Wall Street is selling, Main Street is buying, and the space between is where the deals are getting done. This episode of the Distinguished Podcast was recorded on the road to the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum in New York City. 

Kaushik Vardharajan, Director of Boston University School of Hospitality’s Real Estate Program, spoke with Spencer Davidson, Senior Vice President at Hunter Advisors, a member of the Boston University School of Hospitality’s Real Estate Advisory Council, and a proud member of the SHA Class of 2012. Spencer lives inside the transaction market. In this conversation he unpacks the following: 

• Why Wall Street has turned net seller while Main Street keeps buying 
• How to tell a motivated seller from one just testing the waters 
• Where the next great market might be hiding 

Email us at [email protected]

The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. 

Host: Arun Upneja, Dean
Producer: Mara Littman, Executive Director of Strategic Operations and Corporate Relations
Research and Content Creation: Lan Lu
Marketing: Anne Dawson
Editing: Isabella Laikin and James Leon

Music: “Airport Lounge" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Four decades in this business have taught Daniel Lesser to not to fear uncertainty. From the Cuban Missile Crisis to COVID, despite dire warnings, the hospitality industry recovers and comes back stronger every time. This episode of the Distinguished Podcast was recorded on the road at the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum in New York City, with guest host Kaushik Vardharajan, Director of Boston University School of Hospitality’s Real Estate Program.  

Daniel is Co-founder, President, and CEO of LW Hospitality Advisors, and one of the most widely quoted voices in lodging investment. In this conversation, he moves from the top line to the bottom line, discussing topics such as: 

• How to find the opportunities in distressed markets 
• Preventing the proliferation of brands from cannibalizing the parent brand 
• Why he stays so bullish on San Francisco and New York 

Email us at [email protected]

The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. 

Host: Arun Upneja, Dean
Producer: Mara Littman, Executive Director of Strategic Operations and Corporate Relations
Research and Content Creation: Lan Lu
Marketing: Anne Dawson
Editing: Isabella Laikin and James Leon

Music: “Airport Lounge" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Every so often an interview is also a reunion. Before he led the Boston University School of Hospitality Real Estate Program, Kaushik Vardharajan spent fifteen years at HVS, the global consulting firm focused exclusively on the hospitality industry. For this interview, Kaushik sits down with Rod Clough, who is now running it across the Americas. This episode of the Distinguished Podcast was recorded on the road at the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum in New York City.  

Rod Clough, President of the Americas for HVS, built his career over more than three decades. With some of the deepest data in the industry behind him, Rod shares: 

• Why this year's performance has surprised almost everyone 
• Where the opportunities lie well beyond the headlines 
• How to leverage AI while maintaining expert judgment at the heart of a valuation 

Email us at [email protected]

The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. 

Host: Arun Upneja, Dean
Producer: Mara Littman, Executive Director of Strategic Operations and Corporate Relations
Research and Content Creation: Lan Lu
Marketing: Anne Dawson
Editing: Isabella Laikin and James Leon

Music: “Airport Lounge" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Ask Chad Sorensen what wins in 2026 and he will not say growth; he will say execution and margins. This episode of the Distinguished Podcast was recorded on the road at the 2026 NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum in New York City, with guest host Kaushik Vardharajan, Director of Boston University School of Hospitality’s Real Estate Program.  

Chad is CEO of CHM Warnick, a leading hotel asset management and advisory firm, and vice chair of Boston University School of Hospitality’s Real Estate Advisory Council.  Tune in to hear this insider’s perspective on: 

• Using AI to find savings without compromising the guest experience 
• The risks in changing brand and manager at the same time 
• Advice for owners on making strategic capital investments 

Email us at [email protected]

The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. 

