ShandeeLand

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Mia Silverman, a Food Allergy Advocate and NYU student who's making a huge impact both in the allergy community and beyond.

We first discovered Mia through her TikTok.  She was traveling with her 50+ food allergies. But her work goes far beyond that. She shares her personal journey, from discovering her diagnosis to managing new allergies as she grows older. Mia also discusses her experiences with food challenges, offering valuable advice for others on a similar path.

While studying psychology, focusing on child and adolescent mental health, Mia balances multiple jobs, research projects, and her work with a non-profit—all while staying committed to helping the allergy community. She also shares dating tips (green flags included!) and provides expert travel guidance for navigating food allergies.

Tune in to hear Mia’s incredible story and be inspired by her resilience and dedication to making a difference.  This young woman is determined to give back!

Heather Neary, the President and CEO of Taco John’s International, Inc. shares her inspiring professional journey, which began in a cheesesteak shop outside of Philadelphia, where she often left work smelling like onions.  It was here Heather discovered her passion for the fast-paced and exciting hospitality industry.

Her career trajectory took a fascinating and incredible trajectory. Heather advanced through the ranks at Auntie Anne’s, gaining valuable experience and eventually finding her way to Taco John’s. In her current role, she is deeply committed to honoring the brand's legacy while guiding its growth.

One of the key topics Heather addresses is the delicate balance of leading an established company—understanding what aspects to preserve and identifying areas of growth. A significant part of her leadership philosophy centers on the importance of listening, both to her team and to the franchisees with whom she maintains strong relationships.

Throughout the episode, Heather emphasizes a positive outlook on life, discussing the best and worst parts of her day while maintaining an optimistic perspective. She also offers invaluable advice for women aspiring to grow and advance in the hospitality industry. Heather's approach to leadership is characterized by a willingness to take risks, learn every aspect of the business, and never say, "That's not my job."

Additionally, Heather shares some personal reflections, including the proudest moment of her career, highlighting her journey as one of hard work, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Meet Rebecca Berry, a hospitality trailblazer with over a decade of dedicated service! As the Senior Sales Manager for Career & Workforce Advancement at the National Restaurant Association, Rebecca is reshaping careers in the dynamic world of hospitality. Her impressive background includes serving as a former board member of The Colorado Restaurant Association and being a proud member of the World Wide Women's Association.

Rebecca is instrumental in the success of ServSuccess, driving the development of industry-leading training programs and certifications. Her commitment to professional development is unwavering.

In this episode, Rebecca shares her inspiring journey. Initially a licensed cosmetologist, she transitioned to hospitality after being diagnosed with celiac disease, driven by concerns about chemical exposure.  

Rebecca explains the critical role of ServSuccess in providing training and certification support for restaurant and hospitality workers. She highlights how it equips employees with the necessary tools to build knowledge and validate skills, facilitating growth across various career stages.

Rebecca also delves into the post-pandemic state of the industry, discussing the evolving demands for quality of life from employees and how leadership is responding. Plus, she gives us a glimpse into the next big shift in hospitality.

Tune in to hear Rebecca Berry's insightful journey and valuable perspectives on the future of the hospitality industry. 

We had the pleasure of featuring the incredible David "Rev" Ciancio for his second appearance on our podcast! If you missed his first episode, be sure to check out #158.

Rev is a powerhouse in the business, tech, and marketing world. He's the Co-Founder and CMO of Handcraft Burgers and Brews and the Head of Revenue Marketing for Branded Strategic Hospitality. Recently, he's embarked on a new journey with Baboo, an innovative online ordering and food delivery platform that's commission-free and fee-limited, designed to support independent restaurants in Greater North Jersey.

In this episode, Rev dives deep into the inspiration behind Baboo and its significance for the restaurant industry. He passionately discusses why, for the first time, guests are paying for the experience rather than just the food. Rev also shares valuable insights on how restaurants can enhance their guests' experiences.

Meet Caitlin Follett, the Pastry Chef Extraordinaire at Fenway Park! Boston-born and deeply immersed in Boston sports, Caitlin shares her journey from MBA graduate to creating delectable desserts for Fenway's premium department, private suites, and catering programs. Her unique blend of culinary expertise and business acumen sets her apart in the industry.

With a family who supported her every step of the way, Caitlin inherited their strong work ethic. She walks by the iconic field every day, fueled by passion and gratitude for her dream job. 

Tune in as Caitlin reveals the ins and outs of her game day routine, from crafting desserts for restaurants to catering to exclusive events. She dishes on the best moments of her day and what tasks she dreams of delegating. From the hustle and bustle of the kitchen to the thrill of seeing her creations delight patrons, Caitlin's day is a symphony of culinary artistry and precision.

