

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

Jun 26, 2024 • 16min
Why Thinking Like a Chief Commercial Officer Is Fun (and Profitable) - Kristie Goshow, KSL Resorts
In this episode, Kristie Goshow, Chief Commercial Officer at KSL Resorts, shares insights on the evolving role of the Chief Commercial Officer in the hospitality industry and how a holistic approach can drive innovation, revenue, and guest satisfaction. Listen now to learn about:The rise of the Chief Commercial Officer in hospitality - Understand the importance of a holistic view combining sales, marketing, and revenue.The power of partnerships and collaborations - Learn how collaborations with brands can enhance guest experiences and create new revenue streams.Innovative examples of brand partnerships - Discover real-world examples like the Wonka Room experience and Barbie suites that illustrate successful brand collaborations.Financial contributions and revenue opportunities from partnerships - Explore how hospitality brands can benefit financially from partnerships and sponsorships.Holistic business thinking in the role of Chief Commercial Officer - Gain insights into how a Chief Commercial Officer can create new demand and revenue streams.Utilizing technology to enhance guest experiences - Learn about the use of mobile technology and AI to engage guests and create meaningful experiences.Addressing societal issues like loneliness through hospitality - Understand how the hospitality industry can play a role in combating loneliness and promoting wellness.The definition of hospitality and its impact on guests, employees, and communities - Hear Kristie's perspective on what hospitality means and its significance for guests, employees, and the community.Making lives better through hospitality - Discover the internal motto "MLB - Make Lives Better" and how it drives the actions and attitudes of hospitality staff. 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

Jun 25, 2024 • 21min
Ground Up to Gold Standard: How We Built Our Hotel Tech Stack From Scratch - Ed Skapinok, Appellation
In this episode, Ed Skapinok, Chief Commercial Officer at Appellation, shares insights on building a brand new technology infrastructure for a luxury hotel brand from scratch. Listen now to learn about:The importance of starting technology projects with the right questions.The benefits of having a blank slate to work with and how this approach can be applied to any organization.The staggering number of business functions and technology pieces in a typical luxury hotel and how Appellation reduced this complexity.The process of evaluating and selecting technology partners, including the importance of having a consultant with relevant industry experience.How Appellation's brand strategy of personalization informs their technology choices and guest experience.Integrating all inventory (rooms, dining, spa, experiences) into a single system to improve guest and employee interactions. The challenges and solutions in encouraging staff to use technology seamlessly to enhance guest experience.The potential for technology systems to make intuitive business decisions based on comprehensive customer data.The importance of building a strong technology foundation to leverage AI and machine learning effectively.If you liked this episode, you may enjoy:Culinary-Forward Luxury HospitalityTech, Talent & Strategy: What One of Hospitality's Hottest New Companies Is Doing Now to InnovateIs Success in Hospitality Really All About Operations?....or these other episodes on technology 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

Jun 24, 2024 • 13min
The Belonging Equation: Keys to Unlocking The Best in Hospitality - Shelley Brown
In this episode, Shelly Brown, an author, speaker, and former hotelier, shares insights on the importance of belonging in hospitality and how leaders can foster a culture of inclusion and safety.Introduction to the concept of belonging in hospitality - Understanding the fundamental need for belonging in hospitality and the importance of belonging for hospitality providers, teams, and guests.Details about Shelly Brown's event - Information about the Belonging Equation event on Monday, June 24th, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina (Click here to register)The Belonging Equation explained - The formula, and the significance of safety in terms of diverse elements like sexual orientation, skin color, abilities, and neurodiversity.The role of leaders in fostering belonging - How leaders can create an environment that supports belonging, and the impact of personal biases and judgments on fostering a sense of belonging.Practical advice for leaders and individuals - Encouragement to ditch the "should show" and align actions with personal and organizational values.Action items for you today 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

Jun 23, 2024 • 10min
What I'm Looking Forward to at HITEC and the Commercial Strategy Conference - Dorothy Dowling
In this episode, Dorothy Dowling, Managing Director of Horwath HTL, shares her insights on HITEC and the Commercial Strategy Conference coming up this week and discusses the importance of integrating marketing technology in the hospitality industry.Dorothy's perspective on the events - the importance of HSMAI as a community for professional growth, and the benefits of the overlap between HITEC and the Commercial Strategy Conference.Key themes and topics for 2024 - the commercial framework encompassing sales, marketing, distribution, and loyalty.Specific sessions and areas of interest - the importance of understanding FinTech and loyalty convergence, sessions on AI, search evolution, and sales discipline changes.Challenges and opportunities in thte sales space - The convergence of B2C and B2B expectations and the need to modernize legacy systems to meet new demands.Details on Dorothy's session at the event - an overview of the panel discussion on Tuesday discussing the HSMAI State of Talent Report 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

