The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald

In this episode, Ashleigh and Michael Donald are delighted to be joined by Harry Fielder, CEO of Umi Digital and Chair of the Hospitality Marketing Association.

Together, they discuss the evolving role of technology in the hospitality industry, from the rise of connected property management systems to the increasing influence of AI and automation.

Harry shares some remarkable insights, including the important role that friction plays in the guest experience, the complexities of integrating tech stacks, and how human brilliance will always rise to the top in a future of AI-driven tools. Watch out for a few curveball ideas that Harry throws into the discussion too!

Connect with Us:

• Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]

• Website:⁠⁠ www.gohalo.co.uk⁠⁠

• Instagram: ⁠⁠@haloitsmichael⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠@haloitsashleigh⁠⁠

• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠Halo Business Consulting⁠⁠ &  Harry Fielder

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, or follow “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald” on your preferred podcast platform. Please get in touch if you would like to see us discuss a particular subject on a future episode.

We would love to invite fellow hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs to join us on future episodes, so please DM us via social media or email [email protected] if you are interested.

In Episode Ten of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael Donald guests onto the podcast for the very first time!

Together with ⁠Joanna Fisher⁠ and ⁠Ros Hardiman, we explore the power of people-led strategies, the evolving role of technology, and the importance of authenticity in guest experiences. From insights gained at major industry events like WTM and the Independent Hotel Show to personal reflections on transitioning to independent consultancy, Joanna and Ros share invaluable lessons from their accomplished careers. 

Whether you’re navigating rising costs, fostering employee engagement, or embracing flexibility, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration for hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs alike.

Joanna Fisher is a seasoned Commercial Director with over 25 years of experience driving sales, marketing, and revenue strategies across leading hospitality brands, including Kew Green Hotels, IHG, Starwood, and The Ascott Group. Known for her innovative approach, she has led teams through transformative change, developed industry-first models like the “Commercial Hub,” and delivered exceptional revenue growth and operational efficiencies. A mentor and industry advocate, Joanna combines strategic vision with tactical execution to inspire teams and deliver outstanding results for stakeholders.

Ros Hardiman is a dynamic HR leader with a career spanning senior roles in luxury hospitality, leisure, and multi-site operations. With expertise in organisational design, workforce transformation, and embedding company values, she has driven impactful change at companies like Kew Green Hotels, Wentworth Club, and the Gordon Ramsay Group. Passionate about talent development and employee engagement, Ros combines strategic vision with a deep understanding of the commercial impact of people on business success. An advocate for hospitality as a rewarding career, she is a trusted coach, conference presenter, and partner to senior leaders navigating complex challenges.

Connect with Us:

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, or follow “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald” on your preferred podcast platform. Please get in touch if you would like to see us discuss a particular subject on a future episode.

We would love to invite fellow hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs join us on future episodes so please DM us via socials or email [email protected] if you are interested.

In episode nine of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael Donald celebrate five years of Halo. They reflect on their proudest achievements, from building strong client relationships to embracing their roles as entrepreneurs. 

Hear how they've navigated the challenges of the past few years, including the impact of COVID-19, and learn about the evolution of their services - from generalist business consulting to a specialised focus on the hotel industry.

Ashleigh and Michael also discuss the importance of giving back, whether through volunteering, industry contributions, or nurturing the next generation of hospitality professionals. Plus, they share exciting plans for the future, including new collaborations and partnerships.

Connect with Us:

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, or follow “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald” on your preferred podcast platform. Please get in touch if you would like to see us discuss a particular subject on a future episode.

We would love to invite fellow hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs join us on future episodes so please DM us via socials or email [email protected] if you are interested.

In Episode 8 of The Halo Effect podcast, Ashleigh and Michael Donald explore the unique dynamics of Branded vs. Independent Hotels. 

With over 40 years in hospitality, they’ve seen both sides, working for major brands like Starwood and cherished  independent hotels like The Goring. From the consistency and reach of global brands to the authenticity and flexibility of independents, they unpack the benefits, challenges, and evolving trends shaping guest experiences today.

Whether you’re in hospitality or just curious about what makes each hotel experience unique, tune in to learn more about this fascinating industry divide.

Connect with Us:

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, or follow “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald” on your preferred podcast platform. Please get in touch if you would like to see us discuss a particular subject on a future episode.

We would love to invite fellow hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs join us on future episodes so please DM us via socials or email [email protected] if you are interested

🎃 It’s spooky season and Ashleigh and Michael Donald invite you for a chilling Halloween special where they delve into the world of hospitality horror stories. 👻 

From haunted hotels and strange sightings to unexpected guests and night shifts that went wrong, this episode is packed with tales from our time in hospitality.

But it’s not all ghosts and ghouls—this episode also reveals some of the challenges and surprises that hospitality professionals face daily, and the camaraderie that grows from sharing these “war stories.” If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at some of your favourite hotels—or if you just love a good spooky story—then this episode could be the one for you.

