Defining Hospitality

“It’s really about working with people, working with a team, and coaching these people.” This week, Dan Ryan interviews an expert with nearly five decades of experience: Xavier Lividini, Managing Partner at Hospitality Advance International LLC. He shares fascinating stories from his experience, anecdotes about growing up in hospitality, and his journey to starting his company. 🏨 Gain experience in varied departments such as front desk operations, food and beverage, and sales. Broad knowledge across departments can lead to more significant leadership opportunities. 🏨 Stay open to learning from peers, mentors, and even those you supervise. Recognize the value of diverse experiences and backgrounds in the industry. Listen to the full episode with the links in the comments! #hospitality #design #podcasting

“ My essence of SSWING is that every single person who walks through our door leaves a better golfer or a better mover.” This week, Dan Ryan interviews expert golfer and Founder of SSWING, Scott Young. They discuss the broader meaning of hospitality in various environments, focusing on creating a welcoming yet challenging space to help people improve. The conversation dives into Scott’s analytical approach to golf using math and biomechanics, balancing customer comfort with pushing them to new limits. Scott shares insights from his touring days and stories about the honesty and pressure in golf. 🏨 Develop mental resilience by practicing staying focused and present in high-pressure situations. This can be beneficial in sports and various other stressful scenarios in life. 🏨 Use personal stories and experiences, whether from a professional athlete or your own life, to gain insights and inspire your growth journey. Listen to the full episode with the links in the comments! #hospitality #design #podcasting

“ We really focused on anybody that worked for us to not just want to want a job. We wanted people that wanted to be a part of something special and build something unbelievable.” This week, Dan Ryan interviews Nathan St Cyr, Co-Founder of Malama Capital and Owner of Howzit Hostels. They talk about the six human emotional needs, their own podcast experiences, and the evolution of their business practices. 🏨 Leadership and mindset are crucial. Develop a leadership style that emphasizes positivity, contribution, and personal development. Shift focus towards mindset training to ensure your team operates at its best. 🏨 Celebrate and acknowledge significant milestones, both within the team and with guests. This creates a sense of community and shared success. Listen to the full episode with the links in the comments! #hospitality #design #podcasting

“  My ideal is that our clients look to us for innovation, for new styling as being the specialists, as being the trend forecasters. We want them to come to us first. ” This week, Dan Ryan interviews Mark Page, ASID, IIDA, NEWH, CMG, Vice President of Design at Mohawk Industries. The discussion revolves around Mark's career in product design with a focus on flooring and carpeting. They delve into what hospitality means, the unique nuances of designing for different environments, and Mohawk's role as a leading flooring company. 🏨 Build relationships with colleges and design schools to attract fresh talent and foster loyalty among future designers. 🏨 Ensure that design choices consider maintenance and longevity, making spaces easier to clean and sustain over time. Listen to the full episode with the links in the comments! #hospitality #design #podcasting

“ We're bringing the same mentality and sort of rigor to every project because we think that every project can change the neighborhood that it's in.” This week, Dan Ryan interviews Ian Mills and Becca Roderick, Executive Directors of Architecture and Interiors, respectively, at Morris Adjmi Architects. They discuss the collaborative process within their firm and how they align their visions to create contextually relevant and impactful projects. 🏨 Encourage regular collaboration and communication between the architecture and interior design teams to align on the project's North Star. 🏨 Conduct thorough research on the location, history, and context of the project site to create designs that are both impactful and fitting with the surroundings. Listen to the full episode with the links in the comments! #hospitality #design #podcasting

“ I learned everything there is to know about front and back of house and I just sort of fell in love with it. I fell in love with the people, the energy, the chaos, the camaraderie of it, every bit of it.” This week, Dan Ryan interviews David Carofano, Strategy and Commercial Director at Crown Creative. The two of them discuss David’s almost 20 years of work in the hospitality industry, starting at just 14 years old, and how important branding is in the industry. 🏨 Integrate branding and strategy early in the project development process. Clearly define the brand and ensure everyone involved understands its core values and mission. 🏨 Develop a comprehensive brand book or playbook that outlines your brand’s mission, vision, values, and strategy. This living document should guide all aspects of your business and be referred to regularly. Listen to the full episode with the links in the comments! #hospitality #design #podcasting

“Hospitality is that simple.  It's about putting yourself second and putting others first.” This week, Dan Ryan interviews Thomas Healy, President and Chief Operating Officer of Rockbridge Hospitality Management. Together, the two discuss putting others first, Tom’s experience in the independent hotel space, and the importance of meaningful work. 🏨 Always strive to make guests feel recognized and valued. Simple gestures like making eye contact and offering a friendly greeting can significantly enhance the guest experience. 🏨 Ensure that leadership reflects the diversity of the team. This promotes a sense of relatability and trust within the team, which can enhance the overall culture of the workplace. Listen to the full episode with the links in the comments! #hospitality #design #podcasting

“ The people in hospitality, we’re a different breed. We live and breathe hospitality. It's who we are.” This week, Dan Ryan interviews Kellie Sirna, Owner and Principal of Studio 11 Design. They explore the importance of mentorship, the evolving landscape of hospitality design, and navigating through the pressures of business restructuring. 🏨 Actively seek out mentors or become one yourself. Reach out to industry leaders for coffee meetings to gain insights. 🏨 Invest in creating a collaborative and enriching workspace for your team to foster loyalty and productivity. Listen to the full episode with the links in the comments! #hospitality #design #podcasting

“ 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.” This week, Dan Ryan interviews 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. 🏨 Use unique and less formalized settings, like walk-and-talks, immersive experiences, and local tours, to encourage organic interactions and deeper connections among attendees. 🏨 Choose venues and spaces that are comfortable and stimulating for guests, considering their comfort during events and interactions. Listen to the full episode with the links in the comments! #hospitality #design #podcasting

“ We believe that every project has an essence or soul that needs to be drawn out.” This week, Dan Ryan interviews Robert Blood, Founder and Chairman of Lark and Principal at Elder and Ash. Rob shares his journey from an innkeeper to managing nearly one hundred hotels and over thirty restaurants. They discuss the core principles of hospitality and the significance of soul-making in hotel design. 🏨 Foster a culture where employees feel like stakeholders and collaborators, thereby increasing their emotional investment in the company. 🏨 Emphasize the soul or essence of the hospitality experience through thoughtful design and service culture, making it an integral part of the guest experience. Listen to the full episode with the links in the comments! #hospitality #design #podcasting