Hospitality Daily Podcast

Ryan Magnon reveals how Chick-fil-A transforms quick drive-thru interactions into memorable experiences by emphasizing genuine hospitality. Training young team members to see guests as individuals rather than mere orders creates a powerful connection in just 60 seconds. The discussion also highlights the importance of ongoing team collaboration and continuous learning in enhancing service quality. Listeners are encouraged to focus on human connection as the ultimate investment in customer satisfaction.

Ryan Magnon, COO of Ithaka Hospitality Partners, and Scott Rohm, CDO, share pivotal lessons on the connection between leadership and hospitality excellence. Both seasoned leaders honed their skills at The Ritz-Carlton under Horst Schulze. They discuss why selecting the right leaders is crucial for operational success and how slight cultural shifts can transform organizations. Their insights on servant leadership, team alignment, and creating thriving environments resonate deeply for anyone in the hospitality industry, enhanced by a compelling story from a Shanghai dining room.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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