In this episode, Dorothy Dowling, Managing Director of Horwath HTL, shares her insights on staying curious, continuous learning, and career development in the hospitality industry, including:

• The notion of a "curiosity quotient" and its importance
• Balancing day-to-day responsibilities with personal growth
• The importance of networking and industry engagement
• Investing time in volunteer work and peer mentorship
• Making deliberate career decisions and avoiding future regrets

If you liked this, you might enjoy our other episode with Dorothy - My Journey Learning and Leading Global Hospitality Businesses - or our other career episodes.

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Music by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode, Philip Bates, CEO of TMC Hospitality, shares his journey in creating purpose-built brands that cater to evolving traveler preferences and the importance of blending technology with a personal touch in hospitality.

• Formative Travel Experiences (01:07) - Philip recounts his first international trip to Prague and how it shaped his perspective on travel and hospitality.
• Defining Great Hospitality (03:29) - Insights into what makes hospitality exceptional, including a recent experience in Costa Rica.
• Career Transition to Hospitality (05:34) - Philip discusses his move from private equity and venture capital to the hospitality industry and the entrepreneurial spirit that drove this change.
• Understanding The Motivations of Investors (07:15) - The importance of understanding the motivations of investment capital and how it impacts business decisions in hospitality.
• TMC Hospitality's Vision (09:18) - An overview of TMC Hospitality and the evolving travel and hospitality landscape.
• Creating Drift and Bode Brands (14:42) - How TMC Hospitality's brands, Drift and Bode, are designed to meet modern traveler expectations with a focus on design, food, and personalized experiences.
• Balancing Technology and Personal Touch (31:07) - The role of technology in enhancing guest experiences while maintaining a personal touch in hospitality.
• Hiring for Hospitality (35:00) - The qualities TMC Hospitality looks for in their staff to ensure exceptional guest experiences.

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Music by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode, Greg Cook, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, shares insights on empowering teams and delivering extraordinary service in luxury hospitality.

• Early Influences in Hospitality (01:40) - Greg discusses his early experiences that sparked his interest in hospitality, including his father's international travels and his first job as a bellman.
• Leadership and Team Management (04:06) - Learn about Greg's leadership style and the importance of creating a supportive and empowering environment for team members.
• The Importance of Lineups (06:05) - Greg explains the concept of daily lineups, their evolution, and their role in maintaining high standards and communication within the team.
• Creating Wow Stories (08:23) - Discover the significance of storytelling in hospitality and hear a recent example of a "Wow Story" that exemplifies Ritz-Carlton's culture.
• Building a Winning Culture (11:45) - Greg delves into the elements that contribute to a strong organizational culture, including the importance of hiring the right people and fostering a competitive spirit.
• Effective Training Methods (15:13) - Insights into the training processes at Ritz-Carlton, including the role of audits and the importance of follow-up to ensure lasting impact.
• Prioritization and Focus (19:58) - Greg shares his approach to prioritizing tasks and initiatives, emphasizing the importance of focusing on key areas that drive results.
• The Five F's of Leadership (22:42) - Learn about Greg's five F's framework for leadership: Fair, Firm, Friendly, Fun, and Forward Motion, and how they guide his management style.
• Activating the Hotel (27:36) - Explore the various initiatives Greg has implemented to activate the hotel, including culinary events, wellness programs, and entertainment.
• Community Engagement (35:07) - Understand the importance of community engagement and how The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island contributes to local causes and events.

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Music by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode, originally recorded in January 2024, Kari Anna Fiskvik, SVP of Technology at Strawberry, shares her insights on selecting and implementing technology in the hospitality industry.

• Buy vs. Build Philosophy (01:39) - Understand Kari Anna's approach to deciding whether to buy existing technology or build custom solutions in-house.
• Evaluating Technology Vendors (02:59) - Discover the criteria and processes used to evaluate and select technology vendors, including the importance of partnerships and innovation.
• Change Management (07:00) - Gain insights into effective change management strategies to ensure successful technology implementation and adoption.
• Real-World Implementation (09:49) - Hear about practical examples and experiences in rolling out new technology, such as point-of-sales solutions in restaurants, and the importance of understanding the end-user's perspective.

