Hospitality Leaders - Interviews with leaders, entrepreneurs, and supporters of hospitality.
Activity Overview
Episode publication activity over the past year
Episodes
A Sustainable Future with Amy Wald Founder of Greenluxe
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Chris interviews Amy Wald, founder of GreenLUX and host of the Sustainable Hospitality podcast. Amy discusses her background, the fou...
Building a Brand with Summer Vasilas Co-Founder of Waxing the City
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this engaging discussion, Summer Vasilis, co-founder of Waxing the City, delves into the inception and growth of the company. With nearly three dec...
Building a Destination with Scott Dring President & CEO at Visit Dublin
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're joined by Scott Dring, President and CEO of Visit Dublin, Ohio. Scott shares his journey into the hospitality industry, from as...
Perspectives From Hospitality's Ground Floor with Madison Martin at Hilton
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode features a conversation with Madison Martin, Senior Event Manager at Hilton, who’s here to talk about the experiences of some of hospit...
Making Hospitality Skills Useful Anywhere with Peter Ricci at Florida Atlantic University
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I’m pleased to welcome Peter Ricci, Clinical Associate Professor and Director for the Hospitality & Tourism Management Program at Florida Atlant...
Building Mission-Centric Teams with Kate Porter at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum
15 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For the difficult work required in the hospitality industry, it’s essential to have a team that’s passionate about the organizational mission. Tha...
Sleep-Friendly Food Options with Sean Folkson at Nightfood
08 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I’m pleased to welcome Sean Folkson, Founder and CEO of Nightfood, to talk about how Sean’s organization is pioneering new health...
Using Tech in Direct Response Marketing with Joe Gray at SalesHop.io and Glacier Hospitality
01 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I’m joined by Joe Gray, Co-Founder of SalesHop.io and VP of Sales at Glacier Hospitality, to hear how he’s using technology in co...
Leveraging Social Media with Megan Thomas at The Social Reserve
24 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I’m excited to welcome Megan Thomas, Social Media Consultant and Owner of The Social Reserve, to the podcast to discuss the role of social media in ...
Leveraging AI To Improve Customer Satisfaction with Logan Nicholson at LocalEyes
17 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
New technology has the potential to revolutionize the guest experience in the hospitality industry. Logan Nicholson, CEO and Founder of LocalEyes, is ...
The New Normal of Live Events with Troy Springer at Elevate Production Group
09 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I’m joined by Troy Springer, President at Elevate Production Group, to hear how he’s championing a return to live, in-person meet...
Pursuing Specialization and Differentiation with Randy McKay at Carolina Theater of Durham
02 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I’m joined by Randy McKay, President and CEO at the Carolina Theatre of Durham, to hear how he’s using his organization’s avail...
Merging Human Empathy and AI Technology with Josiah Mackenzie at HotelOperations.com
27 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I’m pleased to welcome back Josiah Mackenzie, Publisher at HotelOperations.com, for his second appearance on the podcast, this time to discuss the r...
Building a More Empathetic Team with Tara Gallina at Take Root Hospitality Group
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I’m joined by Tara Gallina, Co-Owner of Take Root Hospitality Group, to hear how she’s working to create a more empathetic hospit...
Cultivating a Communal Experience with Tearlach Hutcheson at Studio Movie Grill
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I’m joined by Tearlach Hutcheson, Vice President of Film at Studio Movie Grill, to hear how the film industry is continuing to brin...
Embracing Digital Hospitality with Valerie Bihet at VIBE Agency
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s episode, I’m joined by Valerie Bihet, owner of VIBE Agency, to hear how she and her team continue to stay on top of a constantly evolvi...
Hands-On Education with Joseph Gormley at the College of Southern Nevada
27 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I’m joined by Joseph Gormley, Professor and Hospitality Management Chair at the College of Southern Nevada. Joseph initially pursue...
Forging Relationships Between Organizations with Luis Rivera at White Oak Music Hall
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I’m joined by Luis Rivera, General Manager at White Oak Music Hall, for an exploration of the ways that relationships between hospi...
Building a Hospitality Ecosystem with Todd Richardson at Crosstown Redevelopment Cooperative
13 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I’m joined by Todd Richardson, President at the Crosstown Redevelopment Cooperative, to hear how he’s using his experience in bot...
Hospitality Advocacy with William "Chip" Rogers at the American Hotel and Lodging Association
06 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I’m joined by William “Chip” Rogers, President and CEO at the American Hotel and Lodging Association, to hear about the ways he...
Being a Self-Aware Leader with Natalie Shirley at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
30 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I’m joined by Natalie Shirley, President and CEO at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, for a conversation about cat...
Building a Workplace Community with Katie Stump at The Greens Country Club
23 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I’m joined by Katie Stump, General Manager and Human Resource Director at The Greens Country Club, to hear how she’s cultivating ...
Creating Authentic Community with Mike Knopp at RIVERSPORT Foundation
16 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I’m joined by Mike Knopp, Executive Director at RIVERSPORT Foundation, to learn how Mike is using outdoor recreation as a vehicle f...
