Defining Hospitality

Finding Success In Constraints - Dan Welborn- Defining Hospitality - Episode # 145

13 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest this week is a global design and development leader who excels at hospitality. With over 25 years of experience, he helps developers and own...

How Story Meets Function - Brad Zuger - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 144

06 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest this week is a designer who treats each project as a chance to innovate. He’s worked across the globe on hotel, restaurant, and office pro...

Understanding To The Nth Degree - Bill Bensley - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 143

28 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Joining the show this week is someone who rejects normality in his pursuit to disrupt the hospitality industry, and who uses hospitality as a tool for...

Security, Surprise, Significance, and Synergy - Kimberly Jackson - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 142

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Joining the show this week is a talented multi-disciplinary designer with over 25 years managing a variety of projects. As a designer, she’s led tea...

Hospitality Daily - Chip Conley - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 141

14 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Defining Hospitality we’re shining a spotlight on the work of a previous guest and fellow hospitality podcaster. Josiah Mackenzie...

A Duty To Be Hospitable - Michelle Jaime - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 140

31 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest this week is a designer for whom discovery is at the heart of what she does. Her design skills have been featured on HGTV as the co-host of ...

Taking Care Of Business - Ben Nicholas - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 139

17 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest this week is a designer who believes that the best results come from challenging the norm. With over 20 years in the industry, he knows what...

Adaptive Reuse And Sustainability - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 138

10 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to 2024! As we embark on a new year, our resolution is to shift our attention to the remarkable sustainability initiatives happening within th...

The Future Of Augmented Hospitality - Damien Perrot - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 137

20 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Joining the show this week is someone who believes that hotels are more than just a place to sleep and eat. Please welcome to the show, Global Chief D...

Collect The Dots To Connect The Dots - Jessica Gidari - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 136

13 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest this week has a passion for creating restaurants that redefine the dining experience. With the innate ability to take a concept and turn it ...

Transforming Spaces Through Adaptive Reuse - Heather Ciszczon - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 135

06 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest this week is a talented designer with over 20 years of experience. She’s a leader who helps transform spaces into experiences that are tru...

Hospitality For The Planet - Bruce Becker - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 134

29 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today's guest leads the charge of finding new ways to build and design sustainably. He’s responsible for the first zero emissions and passive house ...

BDNY 2023 - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 133

22 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode of Defining Hospitality, we’re live from BDNY 2023! Dan chats with some expo attendees, organizers, and Gold Key winners to ...

Owning Your Results - Hector Sanchez - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 132

15 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Joining the show this week is an experienced executive who has a history of driving brands to success. Please welcome to the show, Head of Development...

Understanding All The Parts And Pieces - Mitch Parker - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 131

08 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Filling a hotel with furniture is about more than just picking the right chair, it’s about working with your client to get the right product set up ...

Radical Innovation - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 130

01 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode of Defining Hospitality, we’re featuring interviews from the 2023 Radical Innovation Awards. Dan speaks with Radical Innovat...

Creating Events That Bring People Together - Keisha Byrd - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 129

25 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, we’re joined by a show director who puts together some of the hospitality industry’s most popular events. Please welcome to the s...

Creating Environments Of Success - Alicia Cannon - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 128

18 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to finding the right workplace, the environment matters much more than the work. This week, we’re joined by a designer who understands...

Having Fun Learning From Your Mistakes - Alisa Chodos - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 127

11 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest this week is a highly creative and service oriented design leader who loves learning from others. She’s a trailblazer who worked to carve ...

With The Right Canvas You Can Build Anything - Ethan Orley - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 126

04 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest this week is an accomplished hospitality leader with around 15 years of experience. He believes that both old and new properties alike can b...

Finding Your Why - Henri Munyengango - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 125

27 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Through the hospitality of others, we are enabled to share those feelings of welcoming and acceptance in future interactions. Today’s guest is someo...

Creating Legions Of Raving Fans - Younes Atallah - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 124

20 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest on this week’s episode is a wealth of knowledge on all facets of the hotel and hospitality industry. He’s a leader who knows how to turn...

The Many Layers Of Hospitality - Jacqueline Nunley - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 123

13 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the rapidly changing world of tech, the hospitality industry can struggle to keep up. Today’s guest is here to provide some guidance. Drawing on ...

Igniting Curiosity And Expanding Worlds - Linda Laucirica - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 122

06 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest this week is a talented designer who is redefining the world of hospitality design. With over 25 years of experience, she has lent her exper...

The Importance Of Authenticity - Gene Gebolys - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 121

30 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest on this week’s episode is someone who over the past 25 years has played a pivotal role in the development and adoption of biofuels. He’s...

Celebrating 2 Years Of Defining Hospitality - Dan Ryan - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 120

23 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Defining Hospitality turns two! Over the last two years, we’ve featured some amazing stories, and have learned so much about the hospitality industr...

Blending Hospitality And Community - Dido Dima - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 119

16 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hospitality and conservation are united through acts of caring, yet both require a delicate balance between development and preservation. Out in the O...

Aligning Personal and Organizational Goals - Billie Thorne - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 118

09 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The ideal business is one where the needs of the employees are balanced perfectly with the goals of the business. One key to finding this balance is h...

Collaborating On A Creative Process - Pierre Josselin - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 117

02 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Starting your own firm can be a nervous experience, but the creative freedom it offers can be well worth it. Joining the show this week is an interior...

Overcoming The Limitations Of Your Circumstances - Amanda Knox - Defining Hospitality - Ep # 116

26 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In an environment designed to be anti hospitable, it is a daunting task to create a space of warmth and comfort. Today’s guest is someone who helps ...

All Guests Are Guests - Nicky Unkles - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 115

19 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the world of design, you run the risk of losing focus on the end goal, creating great experiences for guests. Here to offer clarity is a developmen...

Imbuing A Story Into Your Design - Taniya Nayak - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 114

12 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest this week is an interior designer who has become a household name. She’s an expert storyteller, creating compelling stories through both h...

Hospitality From Your Community - Scott Maloney - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 113

05 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

To create truly epic experiences, you need to combine both people and place. Our guest this week is a visionary leader of both extraordinary people an...

The Wake of Hospitality - Kim Kaupe - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 112

28 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Each and every person, regardless of profession, is in the industry of hospitality. The interactions you have with everyone create ripples of hospital...

Erudition And Elevation - Dr. Kimberly McGlonn - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 111

21 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest this week is a genuine disruptor in her industry. As the leader of a Bcorp, she strives to make real change in her community. She is a defen...

Choosing Greatness Over Growth - Lisa Schultz - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 110

14 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Customers are guests who have honored you with their patronage. Adding in special touches can show your gratitude in a way that earns their repeat bus...

Understanding The Heart Of Third Party Management - Chris Green - Defining Hospitality - Ep#109

07 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on Defining Hospitality, we have the pleasure of welcoming back a hospitality veteran who has consistently showcased his exceptional skills ...

Aligning With Client Expectations - Brent Hardy - Defining Hospitality - Episode #108

31 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest on Defining Hospitality this week is an architect with over 2 decades of experience designing spaces. He’s a renowned leader who thrives i...

A Space, A Brand, An Experience - Amy Jakubowski - Defining Hospitality - Episode #107

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Joining us on this week’s episode is a talented and award winning  designer whose creativity defies the boundaries of the industry. She’s a frequ...

Telling Authentic Stories - John Edelman - Defining Hospitality - Episode #106

17 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sitting down with us for this week's episode of Defining Hospitality is someone who is highly skilled in modern furniture, retail, and textiles. As th...

Putting Your Team First - Sarah Eustis - Defining Hospitality - Episode #105

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

While amenities play a role in satisfying customers, true hospitality grows from your team. Our guest this week is on a mission to build things that l...

You’re Never Stuck In A Bucket - Molly McDonald - Defining Hospitality - Episode #104

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Checking in for today’s episode of Defining Hospitality is a passionate member of the hospitality space who sees design through a unique lens. She’...

Compounding Family Business - Teague Hunter - Defining Hospitality - Episode #103

26 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is an expert in the hospitality industry who has established his firm as the 3rd most successful US brokerage firm within the hospital...

Hospitality Daily - Defining Hospitality - Episode #102

19 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Defining Hospitality we’re shining a spotlight on the work of a previous guest and fellow hospitality podcaster. Josiah Mackenzie...

The Spirituality of Hospitality - Dupree Scovell - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 101

12 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is an innovative industry leader, who is responsible for leading Woodbine's investment strategy across all asset types. Please welcome...

Joie de Vivre - Chip Conley - Episode # 100

05 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest disrupted the hospitality industry twice, and he took an inner city motel and turned it into the 2nd largest boutique hotel brand in A...

Hospitality with a Higher Purpose - Shannon Seay - Episode # 099

29 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is passionate about travel, art, history, and horseback riding. She authored her masters thesis toward a study of the intersection of ...

A Sense of Found - Dan Mazzarini - Episode # 098

22 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest uses the spaces he creates to tell a story, all while re-imagining the visual landscape through stylish, spirited and sophisticated de...

An Ever Evolving Industry - Christina Zimmer - Episode # 097

15 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is a valued member of the hospitality community with over 30 years of experience. She consistently composes and collaborates with worl...

Creating Welcoming Experiences - Gray Davis - Episode # 096

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is a 2022 Inductee into Interior Design Hall Of Fame,and he approaches design with 5 key elements; sustainability, technology, the cli...

Delivering Way Above Expectations - Scott Lee - Episode # 095

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is an entrepreneur and opportunist at heart. With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he has discovered his favor...

Pushing Design to the Next Level - Ethan Gabany - Episode # 094

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is a hotel project management expert with extensive experience leading the development, renovation, and repositioning of upscale hospi...

Assessing The Talent You Have - Ashli Johnson - Episode # 093

15 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is committed to elevating communities and creating wealth through hospitality ownership and leadership. She is a recent recipient of t...

Enriching Lives - Daniel del Olmo - Episode # 092

08 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is a leader and motivator who champions involvement. He is an innovative problem solver and has a progressive record of achievements w...

Having Caring DNA - Keith Pierce - Episode # 091

01 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest found his passion for hospitality at a young age. He is a results driven global hospitality executive with extensive operational and d...

Hospitality Influences Everything - Alex Lopatynsky - Episode # 090

25 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is passionate about the design of communities, spaces, and experiences that connect people. She is an architect, innovator, and cultur...

Flipping the Script - Stephanie Hopkins - Episode # 089

18 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest loves helping create spaces and experiences where people will make lasting memories. With hospitality being engrained in her soul, she...

All the World’s A Stage - Bridget Rooks - Episode # 088

11 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is an accidental hospitality leader. She has been in the hospitality industry for more than a decade and half, all while managing the ...

Both Sides of the Coin - Chris McDonough - Episode # 087

04 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is accredited by the American Institute of Architects, LEED AP, and certified with the National Council of Architecture Registration B...

Finding Curiosity - Ron Lovett - Episode # 086

28 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is an entrepreneur and leader with a passion for change. He’s the host of the podcast “Scaling Culture” and the author of a coup...

Insatiable Curiosity - Valentina Castellon - Episode # 085

21 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is an interior designer with a focus on and passionate about hospitality design. Valentina Castellon is the Principal and National Hos...

The Dream of Hospitality - Miriam Torres - Episode # 084

14 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is a master at hospitality design. She is a 2022 Platinum Circle Inductee, as well as designing projects with major hotel brands from ...

Breaking the Design Mold - Andrew Alford - Episode # 083

07 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is a creative design sage. With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, today’s guest is truly an expert in th...

Leading the Charge - Brian Quinn - Episode # 082

30 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is a recognized leader in domestic and international real estate, travel, lodging, and restaurant industries. He is a proven, articula...

Learning From the Team - Oswaldo Barrios - Episode # 081

23 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is a hospitality guru. He’s an innovative industry leader who is an architect by training as well as a raving fan of interior design...

The Alchemy of Collaboration - Jeremy Selman - Episode # 080

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is a hospitality champion and an ingenious thought leader. He is a lifestyle hotel advisor and entrepreneur. Jeremy Selman is the Prin...

First Party Management - Scott Hammons - Episode # 079

09 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is an expert in conducting the symphony of insanity of what it takes to open a hotel. He’s a hospitality leader in the Luxury, Full ...

Setting the Tone - Kavitha Iyer - Episode # 078

02 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is a hospitality hero to many in the industry. She is highly skilled at architectural design and believes good design is good business...

The Little Moments Are The Most Precious - Will Guidara - Episode # 077

26 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest has been immersed in the hospitality industry since the age of 13. Will Guidara is the author of many books, including a new one calle...

Getting Over the Speed Bump - Geoffrey Cramer - Episode # 076

19 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest has worked on big and small projects, from multimillion-dollar resorts to small home renovations and everything in between. Geoffrey C...

A Place of Belonging - Alexandra Cole - Episode # 075

12 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is an industry innovator who uses her talented mind to create beautiful spaces. Alexandra Cole is the Principal and US Managing Direct...

A Peek at the Independent Lodging Congress - Daniel del Olmo - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 074

05 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is a passionate hospitality leader with more than 25 years of experience in growing hospitality brands and nurturing successful partne...

Bucking The Industry Trend - Kia Weatherspoon - Episode # 073

28 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is the most decorated black interior designer of our time. Kia Weatherspoon is the President and Founder of Determined by Design. Kia ...

Hiring for the Next Generation - Sonya Haffey - Episode # 072

23 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are you looking to make your big break into the hospitality industry? Well, look no further because today’s guest is looking for an Intermediate Int...

An Immersive World - Anne Wilkinson - Episode # 071

21 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest has over 25 years of experience in luxury hotel and residential design. With each project, she brings an unparalleled amount of knowle...

