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Welcome to Defining Hospitality, the podcast focused on highlighting the most influential figures in the hospitality industry. In each episode we provide 1 on 1, in depth interviews with experts in the industry to learn what hospitality means to them. We feature expert advice on working in the industry, behind the scenes looks at some of your favorite brands, and in depth explorations of unique hospitality projects. Defining Hospitality is hosted by Founder and CEO of Agency 967, Dan Ryan. W ...
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Climate Money Watchdog is a nonpartisan independent watchdog that investigates and exposes waste, corruption, abuse of power with a focus on government expenditures related to climate change mitigation and environmental remediation. When the government and private organizations fail the public or silence those who report wrongdoing, we will be there as an open or anonymous place for them to help expose the corruption and maleficence. We champion reforms to achieve more effective, ethical, an ...
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Sparking Change: Driving Hilton's Growth - Alissa Klees - Defining Hospitality - Episode #206
58:07
58:07
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“We are a hospitality company first and foremost.” Joining Dan this week is Alissa Klees, the Brand Leader of Spark by Hilton, the trailblazing brand that earned Hilton recognition as one of Fast Company's 2024 Most Innovative Companies. Alissa delves into what hospitality means to her, encompassing both personal and professional interactions. She …
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Sailing into Success - Chris Lenz - Defining Hospitality - Episode #205
1:09:39
1:09:39
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1:09:39
It takes determination to dive into hospitality and come out with a boutique hotel that is successful, and that is what Chris Lenz, Founder and CEO of La Compania Hotels and Resorts. Chris shares his journey from opening 37 restaurants to creating extraordinary hotels in Panama. They explore his passion for hospitality, his uncompromising vision, a…
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Beyond the Bell Curve: Luxury and Hospitality - Eric Brey - Defining Hospitality - Episode #204
56:26
56:26
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How can embracing the Japanese concept of omotenashi create better connections? Dr. Eric Brey, a Professor of Hospitality in the School of Management at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, joins Dan on the show today. Eric brings a wealth of experience from his time in the US Army to earning a PhD in hospitality administration and management. They d…
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Charting New Courses - Carmen Vlasceanu - Defining Hospitality - Episode #203
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44:05
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How do you truly make people feel cared for? Dan welcomes Dr. Carmen Vlasceanu, an industry veteran with over 25 years of experience in the hotel, aviation, catering, and cruise industries. They discuss the essence of hospitality, Dr. Carmen's career journey from Romania to Carnival Cruises, and her current roles, including Founder and CEO of Globa…
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Creating Impact: Sustainability in Hospitality - Andrea Foster - Defining Hospitality - Episode #202
1:10:11
1:10:11
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What is the balance between hospitality’s business efforts and sustainability efforts? That’s what Andrea Foster, EVP of Hospitality Development at MindClick, is here to talk about on the podcast. The conversation covers how sustainability initiatives can improve guest experiences and align with corporate values. Andrea discusses the importance of …
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Revolutionizing Hospitality Education - Nicolas Graf - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 201
1:09:44
1:09:44
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How is hospitality education evolving? Nicolas Graf, chaired professor and Associate Dean at New York University’s Jonathan M Tisch Center of Hospitality, joins Dan today to discuss the realm of hospitality education. Their discussion spans Nicolas's unique career path that started from being a high school dropout and chef apprentice in Switzerland…
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Building The Dream: Dubai’s Hospitality Scene - Jensen Moonien - Defining Hospitality - Episode #200
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There’s a lot that goes on pre-opening in hospitality, whether it be a hotel, a club, or a restaurant. That’s where Jensen Moonien comes in. He is the Founder and Managing Director of La Rencontre, a consulting firm specializing in the F&B space of hospitality. Jensen discusses the importance of hospitality, sharing enduring memories without expect…
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Investing in Hospitality - Nate Edgerly and Tom Donaldson - Defining Hospitality - Episode #199
1:15:00
1:15:00
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Today’s episode pivots into restaurant investing. Joining Dan is two experts of hospitality financing and investments, Nate Edgerly and Tom Donaldson, the CEO and Chairman of Enzo Group Inc. The discussion goes into the motivations behind investing in hospitality, the critical role of strong management teams, and the unique challenges and opportuni…
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Lew Daly - 45Q Carbon Capture Tax Credits are a Financial Disaster in the Making
1:13:41
1:13:41
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Our guest tonight is Lew Daly, Senior Fellow for Climate and Energy Policy at Just Solutions, where he works in partnership with state and federal organizations and networks in pursuit of a just and equitable clean energy transition. His previous 15 years work in the public policy field includes appointments such as: Director of Policy and Research…
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Behind the Smoke: Media in Hospitality - Shawn Walchef - Defining Hospitality - Episode #198
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1:02:46
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What role does media play in hospitality? This episode welcomes media expert and Owner of Cali BBQ, Shawn Walchef. Shawn discusses his journey from creating award-winning barbecue restaurants in San Diego to building a successful media platform. He shares insights on the importance of hospitality, storytelling, and the role of time in perfecting on…
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A Lifetime in Hospitality - Xavier Lividini - Defining Hospitality - Episode #197
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48:57
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Sometimes you find yourself born into a business. That’s exactly what landed Xavier Lividini, Managing Partner at Hospitality Advance International, in the hospitality industry as he comes from a family of hoteliers! Xavier shares insights from his extensive career in operations, marketing strategy, and hospitality management and development. The e…
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Beyond the Green: Hospitality & High-Performance - Scott Young - Defining Hospitality - Episode #196
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“ Our hospitality starts with education, but it's also having a welcoming point of view.” Scott Young, Founder of SSWING, an innovative indoor golf training facility in New York City, and an expert golfer joins the podcast today to hash out the meaning of hospitality and dive into his business. They discuss the broader meaning of hospitality in var…
