Defining Hospitality

Joining the show this week is a committed executive who cherishes the traditions of his resort, inspired by the legacy of his late family, the Smileys. Please welcome to the show The President of Mohonk Mountain House. 

Eric joins Host Dan Ryan, their conversation delves into the intricacies of managing a multi-generational family business, emphasizing sustainability and stewardship as core principles. Eric provides insights into their strategic planning initiatives and their commitment to balancing profitability with environmental and community preservation.

Takeaways: 

• Hospitality means ensuring the comfort and contentment of every guest and anticipating their needs. It also includes understanding that every individual has a unique story and unique needs. Being fully present with guests, listening to them, and then delivering service based on what you've learned is key. This approach helps create a longing for guests to return even as they are leaving.
• Focusing equally on sustainability and stewardship is essential. This involves balancing financial gains with the upkeep and improvement of the property. For example, reinvesting profits into maintaining the extensive infrastructure and natural landscape ensures that future generations can also appreciate the property.
• Running a family business successfully requires balancing the needs of shareholders and stakeholders. At Mohonk, they ensure that while they make profits to stay operational, they also pay attention to nature, community, family, and history. This balance ensures that the business thrives in the long term and stays true to its founding principles.
• A strong mission and principles are crucial for long-term success. Mohonk's mission is built on Quaker values like consensus-building, caring for people, and maintaining peace and serenity. These principles have guided the business for five generations and help to make clear, principled decisions for future sustainability.
• Providing unique and diverse guest experiences can significantly enhance a resort's appeal. At Mohonk, they offer activities like mountain biking, hiking, and a Via Ferrata experience that allows guests to engage with the natural landscape in thrilling but low-impact ways. Such offerings ensure that the property remains a destination in itself, attracting visitors repeatedly.
• Building consensus within the organization and the broader family is essential. Whether it's developing a strategic plan or making day-to-day decisions, involving all stakeholders ensures that everyone is on board with the vision and mission of the business. This approach has helped Mohonk sustain itself through five generations.
• Effective resource management and reinvestment are critical. At Mohonk, all profits are reinvested back into the business to sustain its vast property and infrastructure. They focus on maintaining what they have while also planning for future expansions cautiously. This strategy ensures that the property continues to thrive and grow in a sustainable manner.

Quote of the Show:

"Hospitality is about anticipating and meeting guests' needs while recognizing their unique stories and individuality. In life, listening and showing compassion are essential, just as with a friend."

Links:

• Website: https://www.mohonk.com

Shout Outs:

• Smiley Family 
• Quaker Traditions 

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419
• Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrpt8C461L_9n_6vezzZtkQ 

Today’s guest is a creative thinker with a unique understanding of the spaces she designs. Please welcome to the show, Vice President of Design at Aspen Hospitality Julie Frank. Julie joins Host Dan Ryan to share her journey from Architect to VP. Julie discusses her philosophy on hospitality, the importance of seizing opportunities, and how to blend spaces with the environments around them.

Takeaways: 

• Hospitality is any act that helps make people feel like a better version of their day to day selves. By taking their experiences and enhancing whatever they are seeking, you are delivering true hospitality. 
• Attending industry events and building relationships is crucial once you're on the ownership side or involved with a brand or development. Having contacts you can rely on to address issues as they arise is paramount. 
• It’s important to respect the historical significance of spaces when incorporating modern brand experiences. By blending homage to the past with the unique elements of the modern brand, one can create a harmonious and impactful fusion.
• It’s important to incorporate fun and creativity into design to engage people more effectively, rather than relying solely on teaching. In large-scale projects like museums, the visionary gestures often come from the top, with the rest focused on implementation.
• The best way to understand frustrations in any job is to experience them from all perspectives; embrace job changes to gain a broader understanding of professional dynamics and improve your ability to work harmoniously across different sectors.
• The ideal home-away-from-home experience is a relaxing and inviting space where one can feel at ease and explore the local area. To fully enjoy a property, guests should have both the comfort of well-designed rooms and relaxing communal spaces.

