• Defining Hospitality

  • By: Dan Ryan
  • Podcast

Defining Hospitality

By: Dan Ryan
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  • Summary

  • 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. With over 30 years of experience in hospitality, Dan brings his expertise and passion to each episode as he delves into the latest trends and challenges facing the industry. Episodes are released every week on Wednesday mornings. To listen to episodes, visit https://www.defininghospitality.live/ or subscribe to Defining Hospitality wherever you get your podcasts.
    Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
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Episodes
  • Elevating Spaces and Inspiring Minds - Kellie Sirna - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 190

    Elevating Spaces and Inspiring Minds - Kellie Sirna - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 190
    Feb 26 2025
    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 specializing in branding and art, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. They explore the importance of mentorship, the evolving landscape of hospitality design, and navigating through the pressures of business restructuring. Kellie also discusses her vision for the future, including international expansion and the development of Studio 11 Design-branded residences. The conversation offers insights into the ups and downs of running a successful design firm and emphasizes the power of collaboration, trust, and perseverance.Takeaways: Actively seek out mentors or become one yourself. Reach out to industry leaders for coffee meetings to gain insights.Focus on building and maintaining trust with clients. High trust levels can result in more creative freedom and better project outcomes.In design projects, delve deeply into the local neighborhood's story rather than relying on broad stereotypes or generalizations. This makes the design more authentic and engaging.Consider expanding available services such as branding and art installations within your firm to maintain a cohesive narrative and offer comprehensive solutions to clients.Invest in creating a collaborative and enriching workspace for your team to foster loyalty and productivity.Explore new and innovative project types, such as multifunctional spaces or projects in unique locations, to stand out and attract interest.Quote of the Show:“ The people in hospitality, we’re a different breed. We live and breathe hospitality. It's who we are.” - Kellie SirnaLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-sirna-9847445/ Website: https://studio11design.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio11design_/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandbottega/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curationbylouverne/ Shout Outs:0:40 - Hospitality Design Magazine https://hospitalitydesign.com/ 0:42 -  Condé Nast https://www.condenast.com/ 0:43 - Forbes https://www.forbes.com/ 0:43 - Wall Street Journal https://www.wsj.com/ 6:24 - Duncan & Miller Design https://duncanmillerdesign.com/ 7:04 - Stacy Elliston https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-elliston-11305a9/ 21:55 - Ed Kuester https://www.linkedin.com/in/edkuester/ 26:21 - Greg Clay https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-clay-25772010/ 28:00 - Kevin Barry https://kevinbarry.com/ 28:34 - Countrypolitan https://www.countrypolitannashville.com/ 28:45 - Thompson Hotels https://www.hyatt.com/thompson-hotels 29:26 - Hilton Garden Inn https://www.hilton.com/en/brands/hilton-garden-inn/ 36:12 - Chris Alvarado https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-m-alvarado-2911647/ 40:05 - Kelly Wearstler https://www.kellywearstler.com/ 43:35 - Hutton Hotel https://www.huttonhotel.com/ 🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/
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    53 mins
  • Event Magic and Community Building - Meg Gutowski - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 189