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Cultivating Joy and Awe - Nathan St. Cyr- Defining Hospitality - Episode # 195
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What does it take to be the number one small hostile in North America? Today we welcome Nathan St. Cyr, Co-Founder of Malama Capital and Owner of Howzit Hostels, to tell us just that. Dan and Nathan dive into Nathan's journey within the hospitality industry, including his foundational experiences in sales, his profound motivation rooted in personal…
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Weaving the Future of Design - Mark Page - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 194
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Mentorship is important in encouraging students to enter artistic and creative career paths. Mark Page, Vice President of Design at Mohawk Industries, touches on the importance of fostering connections with colleges and universities to inspire the youth of today to continue their creative paths. Mark also shares insights on the challenges and innov…
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Building Together - Ian Mills and Becca Roderick- Defining Hospitality - Episode # 193
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Today we discuss the intersection of architecture and interior design, finding a common ground for both aspects to complement each other. Ian Mills and Becca Roderick, Executive Directors of Architecture and Interiors, respectively, at Morris Adjmi Architects. They delve into the concept of hospitality, the collaborative process within their firm, …
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Behind the Brand - David Carofano - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 192
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53:52
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We’re going all in on branding and strategy for hospitality companies this week! David Carofano, Strategy and Commercial Director at Crown Creative joins as Dan’s guest to discuss the importance of branding in the hospitality industry, from conceptualizing a new project to breathing life into an established brand. David shares his journey, starting…
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Natural Gas is Worse than Coal - Dr. Robert Howarth
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48:55
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While the fossil fuel industry continues to promote "natural gas" as a relatively "clean" energy source, Dr. Robert Howarth has argued since since his seminal report in 2011 that methane (which makes up roughly 5% of "natural gas") poses a greater threat to humankind than "dirty" options like coal and oil. This is particularly true of methane produ…
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Putting Others First - Thomas Healy - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 191
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1:09:44
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What’s more important than making guests feel cared for? Today, Thomas Healy joins to discuss the core values of hospitality, the importance of a diverse and inclusive team, and his definition of leadership. He also reflects on how his upbringing in his family's New Jersey restaurant informed his hospitality ethos. The interview touches on signific…
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Elevating Spaces and Inspiring Minds - Kellie Sirna - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 190
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Mentorship is so valuable, especially in hospitality. Today Dan interviews Kellie Sirna, Owner and Principal of Studio 11 Design. Kellie shares her journey through 20 years in the hospitality design industry, highlighting key milestones such as the purchase and renovation of a historic building, the expansion of her business with sister companies s…
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Event Magic and Community Building - Meg Gutowski - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 189
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1:01:23
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Is there power behind organized chaos? Today, Dan Ryan engages with Meg Gutowski, Vice President of the Independent Lodging Congress (ILC). They discuss the essence of hospitality, the role of ILC in fostering connections among industry professionals, and the unique blend of events hosted by ILC that emphasize genuine human interactions over transa…
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Soulful Hospitality - Rob Blood - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 188
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What is soul-making hospitality? Today, Rob Blood, Founder and Chairman of Lark Hotels and Principal at Elder and Ash, joins Dan to talk about the importance of creating genuine hospitality experiences. Rob shares his journey from an innkeeper to managing nearly one hundred hotels and over thirty restaurants. They discuss the core principles of hos…
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Art, Vision, and Impact in Hospitality - Richard Kessler - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 187
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1:01:11
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Implementing art and music, seeing potential, and giving back are the key pillars that Mr. Richard Kessler brings to his business. As the Chairman and CEO of The Kessler Collection, and over 50 years of experience in the field of hospitality, Mr. Kessler shares in his unique story. Mr. Kessler discusses his transition from helping found Days Inn to…
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Rebuilding Hospitality - Joe Balcken and Shelton Steele - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 186
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52:40
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Hospitality is key, especially under hardships and destruction, something Joe Balcken and Shelton Steele, Co-Owners of the Wrong Way River Lodge and Cabins in Asheville, North Carolina are passionate about. They discuss their unique urban campground hotel and the challenges they've faced. The conversation explores the definition of hospitality, the…
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Redefining Service Culture - Robyn Pratt - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 185
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54:30
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In this episode, Dan Ryan interviews Robyn Pratt, the General Manager of the Phoenicia Hotel in Malta and Principal of Impact Consulting Limited. Robyn shares her journey from her upbringing in Australia to becoming a leader in the hospitality industry. She elaborates on the importance of genuine employee engagement and shares her approach to creat…
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Value-Driven Hospitality - Casey Lavin - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 184
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1:00:03
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🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ In this episode, Dan Ryan explores the deeper significance of hospitality with guest Casey Lavin, President of Beemok Hospitality Collection (BHC). They discuss the importance of culture, values, and i…
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Building Homes and Futures - Oscar Mejia - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 183
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🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ In this episode of Defining Hospitality, host Dan Ryan talks with Oscar Mejia, Co-Founder of Asociacion de Casas a Hogares (Houses to Homes) based in Antigua, Guatemala. The discussion delves into Osca…
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