Quote of the Show:

• “I wanted people to learn through spaces.” - Julie Frank

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliecfrank/c 
• Website: https://aspenhospitality.co/ 

Shout Outs:

• 2:45 - Rafael Viñoly
• 2:47 - James Polshek
• 2:54 - Rose Center for Earth and Space: https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/permanent/rose-center 
• 3:02 - Adam Tihany
• 4:03 - Rockwell Group: https://www.rockwellgroup.com/ 
• 4:04 - Avroko: https://www.avroko.com/ 
• 4:49 - Shawn Sullivan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-sullivan-3a290546/overlay/about-this-profile/ 
• 4:52 - Nobu: https://noburestaurants.com/ 
• 5:54 - Starwood Hotels and Resorts
• 8:57 - Le Meridian
• 9:08 - W Hotels: https://w-hotels.marriott.com/ 
• 9:41 - Brian Povinelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-povinelli-162b128/ 
• 9:42 - George Fleck: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-fleck-58967050/ 
• 12:43 - Moshe Safdie
• 22:30 - Robyn Kaminski: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynkaminski/ 
• 24:20 - Aliya Khan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliya-khan-8245461/ 
• 25:50 - Sam Altman
• 28:05 - Aspen Hospitality: https://aspenhospitality.co/ 
• 33:25 - Thierry Despont
• 44:42 - Mark Boekenheide: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-boekenheide-aia-20b6b1a/ 
• 48:13 - Brad Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bgwilson/ 
• 48:45 - Paul McElroy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-mcelroy-3387954a/ 

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Joining the show this week is an award-winning brand innovator who is responsible for the design and experiences across most of IHGs family of brands. Please welcome to the show A Director of Design Strategies at IHG, Kristen Freeland!

Kristen joins Host Dan Ryan to dive into the nuances of telling stories. Kristen shares the importance of mentorship programs, the best ways to get customer feedback, and the need to cater to different audiences. 

Takeaways: 

• Hospitality is all about telling a story. Regardless if you are creating a new story, or breathing life into an old one, the intent is to tell a story and deliver it successfully to your guests. 
• To effectively cater to your audience, first understand their needs by gathering insights, and then develop and test solutions. Ensure your projects are guided by clear, focused briefs that align with your success metrics to avoid losing direction.
• To better understand customer preferences, engage directly with your target audience to gather valuable insights. Real-life dialogue and firsthand observation are crucial in confirming whether your strategy and design efforts meet customer needs.
• Seek opportunities where you can work closely with industry leaders and immerse yourself in real-world business environments that aren't taught in college. The hands-on experience gained from these situations will boost your professional courage.
• Nurturing and maintaining relationships is crucial in hospitality, as they form the foundation of your professional network. Make it a priority to stay connected, meet new people, and keep learning about new things to thrive in the hospitality industry. 
• In the strategy world, continual innovation prevents work from feeling monotonous and keeps things exciting. Embrace the idea that nothing is off the table, as new challenges constantly emerge once solutions are found.

Quote of the Show:

• “When your target guests and target audience are telling you, ‘Hey, there's other ways that you could appeal to me.’ It's important that we listen to that and that we evolve with them.” - Kristen Freeland

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-freeland-19b4b54b/ 
• Website: https://www.ihg.com/ 

Shout Outs:

• 21:47 - Hilton: https://www.hilton.com/en/ 
• 29:19 - Larry Traxler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrytraxler/ 
• 33:43 - Scott Galloway: https://www.linkedin.com/in/profgalloway/ 
• 37:57 - Crowne Plaza: https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/reservation 
• 43:47 - Dr. Chloe Carmichael: https://www.drchloe.com/ 
• 46:38 - Karen Gilbride: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-gilbride-379b976/ 

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

In this engaging episode, Dan sits down with Eran Chen, renowned architect and the founder of ODA. Chen discusses his journey from starting his own firm in 2007 to becoming an influential figure in urban design, teaching at Columbia and NYU. The conversation dives into the significance of hospitality in architecture and the importance of saying 'yes' to various opportunities. Eranalso explores his innovative concepts like the 'Flying Dormer' and shares insights into his books.. They discuss the importance of understanding zoning laws, balancing creativity with regulations, and envisioning a more sustainable, connected future for urban living.