Know Your Skills - Vito Lotta - Episode # 070

14 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is very keen on visualizing spaces in 3 dimensions. He also holds state licenses in architecture and interior design. Vito Lotta is th...

Impacting Others Through Conferences - Harry Javer - Episode # 069

07 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest plays an extraordinary role in the hospitality industry. He is the founder and producer of The Lodging Conference, one of the world’...

A Year of Memories - Dan Ryan - Episode # 068

31 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a big celebration for Defining Hospitality! We celebrate a year of podcasting with some of Dan’s most popular guests. Throughout the past yea...

Small Moments - Stephen Wendell - Episode # 067

24 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is highly skilled in corporate law and real estate. He joins the show to share his unique journey through #hospitality. Stephen Wendel...

An Experiment of Community - Josh Held - Episode # 066

17 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest has a passion for hospitality. He spearheads Wimberly interior’s entertainment, gaming, nightlife F&B, and retail design environ...

Backdrops to Memories - Marc DeSmet - Episode # 065

03 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is highly skilled at space planning. He is known for fostering excellence within his design team and uses a client's creativity, focus...

Tales of The City - Barry Sullivan - Episode # 064

27 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is responsible for guiding the design of all North American projects for the Canopy, Tempo and Motto brands at Hilton. He has a fabulo...

Changing Institutional Practices - Dieter Cartwright - Episode # 063

20 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest started his hospitality career in hospitality by working in High Rise architecture, but quickly became a hospitality wizard. He has an...

Diversity of Experiences - Greg Keffer - Episode # 062

13 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest loves to take on new and unfamiliar typologies and approach them from a hospitality point of view. He has combined strengths in archit...

Cabinet of Curiosities - Rado Ivanov - Episode # 061

06 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest has a keen eye for design as well as being an innovator in the hospitality industry. He is a licensed architect with the American Inst...

Surprise & Delight - Josiah Mackenzie - Episode # 060

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest began his journey through hospitality working in a small property on the California coast and then built the number one hotel marketin...

The Human Connection - Davonne Reaves - Episode # 059

22 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest has more than 14 years of experience in the lodging industry. She also has a passion for people and pineapples. Davonne Reaves is Foun...

Dovetail into Your Community - Aaron Richter - Episode # 058

15 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest has extensive global experience in designing mixed use developments. He has a passion for design and uses that passion to create beaut...

Inspiring the Next Generation - Dina Lamanna - Episode # 057

08 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dina Lamanna is the Principal, Director of Hospitality Interior Design at The HOK NY Studio. She is a seasoned veteran in the design and development o...

Being a Mentor - Jim Looney - Episode # 056

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jim Looney is the Owner and Founder of Looney & Associates. With over 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he’s an industry leade...

A Vision of Collaboration - Staci Patton - Episode # 055

25 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Staci Patton is a Principal of Hospitality Interior Design Director at DLR Group. She's a passionate and creative designer who creates indigenous and ...

Hospitality Laboratory - Will Meyer - Episode # 054

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Will Meyer is the Owner and Co-Founder at Meyer Davis Studios Inc. He believes that great design works on multiple levels and designs seamless physica...

Creating Memories - Jennifer Barnwell - Episode # 053

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jennifer Barnwell is the President of Curator Hotel & Resort Collection. She can see through the maze of real estate economics and is passionate a...

Service Through Hospitality - Ian Rolston - Episode # 052

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ian Rolston is the Founder of Decanthropy and the President at Interior Designers of Canada He knows how huge of a role that community and diversity p...

Love and Reckless Abandon - Clodagh - Episode # 051

27 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Clodagh is the Founder of Clodagh Design. After suffering a horrible accident, she found her passion for being a designer. Her Irish heritage gives he...

The Generosity of Hospitality - Kristen Conry - Episode # 050

20 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Kristen Conry is the Senior Vice President of Global Design for Marriott International. She is a hospitality design guru and is the embodiment of the ...

Thinking Outside of the Box - James Cull - Episode # 049

13 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

James Cull is the Design Director at Rottet Studio. He has had a passion for design since he was 10 years old, and he brings that passion to every pro...

The Beautiful Industry - Shari Bayer - Episode # 048

06 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Shari Bayer is the Founder and President at Bayer Public Relations. She’s been working in the restaurant industry since she was 16, so she knows the...

Hospitality Across the Globe - Shaun de Vries - Episode # 047

30 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Shaun de Vries is the Founder and Director at Open Pantry Consulting as well as the co-founder and host of the long running and very popular Principle...

Inspiring the Next Generation - AiLun Ku - Episode # 046

23 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AiLun Ku is the President and CEO of the Opportunity Network. She sees the talent in the next generation and is committed to making sure they are give...