Nicole Mahoney is an entrepreneur, speaker, and podcast host with a passion for business. She’s the founder of Break the Ice Media, a PR and digital marketing agency specializing in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry, and also serves as the CEO of Travel Alliance Partners. In her weekly podcast, Destination on the Left, launched in 2016, she interviews tourism professionals from all over the globe on creativity and collaboration.

She commissioned a first-of-its-kind research study in 2020 to examine what makes partnerships successful and explore the role collaboration is playing in helping the industry recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. Those results, her recorded conversations with more than 300 podcast guests, and her personal experience formed the basis of her book, Stronger Together: Building World-Changing Business Collaborations. Nicole resides in Canandaigua, New York.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemahoney/

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Most recently Lou Zameryka has completed 17 years building global commercial strategies and teams at Booking.com. Lou also has served for over 15 years in various volunteer leadership positions at organizations such as the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association, as both the President of the Largest Chapter (NY) and as an America's Board member.

Lou is a positive person with a passion for human potential and achievement. He enjoys the process of creating and refining ideas as well as supporting people from the early stages to achieving their fullest potential.

He uncovered his strengths, and character traits as well as developed his mindset during the past 20+ years of experience opening amazing new hotels, building Booking.com into the industry leader in travel, and as a volunteer leader with the

Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International. There is more to Lou's story but these experiences were foundational and contributed the most.

Lou’s daily training sessions as an amateur competitive long distance runner gives him time to reflect on the knowledge shared with him and think through challenging opportunities. When not running or doing what some people would call “work”, Lou spends as much time as possible with his wife, son and daughter. Typically doing things they each love which includes camping, surfing, sailing, and pretty much anything outdoors all while exploring destinations across the world.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/louzameryka/

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Saxton Sharad is the CEO of Revival Hotels, a firm specializing in aiding independent properties and unique hospitality brands. Before this, he expanded Graduate Hotels from 12 to 35 properties as its COO, initiating its international growth and establishing the Brand Operations Department for brand consistency and efficiency. He also spearheaded the development of Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts, a luxury golf hotel venture. Earlier, Saxton founded Post Script Hospitality, a groundbreaking hotel consulting firm. With a hands-on approach, Post Script enhanced service and profitability, generating millions in profit for clients. Saxton worked with over 20 brand affiliations globally and advised renowned brands like Four Seasons, Meadowood Resort, and Omni Hotels. His hospitality journey began with roles at Intercontinental Boston, Wynn Las Vegas, and Caesars Palace. A Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration alumnus, he's also a Certified Hotel Administrator. Residing in New York, Saxton cherishes his role as a father to three children and a husband to Karen.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/saxton-sharad-cha-6642a49/

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On this episode of The Travel Leader we hosted SHaD Talk, a series of discussions highlighting participants of She has a Deal's pitch competition. We were joined by guest co-host Tracy Prigmore, founder of She has a Deal, Viviana Wilkens and Portia Hood. Learn more about She has a deal at www.shehasadeal.com and our guests below.

The Travel Leader is brought to you by The Travel Leader Coach, a content and coaching platform founded by Executive Leadership Coach, Rachel Vandenberg. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com.

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Tracy L. Prigmore, founder of TLTsolutions, champions generational wealth through strategic real estate investments, managing a multi-million-dollar portfolio across four states. Honored as LODGING's 2021 "Person of the Year" and recognized in 2022 by IHI among global hospitality's most influential, Tracy's standout achievement is "She Has a Deal." This pioneering EdTech platform promotes commercial real estate pathways for women and people of color. Its flagship Hotel Investment Pitch Competition, SHaDPitch, has been pivotal in fostering a new generation of women real estate leaders. Tracy, formerly a healthcare executive, resides in northern Virginia with her family.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-l-prigmore-097656/

Portia Hood, a seasoned Director of Sales and Marketing with 20 years in the hospitality sector, has represented giants like Marriott, Hilton, and Intercontinental Hotel Group. Awarded as one of Hilton's "Hospitality Heroes" in 2021, she led her hotel to "Best Revenue Optimization" in 2022. A shining star in her field, Portia achieved a significant milestone in 2023 by winning the coveted She Has A Deal Today's Woman Track, showcasing her expertise and vision for the future of the industry. Alongside her hospitality prowess, she's a licensed realtor in Maryland and holds an MBA from Mercer University. With eyes set on hotel ownership, Portia's journey epitomizes leadership, perseverance, and passion. She resides in Northern Virginia with her family.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/portia-h-97254a174/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivianaw5/

Stacia Harvey-Randall is the co-founder of the Black Women of Hospitality Organization.  She has worked in the hotel industry for 22 years working for various brands.  Stacia is originally from Berwick, Louisiana but resided in New Orleans, Louisiana for over 20 years. Stacia graduated from Southern University at New Orleans with a B.A. in General Studies, and a Minor in Print Journalism.  Stacia also obtained a Master's Degree from University of Phoenix in Adult Training and Development.  She started her career as a Front Desk agent and now is a Director of Human Resources.  Her passion is public speaking, recruiting, and leadership development.  She overcame many barriers throughout her journey, and now her drive is to assist other women with reaching their goals and creating pathways to fulfill their service dreams!

The Travel Leader Podcast is brought to you by The Travel Leader, a travel content, leadership and coaching initiative for leaders in hospitality, travel and tourism. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com. Follow The Travel Leader at https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-travel-leader and our host and founder Rachel Vandenberg at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelmvandenberg

Michelle Hurtt believes empowering her teams is the way to bring out her teams full potential. She has been overseeing Pure Hotels LLc. hotels as their Regional Service Manager. She has 1,000's of hours of training that allow her to bring the knowledge to her teams. She currently has helped ownership start a new adventure with another hotel and

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The Travel Leader Podcast is brought to you by The Travel Leader, a travel content, leadership and coaching initiative for leaders in hospitality, travel and tourism. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com. Follow The Travel Leader at https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-travel-leader and our host and founder Rachel Vandenberg at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelmvandenberg

Gary Jamison is a highly skilled and guest-oriented Concierge with a remarkable career spanning over 20 years in the hospitality and tourism industry. Gary is known for his exceptional service to clients and tourists, always striving to exceed expectations. His track record includes mentoring newly hired personnel to improve their customer service focus on guests and visitors.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the tourism industry, Gary was honored with The Feb 2016 Hitmaker's Award from The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.

With an array of talents, Gary possesses the ability to motivate team members, ensuring they perform at their best. He exhibits a laser focus when completing tasks, excelling in multitasking projects to meet tight deadlines. His exceptional listening skills and problem-solving capabilities make him a valuable asset.

Currently, Gary is the Chef Concierge at the Loews Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee. Previously, he was part of the Opening Concierge team at Grand Hyatt Hotel and Chef Concierge at JW Marriott, where he worked closely with guests, including VIPs and celebrities, providing impeccable service while respecting their privacy. He has also played an active role in promoting local attractions and events, enhancing guests' experiences.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyjamison/

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The Travel Leader Podcast is brought to you by The Travel Leader, a travel content, leadership and coaching initiative for leaders in hospitality, travel and tourism. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com. Follow The Travel Leader at https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-travel-leader and our host and founder Rachel Vandenberg at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelmvandenberg

Sara joined Olympia in 2006 and spent several years at the property level, including the award winning Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, before joining the Home Office in 2013 as Vice President of Olympia Hotel Management, leading the company’s growing portfolio of independent hotels and restaurants.

In 2019 Sara was promoted to President of Olympia Hotel Management, responsible for maximizing owner value through property performance and growing the organization’s managed portfolio of unique hotel and food & beverage assets across the United States. Prior to joining Olympia, Sara was a regional director for a Boston-based asset management company. She started her career in a variety of operating roles at full-service independent resorts on Cape Cod. Sara graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Massachusetts with a degree in history. Sara is the Immediate Past President of the New England Inns & Resorts Association and has been a speaker for a variety of hospitality and travel groups, including the International Society of Hospitality Consultants, Indie Lodging Congress and the College and University Hotel Owner Society.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-masterson-910b83a/

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The Travel Leader Podcast is brought to you by The Travel Leader, a travel content, leadership and coaching initiative for leaders in hospitality, travel and tourism. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com. Follow The Travel Leader at https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-travel-leader and our host and founder Rachel Vandenberg at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelmvandenberg

A former Hotelier of the Year, Jeff David has a pedigree that spans over twenty-five years and is a leader in the hospitality industry in opening luxury properties.  Jeff’s expertise in the hotel start-up space credits him in opening $1.7 billion dollars worth of high-profile luxury assets in Aspen, Anguilla, Times Square, Nantucket, Washington DC, and most recently Los Angeles. In 2017, he founded his company, Jeff David Hospitality, to scale his experience into other facets of the service industry, with partners and clients in the private aviation, solar powered marine residences, and social impact space. For two years he served as President of The Fitler Club in Philadelphia, best described as a hybrid business model that combines Equinox, WeWork and Soho House in a 130,000 square foot private club. He served as President of Align Hospitality, a new venture combining long and short term rentals, private members club, events, co-working and food and beverage business models into one synergistic community, which was acquired by Sentral February of 2022. Jeff's prior experience has led him to his most recent professional endeavor as the Chief Operating Officer for Method Co., a vertically integrated management, development and design company rooted in hospitality. Method provides complementary experiences that address fundamental changes in consumers behavior and its relationship to real estate. Method has hotels, restaurants, short term rental apartments and a private club in 9 cities under management or development (2023).

His recent opening was the Santa Monica Proper (2019), the first luxury hotel development in 15 years in Santa Monica. Prior to that he led the 2016 resurrection of the infamous Watergate Hotel that closed its doors in 2008.  He also re-opened the historic Knickerbocker Hotel in 2014 on 42nd & Broadway, the address known for being the "Crossroads of the World" with 60 million pedestrians a year. Jeff spent six years as GM with Viceroy Hotels & Resorts, he was instrumental in opening and operating several properties in the company’s portfolio. During his term as GM of the Viceroy Anguilla (now The Four Seasons Anguilla), he oversaw the launch and operations of the $550 million flagship property. Jeff also regionally managed the Viceroy Palm Springs in California, and in 2009 led the opening of the Viceroy in Aspen/Snowmass, the company's first ski resort. Jeff’s experience also includes nine years with Four Seasons’ Hotels & Resorts starting in 1992 at The Regent Beverly Wilshire where he started as a dishwasher while attending UCLA. He was an integral part of the management at Four Seasons, Boston, where he helped achieve the property’s recognition as the only Five-Star, Five-Diamond hotel in New England in 1999. 

Jeff’s passion is mentorship and giving back to the community, starting 20 years ago as a charter member of the Four Seasons Diversity Task Force. He galvanized both the religious communities and local Government and led the war on guns and gang violence in the Caribbean after a young mentee of his fell victim in a drive-by shooting. He has been involved in charitable foundations for RocNation Sports, and an Executive Board Member for the Josh Norman Foundation and the Kyle and Marissa Van Noy Valor Foundation.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdavid/

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The Travel Leader Podcast is brought to you by The Travel Leader, a travel content, leadership and coaching initiative for leaders in hospitality, travel and tourism. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com. Follow The Travel Leader at https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-travel-leader and our host and founder Rachel Vandenberg at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelmvandenberg