Best Sam Erik Ruttmann Podcasts (2025)

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He Beat Cancer And Built A Healing Retreat! TSHS-132 33:41

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5d ago33:41

33:41

He Beat Cancer And Built A Healing Retreat! How Barry Shimelfarb turned a life-changing diagnosis into a playbook for human-centered hospitality. In this episode, Barry Shimelfarb shares his transformative journey from a high-pressure career in Silicon Valley to creating healing retreats in Carmel by the Sea after facing advanced cancer. He discuss…

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Regenerative Hotels: The Future of Hospitality. TSHS-131 28:09

14d ago28:09

28:09

Regenerative Hotels: The Future of Hospitality Forget “sustainable” — the next wave of hospitality is regenerative. Architect Francesco Allaix joins Sam-Erik Ruttmann to discuss how regenerative hotels restore landscapes, empower local communities, and create more meaningful guest experiences. From rewilding valleys in Cyprus to Nordic timber archi…

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What I Learned Working With Giorgio Armani on His Iconic Hotels. TSHS -130 43:53

21d ago43:53

43:53

Step inside the world of Armani Hotels Dubai & Milan, where Giorgio Armani’s vision of fashion and lifestyle hospitality came to life. In this exclusive interview, Marc Dardenne, the hotelier who worked directly with Armani, reveals behind-the-scenes stories about creating the world’s first Armani-branded hotels. From designing luxury guest experie…

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Secrets to Thriving in Dubai’s Fast-Changing Hotel Market. TSHS-129 22:35

25d ago22:35

22:35

🚀 Dubai’s hospitality market is one of the fastest-growing and most competitive in the world. In this episode of The Social Hotelier Show, I sit down with Paul Williams, Founder & CEO of Spearhead Creativity, to uncover the secrets behind building powerful brands in the GCC. With over 20 years of experience shaping iconic names like Accor, Cartier,…

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Why Storytelling is essential in both filmmaking and hospitality. TSHS- 128 1:01:43

1M ago1:01:43

1:01:43

Why Storytelling is essential in both filmmaking and hospitality. In this episode, I have a conversation with award-winning filmmaker Jaze Bordeaux about the art of storytelling in hospitality. Bordeaux shares his journey from finance to filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of crafting compelling narratives that resonate emotionally with audience…

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Why Hospitality Skills Are Essential Beyond Hotels: Insights from Monika Moser. TSHS – 127 24:14

1M ago24:14

24:14

Why Hospitality Skills Are Essential Beyond Hotels: Insights from Monika Moser In this enlightening episode, we delve into the transformative power of hospitality skills beyond the hotel industry with Monika Moser, a seasoned expert in both hospitality and design. Discover how Monika’s unique career journey—from leading global hotel operations to p…

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A summer visit to Hanko: Where History Meets Coastal Charm, 12:42

3M ago12:42

12:42

🎙️ Helsinki Calling: A Finnish Summer Story in Hanko In this heartfelt episode, join me on a personal summer escape to Hanko, Finland’s southernmost gem. We were there to celebrate a family milestone, my brother-in-law's 70th birthday, but the experience turned into something much deeper. From sweet strawberry cake and quiet harbor walks to nets fi…

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Hotel Breakfasts in Helsinki Are Overpriced—Here’s Where to Go Instead 4:21

3M ago4:21

4:21

Hotel breakfasts in Helsinki can cost up to €38, but are they worth it? In this episode, Sam-Erik exposes the hidden costs behind the buffet and reveals smarter, better-value alternatives just steps away. Don’t get caught in the breakfast trap—discover where the real Helsinki morning experience begins.…

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Why Midsummer brings a lot of unforgettable memories 12:49

4M ago12:49

12:49

Midsummer Memories: A Celebration of Light and Nature Sharing my memories from my childhood. Midsummer in Finland is more than a celebration—it’s a sensory experience steeped in tradition, light, and connection with nature. June 21st marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, when the sun barely dips below the horizon and time seems to…

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Rethinking Hospitality Leadership & Education | Marc Dardenne Interview. TSHS – 126 50:51

5M ago50:51

50:51

🎙️ Welcome to The Social Hotelier Show with Sam-Erik Ruttmann – named one of the Top 20 Hotel Podcasts globally by FeedSpot! 🌟 In this exclusive conversation, Sam-Erik interviews Marc Dardenne, CEO of Modon Hospitality, on the evolving role of hospitality education, leadership transformation, and why rethinking hotel design, branding, and talent en…

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Future of Food Tourism: 4 Bold Scenarios! TSHS – 125 53:51

5M ago53:51

53:51

Future of Food Tourism: 4 Bold Scenarios Welcome to The Social Hotelier Show with Sam-Erik Ruttmann! In this episode, we explore the ¨future of food tourism¨ with renowned futurist Dr. Ian Yeoman. From lab-grown delicacies to regenerative dining experiences and dystopian luxury, we dive into four bold scenarios that redefine how we eat, travel, and…

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This Surprising Truth About Wellness Will Shock You! TSHS – 124 42:39

5M ago42:39

42:39

In this eye-opening episode of The Social Hotelier Show, Sam-Erik Ruttmann reconnects with Niels Steeman—once a high-flying tourism executive in Asia, now a wellness coach on a mission to redefine success. Discover how a near-death experience underwater triggered a radical transformation, shedding over 40 kilos, quitting alcohol, and redefining wha…

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What Are The BIG Changes Happening In Hotel Industry NOW. TSHS – 123 52:08

6M ago52:08

52:08

✅ What Are The BIG Changes Happening In Hotel Industry NOW In this episode of the Social Hotelier podcast, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann speaks with Rocco Bova, a seasoned hotelier and founder of the Summit Mexicano de la Hospitalidad. Rocco shares his journey in the hospitality industry, his love for Mexico, and the cultural richness he has experienced. …

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How Blue Apple Beach Redefines Eco-Luxury & Regenerative Hospitality TSHS – 122 1:01:31

6M ago1:01:31

1:01:31

🌱 In this powerful episode of The Social Hotelier, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann sits down with Portia Hart, founder of Blue Apple Beach—a regenerative hospitality concept in Cartagena, Colombia. From crushing glass bottles into usable sand to empowering local communities through sustainable supply chains, Portia proves that luxury can lead with purpose. …

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Why Your First Impression Could Make or Break Guest Experience TSHS – 121 41:47

6M ago41:47

41:47

Why Your First Impression Could Make or Break Guest Experience In this episode of The Social Hotelier Show, Sam-Erik Ruttmann welcomes renowned keynote speaker and author Sylvie Di Giusto. Together, they explore the psychology of first and lasting impressions in hospitality and how unconscious biases shape guest experiences. Sylvie breaks down her …

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What Makes a SUCCESSFUL Digital Ads Campaign in 2025. TSHS – 120 42:51

7M ago42:51

42:51

Maximize Your Digital Ads ROI Proven Strategies for Lasting Success Proven Strategies for Hotels, Restaurants, and Businesses to Succeed in Google Ads, Meta, and Beyond Many businesses are burning through their digital advertising budgets without a clear strategy. As John Horn, CEO of @Stubgroup , reveals, success in digital marketing requires a th…

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From Boardroom to Global Impact: How One Family Foundation is Changing Lives. TSHS – 119 38:33

7M ago38:33

38:33

From Boardroom to Global Impact: How One Family Foundation is Changing Lives In this inspiring episode, Sam-Erik Ruttmann welcomes Morgan DeNicola, Executive Director of the DeNicola Family Foundation. Discover how this dynamic leader transitioned from marketing in her family’s business empire to championing global health, cultural diplomacy, and h…

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How to Maximize Hotel Profitability in a Changing Market. TSHS – 118 56:36

7M ago56:36

56:36

How to Maximize Hotel Profitability in a Changing Market. In this episode of the Social Hôtelier podcast, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann speaks with Michael Grove, CEO of HotStats, about the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry. They discuss the importance of financial intelligence, the need for hoteliers to look beyond traditional metrics like R…

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AI & Service Transformation Unforgettable Hospitality Experiences TSHS – 117 45:08

7M ago45:08

45:08

AI & Service Transformation Unforgettable Hospitality Experiences In this episode of the Social Hotelier podcast, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann interviews Johann Diaz, an expert in service transformation and customer experience. They discuss the importance of redefining strategies to meet evolving customer needs, the role of AI in enhancing service delive…

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Redefining Hospitality: From Sustainability to Regeneration. TSHS – 116 39:08

8M ago39:08

39:08

Redefining Hospitality: From Sustainability to Regeneration A Deep Dive into Sustainable Tourism, Policy Challenges, and the Double-edged Sword of Social Media In this episode of the Social Hotelier podcast, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann engages with Chalana Perera, the founder of Retrace Hospitality, to discuss the critical shift from sustainable to rege…

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The Hidden Profit Killers in Restaurants—And How to Fix Them. TSHS – 115 26:12

8M ago26:12

26:12

The Hidden Profit Killers in Restaurants—And How to Fix Them In this episode, Sam Erik Ruttmann interviews Geordy Murphy, a visionary restaurateur and owner of Cypress Hospitality Group. Geordy shares his journey from managing restaurants to developing innovative software solutions for the hospitality industry with FOBESoft. The conversation covers…

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Independent vs. Global Hotels: The Fight for Authenticity & Culture. TSHS – 114 37:13

8M ago37:13

37:13

In this engaging conversation, with Abdul Baaghil, Co – Founder / principal Harvest Cotton Tale, Abdul speaks about his experience working for luxury hotel brands, like Ritz Carlton, Cambell Gray Hotel. Abdulshares his journey from corporate management to independently developing hotels rooted in authenticity and cultural identity. Together, we exp…

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AI Expert Exposes Shocking Truth About Video Generation! TSHS – 113 36:42

8M ago36:42

36:42

🔥 Get ready for an interesting conversation with Jayanth N Kolla, Founder& Partner of Convergence Catalyst, Expert on AI, Machine Learning. This is our annual episode discussing the rapid evolution of AI and its profound impact on the travel and tourism industry. We explore how social media influences travel trends, the rise of Generative AI Travel…

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The Wellness Industry Exposed: What Most Hotels Get Wrong. TSHS – 112 40:14

9M ago40:14

40:14

The Wellness Industry Exposed: What Most Hotels Get Wrong. Join Sam-Erik Ruttmann on The Social Hotelier Podcast as he dives into wellness and hospitality innovation with Celine Vadam of WeThink. Explore how wellness-centric hotel designs, technology-driven spa treatments, and inclusive experiences are reshaping the wellness industry. Discover acti…

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The Art of Hospitality: Designing Spaces That Inspire and Connect. TSHS – 111 44:12

9M ago44:12

44:12

The Art of Hospitality: Designing Spaces That Inspire and Connect Have you ever walked into a space and felt instantly at ease—as if it were designed just for you? Or perhaps the opposite, where a space seemed to push you away, leaving you feeling out of place? The spaces we inhabit hold incredible power, shaping our emotions, connections, and even…

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Discover How to Grow Your Business Through Podcasting. TSHS – 110 31:59

9M ago31:59

31:59

Discover How to Grow Your Business Through Podcasting Welcome to this episode of The Social Hotelier Podcast! Today, we are honored to host Noémi Beres, co-owner of Podcast Connections, an agency renowned for helping entrepreneurs amplify their voices through strategic podcast interviews. With over 11 years of experience in content creation and onl…

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What Makes a TRULY Successful Marketing Strategy? TSHS – 110 55:24

9M ago55:24

55:24

What Makes a TRULY Successful Marketing Strategy? In this episode of the Social Hotelier Podcast, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann speaks with Eric Dingler, a digital nomad and marketing expert, about the intersection of travel and marketing strategies. He runs successfully a location-independent business. Eric shares insights from his family’s journey as th…

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How the Blue Zones Lifestyle Can Help You Live Longer – Celine Vadam TSHS – 109 43:48

9M ago43:48

43:48

How the Blue Zones Lifestyle Can Help You Live Longer Welcome to the first episode of the Mini Series about Wellness – with Celine Vadam, Founder of WE (I) Think and Blue Zones Expert. In this episode of The Social Hotelier Show, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann engages with wellness expert Celine Vadam, to explore the transformative world of wellness in hos…

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Top Sustainability Expert Shares Secrets to Redefining Success. TSHS-107 40:02

10M ago40:02

40:02

Top Sustainability Expert Shares Secrets to Redefining Success In this episode of the Social Hotelier Show, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann engages with Vanessa Thompson, a leader in sustainable finance and innovation. They discuss Vanessa’s journey from Silicon Valley to her current role at the Sustainability Experts, emphasizing the importance of sustaina…

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FACEBOOK ADS Secrets to BOOST Direct Bookings in 2025! TSHS – 106 40:50

