 9min
This Program Attracts Talent And Cut Turnover to Just 17% - Simon Mais, EOS Hospitality
In this episode, Simon Mais, CEO of EOS Hospitality, shares insights on attracting and retaining talented people in the hospitality industry.The biggest challenge in the hospitality industry (00:01) - Discover why attracting and retaining talent is a significant challenge in hospitality.EOS Hospitality's ethos: Humble and Kind (00:44) - Learn about the company's core values and how humility and kindness have become major draws for senior leadership and other employees.Respecting and acknowledging all employees (02:58) - Understand the importance of respecting every team member's contribution, from housekeepers to dishwashers, and how this respect fosters a positive work environment.EOS Family Matters program (04:24) - Get insights into the EOS Family Matters program, which offers extended family leave, and how it has helped attract and retain a younger demographic of employees.Impact of family-friendly policies on employee retention (05:06) - Hear about the significant reduction in turnover rates among employees who take advantage of the family leave program and how it benefits both the company and its employees. 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

Jul 22, 2024 • 7min
This Is Why Operations Matters So Much In Hospitality (And Makes A Fascinating Career) - Simon Mais, EOS Hospitality
In this episode, Simon Mais, CEO of EOS Hospitality, shares insights into the dynamic world of hotel operations and management. Listen now to learn about:Why management and operations matter in the hospitality industry (00:52)The appeal of a career in hotel operations (01:06)The importance of adaptability and excitement in operations roles (01:50)The role of revenue and accounting in successful hotel management (02:33)How operations contributes to guest experience and satisfaction (02:53)The holistic view of running a hospitality business (03:58) 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

Jul 20, 2024 • 33min
Power Up Your Profits with Plant-Based Menu Options - Meredith Marin, Vegan Hospitality
In this episode, Meredith Marin, CEO of Vegan Hospitality, shares insights on how to cater to vegan guests and the importance of plant-based options in the hospitality industry.Why catering to vegan guests matters (01:16) - Understanding the importance of inclusivity and the "veto vote" phenomenon.Common reasons people adopt a plant-based diet (08:22) - Health benefits, sustainability concerns, and animal welfare considerations.Developing a vegan guest strategy (12:14) - Mapping the guest journey and ensuring a consistent experience for vegan guests.Menu engineering and labeling (17:28) - The importance of accurate labels, color psychology, and effective menu descriptions.The benefits of separate vegan menus (20:38) - Minimizing service mistakes and enhancing the guest experience.Certification and industry standards (23:40) - Vegan Hospitality's Global Hospitality & Tourism Certification and its impact on the industry.You may also enjoy: Meredith on Russell of Hotels (YouTube)Inspiring Change Through Hospitality - Jeff Stanford, Stanford InnHow We Use Nutrition & Wellness Programming To Serve Our Guests - Sid Garza-Hillman, Stanford Inn 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

Jul 19, 2024 • 9min
How We Give “Free” Money to Our Communities (And The Results It Drives) - Simon Mais, EOS Hospitality
In this episode, Simon Mais, CEO of EOS Hospitality, shares how his company has developed a way to give back to the communities it operates in without reducing the profits of the hotels it manages.Introduction to the Community Impact Program (00:59) - Learn about the 1% impact fee charged to hotel guests and how these funds are allocated for community benefits.Local vs. National Impact (01:10) - Understand the decision-making process behind focusing on local community impact rather than national organizations.Case Study: Isla Bella in Marathon, Florida (02:05) - Discover how Isla Bella generated $400,000 in community impact dollars and supported local initiatives like schools, the Turtle Fund, and the Turtle Hospital.Partnership with Conch Republic Marine Army (02:26) - Explore the partnership with a volunteer organization that cleans beaches and how guests can participate in these activities.Impact on Local Environment and Tourism (03:07) - Learn about the environmental benefits and how clean beaches and waters enhance the hotel experience for guests.Example from Kennebunkport Resort Collection in Maine (04:09) - Hear about the donation to Habitat for Humanity and the construction of houses for employees.Community Feedback and Business Benefits (04:40) - Understand the positive feedback from communities and how the program helps in attracting and retaining talent.Aligning Owner Interests with Community Impact (05:45) - Learn about the business benefits of the program, including reduced recruiting costs and enhanced community relations. 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

Jul 18, 2024 • 14min
Why I Gave A Billionaire a Fridge Full of Coke: What I've Learned About High-Touch Service in a High-Tech World - Nikheel Advani, Grace Bay Resorts
In this episode, Nikheel Advani, co-founder, chief operating officer, and principal at Grace Bay Resorts in Turks and Caicos, shares insights on excellence in hospitality and how to scale it across multiple properties.Guest Experience and Personalization (01:00) - Hear a story about a guest's feedback on the price of Diet Coke and how the team responded to enhance the guest experience.Scaling Operations (02:59) - Discover the operational challenges and strategies involved in scaling from a single property to multiple resorts.Building a Strong Team (03:23) - Understand the importance of having a great business partner and team members, and how they contribute to the company's success.Creating a Unique DNA (05:29) - Learn how Grace Bay Resorts developed its unique DNA by integrating systems and processes from various luxury brands.Importance of Culture and People (05:40) - Explore the role of leadership, culture, and team dynamics in creating a successful hospitality business.Effective Communication (06:15) - Find out how the company communicates its DNA and values to new team members and ensures alignment across all levels.Technology in Hospitality (08:05) - Gain insights into how technology is used to improve processes and service delivery in luxury hospitality, while maintaining a high-touch 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

Jul 17, 2024 • 13min
The "Caribbean Hug" Surprised Me, Then Made Me Want To Amplify Authentically Local Hospitality - Nikheel Advani, Grace Bay Resorts
In this episode, Nikheel Advani, co-founder, chief operating officer, and principal at Grace Bay Resorts in Turks and Caicos, shares insights on leveraging local culture and best practices in hospitality to create remarkable guest experiences.The Power of Local Culture in Hospitality - Learn how embracing the local culture and authentic interactions can enhance guest experiences.The Importance of Emotional Connections - Discover the impact of genuine emotional bonds, such as the "Caribbean hug," on guest satisfaction and loyalty.Community Involvement and Guest Engagement - Understand the benefits of involving guests in local community activities and how it fosters a deeper connection to the destination.Founding of Grace Bay Club Hotel School - Explore the motivations and processes behind establishing a training center to educate and empower local staff in hospitality.Exposure to Global Hospitality Practices - Hear about the value of sending staff to international hotels to gain diverse experiences and bring back new energy and ideas.Training and Mentorship Systems - Learn about the role of HR directors, general managers, and mentor systems in acclimatizing staff to high standards of hospitality.Balancing Warmth with Expectations - How to balance the warmth of local hospitality with the luxury expectations of guests.Understanding Guest Psychology - Discover the importance of reading guests' needs and behaviors to provide personalized and exceptional service. 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

Jul 16, 2024 • 8min
How Our Beach Walk Arrival Sets The Stage for Wellness - Nikheel Advani, Grace Bay Resorts
In this episode, Nikheel Advani, co-founder, chief operating officer, and principal at Grace Bay Resorts in Turks and Caicos, shares insights on how wellness and first impressions create an unforgettable guest experience. Listen now to learn about:The importance of first impressions in hospitalityHow Grace Bay Resorts integrates wellness into the guest experience The therapeutic value of nature and beach walks The role of wellness coaches in enhancing guest relaxationStrategies for encouraging family bonding and meaningful conversations The impact of digital devices on family interactions and how to mitigate it Innovative wellness programming ideas for luxury hotels 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