In this episode of Take Care, we delve into the heart of the hospitality industry with a focus on how authentic care and critical thinking transform service. 

Our guest Sonny Kerstiens shares insights from over two decades in the industry, discussing the importance of questioning established norms, fostering open-mindedness, and ensuring personal and team growth. He emphasizes the need for scalable solutions in a rapidly growing company, the principles of continuous improvement, and the value of psychological safety within teams. 

Through stories and examples, we explore frameworks for decision-making, challenging cognitive biases, and maintaining a vision that aligns and motivates teams towards exceptional hospitality.

00:00 Introduction to the Heart of Hospitality
00:41 Exploring Critical Thinking in Hospitality
02:52 Overhauling the Tech Stack
05:01 Scaling and Expanding Hotel Operations
09:45 Vision Casting and Team Dynamics
27:23 Frameworks for Critical Thinking
37:01 Mindfulness and Emotional Control
41:34 Current Learning and Development

Follow Josh Ramsey on LinkedIn

In this episode of 'Take Care,' we delve into the essence of hospitality through the lens of empathy and authentic care. 

Joined industry leader Kate Reed, we explore how self-care translates to better team dynamics and exceptional guest experiences. The conversation touches on personal stories of vulnerability and resilience, the cultivation of empathy through life's unanticipated events, and practical approaches to maintaining empathy while setting personal boundaries. Highlighting tools like personality assessments and Brene Brown's research, the discussion provides actionable insights into fostering meaningful connections in both professional and personal settings.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:32 Exploring Empathy and Vulnerability

05:15 Navigating Personal and Professional Boundaries

07:05 The Role of Empathy in Career Growth

08:19 Personality Assessments and Their Impact

11:00 Empathy in Leadership and Communication

16:28 Balancing Empathy and Personal Responsibility

26:32 The Importance of Honest Communication

38:06 Managing Boundaries and Self-Care

42:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Follow Josh Ramsey on LinkedIn

In this episode of 'Take Care - Unwritten Playbook of Hospitality Career Growth,' hosts explore career advancement in the hospitality industry with expert Ivo Wunderlich. 

The discussion highlights the importance of bridging gaps in traditional education, real-life scenarios, and skill stacking. Ivo shares insights from his experience in revenue management, emphasizing the significance of cultural understanding, teamwork, and communication in problem-solving. 

Additionally, the conversation delves into the vital role of critical thinking, asking the right questions, and maximizing operational efficiency. 

Ivo also reflects on his journey from an in-room server to his current position, underscoring the impact of vulnerability, curiosity, and adaptability in achieving career success.

Follow Josh Ramsey on LinkedIn

In this episode of the 'Take Care' podcast, we explore how authentic care within the hospitality industry creates meaningful connections and exceptional service. Industry leaders share insights on the importance of self-care for effective team management and guest satisfaction. Josh discusses quick learning through direct feedback, career growth examples, and the wide array of roles in the industry. This episode covers essential skills and traits like communication, leadership, resilience, and empathy. Josh also highlights the importance of psychological safety in high-performing teams, ultimately emphasizing the significance of care and connection in human flourishing.

Follow Josh Ramsey on LinkedIn

In this episode, Josh explores the evolution of the hospitality industry from ancient times to modern-day, emphasizing how hotels have continually adapted to meet the changing needs of travelers. It delves into the importance of creating spaces where guests feel safe, seen, and comfortable, using personal anecdotes to illustrate the advancements in hotel design and service. This episode highlights the significant role hospitality plays in providing care during times of distress and the essential nature of anticipating guests' needs. The episode also touches on the broader impact of the industry on job creation and economic contribution, emphasizing the meaningful and fulfilling aspects of working in hospitality.

Follow Josh Ramsey on LinkedIn

In this episode Josh explores how genuine care can forge meaningful connections that revolutionize service. He discusses the ancient roots of hospitality, highlighting the mutual exchange of vulnerability between guest and host. Featuring insights from industry leaders and historical references like Homer's Odyssey, we examine the importance of empathy and authentic interactions in hospitality. Tune in to discover how caring for oneself and others enhances the guest experience and promotes peace through understanding and compassion.

Follow Josh Ramsey on LinkedIn

In the inaugural episode of Take Care, Josh Ramsey explores the foundational principles of authentic hospitality. Josh shares his unconventional journey into hospitality, inspired by his upbringing rooted in service and a surprising connection to Conrad Hilton's vision. He recounts his early experiences at Hilton and the pivotal moment he realized the importance of fostering a caring and connected work environment. 

Josh also discusses how his personal values of care and "otherness" shape his leadership philosophy at Prosper, where taking care of their team is the cornerstone of their success. Josh offers profound insights into creating a culture of trust, vulnerability, and unconditional appreciation for individuals, drawing inspiration from the wisdom of Mr. Rogers. This episode lays the groundwork for understanding how exceptional hospitality truly begins from within. 

Follow Josh Ramsey on LinkedIn

Ever wonder what it really takes to sell hotel rooms? Go beyond the booking with Mike Hoelscher, Area Director of Sales with Commonwealth Hotels, as he shares the secrets to success in this ever-evolving industry. From dialing for dollars to building lasting relationships, Mike reveals the human side of hotel sales and why empathy and curiosity are key to winning over clients. Tune in for insights on navigating the changing landscape of hospitality and discover how the best salespeople are more than just closers – they're detectives, community builders, and genuine caretakers. 

Follow Josh Ramsey on LinkedIn

In this episode of Unpacking the Hotel Business, Josh talks with Joe Cicora, National Business Development Leader at DLR Group, to explore the fascinating world of hospitality design.

Joe shares insights into DLR Group's unique approach to crafting memorable hotel experiences, from their "muse-driven" design philosophy to their emphasis on storytelling and community connection. Josh and Joe also discuss the evolving needs of hotel guests and how DLR Group is adapting to create spaces that resonate with today's travelers.

Join us as we delve into:

• The power of storytelling in hospitality design
• How to create a sense of place and community in hotels
• The evolving trends in the hospitality industry
• The importance of designing from the "inside out"
• Joe's unique journey from baseball coaching to hotel development

Follow Josh Ramsey on LinkedIn

In this episode, Josh unpacks the hotel business from a historical perspective with Mark Young, Archivist Historian at the Conrad N. Hilton College at the University of Houston. Discover the origins of iconic brands, the impact of technological advancements, and the enduring spirit of hospitality that has spanned centuries.

Follow Josh Ramsey on LinkedIn