What happens when cutting-edge tech meets the heart of hospitality? In this episode of The Rebekah Panepinto Project, Rebekah reconnects with longtime friend and industry leader James Rogers, COO of Prosper Company, for an inspiring conversation about the future of foodservice and hospitality.

They explore how Prosper is empowering the next generation of industry changemakers through initiatives like the Prosper Forum, a signature leadership gathering, and the Prosper Accelerator Program, which supports emerging leaders across the sector.

From career evolution to the emotional intelligence of robots, Rebekah and James delve into the intersection of technology, leadership, and community. While robotics and AI continue to reshape operations, they agree that human connection remains at the heart of hospitality, and that authenticity is the ultimate key to lasting success.

Key Takeaways

• Community-first leadership as a cornerstone for meaningful, lasting industry change.
• The Prosper Forum as a purpose-driven, high-impact alternative to traditional conferences.
• The emotional + strategic potential of hospitality technology, from AI to humanoid robotics.
• The evolving importance of balancing efficiency with human connection in customer experiences.
• How companies can prepare for a future shaped by tech convergence (AI, robotics, automation).
• The power of being genuinely yourself in every business and personal interaction.

In This Episode

• [00:00] Introduction and guest background
• [02:17] Founding Prosper Company
• [03:24] Prosper’s mission and vision
• [05:03] Human element in hospitality
• [07:24] The Prosper Forum event
• [10:40] Prosper Accelerator Program
• [13:03] Investing in emerging leaders and community building
• [17:00] Technology trends in hospitality
• [19:38] Balancing tech and experience
• [23:03] Tech as an enabler, not a replacement
• [25:13] Post-COVID human connection
• [27:53] Dreaming the future of tech in food service
• [29:58] Humanoid robots and industry impact
• [32:01] Robots, empathy, and human relationships
• [34:15] AI empathy and workplace applications
• [38:22] Guiding principles for success

Notable Quotes

• [03:38] "We have this phrase we call a better table. And it really is an equation that we believe that if we can make our business is better in the food service and hospitality industry, we can change people's lives, we can have better lives and we can make a better world." — James Rogers
• [22:10] "I think the cat's out of the bag a little bit with technology. I'm not personally going to go back to not ordering from my phone. I find it amazing. But I also value the ability to sit at Starbucks or have a meeting there with friends." — James Rogers
• [37:28] "What if robots can help us as humans connect with other humans in a more appropriate way, leading to more profitable outcomes and better customer experiences and better employee satisfaction?" — James Rogers

Our Guest

James Rogers is the Chief Operating Officer at Prosper Company, a leadership-focused organization in the foodservice and hospitality industries. He’s the driving force behind community-centric initiatives like the Prosper Forum and the Prosper Accelerator Program, with a background in national trade associations and media. James lives in Phoenix with his wife and three children and is passionate about hiking, music, and building meaningful relationships.

Resources and Links

James Rogers

• Website: https://prosperforum.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdrogers
• Prosper Accelerator Program: https://www.prosperforum.com/accelerators/
• Prosper Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prosper-forum

Rebekah Panepinto

• Website: https://rebekahpanepinto.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebekahpanepinto/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebekahpanepinto/