Corey and Rachel chat with executive coach and leadership advisor David Dressler about the power of daily rituals and how small, intentional practices can create clarity, structure, and momentum in both life and work. Drawing from his experience co-founding Tender Greens and coaching high-performing founders and executives, David shares how rituals act as anchors in an otherwise chaotic day, helping you transition with purpose, show up more intentionally, and build deeper connections.

This conversation breaks down how to identify your core values, start small with sustainable habits, and create space for reflection so your rituals actually evolve with you. If you’ve ever felt stuck in reactive mode, this episode offers a practical framework to move with intention and is grounded in one simple but powerful question: Who do I need to be right now?

About Our Guest: David Dressler is an executive coach and leadership advisor with extensive experience working with founders and executives. He has a rich background in building and scaling businesses, including co-founding the successful restaurant chain Tender Greens. His unique perspective on rituals stems from his journey through the corporate world, where he learned the importance of mindfulness and intentionality. More information on David can be found at https://www.daviddressler.co/

Corey and Rachel chat with author, professor, wine writer, and historian Rod Phillips on the cultural impact of wine and how it evolved into a social staple over the centuries, influencing gatherings and community.

Key takeaways from the podcast include:

• Fom ancient rituals to modern gatherings, wine has been central to social interactions.
• The post-war boom established wine as a staple in family gatherings.
• Wine has transitioned into a symbol of culture and lifestyle beyond mere consumption.
• Younger generations are drinking less wine due to health concerns, influencing market trends.

Wine has traversed a long journey from ancient Greece to the modern table, evolving in significance and consumption patterns. As society shifts towards health consciousness and alternative socialization methods, understanding wine's cultural roots becomes increasingly important. For wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike, acknowledging its historical context can enrich the experience and foster deeper connections in our communities.

About Our Guest: Rod Phillips is a wine writer, wine historian, and wine judge based in Ottawa, Canada. He is also a professor of history at Carleton University where he teaches courses on European (especially French) history and the history of alcohol and food. Rod has written extensively on wine and its history including A Short History of Wine (2000), Ontario Wine Country (2006), Alcohol: A History (2014), French Wine: A History (2016), The Wines of Canada (2017), 9000 Years of Wine (2017), and Wine: A Social and Cultural History of the Drink that Changed our Lives (2018). He's a frequent contributor to NUVO Magazine, Canada’s leading luxury lifestyle publication, and contributes occasionally to The World of Fine Wine (U.K.). Rod has judged wine competitions in Canada, the US, France, Italy, New Zealand, and Chile, and serves as a judge for the TEXSOM International Wine Awards. More information on Rod can be found at https://www.rodphillipsonwine.com/

Corey and Rachel explore the role of emotional design in creating memorable hospitality experiences with Dr. Teresa Alaniz, focusing on how emotions influence customer choices and brand loyalty. Topics covered include:

• The role of emotions in product and service design
• Strategies to expand emotional vocabulary for better design
• The impact of emotional triggers on customer loyalty
• Balancing functionality and emotional appeal in hospitality
• Practical steps to incorporate emotional design in business

About Our Guest: Dr. Teresa Alaniz is Director of Design Delivery for NiEW, a strategy consulting firm based in Italy and Abu Dhabi, that helps build systems, teams, and operating models that drive product innovation. She holds a PhD in Management Engineering and is the author of Emotion-Driven Innovation: A Methodology to Envision Emotion-Focused New Product Ideas.

In this episode of Strategy Sessions, Corey and Rachel discuss the importance of human connection in the wine and hospitality industry. They explore how recent trends, including Mark Cuban's investment in experiential events, highlight a shift towards face-to-face engagement. The conversation emphasizes the need for hiring staff with emotional intelligence, creating memorable experiences through storytelling, and championing local products to foster community engagement. The hosts also reflect on the challenges posed by technology and the importance of maintaining genuine human interactions in a digital age.

Corey and Rachel reflect on their journey through 20 episodes, discussing the importance of customer engagement strategies in the wine and hospitality industries. They explore various aspects such as showcasing authenticity through social media, the role of user-generated content, the impact of influencers, and the effectiveness of email marketing. The conversation also highlights the significance of seasonal programming and maximizing wine club engagement, along with building local partnerships to enhance community presence. The episode emphasizes that customer engagement is an ecosystem that requires continuous effort and strategy.

Corey and Rachel unwrap their very own holiday gift guide—curated from this season’s standout guests and packed with ideas for every food, wine, and entertaining enthusiast. From one-of-a-kind experiences to playful apparel, must-read books, and clever wine gadgets, this festive episode is guaranteed to spark your gift-giving spirit.

Featured Gifts:

• Enoteca: Simple, Delicious Recipes in the Italian Wine Bar Tradition by Joyce Goldstein | Buy Here
• Moleskin Wine Journal | Buy Here
• The Dip Deck: 50 Savory and Sweet Recipes to Scoop, Dunk, and Spread Recipe Card Deck by Peggy Paul Casella | Buy Here
• Wine Folly: The Master Guide by Madeline Puckette | Buy Here
• Glass Porrón Wine Pitcher | Buy Here
• Pyknic Socks | Buy Here
• Tank Garage Winery Boombox Gift Box with Wines | Buy Here
• Private Cork & Quill Tasting Experience with Rachel Brown | Buy Here

Corey and Rachel engage in a lively discussion with Stephen Thompson, founder of Weld Manufacturing. They explore the importance of quality merchandise in the hospitality industry, the evolution of Weld, and how to create non-gimmicky branded goods that enhance the guest experience. The conversation also delves into the balance between trends and timelessness in merchandise, the significance of regionalism, and creative marketing strategies that resonate with consumers.

Corey and Rachel chat with Natalie Hope McDonald and explore her multifaceted journey as an artist, discussing the various sources of her creative inspiration, the importance of rituals and environment in her creative process, and her upcoming projects. The conversation emphasizes the significance of being present, embracing solitude, and finding inspiration 'in the wild' as means to foster creativity.