David Gutstadt, Founder & CEO of The Fitler Club, knows what it takes to stand out in the hospitality industry. For 20 years, he has built a brand for himself and earned the respect of high profile business leaders in Philadelphia. Today, he prepares to launch his latest venture: The Fitler Club. In this episode, you’ll find out what makes Gutstadt an entrepreneurial “disruptor” with a vision for the future of the industry. At The Fitler Club, he takes a customer-first approach to creating an environment for creative collaboration.

Marlinda Henry, board president of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners, is an accomplished leader with success building dynamic programs for diverse groups. Through the years, she has embraced the evolution of meetings and conventions, bringing members of her organization memorable experiences. On this episode of the PHL Diversity Podcast, Marlinda discusses some of her current projects, including the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners Annual Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, from November 28 – December 1.

James Cuorato, president and CEO of the Independence Visitors Center Corporation (IVCC), has held some of Philadelphia’s most coveted public positions. The former Director of Commerce and City Representative discusses how he arrived in the world of tourism and hospitality. During a historical period of renovation, Cuorato shares exclusive details about the IVCC’s $15 million visitor experience improvement project. You’ll also learn about his musical skills, something critical to maintaining his work-life balance.

Kelvin Moore, SMG regional general manager of the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC), is a hospitality industry veteran devoted to customer service and creating memorable experiences for customers. He joins the podcast to discuss a chance encounter that shaped a new way of thinking, and outlines PCC’s vision moving forward. With career stops in Phoenix, San Antonio, and most recently Chicago, Moore reveals the most important lessons he has learned and the variables that set Philadelphia apart from these other destinations.

Irene Levy Baker, a Philadelphia restaurant expert, opens up about her new book “Unique Eats and Eateries of Philadelphia”. She discusses how the restaurant scene has evolved, identifying memorable experiences for every palette. The only way to learn about the city’s dynamic food culture is to get out and try it, as Irene urges listeners to take a look beyond traditional staples and explore the unexpected corners of the city – from Fishtown to South Philadelphia’s Passyunk Square.

Monique Greenwood, president and CEO of Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns, reveals her unconventional path from magazine editor to hotel proprietor. Throughout her career, she’s taken financial risks and challenged the status quo to develop a thriving hospitality business. Greenwood owns and operates several properties in various U.S. cities, with West Philadelphia being the latest addition to the roster. She divulges some of her secrets to succeeding in business and the ways the hospitality industry is changing.

Fernand Fernandez, Interim President and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), joins the PHL Diversity Podcast providing an inside look into the organization’s September convention, revealing why Philadelphia was the right meeting destination. The USHCC actively promotes economic growth and the interests of Hispanic-led businesses. Special guest Jennifer Rodriguez, President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce also contributes to the discussion.

To close out season three of the PHL Diversity Podcast, we have decided to ‘flip the script’ and interview the interviewer. In this episode, PHL Diversity Executive Director Greg DeShields is interviewed by two PHL Diversity Advisory Board members: Kelly Meerbott, leadership coach, speaker and owner of

YOU: Loud and Clear; and Jodie Riccelli, director of client strategy at WebDevStudios.

Jonathan Lovitz, Senior Vice President of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), joins the PHL Diversity podcast series to discuss his role with the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce -- an organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community -- and its upcoming conference in Philadelphia. He discusses the economic impact of LGBT businesses and the importance of intersectionality between LGBT and other minority communities. He also shares details about the 2018 NGLCC International Business and Leadership Conference, which is the largest LGBT business event in the world. He highlights what drove NGLCC to choose Philadelphia, along with confirmed conference special guests and goals for the NGLCC conference overall.

Amber Hikes, Director of LGBT Affairs for the City of Philadelphia, joins the PHL Diversity podcast to discuss Philadelphia’s Office of LGBT Affairs. A vocal supporter of, and champion for, Philadelphia’s LGBTQ community, Amber covers the recent programs her office has created and implemented — including last month’s first-ever LGBTQ State of the Union — the groundbreaking "More Color, More Pride" campaign and Philadelphia Pride Month celebrations taking place in June. With the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce Convention coming to Philadelphia later this summer, Amber also touches on the planning for the convention.