Top Floor

CJ Arlotta started out with political aspirations but shifted to journalism, covering tech, healthcare, and hospitality. When he decided to start his company in the fall of 2019, little did he know that a global pandemic was right around the corner. Susan and CJ talk about how to serve as an asset to reporters, why publishers should invest in professional development, and how poker gave him insight into entrepreneurship.

David Aferiat is in the business of bubbles. As an importer of boutique organic champagne, David's life experience as a dual citizen of both France and the United States has shaped the way he sees the world. Susan and David talk about what makes a great champagne, how businesses can be more than money-making machines, and why some wines leave you feeling as good the next morning as you did while imbibing.

As a child, hotels were a respite for Curtis Crimmins. After years working for hotel operators and developers, Curtis used the travel freeze and mass layoffs of the pandemic to reimagine what a hotel could be by starting with the workforce. Susan and Curtis talk about virtual hotel bars, hotel pre-opening fairies, and why key cards need to go.

Danielle Schnieder was once accused of being too prissy for the hotel business, but her award-winning career as a hotel leader proves how untrue that accusation was. As Head of Business Development & Partnerships at Pathfinder Hospitality, Danielle is leading her company's evolution into new asset classes by staying true to the "Platinum Rule." Susan and Danielle talk about where to look for hidden $100 bills, how a "parade" might help develop your team, and why popcorn was an important career lesson.

Amy Martin Ziegenfuss has dined with reef sharks and used a flat iron to get rid of wrinkles in a pinch, but what really fascinates her is how consumers interact with brands. As SVP of Global Enterprise & Brand Marketing for Hilton, Amy is devoted to listening to customers so that the company can stay focused on what is next. Susan and Amy talk about reconnecting with friends and family, taking pets on vacation, "learning" about tequila, and other travel trends to look forward to in 2022.

Stephanie Smith combined her love of hotels, her coder brain, and her knowledge of what was missing in the marketplace to create an agency that caters to branded hotels. That same entrepreneurial spirit led her to develop an AI reporting platform that allows owners and operators to compare performance across brand. Susan and Stephanie talk about measuring OTA effectiveness, why metasearch can be a waste of money, and how tall Shaquille O'Neal really is.

Michael Tompkins got his start as a registered nurse, but he soon answered the call of hospitality. After many years as CEO of hotel brands including Miraval, Michael now helps luxury hospitality companies identify top-tier talent. Michael and Susan talk about surprising salary statistics, why hotels must support women, and how the spirit of hospitality sometimes includes dropping trou tableside.

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. Because everyone traveled by car or by air. With kicking kids asking, “How soon till we’re there?”

Based on the list of adventures he’s had, you would never guess that Nick Shelton considers himself shy. Whether he’s racing cars, crewing sailboats, or skydiving, Nick thinks about how to break social interactions down and use mindset hacks to make them fun and fruitful. Susan and Nick talk about the angel of rescue, the cape walk, and of course, Duke Cookie Face.

Susan Barry was a super-nerd in eighth grade, but that didn't stop her from having to learn things the hard way. In this solo deep-dive episode, Susan describes how your sound, surroundings, mindset, and glass of water will set you up for podcast guest success. She also shares tips for finding cash and other exciting items in your hotel room and reminds you to go potty.