In this episode, Sofia Vandaele, General Manager of the InterContinental New York Barclay and Regional Director for IHG Lifestyle and Luxury, shares an operator's read on running a flagship hotel in 2026. You'll hear how she manages cost discipline when expenses have outpaced ADR recovery, why she frames union work as a framework to build on, where AI is showing up in her operation, and how the Barclay is using its 100th anniversary to deepen guest connection. Sofia closes on what she sees as the real pressure on hotel leaders right now: the gap between staying competitive and staying relevant.

Sofia is interviewed by Emily Goldfischer, founder of hertelier and Hospitality Daily's career correspondent. 

• Read the companion article on Hertelier: Sofia Vandaele on her career journey.
• Listen to part one of their conversation here: Career Growth Comes From Saying Yes Before You're Ready

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Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands