Skift Ideas

In this episode of the Skift Ideas Podcast, we are joined by Ashraf Amaani, Vice President, Brand Marketing at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

He currently serves as Vice President, Brand Marketing at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, where he is responsible for driving the global brand marketing agenda and orchestrating the development and implementation of worldwide campaigns and programs to elevate brand visibility and drive revenue. 

Ashraf is known for his creativity and ability to collaborate with like-minded brands, leading to the cultivation of a vibrant community around the brand. 

Listen in as we explore how different cultures can shape marketing and experiences for global hospitality brands, and also how to navigate the nuances of a global brand in regional markets. 

Host: Colin Nagy

Guest: Ashraf Amaani

Producer: Jose Marmolejos

In this episode of the Skift Ideas Podcast, Colin sits down with Larry McGuire, Co-Founder and Owner of MML Hospitality. 

Larry McGuire was born and raised in Austin where his culinary career began at age 16, today, with 23 restaurants, hotels, and retail shops under MML Hospitality, Larry focuses on project development, finance, and operations at MML while co-leading concept and interior design at Lambert McGuire Design.

Listen in as Colin's and Larry explore how the design of a space can not only provide an enriching experience for guests, but also for the local community.

Host: Colin Nagy

Guest: Larry McGuire

Producer: Jose Marmolejos

In this episode of the Skift Ideas Podcast, Colin is joined by Michael Fuerstman, Co-Founder of Pendry Hotels & Resorts, where Michael currently oversees the development of the brand and its execution in design, guest experience, programming and new development.

Listen in as we explore Michael's approach to delivering hospitality experiences that go beyond conventional expectations.

Host: Colin Nagy

Guest: Michael Fuerstman

Producer: Adam Stacy/Jose Marmolejos

In this episode of the Skift Ideas Podcast, Colin is joined by Ho Ren Yung, Head of Brand HQ at Banyan Group.

Banyan Group is one of the world’s leading independent, multi-branded hospitality groups centered, with Ren being responsible for Brand, Digital and Wellbeing across the Group’s multi-branded portfolio, having joined the Group in 2009. 

Listen in as we unravel the secrets behind crafting spaces and experiences that seamlessly blend luxury, sustainability and wellbeing to shape an unparalleled guest experience.

Host: Colin Nagy

Guest: Ho Ren Yung

Producer: Jose Marmolejos/James Magallanes

In this episode of the Skift Ideas Podcast, Colin is joined by Christopher Norton, CEO of Equinox Hotels, as explore the evolution of guest expectations when it comes to luxury hospitality. 

Chris has been designing premiere guest experiences with holistic health in mind throughout his 30-year career in the hospitality industry, and following stints at the Watergate Hotel, Boca Raton Resort & Club, Ritz-Carlton New York, and a long tenure at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Chris brought his keen sense of style, commitment to a healthy lifestyle and dedication to the people that he works with to launch Equinox’s first-ever luxury lifestyle and hospitality brand. 

Join us as we unravel the intricacies of modern hospitality, and how a holistic approach to wellness is ticking the boxes for the modern traveler. 

Host: Colin Nagy

Guest: Michael Canning

Producer: Jose Marmolejos/James Magallanes

In the latest episode of the Skift Ideas Podcast, Colin is joined by Harry Jameson, CEO of Pillar Wellbeing, as we explore the evolution of wellbeing in travel.

Harry has over 18 years' experience in the fitness & hospitality industries, having optimized performance and wellbeing for CEOs, celebrities and politicians alike, alongside creating wellbeing retreats and advising on wellness programming in some of the world's most luxurious hotels and resorts. 

Listen in as Harry shares his profound insights into the world of wellbeing, and examines how travel has undergone a transformative journey towards embracing and incorporating wellbeing as an integral aspect of the guest experience.

Host: Colin Nagy

Guest: Michael Canning

Producer: Jose Marmolejos/James Magallanes

In episode seven of the Skift Ideas Podcast, we are joined by Michael Canning, co-founder and chief brand officer at Exceptional Alien. 

Hot off the heels of their 2023 Skift IDEA Awards win, Exceptional Alien is a new travel platform leveraging the power of creatives and influencers to curate travel communities in order to highlight unique experiences through its 'Travel Playbooks'.

Listen in as Colin and Michael discuss how Exceptional Alien is weaving a unique and authentic tapestry of the world, by bringing together a community that offers a genuine world view through the lenses of creativity, exploration, and action.

Host: Colin Nagy

Guest: Michael Canning

Producer: Jose Marmolejos/James Magallanes

In this episode of the Skift Ideas Podcast, we will be delving into the fascinating world of globally renowned designer Bill Bensley, Founder of Bensley.

Join us as we explore the remarkable journey that has shaped Bill's unique perspective on the world of design, from his upbringing on a self-sustaining farm in California to his deep-rooted commitment to sustainability. 

Listen in as Bill discusses his incredible career so far, and how he seamlessly blends his two passions – design and conservation – to make a meaningful impact on the environments and communities where his projects come to life. 

In this episode, we are joined by Harsha L’Acqua, Founder & CEO of Saira Hospitality.

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on the enduring importance of the human touch in hospitality and the impact we can have within communities through creating opportunities and fostering mentorship.

Listen in as Harsha offers her valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry, emphasizes the vital role we play in building communities, and shares her vision for nurturing the next generation of professionals in the field.

Whether we are embarking on a personal adventure or jetting off on business, boarding an aircraft has become a common occurrence for most of us. However, no matter how familiar we become with stepping through those aircraft doors, the experience never fails to evoke a sense of wonder within us – even for a pilot.

In episode four of the Skift Ideas Podcast, Colin is joined by Mark Vanhoenacker, a seasoned commercial airline pilot for British Airways and best-selling author of ‘Skyfaring: A Journey with a Pilot’, ‘How to Land a Plane’, and ‘Imagine A City.’

With Mark’s extensive experience and first-hand insights into the realm of aviation, Colin and Mark will explore some of the more poetic and etherial experiences from 35,000 feet above the ground; to the worldview that Mark has from connecting with people and cities globally.

Listen as Colin and Mark remind us that modern aviation, beyond simply being a means of transportation, has the power to ignite an unwavering curiosity and opportunity to explore the worlds that lie both above and below the horizon.