The Lobby Talk

FRENCH - A first glimpse into the next episode of The Lobby Talk with Laurie Galloula

What happens when the host becomes the guest? 🎙️

To kick off Season 2 of The Lobby Talk, we’re turning the microphone around.

My very first guest, Michelle Moreno, is back — but this time, she’s interviewing me.

In this special episode, I share the story behind my career in hospitality, from discovering the industry at 17 and joining Accor to moving from Paris to Sydney and taking some of the biggest risks of my career.

We also talk about why I started The Lobby Talk, what I’ve learned from more than 10 conversations with people across hospitality and tourism, and the challenge of putting yourself out there before you feel completely ready.

From career decisions and taking opportunities to curiosity, leadership, travel and the future of hospitality and tourism, this is a more personal conversation than usual — and a very special way to start Season 2.

Welcome to Season 2 of The Lobby Talk. 🎙️

Hosted by Camille Jammeron

What makes a hotel stay unforgettable? For Michelle Moreno, it might start with the perfect bathrobe.

In this Express Check-In, Michelle shares her favourite hotel ritual, the city that left the biggest impression on her, her first job lessons, and the books and shows she recommends.

A short and personal conversation with one of hospitality’s inspiring voices.

Listen to the full conversation with Michelle Moreno on The Lobby Talk.

What happens when you leave behind the fast pace of New York to create a hospitality experience rooted in purpose, sustainability, and connection?

n this episode of The Lobby Talk, we sit down with Vera and Cam Camarena, the entrepreneurs behind Quinta Camarena, to explore their inspiring journey from successful careers in New York to creating a meaningful hospitality experience in the Portuguese countryside.

From fashion and photography to entrepreneurship and hospitality, Vera and Cam share how they transformed their vision into a sustainable boutique retreat built around authenticity, connection, and a slower way of living. We discuss the challenges of leaving behind corporate careers, the importance of designing experiences with purpose, and what it takes to create a hospitality concept that feels truly personal.

During our conversation, Cam also shares some of the books and films that have influenced his hospitality philosophy, including Unreasonable Hospitality, a powerful exploration of creating exceptional guest experiences, and Kiss the Ground, a documentary highlighting the potential of regenerative agriculture and sustainable practices.

Discover more about Vera and Cam’s boutique retreat:

Recommended inspiration:

A conversation about reinvention, purpose, sustainability, and the future of authentic hospitality.

#Hospitality #BoutiqueHotels #SustainableHospitality #Entrepreneurship #SlowLiving #LuxuryHospitality

From peeling potatoes at 14 to leading global hotel development at Accor what does it really take to build the future of hospitality?

In this episode of The Lobby Talk, I speak with Camil Yazbek, Global Chief Development Officer at Accor, about hospitality leadership, hotel development strategy, and the future of the global travel industry.

From early operational roles to shaping global expansion strategies, Camil shares how hands-on experience, private equity, and the owner mindset influenced his approach to scaling hotel portfolios worldwide.

The conversation explores key trends transforming hospitality today:

A deep dive into why hospitality growth, travel demand, and hotel investment opportunities remain resilient despite global uncertainty and why the industry is entering one of its most dynamic cycles.

What does it take to go from service to shaping hospitality experiences?

In this episode of The Lobby Talk, I sit down with Sonja Stojcevski, founder of Brand & Spice. From sommelier to luxury yachting to experience design, her journey is driven by one thing: curiosity.

They explore why great hospitality isn’t just about aesthetics but about how spaces actually work. From operations to design, Sonia shares why bridging the gap between brand promise and real experience is one of the industry’s biggest challenges today.

In this episode:

A sharp, grounded conversation on the future of hospitality.

🔗 Brand & Spice: Instagram | Website

#HospitalityDesign #GuestExperience #LuxuryHospitality #TheLobbyTalk

What if the most defining moment of your career came from the courage to start over?

In this episode of The Lobby Talk, I sit down with award-winning chef Grace Choy to explore a journey shaped by reinvention, resilience, and purpose.

From a corporate career in Hong Kong to building her own private kitchen, and eventually redefining her craft in Tokyo, Grace’s path challenges the idea of a “linear” success story.

We dive into her transition into the culinary world, the realities of starting from scratch, and how she created an intimate, deeply personal dining experience rooted in Cantonese tradition and elevated by Japanese ingredients.

At the heart of it all lies a powerful philosophy: Ichigo Ichie — one time, one meeting. A way of living and creating that turns every meal into a moment that can never be repeated.

This episode goes beyond food. It’s about courage, self-awareness, and the art of creating meaningful connections through hospitality.

🎧 In this episode:

🎥 Watch Grace Choy’s documentary:

Story of Grace and ChoyChoy | choychoy

What does it take to build a global career in luxury hospitality?

In this episode of The Lobby Talk, Camille Jammeron sits down with Romain Avril, hospitality leader at Rosewood São Paulo, to explore international mobility, Food & Beverage strategy, and leadership across cultures.

From starting in Paris to moving to Dubai at 23, leading F&B in Morocco and Rio during the Olympic Games, navigating crisis in Beirut, and returning to France before settling in Brazil. Romain shares a candid perspective on resilience, adaptability, and long-term growth in luxury hotels.

Together, we discuss:

• Building an international hospitality career

A strategic and human conversation about consistency, courage, and why people remain the ultimate luxury in hospitality.

If you enjoy conversations on luxury hospitality, hotel leadership, F&B innovation, global careers, and the future of tourism, follow The Lobby Talk for more.

Behind every hotel is a story, a vision, and a passion that transforms stays into unforgettable experiences.

Join Adrien, hotel entrepreneur and founder of the Touriste Group, as he shares his journey from youth jobs in London to creating independent hotels with a unique design and guest-focused DNA.

In this episode, we explore:

How early experiences in hostels and corporate hospitality shaped a bold vision for independent hotels.

The story of Touriste Group, from the first acquisition in Paris to creating a brand known for personality, creativity, and profitability.

Secrets of designing memorable guest experiences: balancing design, location, and atmosphere while maintaining affordability.

Lessons from diversifying into campsites and new markets, and how to manage operations across very different hospitality models.

Tales of challenges, failures, and triumphs: from financing the first hotel to building a team that grows with you.

Why human connection, training, and attention to detail remain the cornerstone of hospitality, regardless of technology or market trends.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, hotelier, or hospitality enthusiast, this conversation is full of actionable insights, inspiration, and stories showing how vision, creativity, and perseverance can redefine a hospitality brand.

🔗 Connect with Adrien / Touriste Group:

🎬 Adrien’s Recommended Shows & Movies:

Rebel Hospitality by Chip Conley – lessons from building a global hotel group with purpose and innovation.

Behind every dish is a story, a craft, and a passion that turns a meal into an unforgettable experience. Join Alexis Voisenet as he shares the art and soul of French gastronomy at Maison Avoise.

In this episode, we explore:

How precision, creativity, and respect for ingredients shape a Michelin-starred culinary journey.

The story behind Maison Avoise, from concept to opening, and building a team that brings vision to life.

Secrets of modern French gastronomy: using every part of the product, balancing flavors, and creating moments that guests remember.

How mentorship, experience with top chefs, and a dedication to craft cultivate excellence in a restaurant.

Tales from opening Maison Avoise, receiving its first Michelin star, and redefining what it means to be a chef-owner.

Whether you’re a chef, hotelier, or hospitality enthusiast, this conversation is full of actionable insights, inspiration, and stories that show how culinary creativity can elevate an entire guest experience.

🔗 Connect with Alexis Voisenet:

🎬 Alexis’ Recommended Movies:

The Founder – the story of building a global food empire with precision and vision.