Jun 22, 2024 • 7min
Invest in Yourself: How to Stay Curious and Keep Learning (Even If You Have No Time) - Dorothy Dowling
In this episode, Dorothy Dowling, Managing Director of Horwath HTL, shares her insights on staying curious, continuous learning, and career development in the hospitality industry, including:The notion of a "curiosity quotient" and its importance Balancing day-to-day responsibilities with personal growthThe importance of networking and industry engagement Investing time in volunteer work and peer mentorshipMaking deliberate career decisions and avoiding future regretsIf you liked this, you might enjoy our other episode with Dorothy - My Journey Learning and Leading Global Hospitality Businesses - or our other career episodes. 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

Jun 21, 2024 • 42min
How We Create Experiences, Hotels, and Brands To Provide What Today's Traveler Wants - Philip Bates, TMC Hospitality
In this episode, Philip Bates, CEO of TMC Hospitality, shares his journey in creating purpose-built brands that cater to evolving traveler preferences and the importance of blending technology with a personal touch in hospitality.Formative Travel Experiences (01:07) - Philip recounts his first international trip to Prague and how it shaped his perspective on travel and hospitality.Defining Great Hospitality (03:29) - Insights into what makes hospitality exceptional, including a recent experience in Costa Rica.Career Transition to Hospitality (05:34) - Philip discusses his move from private equity and venture capital to the hospitality industry and the entrepreneurial spirit that drove this change.Understanding The Motivations of Investors (07:15) - The importance of understanding the motivations of investment capital and how it impacts business decisions in hospitality.TMC Hospitality's Vision (09:18) - An overview of TMC Hospitality and the evolving travel and hospitality landscape.Creating Drift and Bode Brands (14:42) - How TMC Hospitality's brands, Drift and Bode, are designed to meet modern traveler expectations with a focus on design, food, and personalized experiences.Balancing Technology and Personal Touch (31:07) - The role of technology in enhancing guest experiences while maintaining a personal touch in hospitality.Hiring for Hospitality (35:00) - The qualities TMC Hospitality looks for in their staff to ensure exceptional guest experiences. 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

Jun 20, 2024 • 44min
Lessons in Leading a Culture of Excellence - Greg Cook, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
In this episode, Greg Cook, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, shares insights on empowering teams and delivering extraordinary service in luxury hospitality.Early Influences in Hospitality (01:40) - Greg discusses his early experiences that sparked his interest in hospitality, including his father's international travels and his first job as a bellman.Leadership and Team Management (04:06) - Learn about Greg's leadership style and the importance of creating a supportive and empowering environment for team members.The Importance of Lineups (06:05) - Greg explains the concept of daily lineups, their evolution, and their role in maintaining high standards and communication within the team.Creating Wow Stories (08:23) - Discover the significance of storytelling in hospitality and hear a recent example of a "Wow Story" that exemplifies Ritz-Carlton's culture.Building a Winning Culture (11:45) - Greg delves into the elements that contribute to a strong organizational culture, including the importance of hiring the right people and fostering a competitive spirit.Effective Training Methods (15:13) - Insights into the training processes at Ritz-Carlton, including the role of audits and the importance of follow-up to ensure lasting impact.Prioritization and Focus (19:58) - Greg shares his approach to prioritizing tasks and initiatives, emphasizing the importance of focusing on key areas that drive results.The Five F's of Leadership (22:42) - Learn about Greg's five F's framework for leadership: Fair, Firm, Friendly, Fun, and Forward Motion, and how they guide his management style.Activating the Hotel (27:36) - Explore the various initiatives Greg has implemented to activate the hotel, including culinary events, wellness programs, and entertainment.Community Engagement (35:07) - Understand the importance of community engagement and how The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island contributes to local causes and events. 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

Jun 19, 2024 • 14min
How To Evaluate, Buy & Implement Hotel Tech - Kari Anna Fiskvik, Strawberry
In this episode, originally recorded in January 2024, Kari Anna Fiskvik, SVP of Technology at Strawberry, shares her insights on selecting and implementing technology in the hospitality industry.Buy vs. Build Philosophy (01:39) - Understand Kari Anna's approach to deciding whether to buy existing technology or build custom solutions in-house.Evaluating Technology Vendors (02:59) - Discover the criteria and processes used to evaluate and select technology vendors, including the importance of partnerships and innovation.Change Management (07:00) - Gain insights into effective change management strategies to ensure successful technology implementation and adoption.Real-World Implementation (09:49) - Hear about practical examples and experiences in rolling out new technology, such as point-of-sales solutions in restaurants, and the importance of understanding the end-user's perspective. 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

Jun 18, 2024 • 45min
Rethink Everything: We Can Do Better in Hospitality - Curtis Crimmins, Roomza
In this episode, Curtis Crimmins, founder and CEO of Roomza, shares his inspiring journey of creating an innovative hotel brand that prioritizes the well-being of frontline workers and guests alike. Listen now to learn about:Background and Early Memories of Hospitality (01:10) - Curtis discusses his upbringing and how his mother's work as a hotel housekeeper influenced his view of hospitality.The Philosophy Behind Roomza (05:07) - Curtis explains his belief that hospitality should be a feeling and how Roomza aims to create personalized experiences for guests.Challenges and Discrimination in the Hospitality Industry (06:02) - Curtis shares personal experiences of discrimination and how they motivated him to create a more inclusive hotel brand.The Origin Story of Roomza (10:26) - Learn about the inception of Roomza during the pandemic and the challenges Curtis and his co-founder faced in starting the company.Innovative Business Model: Hotel Within a Hotel (21:09) - Curtis explains the "hotel within a hotel" concept and how it allows Roomza to offer personalized experiences at a lower cost.Personalization and Guest Experience (23:41) - Discover how Roomza uses personalization to enhance guest experiences and encourage direct bookings.The Role of Hosts and Company Culture (31:01) - Curtis discusses the importance of dignifying titles and creating a positive culture for employees, who are all referred to as "hosts."Scaling the Business and Maintaining Culture (33:56) - Insights into how Roomza is scaling its operations while maintaining its unique culture and values.Final Thoughts and Call to Action (40:36) - Curtis shares his vision for the future of hospitality and encourages listeners to take action in their own organizations. 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

Jun 17, 2024 • 20min
Unlocking Talent: Insights from the HSMAI State of Talent Report - Dorothy Dowling
In this episode, Dorothy Dowling, Managing Director of Horwath HTL and special advisor to the HSMAI Foundation Board, shares insights from the HSMAI Foundation's third annual State of Talent Report, focusing on talent recruitment, retention, and engagement in the hospitality industry. Listen now to learn about:Introduction to the State of Talent Report (00:00) - Overview of the report and its significance in the hospitality industry.Differences in the 2024 Report (02:11) - How the 2024 report differs from previous years and the focus on practical applications and case studies.Challenges in Talent Recruitment and Retention (05:09) - Key challenges observed in the hospitality industry regarding talent acquisition and retention.The Concept of Wisdom Workers (05:21) - Explanation of the term "wisdom workers" and its relevance in a multi-generational workforce.Impact of AI and Technology on Talent (10:04) - Discussion on how AI and technology are transforming the hospitality industry and the importance of upskilling.Best Practices for Upskilling and Reskilling (11:52) - Examples of leading companies' strategies for upskilling and reskilling their workforce.Importance of Employee Engagement (14:29) - How dynamic platforms and regular feedback can optimize the employee experience.Visibility Challenges in Remote and Hybrid Work (15:35) - Concerns about visibility for underrepresented groups in remote and hybrid work environments and strategies to address them.If you enjoyed this, you may also enjoy:My Journey Learning and Leading Global Hospitality Businesses - Dorothy DowlingWhat Hospitality Providers Need To Know About Media Now - Dorothy DowlingChallenges and Opportunities with Hotel Brands Today: What I Saw As CMO of Best Western With 18 Brands - Dorothy DowlingHow HSMAI Helps Hotel Sales, Marketing & Revenue Commercial Leaders - Bob Gilbert, HSMAI 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