
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

Feb 16, 2025 • 23min
The Secret to Making Someone Feel Special (TEDx Talk Deep Dive) - Sarah Dandashy
In this discussion, Sarah Dandashy, an award-winning concierge and thought leader in travel and hospitality, shares her insights on making people feel special. She emphasizes the importance of genuine connection and how active listening fosters a sense of belonging. Sarah recounts her journey creating a TEDx talk focused on simplifying complex ideas. She advocates for being present in interactions, revealing that true fulfillment comes from meaningful connections rather than material wealth. Discover practical tips to enhance guest experiences and personal relationships.

Feb 15, 2025 • 17min
Making Big Career Moves: Relocating, Learning, and Growing in Hospitality - Candice D'Cruz, Hilton
Candice D'Cruz, Vice President of Luxury Brands Asia Pacific at Hilton, shares her journey in hospitality and the importance of mentorship. She emphasizes building strong mentor-mentee relationships for mutual growth and celebrates career milestones. Candice provides valuable advice for new leaders on accessibility and relationship-building, while discussing the challenges of balancing professional demands with family life. She advocates for self-advocacy and encourages continuous learning through collaboration in the hospitality industry.

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!

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.

11 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.
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