Host: Arun Upneja, Dean
Producer: Mara Littman, Executive Director of Strategic Operations and Corporate Relations
Research and Content Creation: Lan Lu
Marketing: Anne Dawson
Editing: Isabella Laikin and James Leon

Music: “Airport Lounge" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

We are proud to share from the BU SHA Hospitality Leadership Summit stage on April 10, 2026, the first LIVE podcast recording of The Simmer podcast. Hosted by Kristen Hawley, founder of Expedite, must-read news source about restaurant technology and the future of hospitality, and Brandon Barton, CEO of Bite, this podcast features Judy Thelen, co-founder and CEO of beli, the super-popular app for social restaurant list-keeping and recommendations. 

The conversation covers why ubiquitous “Best of” lists are flawed, and that the so-called “best” comes down to personal taste: what’s best for you, with a little help from friends – specifically, the ones with similar preferences.  

 Hosted by Dean Arun Upneja, BU School of Hospitality Administration 

Featuring the Simmer with Kristen Hawley & Brandon Barton  

Guest: Judy Thelen, CEO of beli 

Recorded live at the BU SHA Hospitality Leadership Summit 

bu.edu/hospitality | [email protected] 

Subscribe to The Distinguished wherever you listen to podcasts.  

Email us at [email protected]

The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. 

Host: Arun Upneja, Dean
Producer: Mara Littman, Executive Director of Strategic Operations and Corporate Relations
Research and Content Creation: Lan Lu
Marketing: Anne Dawson
Editing: Isabella Laikin and James Leon

Music: “Airport Lounge" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

What does it take to lead a 100+ year-old travel company into its next chapter without losing the soul that made it legendary? 

In this episode of Distinguished, Dean Arun Upneja sits down with Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, President and CEO of Collette, a family-owned guided travel brand since 1918. As the first woman to lead the company in its century-long history, Jaclyn has earned her role through experience, starting as a tour guide and growing into leadership across marketing, product, and global strategy. 

In this conversation, Jaclyn talks about how Collette is thoughtfully integrating AI and data into a deeply human-centered brand. She also shares personal impact moments from her travels, ranging from a village in Peru to a powerful conversation in the Middle East, that have shaped her leadership philosophy. 

This episode will challenge you to think differently about how legacy and disruption are not opposites, and why curiosity may be the most essential leadership skill of all. 

Subscribe to Distinguished wherever you listen to podcasts and learn more at bu.edu/hospitality. 

To join the conversation, email [email protected]. 

The Distinguished podcast is produced by the Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. 

Host: Arun Upneja, Dean 

Producer: Mara Littman 

Research: Lan Lu 

Editing: Isabella Laikin 

Sound Engineering: Andrew Hallock 

Email us at [email protected]

The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. 

Host: Arun Upneja, Dean
Producer: Mara Littman, Executive Director of Strategic Operations and Corporate Relations
Research and Content Creation: Lan Lu
Marketing: Anne Dawson
Editing: Isabella Laikin and James Leon

Music: “Airport Lounge" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Restaurants are more than places to eat. They are where communities gather, cultures are shared, and everyday moments become lasting memories. But behind every restaurant is a complex reality, rising costs, workforce challenges, and shifting consumer expectations. 

In this episode of The Distinguished, Dean Arun Upneja welcomes Jen Ziskin, Executive Director of Mass Restaurant United and co-owner of La Morra and Punchbowl in Brookline, MA. With a background in education, restaurant ownership, and statewide advocacy, Jen brings a rare perspective on what it takes to sustain independent hospitality. 

They cover the wage gap between front and back of house, the fight against junk fee legislation, credit card processing fees on tips and taxes, immigration’s role in restaurant culture, real estate challenges, Gen Z dining shifts, tipping fatigue, mental health resources, and the promise and limits of AI in operations. 

Email us at [email protected] 

Learn more about Mass Restaurants United  

The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration.  

Host: Arun Upneja, Dean 

Producer: Mara Littman, Executive Director of Strategic Operations and Corporate Relations 

Research and Content Creation: Lan Lu

Editing: Isabella Laikin 

Music: “Airport Lounge" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 

Email us at [email protected]

The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. 