10M ago40:50

40:50

In this episode of the Social Hôtelier podcast, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann welcomes Carol Kabaale, a meta-certified ad strategist specializing in hotel Facebook ads. They discuss the importance of purpose-driven advertising, the evolution of online marketing in hospitality, and how independent hotels can leverage data-driven strategies to attract direc…

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Is Your Wealth Aligned with Your Life’s Purpose? Revelations by an expert. TSHS – 105 33:16

10M ago33:16

33:16

Is Your Wealth Aligned with Your Life’s Purpose? Revelations by an expert. In this episode of the Social Hôtelier podcast, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann speaks with Mukesh Bajaj, founder of NextZen Accounting, about achieving financial freedom while living a fulfilled life. Mukesh shares his journey, the development of his Seven Steps Fulfillment System, …

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Why Are Global Hotel Investors Choosing Nature Over Cities? TSHS – 103 50:16

11M ago50:16

50:16

Why Are Global Hotel Investors Choosing Nature Over Cities? In this episode of the Social Hotelier podcast, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann speaks with Tea Ros, a leading international hotel consulting professional. They discuss Tea’s extensive career in hospitality, the impact of COVID-19 on investment trends, and the growing interest in resort locations o…

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Ross Brand’s Top 3 Social Media Secrets for 2025. TSHS-102 50:58

11M ago50:58

50:58

Ross Brand’s Top 3 Social Media Secrets for 2025 In this conversation, I discuss with Ross Brand the evolving landscape of live streaming and video content creation, focusing on platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, and Substack. We explore the potential of vertical videos on LinkedIn, the importance of YouTube for audience engagement, and how Substack…

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Transforming Hospitality: AI, Automation, and the Art of Golf. TSHS – 101 56:52

11M ago56:52

56:52

Transforming Hospitality: AI, Automation, and the Art of Golf In this episode, Sam-Erik Ruttmann interviews Sami Hero, Founder & CEO Growth Fusion Advisors. Sami shared his insights on data-driven decision making, the role of AI in hospitality, and the significance of automation. The conversation also touches on the connection between golf and busi…

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Insider Secrets of the KOREAN LUXURY Market Revealed! TSHS-100 45:12

11M ago45:12

45:12

In my recent conversation with Dominika Kustosz-Lee, CEO of DKL & Company, we explored some truly fascinating aspects of Korea’s luxury scene, hospitality, and her own life journey. Dominika shared how brands in Korea go beyond the usual, creating immersive luxury experiences that feel both playful and perfectly on-brand. It’s incredible to hear ho…

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Innovative Podcasting Ideas for Hoteliers. TSHS-0099 36:03

12M ago36:03

36:03

Sheryl Plouffe, co-founder of ICONMAKER® Joint Venture, discusses the power of video podcasting for hoteliers to elevate their brand, attract global guests, and position themselves as leaders in the hospitality industry. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling, showcasing local culture, and creating high-trust relationships through podcasting…

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Bloom Bar’s Hidden Secret to Success in the USA. TSHS-0098 25:46

12M ago25:46

25:46

In this conversation, Kofi Maafo, co-founder of Bloom Bar in Accra, Ghana, shares the inspiring journey of establishing a successful hospitality business that caters to the middle class. They identified a gap in the market for affordable yet high-end experiences He discusses the challenges faced, the cultural impact of their approach, and how they …

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How to Boost Direct Bookings Without Relying On Third Parties. TSHS-0097 38:57

12M ago38:57

38:57

In this episode, Sam-Erik Ruttmann interviews Philippa Gamse, a renowned digital strategist, about digital marketing strategies and analytics for independent hotels. They discuss Philippa’s career in digital strategy and analytics, the importance of engaging directly with guests online, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the hospitality …

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The Sustainability Revolution, Guide to Confidence, Commitment & Consistency. TSHS-0096 32:28

1y ago32:28

32:28

The Sustainability Revolution, Guide to Confidence, Commitment & Consistency Lee Stewart, author of How to Build Sustainability into Your Business Strategy, discusses the importance of aligning business operations with long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability. He emphasizes the need for transparency and honesty in sustainability…

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Why Empathy Is the Most Important Skill for Conscious Leaders. TSHS-0095 46:38

1y ago46:38

46:38

Why Empathy Is the Most Important Skill for Conscious Leaders In this episode, Sam-Erik Ruttmann interviews Mike Handcock, the chairman of the Circle of Excellence Group, about conscious leadership and the key elements of a positive hotel stay. Mike shares his journey from being a professional musician to becoming a thought leader and empowering co…