    Event Magic and Community Building - Meg Gutowski - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 189
    Feb 19 2025
    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 transactional relationships. Meg shares insights from her extensive experience in the hospitality industry, including planning initiatives, organizing events, and the importance of creating meaningful experiences for attendees. They also delve into personal anecdotes and the intricacies of balancing organized chaos in event planning. The episode emphasizes the transformative power of hospitality and the vital role of independent lodging in the industry.Takeaways: Emphasize the mission of hospitality to care for people on their journeys. This core purpose should guide all actions and decisions.Strive to create experiences that blend the unexpected with fulfilling guest expectations, making their stays magical but ensuring they feel taken care of.Use unique and less formalized settings, like walk-and-talks, immersive experiences, and local tours, to encourage organic interactions and deeper connections among attendees.Building authentic relationships is crucial. In the hospitality industry, human connection and genuine interactions can set your business apart.Engage with local businesses and community members to enhance the collective experience for visitors.Choose venues and spaces that are comfortable and stimulating for guests, considering their comfort during events and interactions.Quote of the Show:“ Trying to figure out the right combination so that it feels very magical, but also you feel like you're taken care of. That's how hospitality has been running through my brain.” - Meg GutowskiLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-gutowski-09b33972/ Website: https://ilcongress.com/ Shout Outs:0:48 - Corinthian Yacht Club https://www.corinthianyc.org/ 1:47 - Bashar Wali https://www.linkedin.com/in/basharwali/ 5:45 - Andrew Benioff https://www.linkedin.com/in/llenrockgroupbenioff/ 7:18 - Cavallo Point Lodge https://www.cavallopoint.com/ 16:50 - Elyse Kirby https://www.linkedin.com/in/jelysekirby/ 17:25 - Sage Hotels https://sagehospitalitygroup.com/ 21:57 - Marquise Stilwell https://www.linkedin.com/in/quise/ 24:01 - Morris Adjmi Architects https://ma.com/ 24:05 - MethodCo https://www.methodco.com/ 25:07 - Alexis Lanman https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-lanman-b0b39487/ 25:08 - Jen Parks https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfigariparks/ 32:35 - Highgate https://www.highgate.com/ 38:38 - Paul Tamburello https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-tamburello-80638512/ 39:16 - Little Man Ice Cream https://www.littlemanicecream.com/ 46:27 - Amy Michaelson Kelly https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-michaelson-kelly-a547a717/ 46:30 - Lark https://www.larkhotels.com/ 46:41 - Shelton Steele https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelton-steele-39521566/ 46:42 - Wrong Way Campground https://www.wrongwaycampground.com/ 🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Soulful Hospitality - Rob Blood - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 188

    Soulful Hospitality - Rob Blood - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 188
    Feb 12 2025
    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 hospitality, the significance of soul-making in hotel design, and the innovative approaches Lark Hotels brings to the industry. The conversation includes insights on scaling businesses, retaining top talent, and tech advancements impacting the sector.Takeaways: Understand that hospitality is about creating genuine, memorable experiences for guests, extending beyond just the service provided. Balance the needs and wants of guests to create personalized, eye-to-eye connections.Foster a culture where employees feel like stakeholders and collaborators, thereby increasing their emotional investment in the company.Develop a flexible and scalable operational model that maintains the unique qualities and culture of the brand as the company expands geographically.Ensure that technology streamlines operations, making transactional processes smoother so that staff can focus on guest interactions.Emphasize the soul or essence of the hospitality experience through thoughtful design and service culture, making it an integral part of the guest experience.Cross-train staff to give them a well-rounded understanding of all operations within a hotel, which can enhance retention and career growth.Quote of the Show:“ We believe that every project has an essence or soul that needs to be drawn out.” - Rob BloodLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-blood-13b53452/ Website: https://www.larkhospitality.com/ Website: https://www.larkhotels.com/ Website: https://www.elder-ash.com/ Shout Outs:1:53 - Independent Lodging Congress https://ilcongress.com/ 6:19 - Hampton Inn https://www.hilton.com/en/brands/hampton-by-hilton/ 6:30 - Scott Hopps https://www.linkedin.com/in/scot-hopps-40015711/ 6:38 - Amanda Wallace https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-flanagan-wallace/ 8:19 - Peter Twachtman https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-twachtman-b152143b/ 8:49 - Saunders Hotel Group https://saundershotelgroup.com/ 12:43 - Abraham Maslow https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html 16:58 - Henry David Thoreau https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_David_Thoreau 20:31 - Lifehouse https://www.lifehousehotels.com/ 31:38 - Hyatt https://www.hyatt.com/brands/hyatt 31:40 - Hilton https://www.hilton.com/en/ 31:40 - Marriott https://www.marriott.com/default.mi 40:46 - Bashar Wali https://www.linkedin.com/in/basharwali/ 43:20 - Cambridge Common https://cambridgecommonrestaurant.com/ 🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/
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    1 hr and 2 mins

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