Takeaways: 

• Hospitality has evolved from offering a uniform "home away from home" experience to providing authentic, culturally rich interactions that reflect local customs and traditions. Embracing this cultural authenticity in designs creates unique experiences for visitors.
• Embrace the journey of unknowns in your professional pursuits, as it can lead to amazing and impactful work. Stay true to your core beliefs and principles despite challenges and assignments, as they refine and strengthen your practice.
• When running a firm and taking on new clients, it's crucial to ensure mutual respect and collaboration, seeing clients as partners in the creative process. Decline projects where clients do not value this process of discovery, even if they offer the biggest commissions.
• The key to defining yourself in a noisy world is to genuinely understand what drives you, and then find effective ways to convey that authenticity. Embrace the gaps in your creative journey, as these transitional spaces are where true innovation occurs.
• Intergenerational collaboration fosters personal growth and enriches project outcomes. By acting as both leader and collaborator, one can guide and provide valuable feedback, mirroring the relationship between a good professor and their students.
• Don't be discouraged by regulations. Instead, understanding the rules allows you to creatively break them. Mastering the tools at hand is essential for architects, regardless of location.

Quote of the Show:

• “As we go along we don't know where we're going and we love that.” - Eran Chen

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eran-chen-465b446/ 
• Website: https://oda-architecture.com/ 
• Book Link: https://a.co/d/9W28Zsk 
• Book Link: https://a.co/d/9MIzAL4 

Shout Outs:

• 6:00 - Perkins Eastman: https://perkinseastman.com/ 
• 29:14 - NYU: https://www.nyu.edu/ 
• 29:16 - Columbia: https://www.columbia.edu/
• 29:49 - Harvard Graduate School of Architecture: https://www.gsd.harvard.edu/architecture/ 
• 44:47 - 15 Renwick: https://oda-architecture.com/projects/15-renwick 
• 56:11 - Bard College: https://www.bard.edu/ 

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Joining the show this week is an industry titan who is shaping the next generation of hospitality professionals. Our guest is none other than Founder of the Radical Innovation hospitality awards, Founder and Chairman of the Hardy Group, John Hardy!

John joins Host Dan Ryan to discuss the importance of innovation and creativity. John reflects on his journey, the challenges, and triumphs of innovative hospitality development, and the future trends shaping the industry. Discover his insights on creating unique, experiential hotels and the importance of continual innovation.

Takeaways: 

• Hospitality is about how you treat guests whether they are in your house or hotel. It is about making them feel comfortable, providing for their needs, and surprising them with extras. 
• Innovation in the hotel industry often comes from outsiders rather than industry insiders, encouraging radical thinking. Creativity thrives when intuition guides decision-making, paving the way for unconventional ideas to flourish.
• Innovation often arises from challenging industry norms and embracing creativity. Embrace unconventional thinking and foster a culture of innovation to drive progress and success in your endeavors.
• The shift towards experiential accommodations like AutoCamp and Airbnb reflects a growing trend among younger consumers who are less brand loyal. To stay competitive, big brands are adapting to offer unique experiences tailored to this trend.
• Embrace risk, dedication, and innovative ideas to drive success. The people who will drive the industry forward are those who are willing to put in the time and effort and aren’t afraid to risk failure. 
• In challenging times with fluctuating interest rates, it's an opportunity to elevate deal-making skills and seize smarter opportunities for future success. Success lies in mastering both the risk and reward game throughout fluctuating cycles.

Quote of the Show:

• “I never let somebody second guess what I thought was the right thing to do.” - John Hardy

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-hardy-3a677812/ 
• Website: https://www.radicalinnovation.io/ 
• Website: https://www.jhgi.com/ 

Shout Outs:

• 15:46 - I. M. Pei
• 15:49 - Philip Johnson
• 15:51 - William B Tabler
• 16:03 - Morris Lapidus
• 16:18 - Hilton: https://www.hilton.com/en/ 
• 17:52 - Hyatt Atlanta: https://www.hyatt.com/grand-hyatt/en-US/atlgh-grand-hyatt-atlanta-in-buckhead 
• 18:02 - Trammell Crow 
• 20:24 - Marriott: https://www.marriott.com/default.mi 
• 25:12 - Barry Sternlicht: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Sternlicht 
• 26:42 - Bill Kimpton
• 31:26 - Westin Hotels: https://westin.marriott.com/
• 32:15 - HD Magazine: https://hospitalitydesign.com/ 
• 32:30 - Mike Mazigian
• 32:31 - Simon Turner
• 32:34 - Jim Woods
• 32:46 - Wing Chow
• 40:34 - UNLV: https://www.unlv.edu/ 
• 40:39 - NYU: https://www.nyu.edu/ 
• 48:48 - Autocamp: https://autocamp.com/
• 49:03 - Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/ 
• 54:51 - Steve Higgins
• 54:54 - W Hotels: https://w-hotels.marriott.com/ 

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Hospitality is about intuition and reading the customer. Are you doing too much, or are you not doing enough for them? The guest on this episode has left an impact on leading luxury lifestyle brands in hospitality, food and beverage, design, and wellness over the course of his 30-year career. Please welcome the Vice President of Food and Beverage Concept and Brand Development at the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Michael Doneff.