Host: Arun Upneja, Dean
Producer: Mara Littman, Executive Director of Strategic Operations and Corporate Relations
Research and Content Creation: Lan Lu
Marketing: Anne Dawson
Editing: Isabella Laikin and James Leon

Music: “Airport Lounge" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

What does it take to lead in a changing industry? In this episode of Distinguished, Dean Arun Upneja speaks with Jeff Gates, Chief Operating Officer of the Columbus Hospitality Group (CHG), about the lessons that his many years in restaurants have taught him about leadership, resilience, and the power of people. From his first job at the dish table to overseeing some of Boston’s most celebrated restaurants, Jeff shares how humility, empathy, and consistency have shaped his philosophy: hospitality is a mirror of what you give, reflecting back at you.

Listen to this podcast for an exploration of how leaders can balance technology and human touch, foster purpose-driven teams, and find meaning in everyday service. As the industry adapts to new expectations and tools such as AI, Jeff reminds us that hospitality’s greatest strength has always been, and will always be, its humanity.

🎧 Topics Include:

• Why every leader should start “from the bottom up”
• How AI and innovation can support, not replace, hospitality
• Lessons in mentorship and creating a culture of care
• The story behind CHG's newest concept, Gary’s Pizza
• And what makes great hospitality timeless

Email us at [email protected]

The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. 

Host: Arun Upneja, Dean
Producer: Mara Littman, Executive Director of Strategic Operations and Corporate Relations
Research and Content Creation: Lan Lu
Marketing: Anne Dawson
Editing: Isabella Laikin and James Leon

Music: “Airport Lounge" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Demetri Tsolakis, CEO of Xenia Greek Hospitality, reflected on a powerful, yet often forgotten idea: hospitality is not a transaction, but a human obligation. Drawing from the ancient Greek philosophy of philoxenia, Tsolakis described hospitality as the act of turning a stranger into a friend, an approach that shapes every decision across his restaurants. 

The discussion also explored how this philosophy extends behind the scenes. Tsolakis shared his people-first approach to leadership, emphasizing personality over résumés, storytelling over scripts, and empowerment over micromanagement. By investing in education, trust, and creative freedom, he enables teams to act with ownership and authenticity. 

As the interview made clear, hospitality done right is not only about speed, rules or efficiency; it is about emotion, connection, and care. In an increasingly transactional world, Tsolakis’s perspective offers a compelling reminder that the most memorable experiences begin with how people are made to feel. 

Email us at [email protected]

The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. 

Host: Arun Upneja, Dean
Producer: Mara Littman, Executive Director of Strategic Operations and Corporate Relations
Research and Content Creation: Lan Lu
Marketing: Anne Dawson
Editing: Isabella Laikin and James Leon

Music: “Airport Lounge" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

What do you do when the real estate market collapses? 
If you’re Ian Livingstone, you buy. 

In this episode of Distinguished, Dean Arun Upneja speaks with Ian Livingstone, the co-founder of London & Regional Properties, one of the UK’s largest private real estate groups, about what it really takes to build a £12 billion global empire, through booms, crashes, and everything in between. 

Livingstone shares how he went from running 170 optician stores to reshaping urban skylines; why crisis moments create once-in-a-generation opportunities; and how he’s built cities like Panama Pacifico, where 20,000+ homes, schools, and commercial districts grew from a single idea and decades of patience. 

A candid, behind-the-curtain conversation on timing, conviction, distressed assets, hospitality real estate, and why the future of leisure and experience-driven travel still holds unmatched potential, even in the age of AI. 

Email us at [email protected]

The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. 

Host: Arun Upneja, Dean
Producer: Mara Littman, Executive Director of Strategic Operations and Corporate Relations
Research and Content Creation: Lan Lu
Marketing: Anne Dawson
Editing: Isabella Laikin and James Leon

Music: “Airport Lounge" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0