🎧 Episode 37: Inside the Virtual GM Role — Lessons from the Front Lines with Malissa Baum

In this episode, Cody sits down with a very special guest—Malissa Baum, a seasoned Virtual GM who has been part of the team at Vibrant Management for over four years.

Malissa currently oversees operations at two incredible properties: Adobe Desert Boutique Motel and Watchman Villas, giving her a unique perspective on what it really takes to run hospitality operations remotely in today’s world.

This episode is a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the realities, rewards, and lessons of being a Virtual GM in modern hospitality.

🔹 Segment 1: Why the Virtual GM Role Works
Malissa shares her favorite part of being a Virtual GM and why this model is becoming more powerful in today’s hospitality landscape.

From flexibility to scalability, she explains:
👉 What makes this role so unique—and so impactful

🔹 Segment 2: Advice for Aspiring Virtual GMs
Thinking about running your property virtually? Malissa breaks down:

• The mindset you need
• The systems that make it possible
• The habits that separate good from great

👉 What does it really take to succeed remotely in hospitality?

🔹 Segment 3: The Hardest Part of the Job
It’s not all smooth sailing. Malissa gets real about:

• The challenges of remote leadership
• Communication gaps
• Maintaining consistency without being on-site

👉 Honest insight into what most people underestimate about the role

🔹 Segment 4: Love for Hospitality
At the core of it all—why hospitality?

Malissa shares what she loves most about the industry:

• Creating memorable guest experiences
• The human connection behind every stay
• The ability to impact someone’s trip in a meaningful way

🔹 Segment 5: Rapid Fire — Personal & Professional Insights
Cody dives into a series of rapid-fire questions to get to know Malissa on a deeper level:

• Favorite place to travel ✈️
• Best hotel she’s ever stayed at—and why
• Biggest win in her career
• Biggest loss (and what she learned)
• How she defines success today

🔹 Closing Takeaway
This episode is packed with real-world insights for anyone interested in:

• Running properties remotely
• Scaling hospitality operations
• Building a career in modern hotel management

👉 Final Thought: The future of hospitality leadership isn’t tied to a desk—it’s built on systems, trust, and perspective.

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