Caitlin shares advice on building technique and expertise. Despite her remarkable career, she ponders what the future might hold. Her journey is a testament to the power of dedication and hard work, inspiring aspiring chefs to pursue their passions.

Don't miss this inspiring episode as Caitlin Follett serves up insights from the heart of Fenway Park! 

Troy Hooper, CEO of Hot Palette America, the parent company of Pepper Lunch is our exciting guest this week. Troy's journey is a fascinating blend of real estate, construction, culinary arts, and supply chain expertise, all converging into his remarkable career path.

Troy delves into the art of choosing the perfect location for success, drawing parallels between real estate and crafting the perfect menu. He emphasizes that just like a well-curated dish, a strategic location is a recipe for triumph.

But here's the real takeaway: it's not just about getting people to try your offerings; it's about ensuring they keep coming back for more. Troy reveals the sobering statistic that 70% of customers never return, shedding light on the true challenges of building customer loyalty in the culinary world.

Moreover, Troy provides valuable insights into the unique challenges the US market faces compared to international markets, offering a holistic view of the culinary landscape.

Tune in to our podcast episode to discover Troy's wisdom and experience firsthand! 

In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Weedy, Vice President of Finance for Ledo Pizza, to unravel the fascinating journey of a finance professional in the dynamic world of hospitality. Aaron shares his unexpected entry into the industry during college, highlighting the diverse career paths that hospitality can offer.

We delve into Ledo Pizza's rich history, exploring its origins, unique selling points, and how it has carved its niche in the competitive pizza landscape. Aaron sheds light on the intriguing aspects of operating a pizza chain that offers dine-in and take-out but stands out by not delivering – a strategic choice that includes shipping for their customers.

The conversation takes a deep dive into the pros and cons of franchising, offering valuable insights for those navigating the complexities of expanding a business. Aaron shares the financial intricacies of his role as a CFO, providing a glimpse into the day-to-day responsibilities and decision-making processes that contribute to the success of Ledo Pizza.

Join us in this insightful episode as we explore the slice of hospitality with Aaron Weedy and uncover the secrets behind this iconic brand.

We're thrilled to welcome back Žana Usher, Founder and CEO of Žana DeVine Hospitality, for another insightful episode.

In our previous chat, Žana shared her incredible journey in the hospitality industry and emphasized the importance of attention to detail for an exceptional guest experience. Today, she's back, urging us to go the extra mile and elevate our hospitality game to
ensure our guests have the ultimate experience!

But that's not all – Žana has launched her very own podcast, "Global Dating Dynamics," on Instagram Live! She delves into the intriguing intersection of hospitality and dating – a topic that is unique and diverse.

Žana Devine Hospitality is a commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry. Her passion for creating a warm and productive work environment shines through, ensuring your team, services, and processes are exceptional.

Ready to discover the smallest things that make your guests feel special? Join us in this week's episode as Žana takes us on a journey of hospitality excellence!

Dive into the world of fearless travel with our latest episode featuring Allie Bahn! As a seasoned writer, content creator, educator, and consultant, Allie shares her awe-inspiring journeys through the unique lens of living with severe food allergies.

Starting her blog back in 2008, Allie has become a beacon of knowledge in the realm of safe and enjoyable travel for those with food allergies. Her website, missallergicreactor.com, is a treasure trove of information and a go-to resource for anyone seeking tips, tricks, and strategies for navigating the world with dietary restrictions.

Tune in to discover Allie's firsthand experiences, as well as gain insights into her online courses offering invaluable guidance for safe and worry-free travel both at home and abroad.

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first adventure, this podcast is a must-listen!

We welcome back Lisa Cohen, the founder and CEO of The Kyah Rayne Foundation. Lisa, who tragically lost her daughter Kyah Rayne to an anaphylaxis reaction, returns with inspiring updates. The foundation has just launched new course specifically designed for restaurants and food service personnel. These courses aim to raise awareness and educate on the critical aspects of handling food allergies.

In this episode, Lisa shares her ongoing advocacy efforts, including taking on big pharma to push for price caps on epinephrine in Arizona. Her dedication doesn't stop there; she's also actively supporting schools in accessing epinephrine, a life-saving measure in allergy emergencies.

Lisa's work with The Kyah Rayne Foundation continues to make a meaningful impact, emphasizing the crucial need for increased awareness, education, and accessibility in the fight against food allergies.

For more information on The Kyah Rayne Foundation and their initiatives, visit: https://www.kyahraynefoundation.org/