The first episode of 2021 starts off with a quote/motto on creativity, ingenuity and risk...and it's perfect...Throw it at the wall, see what sticks = 2021 motto - Sarah Murillo

And it's perfect for the amazing Sales Manager at the SpringHill Suites Madison, Sarah, who is full of 

• gratitude
• versatility
• resiliency
• self-belief
• consistency and
• servant-heartedness.

Though that wasn't always how Sarah saw herself. Her story of imposter-syndrome meets taking chances and ending up loving the industry, her hotel, her management company and her city shows that no matter what happens, women lifting each other on their way up is important and matters. 

Enjoy her authentic interview and reach out to her on LinkedIn if you have any questions!
Cheers to 2021!

Nikki Johnson is a powerhouse...and one of humility, empathy, inclusivity and a true servant heart. I just adore her and while I'm so grateful for and proud of her for graduating with not just one but TWO degrees from Madison College (she crosses our stage on 12/17/2020), I am sure going to miss her in our classroom. Nikki earned an associate degree in Recreation Management and Hospitality Management and is on her way to be "of service to her guests" (her words...because she's beyond amazing!)

Her story is so fun - what led her to Madison College and this hospitality industry was actually a perfect storm of the Disney College program, an anime club and Tommy Bartlett. In her journey she's been able to take classes in Hospitality Law, the History of Classic Rock and several art and acting classes (her dad was a DJ so that rock class was a source of great fun for them!)

Currently serving our community at the Dane County Airport through her work as a Visitor Information Specialist with Destination Madison, Nikki enjoys pairing experiences in our community with each individual guest that asks here "While I'm here where should I eat? Visit? Explore?" She was recently able to stretch her experiences taking over social media for Madison Originals (for a week!) which allowed her to get to know some great nuggets (listen for the Chef Special deal at Short Stack Eatery) and still has many places she hopes to explore (here she comes Yola's Cafe!). Nikki also works on the weekends at a hotel and has spent time as a seasonal park ranger...all in an effort to expand her knowledge and experiences in this cool industry.

Enjoy this special interview! And be sure to follow her adventures on Instagram through "The Tacky Tourist" (she talks about that here too!)

Jameson Humber is a hospitalitarian on the rise! In this episode, Madison College Hospitality Management student James tells us all why he and fiancé Kelli are re-watching Gilmore Girls to be inspired by their own hopes of being Inn-Owners in the future. Jameson, who has dabbled in landscaping, sales, paint estimates, bartending and serving, has found his 'calling' in hotels and cannot wait to continue his journey in industry. In this episode we talk about Ed, his tumbleweed-hair-shedding 97 pound dog, and of course

•  How his work with places like Buckley's and the Iron Horse Inn in Milwaukee both shaped his experiences in how he enhances the guest experience,
• Why his fiancé is a superhero, especially now with her work in the COVID response, 
• How an EMERGENCY subject line landed him in his happy place with the Graduate Madison hotel,
• Why he loves his new role in housekeeping supervision,
• How a small hotel feels like a big family and why that matters,
• How finding Madison College, as a returning adult student, gave him an entirely new family to call his own, and 
• Why making people feel at home is the coolest thing ever.

Don't miss it and please share on your social media sites! Keep an eye out for this rising star!

The students at Madison College are just absolutely phenomenal. They are kind, empathetic, hard working, persistent, and grateful. Elise Rossing, Hospitality Management program student, is a shining example of the type of students at Madison College. In this episode, Elise talks about her journey from high school to a gap year to Culinary School to Hospitality Management. Along the way she gifts incredible thoughts around

• Her must-have Thanksgiving table side dish
• Why her work as a personal chef gives her an opportunity to connect and build relationships
• How her time at Buck 'N Honeys made her feel wanted to be there and showed her the kind of culture our industry is capable of
• Why resiliency matters 
• Why being willing to ask for help and know your own limitations is imperative to balance
• How we can support small businesses during this pandemic
• Why being at student at Madison College has given her an opportunity to grow and learn and exemplify the Gretzky quote "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"
• Why being less hard on yourself and giving a space for mistakes matters

Enjoy this episode!

Redefining the purpose of Pineapple Sessions, this episode features Deborah Burke who is currently furloughed from our industry (she is in sales). Her perspective is so wonderful to hear because as someone who loves this industry so much that she's choosing to go back to school at Madison College in the Fall of 2020 to get her Hospitality Management degree, she also is living first-hand the impact of this Coronavirus and this COVID-19 pandemic....and yet choosing to live by the words of Maya Angelou, "Still, I rise."

She gives amazing advice, thoughts and reflections worth the time of anyone in our incredible hospitality industry. 

Redefining the purpose of Pineapple Sessions, this episode features the one and only dual credit Exploring Hospitality and Family Consumer Sciences teacher for New Glarus School District, Julie Martin. Julie's interview is truly worth a listen and her approach to meeting students where they're at and truly believing in our spirit of one community is delightful.

Julie talks about how she as a K-12 educator (and active FCCLA member, coach and more!) inspires and a servant heart in the midst of the chaos and unknown-ness of Coronavirus and this COVID-19 pandemic. She gives amazing advice, thoughts and reflections worth the time of anyone in our incredible hospitality industry. 

Redefining the purpose of Pineapple Sessions, this episode features Skip Harless (General Manager) and Rachel Nelezen (Human Resource Coordinator) from The Hilton Madison Monona Terrace. They talk about hope and a servant heart in the midst of the chaos and unknown-ness of Coronavirus and this COVID-19 pandemic. They give amazing advice, thoughts and reflections worth the time of anyone in our incredible hospitality industry.

Redefining the purpose of Pineapple Sessions, this episode features Stephanie LaBella, Director of Operations, Madison Concourse and Governor’s Club and Michael Luehrs, General Manager, Hampton Inn & Suites Madison Downtown. They talk about hope and a servant heart in the midst of the chaos and unknown-ness of Coronavirus and this COVID-19 pandemic. They give amazing advice, thoughts and reflections worth the time of anyone in our incredible hospitality industry. 

This interview with Danielle Boese is such a treat!  A returning adult student who's working full time in hospitality as a Dual Assistant General Manager is making waves and will no doubt achieve all of her dreams. Danielle does a lovely job talking about how she came to the decision to come back to school after her 4 year degree, managing being a younger leader with a team of younger employees, and continuing to be the best version of herself while honoring her own journey. You will appreciate the life lessons that Danielle weaves into her story and the passion in which she talks about how to meet people where they're at and help them see their own possibilities. Enjoy!

Jodie Moss is a returning adult student who is completing her "Master's Program" at Madison College (she's doing a dual degree in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management). As a mom of 7 who has big dreams, this episode paints a beautiful picture of what can happen when you chase your dreams, bring those around you along for the ride, push others to possibilities they don't quite see yet, and simply "get out of bed and keep going." Enjoy!