Top Floor

Stuart Greif did a metaphorical backflip into hospitality, spending 18 months living in a hotel while working as a management consultant. These days, Stuart is Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy, Innovation, and Operating Officer at Forbes Travel Guide. Susan and Stuart talk about going to summer camp, being an ally, and four-wheeling through the jungle.

Cat Meek is back to help Susan recap last year and predict the future for 2024. Mostly, the sisters ask each other rapid-fire questions.

If you have seven minutes to spare, we would love to have your feedback. Click the link below for a completely anonymous, five-question survey for Top Floor listeners! https://lnkd.in/g8ACtQz2

Kelsey Knoedler Perri can impersonate a princess or two, but writing is her one true love. As director of public relations for Road Scholar, Kelsey specializes in the mission of combining travel and education to provide experiences for older adults. Susan and Kelsey talk about the transformative power of travel and the power to transform travel for social good.

Haley Payne started "working" in hotels at age six, rolling silverware for her mom. After 14 years as a general manager, she flipped the script to become head of commercial at Pure Wellness. Susan and Haley talk about making a guestroom allergen free for better sleep.

Naureen Ahmed credits her international childhood with creating the desire for the kind of multicultural environment found in hospitality. After a 16-year career, Naureen took a belated gap year, during which she founded Inspiring Women in Hospitality. Susan and Naureen talk about visibility and shrinking chef pants.

Scott LaMont is a landscape architect and CEO of EDSA. In spite of his terrible taste in college football teams, Scott has a way of explaining the concepts of design and planning that makes you want to learn more. Susan and Scott talk about dead zones and how to dress when you lose your luggage.

Talking to Christine Trippi is like drinking seven Five Hour Energy shots and lighting a firecracker in your brain -- even reading her book, Yes is the Answer, makes you feel energized. As the Wise Pineapple, Christine helps hotel leaders build cultures where yes is always the answer. Susan and Christine talk about passion, purpose, and pineapples.

John Chernesky has spent his entire career in the cruise business, with jobs that have ranged from daytime entertainment to national sales. Having taken more than 25 cruises himself, John expertly addresses all of Susan's unfounded concerns about taking a cruise and explains why staying with one company for a long time can be a pleasure.

Steve Palmer has had a hand in more restaurants than you've probably even visited, and he founded Indigo Road Hospitality Group in 2009. Steve is also known for Ben's Friends, a support group for food and beverage professionals. Susan and Steve talk about why businesses need to stop managing to the exception and where to put CBD drinks on your beverage menu.

Bonus questions? That's right. Susan Barry asks most guests a couple of bonus questions at the end of every recording, and this episode includes seven answers to the question, "Who would you want to be stuck on an elevator with and why?" Thanks to Brian Proctor, Jennifer Hill, Derrick Barker, Madi Rifkin, Jordan Locke, Nima Anvar, and Annie Sloan for playing along!