Demetri Tsolakis, CEO of Xenia Greek Hospitality, reflected on a powerful, yet often forgotten idea: hospitality is not a transaction, but a human obligation. Drawing from the ancient Greek philosophy of philoxenia, Tsolakis described hospitality as the act of turning a stranger into a friend, an approach that shapes every decision across his restaurants.

The discussion also explored how this philosophy extends behind the scenes. Tsolakis shared his people-first approach to leadership, emphasizing personality over résumés, storytelling over scripts, and empowerment over micromanagement. By investing in education, trust, and creative freedom, he enables teams to act with ownership and authenticity.

As the interview made clear, hospitality done right is not only about speed, rules or efficiency; it is about emotion, connection, and care. In an increasingly transactional world, Tsolakis’s perspective offers a compelling reminder that the most memorable experiences begin with how people are made to feel.

Email us at shadean@bu.edu

The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration.

Host: Arun Upneja, Dean
Producer: Mara Littman, Executive Director of Strategic Operations and Corporate Relations
Research: Lu Lan
Editing: Isabella Laikin
Sound Engineer: Andrew Hallock

Music: “Airport Lounge" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

What do you do when the real estate market collapses?
If you’re Ian Livingstone, you buy.

In this episode of Distinguished, Dean Arun Upneja speaks with Ian Livingstone, the co-founder of London & Regional Properties, one of the UK’s largest private real estate groups, about what it really takes to build a £12 billion global empire, through booms, crashes, and everything in between.

Livingstone shares how he went from running 170 optician stores to reshaping urban skylines; why crisis moments create once-in-a-generation opportunities; and how he’s built cities like Panama Pacifico, where 20,000+ homes, schools, and commercial districts grew from a single idea and decades of patience.

A candid, behind-the-curtain conversation on timing, conviction, distressed assets, hospitality real estate, and why the future of leisure and experience-driven travel still holds unmatched potential, even in the age of AI.

Email us at shadean@bu.edu

The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration.

Host: Arun Upneja, Dean
Producer: Mara Littman, Executive Director of Strategic Operations and Corporate Relations
Marketing: Rachel Hamlin, Senior Marketing Manager
Research: Lu Lan

Music: “Airport Lounge" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Most leaders talk about transforming hospitality. Bashar Wali actually walked away from a $150 million hotel portfolio to do it. The founder of This Assembly, Wali is building a new kind of hospitality ecosystem, one centered on emotion, belonging, and human connection rather than automation and efficiency. In this episode, Dean Arun Upneja speaks with Wali about why the future of hospitality isn’t just digital, but deeply human. From challenging the idea that loyalty can be bought with points to exploring how AI should enhance emotional intelligence, Wali urges leaders to rethink what makes hotels truly memorable.

A celebrated thought leader and frequent speaker at BU SHA, Wali is known for his powerful TED Talk on why “humanity matters more than material luxuries” and for his keynote at the 2024 BU Hospitality Leadership Summit. With more than 20 years of leadership experience at companies like Wyndham International, Starwood, and Provenance Hotels, he continues to inspire the industry with his conviction that hospitality isn’t a transaction; it’s a feeling. And in an AI-driven world, that feeling may be the most valuable asset of all.

Email us at shadean@bu.edu

The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration.

Host: Arun Upneja, Dean
Producer: Mara Littman, Executive Director of Strategic Operations and Corporate Relations
Marketing: Rachel Hamlin, Senior Marketing Manager
Research: Lu Lan

Music: “Airport Lounge" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0