Michaell joins Dan Ryan as they discuss the significance of a unique dining experience. Michael shares the power of storytelling in brand development, the importance of company culture, and offers advice for aspiring professionals in the hospitality industry.

Takeaways: 

• Customers want to come into an environment where they feel understood, appreciated, and heard. Your job is to create an experience that exceeds their expectations.
• For early-stage brands, everything boils down to storytelling, and you get to see that story come to life from the name to the logo.
• If a brand is constructed correctly and thoughtfully, then it's usually meant to last. But it's only as good as its execution.
• A brand should check off all the boxes, even in the small areas of hospitality. Making sure that their employees are genuine, truly love what they do, and love taking care of their guests.
• An employee should have intuitive skills to know what the customer needs and if they could be doing more for them, but they should also know what the customer doesn't need and if they’re doing too much.
• As a brand, you should strive to have your mission statement and values be true throughout every level of your company, and every team member should be living out these things.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions, push boundaries, and try things, but also don't be afraid to fail at them and find a new way of trying to do things.

Quote of the Show:  

• “We’re in a world where you can tell when things are scripted.” - Michael Doneff

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldoneff/ 
• Website: https://www.fourseasons.com/ 

Shout Outs:

• 2:09 - Villa De Leon
• 11:26 - Jean-Pierre Coffe
• 16:28 - Danny Meyer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhmeyer/ 
• 19:24 - SBE: https://www.sbe.com/ 
• 19:34 - Canyon Ranch: https://www.canyonranch.com/ 
• 19:29 - Viceroy Hotel Group: https://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/ 
• 20:28 - Michael Douglas
• 20:39 - Susan Magrino Agency: https://www.magrinopr.com/ 
• 21:57 - Jeffrey Bilhuber: https://www.jeffreybilhuberllc.com/ 
• 22:09 - Richard Pandiscio
• 25:08 - Island Outpost: https://www.islandoutpost.com/ 
• 26:59 - W Hotels: https://w-hotels.marriott.com/ 
• 27:09 - Barry Sternlicht: https://www.starwoodpropertytrust.com/team/ 
• 27:10 - Rande Gerber
• 27:21 - Ian Schrager
• 37:55 -José Andrés Group: https://joseandres.com/ 
• 38:42 - World Central Kitchen: https://wck.org/ 
• 44:05 - Arnie Malham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arniemalham/ 
• 44:08 - Worth Doing Wrong: https://www.worthdoingwrong.com/ 
• 50:11 - Marriott: https://www.marriott.com/ 
• 50:12 - Accor: https://group.accor.com/en 

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

For a vision to come to fruition, there must be a level of persistence to make it happen. Here to share his insight is a designer skilled in interior and custom furniture. Please welcome the Owner and Founder of CRÈME, Jun Aizaki.

Host Dan Ryan and guest Jun Aizaki discuss CRÈME’s award winning Gourd project. Jun dives into how he finds inspiration for new projects, shares his early career and what led him to be a successful designer, and reveals advice to future innovators on the mentality needed to be successful.

Takeaways: 

• Hospitality revolves around the service you provide for guests, and the problems you solve for them. By providing meaningful solutions, you make someone’s life richer, more interesting, and more practical.
• Persistence is key when it comes to stating your vision. Having the mentality of not taking no for an answer goes a long way, by forcing yourself to try different directions, you may stumble upon new solutions. 
• When it comes to working towards what you want, you may have to put in extra time and effort. While it may not be time that your getting paid for, if you continue to put in the extra hours, the results will pay off
• When creating a new project, inspiration should come from the uniqueness of the environment around you. Each design should tell a story and be special in order to capture the eyes of others.
• Creativity can strike at any moment, and having a way to capture it is crucial. Keeping a sketchbook or digital tablet on you at all times allows you to put pen to paper whenever an idea pops into mind. 
• The gourd project was born out of a need to replace single use plastic drinking cups in the hospitality industry. By growing a gourd in a cup shaped mold, you are left with a disposable option that biodegrades safely. 
• Good design comes from the minds of many, rather than a solo visionary. Encouraging communication and empowering your team creates products that draw on the strength of diverse backgrounds.