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Transforming Spaces: The New Era of Hotels. TSHS-094

1y ago

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Transforming Spaces: The New Era of Hotels. In this episode of the Social Hotelier podcast, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann speaks with Strategic Hospitality Advisor Nicola Delvecchio, about the emerging trends in hospitality business models. They discuss the shift from traditional hotel concepts to spaces focused on personal growth and transformation, the …

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Fraud exposed in hotels and restaurants TSHS – 093 49:39

1y ago49:39

49:39

Fraud exposed in hotels and restaurants This episode explores the topic of fraud in the hospitality industry, covering various forms of fraud and the pressures that contribute to unethical behavior. The conversation also touches on the importance of sustainability and the risks of greenwashing. My guests are Carin-Isabel Knoop and Dr. David E. Morr…

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Delivering a Brand on a Day to Day Basis, The Future of Hospitality Branding. TSHS-0092

1y ago

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Delivering a Brand on a Day-to-Day Basis The Future of Hospitality Branding Mark Natale, co-founder of Smart Thinking, shares his insights on luxury branding and the strategic strategies that have positioned his agency as a leader in the industry. He discusses his journey from managing fitness centers and spas to co-founding Smart Thinking, emphasi…

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The Inspiring Tale of Crafting a High-End Resort in Vietnam’s Mountains! TSHS-0091 43:09

1y ago43:09

43:09

The Inspiring Tale of Crafting a High-End Resort in Vietnam’s Mountains! Hylton Lipkin, General Manager of Garrya Mukang Chai and Om Thule at Ban Yen Tri Group, shares insights on opening a hotel in Vietnam. The hotel is a Banyan Group branded resort called Garrya. Lipkin discusses the challenges of staff recruitment, especially in a remote locatio…

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The journey from child gardener to international landscape architect. TSHS-0090 54:14

1y ago54:14

54:14

The journey from child gardener to international landscape architect. In this episode, landscape architect Matthieu Mehuys shares his journey from growing up on a farm to creating sustainable biodiverse gardens around the world. He emphasizes the importance of understanding how nature works and working with it to create beautiful and eco-friendly l…

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The Journey of a Self Taught Designer. TSHS-0089 31:37

1y ago31:37

31:37

In this episode, Sam-Erik Rutmann interviews Kay Chan, a freelance presentation designer with over two decades of experience. They discuss visual storytelling and brand communication, as well as Kay’s journey as a self-taught designer. Kay shares insights on working with Fortune 500 companies and the challenges of corporate bureaucracy. They also e…

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Personalizing the Guest Experience for a Deeper Connection. TSHS-0088 45:11

1y ago45:11

45:11

In this episode, Atiba de Souza, CEO and founder of Client Attraction Pros, discusses the role of hospitality in building communities and combating loneliness. Atiba shares his background in entrepreneurship and how it has shaped his perspective on business. He emphasizes the importance of having a bigger purpose and making a positive impact on oth…

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Revolutionizing Hospitality: Sustainable Solutions and Enhanced Guest Experiences. TSHS-0087 35:26

1y ago35:26

35:26

Revolutionizing Hospitality: Sustainable Solutions and Enhanced Guest Experiences. There are low-cost, high-impact sustainability initiatives… that don’t cost any money and are easy to implement.” In this episode, Sam-Erik Rutman interviews Sue Graves, CEO of Experience Alive, about sustainability in the hospitality industry. They discuss the impor…

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How to fix common digital marketing mistakes independent hotels make. TSHS-0086 28:58

1y ago28:58

28:58

How to fix common digital marketing mistakes independent hotels make. In this episode, Adam Sinkus, the managing partner of A-Purpose Partnership, and I discuss digital marketing for independent hotels. We discuss the importance of having a clear marketing message that aligns with the overall brand and customer experience. We also explore integrati…

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Step into the World of Scandinavia’s Beloved Crayfish Feast! 4:38

1y ago4:38

4:38

🎧 Welcome to "Crack, Sip, and Celebrate: Step into the World of Scandinavia’s Beloved Crayfish Feast!" 🎧 As the sun lingers in the Scandinavian sky, casting its golden hues over the Nordic landscape, a vibrant tradition bursts to life—as savory and rich as the summer itself. Picture this: tables adorned with whimsical crayfish-themed decorations, d…