Please let us know if you have any hospitality horror stories of your own! 👻

Connect with Us:

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, or follow “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald” on your preferred podcast platform. Please get in touch if you would like to see us discuss a particular subject on a future episode.
We would love to invite fellow hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs join us on future episodes so please DM us via socials or email [email protected] if you are interested

In this episode of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael Donald explore the world of dynamic pricing within the hospitality industry. They take listeners through the evolution from fixed pricing to modern, technology-driven strategies influenced by supply and demand.

Ashleigh and Michael break down the difference between dynamic pricing and surge pricing, using examples like the Oasis ticket controversy, which stirred backlash due to a lack of transparency, compared to Taylor Swift’s consistent pricing strategy that upheld fan loyalty and trust. Since recording the episode, Oasis have announced that they won’t be using dynamic pricing for their US tour. The conversation underscores why transparency is crucial when implementing dynamic pricing and how it can benefit both businesses and consumers.

They discuss the pros and cons of dynamic pricing, such as optimising revenue for hotels and providing value for guests. Michael and Ashleigh also dive into the ethical considerations of this strategy, debating the balance between short-term gains and long-term reputation. Finally, they look towards the future of pricing in hospitality, including personalised pricing and the need for greater consumer protection.

If you’re interested in how the hospitality industry can master pricing strategies to improve both business success and consumer satisfaction, this episode is for you!

Key Topics:

• Evolution of Dynamic Pricing in Hospitality

• Differences Between Dynamic and Surge Pricing

• Case Studies: Oasis vs. Taylor Swift’s Pricing Approaches

• The Importance of Transparency and Trust

• Future Trends: Personalized and Ethical Pricing Strategies

Tune in to stay informed and ahead in the dynamic world of hospitality!

Connect with Us:

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, or follow “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald” on your preferred podcast platform. Please get in touch if you would like to see us discuss a particular subject on a future episode.

We would love to invite fellow hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs to join us on future episodes so please DM us via socials or email [email protected] if you are interested

Welcome to Episode Five of “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald”

Listen as husband-and-wife team Ashleigh and Michael Donald draw on their 40 years of combined experience in global hospitality to share insights and stories from a dynamic industry.

Whether you’re just starting out, seeking growth, or venturing into entrepreneurship, we hope that this podcast can help provide some guidance from real-life experiences. Each episode will offer practical tips and engaging discussions to help you navigate the world of hospitality.

Key Highlights from Episode Five:

🔹 How guest reviews can impact bookings and ADR 💼

🔹 The role of Google and Booking.com in boosting visibility & SEO 📈

🔹 Why authentic reviews and personalized responses are key 🔑

🔹 Tips for using sentiment analysis and gamification to increase reviews 🎮

🔹 How to handle fake reviews and turn feedback into opportunities for growth 💡

Connect with Us:

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, or follow “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald” on your preferred podcast platform. Please get in touch if you would like to see us discuss a particular subject on a future episode.

We would love to invite fellow hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs join us on future episodes so please DM us via socials or email [email protected] if you are interested

Welcome to Episode Four of “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald”

Listen as husband-and-wife team Ashleigh and Michael Donald draw on their 40 years of combined experience in global hospitality to share insights and stories from a dynamic industry.

Whether you’re just starting out, seeking growth, or venturing into entrepreneurship, we hope that this podcast can help provide some guidance from real-life experiences. Each episode will offer practical tips and engaging discussions to help you navigate the world of hospitality.

In Episode Four, we scratch the surface of AI in Hospitality where Ashleigh and Michael discuss:

We look forward to discussing this subject further and have some exciting special guests lined up for future episodes, with whom we will explore the impact of AI in more detail.

Connect with Us:

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, or follow “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald” on your preferred podcast platform. Please get in touch if you would like to see us discuss a particular subject on a future episode.

We would love to invite fellow hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs join us on future episodes so please DM us via socials or email [email protected] if you are interested.

Welcome to Episode Three of “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald”

Listen as husband-and-wife team Ashleigh and Michael Donald draw on their 40 years of combined experience in global hospitality to share insights and stories from a dynamic industry.

Whether you’re just starting out, seeking growth, or venturing into entrepreneurship, we hope that this podcast can help provide some guidance from real-life experiences. Each episode will offer practical tips and engaging discussions to help you navigate the world of hospitality.

Key Highlights  from Episode Three:

Connect with Us:

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, or follow “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald” on your preferred podcast platform. Please get in touch if you would like to see us discuss a particular subject on a future episode.

We would love to invite fellow hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs join us on future episodes so please DM us via socials or email [email protected] if you are interested.

Welcome to Episode Two of “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald”

Listen as husband-and-wife team Ashleigh and Michael Donald draw on their 40 years of combined experience in global hospitality to share insights and stories from a dynamic industry.

Whether you’re just starting out, seeking growth, or venturing into entrepreneurship, we hope that this podcast can help provide some guidance from real-life experiences. Each episode will offer practical tips and engaging discussions to help you navigate the world of hospitality.

Key Highlights  from Episode Two:

Connect with Us:

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, or follow “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald” on your preferred podcast platform. Please get in touch if you would like to see us discuss a particular subject on a future episode.

We would love to invite fellow hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs join us on future episodes so please DM us via socials or email [email protected] if you are interested.