Quote of the Show:

• “If you can dream something up, there's always a way to get there.” - Jun Aizaki

Links:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creme.design/?hl=en 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jun-aizaki-a2820b5/ 
• Website: https://cremedesign.com/ 

Shout Outs:

• 1:28 - Kimpton Theta: https://www.hoteltheta.com/ 
• 7:06 - The Rockwell Group: https://www.rockwellgroup.com/ 
• 13:04 - David Allen: https://www.amazon.com/stores/David-Allen/author/B001ILIG4C?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
• 17:06 - Kimpton Eventi: https://www.hoteleventi.com/ 
• 24:58 - Laurent Tourondel: https://www.laurent-tourondel.com/ 
• 25:52 - DLJ Capital: https://www.dljrecp.com/ 
• 25:53 - Andy Rifkin
• 31:45 - Bermanfalk: https://www.bermanfalk.com/ 
• 35:37 - Sheraton Kagoshima: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/kojsi-sheraton-kagoshima/overview/ 
• 40:20 - Morris Lapidus
• 53:19 - Kosciuszko Bridge
• 53:52 - Pulaski Bridge
• 01:03:59 - Margaret McMahon: https://www.watg.com/people/margaret-mcmahon/ 

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

As an advisor, helping guide your clients to the project of their dreams can be challenging yet rewarding. Here to shed light on the advisory process is a Principal and Managing Director at Weitzman, Keith Brenan! 

Keith joins Host Dan Ryan to discuss the nuances of investing in hospitality properties, and some of the many considerations that clients may have. Keith also shares the difference between institutional and mom and pop investors, the best way to mix hospitality and office space, and how to pick the perfect amenities. 

Takeaways: 

• While hospitality touches on many different aspects, at its core, it is about welcoming and understanding. Hospitality is about the ability to welcome into a space and exceed their expectations in terms of what they expect from human interaction. 
• Hospitality as an investment class presents some unique challenges. As your tenants are essentially checking in and out on a daily basis, quality amenities alone don’t cut it. To truly make hospitality excel as an investment, the human element must be there.
• Advisors see two typical types of investors, institutional and mom and pop investors. Institutional investors are typically assessing if they want to get involved with hospitality, while mom and pop investors already have a vision and need help implementing it. 
• Having the right amenities makes a great project. By tying the value of the amenity to the development of the building creates a cohesive experience for guests. Unique amenities serve as a focal point for guests when choosing a place to stay. 
• Many investors are not only considering the current role of a hospitality asset, but how the building may need to transform over the years. As topics like adaptive reuse become more popular, more investors are looking for flexible assets. 
• When mixing hospitality and office space in a single building, hospitality needs to be on the top half, however, elevated lobbies present unique challenges. Consider how guests enter the building, and simplify the path they take to get to the lobby. 
• As an advisor, your main role is to show people all the details and help them make an informed decision. While telling someone no on a project can be disappointing, it’s better than letting someone go down a path towards eventual failure. 

Quote of the Show:

• “It's a way of welcoming and it's a way of understanding. It's providing human interaction often in a physical space.” - Keith Brenan

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-brenan-cre-61222811/ 
• Website: https://www.weitzmanusa.com/ 

Shout Outs:

• 1:32 - Aggie Zamir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aggie-zamir-a750982b/ 
• 1:33 - ALIS: https://www.burba.com/ALIS 
• 29:38 - Marriott: https://www.marriott.com/default.mi 

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Our guest this week has over 30 years of hospitality experience in international operations, capital markets, and strategic development. Please welcome to the show, CEO and Owner of Olson Kundig, Hemanshu Parwani!

Hemanshu joins Host Dan Ryan to dive into the importance of showing up with intent. Hemanshu shares why designers should chase meaningful work rather than all out growth, the need to take care of those who take care of others, and how mountaineering inspires his work. 