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Music by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode, Curtis Crimmins, founder and CEO of Roomza, shares his inspiring journey of creating an innovative hotel brand that prioritizes the well-being of frontline workers and guests alike. Listen now to learn about:

• Background and Early Memories of Hospitality (01:10) - Curtis discusses his upbringing and how his mother's work as a hotel housekeeper influenced his view of hospitality.
• The Philosophy Behind Roomza (05:07) - Curtis explains his belief that hospitality should be a feeling and how Roomza aims to create personalized experiences for guests.
• Challenges and Discrimination in the Hospitality Industry (06:02) - Curtis shares personal experiences of discrimination and how they motivated him to create a more inclusive hotel brand.
• The Origin Story of Roomza (10:26) - Learn about the inception of Roomza during the pandemic and the challenges Curtis and his co-founder faced in starting the company.
• Innovative Business Model: Hotel Within a Hotel (21:09) - Curtis explains the "hotel within a hotel" concept and how it allows Roomza to offer personalized experiences at a lower cost.
• Personalization and Guest Experience (23:41) - Discover how Roomza uses personalization to enhance guest experiences and encourage direct bookings.
• The Role of Hosts and Company Culture (31:01) - Curtis discusses the importance of dignifying titles and creating a positive culture for employees, who are all referred to as "hosts."
• Scaling the Business and Maintaining Culture (33:56) - Insights into how Roomza is scaling its operations while maintaining its unique culture and values.
• Final Thoughts and Call to Action (40:36) - Curtis shares his vision for the future of hospitality and encourages listeners to take action in their own organizations.

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Music by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode, Dorothy Dowling, Managing Director of Horwath HTL and special advisor to the HSMAI Foundation Board, shares insights from the HSMAI Foundation's third annual State of Talent Report, focusing on talent recruitment, retention, and engagement in the hospitality industry. Listen now to learn about:

• Introduction to the State of Talent Report (00:00) - Overview of the report and its significance in the hospitality industry.
• Differences in the 2024 Report (02:11) - How the 2024 report differs from previous years and the focus on practical applications and case studies.
• Challenges in Talent Recruitment and Retention (05:09) - Key challenges observed in the hospitality industry regarding talent acquisition and retention.
• The Concept of Wisdom Workers (05:21) - Explanation of the term "wisdom workers" and its relevance in a multi-generational workforce.
• Impact of AI and Technology on Talent (10:04) - Discussion on how AI and technology are transforming the hospitality industry and the importance of upskilling.
• Best Practices for Upskilling and Reskilling (11:52) - Examples of leading companies' strategies for upskilling and reskilling their workforce.
• Importance of Employee Engagement (14:29) - How dynamic platforms and regular feedback can optimize the employee experience.
• Visibility Challenges in Remote and Hybrid Work (15:35) - Concerns about visibility for underrepresented groups in remote and hybrid work environments and strategies to address them.

If you enjoyed this, you may also enjoy:

• My Journey Learning and Leading Global Hospitality Businesses - Dorothy Dowling
• What Hospitality Providers Need To Know About Media Now - Dorothy Dowling
• Challenges and Opportunities with Hotel Brands Today: What I Saw As CMO of Best Western With 18 Brands - Dorothy Dowling
• How HSMAI Helps Hotel Sales, Marketing & Revenue Commercial Leaders - Bob Gilbert, HSMAI
• How to Lead Multi-Generational Hospitality Teams Well - Bob Gilbert, HSMAI

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Music by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode, Sloan Dean, CEO of Remington Hospitality, shares his insights on effective communication, team building, and fostering a positive company culture. Listen now to learn about:

• Welcoming New Team Members - Discover how Sloan personally welcomes new employees, setting a positive tone from day one.
• Perspective on the Next Generation - Understand Sloan's views on the younger workforce and how he believes older leaders can better communicate with them.
• Effective Communication Strategies - Learn about Sloan's methods for engaging with his team, including learning about behavioral psychology, listening to podcasts, and conducting coffee sessions.
• Feedback and Improvement - Find out how Sloan solicits feedback from employees and uses it to make meaningful changes, such as improving maternity and paternity leave policies.
• Creating an Open Dialogue - Explore Sloan's techniques for encouraging open communication, including sharing personal experiences and making himself approachable.
• "Oversharing" for Transparency - Learn why Sloan believes in "oversharing" non-confidential information to build trust and reduce anxiety among team members.

Want more? Listen to our other episodes with Sloan here now.

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Music by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode, Hospitality Daily host Josiah Mackenzie is interviewed by Denny Corby on Private Club Radio about what he's seen it takes to succeed in hospitality today.

Follow Private Club Radio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also enjoy:

• The Real Scoop Behind Hospitality Daily - Josiah Mackenzie x Zach Busekrus
• Top Hospitality Trends and Opportunities To Watch (US & Europe) - Josiah Mackenzie with Florian Montag (SMACK Podcast)

New to Hospitality Daily? Start here.

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.

Music by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands