In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan meets with Mary Alice Palmer, the Global Creative Director and Founding Principal at ROAM Interior Design. The conversation focuses on the innovative decision by HKS to spin out ROAM as a standalone design firm. Mary Alice shares insights into her career, mentorship influences, and the strategic considerations behind the successful rebranding and growth of ROAM. The discussion also highlights how this unique approach brings new value to the firm and attracts top industry talent.

Takeaways: 

• Focus on developing a high-quality portfolio that showcases your team's abilities and success stories. A great portfolio can generate positive reactions and open new opportunities.
• Develop a comprehensive business case and clearly articulate the value of any proposed change. Use data and strategic insights to back up your vision.
• Encourage initiatives that push the boundaries of traditional business models. Be open to radical ideas that might initially seem counterintuitive.
• Work with external consultants or brand strategists to gain fresh perspectives and objective insights that can help make a compelling argument for change.
• Understand that markets and team dynamics evolve. Be flexible and willing to modify strategies as necessary to stay aligned with market demands and internal goals.
• Support your team's development through mentoring, training, and continuous learning opportunities. Empower senior-level employees and keep them engaged with challenging projects.
• Publicize your successes both internally and externally. Acknowledge the hard work and dedication of your team to boost morale and attract new talent.

Quote of the Show: 

“I've been down many roads in my career. I'm attracted to things that keep me curious and keep me excited and keep me feeling like I'm on an adventure.” - Mary Alice Palmer

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-alice-palmer-48897462/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roaminteriordesign/ 
• Website: https://www.roaminteriordesign.com/ 

Shout Outs:

• Baha Mar https://bahamar.com/ 
• Marriott https://www.marriott.com/default.mi 
• HKS https://www.hksinc.com/ 
• Murphy Cramer https://www.mcdesign.com/ 
• Simeone Deary https://simeonedeary.com/ 
• WATG https://www.watg.com/ 
• Ritz Carlton https://www.ritzcarlton.com/ 
• Mandarin Oriental https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/ 
• Six Senses https://www.sixsenses.com/en/ 
• Accor https://all.accor.com/a/en.html 
• Hilton https://www.hilton.com/en/ 
• Waldorf Astoria https://thewaldorfus.com/ 
• Dan Noble https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-noble-8a2989b/ 
• Kirk Teske https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkteske/ 
• Revit https://www.autodesk.com/products/revit/architecture 

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/