Takeaways: 

• Hospitality for many, comes close to being a religion. Built out of a devotion to caring for others, hospitality is about how you make someone feel in a space, and how you build memories with them. 
• When in a space, people are either thinking about what memories this space reminds them of, or how the space will build new memories for them. Building spaces around the formation of memories will leave guests with unforgettable experiences. 
• A guaranteed way to make your guests remember your experiences is by making them feel as if they were one of your group. Allowing your guests to feel like they can be their authentic selves creates satisfaction.
• The ethos of being an innkeeper is taking care of people. Care extends not just to your guests, but the people who are taking care of your guests. A team that is well cared for will provide even better service to guests. 
• Everything you do should be with intent. Knowing why you are doing something is the foundation to any action. Good design comes from an intimate understanding of why you are designing. 
• While growth is good, it should not be the end all to your pursuits. Chase aspirational, meaningful work in design, and growth will follow. Instead of simply seeking to grow, seek a challenge that forces you to work creatively.
• Mutual learning is an important aspect of design, and helps you be more intentional about what you do. Keeping an open mind and showing genuine interest in other’s work allows you to learn quickly. 

Quote of the Show:

• “Growth is not something that we are chasing. We are chasing aspirational, meaningful work in design.” - Hemanshu Parwani

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hemanshuparwani/ 
• Website: https://olsonkundig.com/ 

Shout Outs:

• 1:22 - ALIS: https://www.burba.com/ALIS 
• 18:20 - Bill Marriott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwmarriottjr/ 
• 20:49 - Harvard Business School: https://www.hbs.edu/ 
• 21:56 - Ian Schrager: https://www.instagram.com/ianschrager/ 
• 21:58 - Adrian Zecha
• 39:59 - Bashar Wali: https://www.linkedin.com/in/basharwali/ 
• 48:55 - Barry Sternlicht
• 49:29 - W Hotels: https://w-hotels.marriott.com/ 
• 50:02 - 1 Hotels: https://www.1hotels.com/ 
• 51:18 - HD Expo: https://hdexpo.hospitalitydesign.com/ 
• 52:24 - Populus: https://populusdenver.com/ 
• 53:06 - Sonu Shivdasani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonu-shivdasani-obe-a46217/ 
• 54:34 - Bermanfalk: https://www.bermanfalk.com/ 
• 59:07 - Ed Viesturs: https://www.instagram.com/ed_viesturs/?hl=en 
• 1:02:05 - Aggie Zamir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aggie-zamir-a750982b/ 

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

This week’s guest helps people detox, destress, and discover while surrounded by nature. Through meditation, breathwork, yoga, workshops, and more, he creates an environment of rejuvenation. Joining the show this week is Founder of Onze Retreats, Leon Emmett!

Leon dials in from the Jungle to join Host Dan Ryan on a journey of hospitality and self reflection. Leon shares the importance of motivating others through action, the need to trust the process, and why everyone should spend time outside of their comfort zone. 

Takeaways: 

• The deepest feeling of hospitality can be felt when you are in someone’s family home. When someone opens their home to you, they are opening their heart to you and showing warmth and unconditional love. 
• Healing retreats allow people an opportunity for more than just a relaxing day of yoga and meditation. Creating a welcoming space allows for guests to self reflect and realize their own potential for growth. 
• Despite motivational words, many people need to make the decision to change of their own volition. Rather than merely provide motivation, living your values and inspiring others through your own actions can help them take the next step. 
• Hospitality attracts people from all walks of life, and having services to reflect that is important. Having a written list or experience portfolio allows guests to customize their ideal retreat. 
• As life ebbs and flows, it’s important to trust the process. As there are highs and lows, observe what is happening and choose to be in the middle. Making the best of your situation helps keep you grounded. 
• It’s only when you’re out of your comfort zone when you start to experience what’s possible. Through guidance, you can try new experiences and open yourself up to vulnerability, paving the way for improvement. 

Quote of the Show:

• “Where do we spend most of our time and how much of our time do we spend on the periphery of our comfort zone?” - Leon Emmett

Links:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onzeretreats/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leon_emmett/ 

Shout Outs:

• 16:05 - Dan Brulé: https://breathmastery.com/ 
• 18:56 - Wim Hof: https://www.wimhofmethod.com/ 

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s

Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419