Cultivating Team Creativity with Eileen Andrade at FINKA Table & Tap
09 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I have an illuminating conversation with Eileen Andrade, Restaurant Owner at FINKA Table & Tap, who also owns several other outst...
Living Your Why with Matt Brice at Federal American Grill
02 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s episode, I’m joined by Matt Brice, Founder of Federal American Grill, to hear his philosophy of leadership and service and how that man...
Creating Buy-In with Michael Sanders at the Minneapolis Institute of Art
12 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s episode features a conversation between myself and Michael Sanders, Chief Operating Officer at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, about techn...
The Value of Tech Adoption in Hospitality with Josiah Mackenzie, Publisher at HotelOperations.com
05 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s episode, I’m joined by Josiah Mackenzie, Publisher at HotelOperations.com, for a conversation about the impact that the implementation ...
Authentic "Cantinero" Culture with Julio Cabrera at Cafe La Trova
28 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I’m joined by Julio Cabrera, Cantinero and Founder at Cafe La Trova. As a cantinero, Julio brings a unique perspective to the rest...
Beverage Trends and Separating From the Pack with Derek Langford at Howl at the Moon
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I’m revisiting the entertainment venue Howl at the Moon, this time by way of a conversation with Derek Langford, Regional General M...
Articulating What Good Leadership Looks Like with Travis Talbot at Hospitality Arts
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I’m joined by Travis Talbot, Principal and Lead Strategist at Hospitality Arts, who offers some words of wisdom for aspiring leader...
Managing Logistics Effectively with Elliott Broom at Detroit Institute of Arts
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s episode, I’m joined by Elliott Broom, Chief Operating Officer at the Detroit Institute of Arts. After starting out as a bellman in a h...
Diversity Is a Superpower! with Karen Totaro at Huntington Place - Detroit (ASM Global)
31 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s episode, I’m joined by Karen Totaro, General Manager at Huntington Place - Detroit (ASM Global), for a conversation on how diversity st...
5 Words Every Employee Should Know
23 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s episode, I’m joined by Michael Shindler, President at Four Corners Advisors, Inc., to hear him expand on an article he published, entit...
Finding Your Next Passion with Alice Cheng at Culinary Agents
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s episode, I’m joined by Alice Cheng, Founder and CEO of Culinary Agents, a fantastic resource for hospitality workers seeking new profes...
Work-Life Purpose with Jeffrey Wise at Whitewater
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s episode features a conversation between myself and Jeffrey Wise, CEO at Whitewater. Jeffrey grew up on the thrill of the outdoors, getting ...
Compounding Recognition with Hector Pachon of Ramada Plaza Marco Polo Beach Resort
02 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s episode, I’m joined by Hector Pachon, General Manager at the Ramada Plaza Marco Polo Beach Resort. Hector has sought to learn from his...
Principles of Hospitality Leadership with Gerry VanAcker at the Detroit Zoological Society
25 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I’m joined by Gerry VanAcker, Chief Operating Officer at the Detroit Zoological Society, to hear some of the leadership wisdom Gerr...
Art's Influence in Hospitality with Dan Oppenheimer at Robinson Editions
18 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s episode, I’m joined by Dan Oppenheimer, President at Robinson Editions, to hear some of the ways that art has helped to shape the hospi...
The Future of Hospitality with Andrea Foster of Marcus Hotels & Resorts and EVPassport
11 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s conversation, I’m joined by Andrea Foster, Senior Vice President of Development at Marcus Hotels and Resorts and Advisory Board Member ...
Building a Service Culture with Chuck Salem at Unique Venues
04 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today I’m joined by Chuck Salem, CEO and Co-Owner at Unique Venues, to discuss the way culture impacts the identity of an organization, and how that...
Building a Legacy of Hospitality with Captain William Lozier of Memphis Riverboats
28 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s conversation features Captain William Lozier, President of Memphis Riverboats. William is a third-generation riverboat captain. The boats th...
The Future of Hospitality Talent with Stowe Shoemaker of UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hospitality
21 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I’m joined today by Stowe Shoemaker, Dean at the UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, to hear about some of the ways that UNLV is pushing ...
Bringing Hospitality to the EV Experience with Hooman Shahidi of EVPassport
14 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s interview with Hooman Shahidi, President and Co-Founder at EVPassport, provides an outstanding opportunity for hospitality businesses to add...
Leveraging Feedback with Jim Capek of Westborough Country Club
08 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I’m excited to be joined in conversation today by Jim Capek, General Manager of Westborough Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri. Jim was destined fo...
Creating Unforgettable Experiences with Rob Wimpfheimer of Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse at Harrah's Las Vegas
31 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today I’m joined by Rob Wimpfheimer, General Manager of Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse at Harrah’s in Las Vegas. Rob is a seasoned hospitality veteran,...
Building a Culture of Civility with Sheffield Hale of the Atlanta History Center
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Sheffield Hale, President and CEO of the Atlanta History Center. In recent years i...
Building Your Business Bedside Manner with Mandi Graziano at Hospitality Performance Network
17 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Mandi Graziano, Vice President of Global Accounts at Hospitality Performance Netwo...
Scaling for Success with Craig Cavileer of Silverton Casino Hotel and Majestic Realty Co.
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Craig Cavileer, CEO of the Silverton Casino and EVP of Majestic Realty Co. Craig h...
Harnessing Creative Energy with Dan Pelson of AREA15
06 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Dan Pelson, Chief Operating Officer at AREA15 in Las Vegas. Dan’s establishment ...
Your Cultural ROI with Yancy Perez of Border Grill
27 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Yancy Perez, Regional Operations Manager at Border Grill, to hear his thoughts abo...
Hiring for the Outcome You Want with Aaron Berger of The Neon Museum
21 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Aaron Berger, Executive Director at The Neon Museum. In the hospitality industry, ...
Building Trust and Creating Buy-In with Matt Scovill of Bacchanal Buffet
16 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Matt Scovill, Executive Chef at Bacchanal Buffet in Las Vegas. Matt has a clear lo...
Creating Value at Every Level with Hartmut Ott of San Diego Mission Bay Resort
10 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Hartmut Ott, General Manager of San Diego Mission Bay Resort. In the wake of globa...
Hiring for Culture with Kristine Goodwin, General Manager at Hyatt Place
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I welcome Kristine Goodwin, General Manager at Hyatt Place. Working in a hotel can involve a lot o...
Building for the Future with Ryan Klaasen of El Dorado Cantina and Smoke & Fire Restaurant
23 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Ryan Klaasen, Chief Operating Officer at El Dorado Cantina and Co-Founder of Smoke...
Connecting with Your Community with Siobhan Steiermann of Las Vegas Ballpark
16 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Siobhan Steiermann, Vice President of Ticket Operations at Las Vegas Ballpark, to ...
Building Longevity with Chuck Johnson of the Las Vegas Aviators Baseball Team
09 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Chuck Johnson, General Manager of the Las Vegas Aviators Baseball Team. Besides a ...
Changing the Narrative with Jeff Keeley of InterContinental Kansas City at The Plaza
02 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I had the opportunity to speak with Jeff Keeley, General Manager at InterContinental Kansas City a...
Cultivating Creativity with Joshua Abelson of The Industrial Event Space
21 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Joshua Abelson, Co-Owner and General Manager of The Industrial Event Space. Joshua...
Hospitality and the Digital Experience with Kimberly Beaudin of the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame
13 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Kimberly Beaudin, CEO at the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, to hear he...
Hiring Awesome! with Brett Batterson of Orpheum Theatre Group
08 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Brett Batterson, President and CEO of the Orpheum Theatre Group. Throughout the sh...
Being an Authentic and Purposeful Leader with Abigail Poklar of COSI
14 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, Abigail Poklar, Chief Development Officer at COSI, opens up about her authentic leadership style. ...
Leadership in an Evolving Culture with Anthony Santiago of China Grill Management
09 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Anthony Santiago, Director of Operations at China Grill Management, to discuss som...
Focusing on Communication and Celebration with Melissa Kaiser of DISCOVERY Children's Museum
01 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Melissa Kaiser, CEO of DISCOVERY Children’s Museum, to discuss the unique challe...
The Power of Informal Communication with Tom Gallagher of Columbus Country Club
21 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Tom Gallagher, General Manager at Columbus Country Club. We discuss the ways Tom’...
Employee-Driven Culture with Bradd O'Brien of Howl at the Moon
07 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Bradd O’Brien, President of Howl at the Moon, an entertainment bar specializing ...
Leading by Example with Jeff Crabiel of The Westin Nashville / Bobby Hotel
31 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I’m joined for an inspiring conversation with Jeff Crabiel, Area General Manager at The Westin N...
Being an Employee-Centric Organization with Kent Johnson of Baltimore Country Club
24 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Kent Johnson, General Manager/COO of Baltimore Country Club, for an inspiring conv...
Fishing in a Different Pond with Ramon Reyes of the Omni Atlanta Hotel
20 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Ramon Reyes, General Manager at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Ramon has an infectious spirit...
Mission Driven Creativity with Dr. Jeremy Goodman of Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
09 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Jeremy Goodman, President & CEO at Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. Jere...
Empowering a Team to Fuel Growth with Roger Igo of the Bell Tower Group
03 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Roger Igo, President and CEO at the Bell Tower Group in Houston, Texas. The Bell T...
Helping Leaders Grow with Bruce Harkey of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
21 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Bruce Harkey, president and CEO at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden...
Building Resilience in Your Team with Leah Rossi of Wyndham Destinations
14 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, Leah Rossi, assistant general manager at Wyndham Destinations in Austin, Texas, joins me to talk a...
Finding and Keeping Top Leadership Talent with Mike Hogan of Marriott
08 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, Mike Hogan, general manager at Cincinnati Marriott Northeast, joins me to talk about his career in...
Developing Talent in Your Community with Juan Fernandez of 21c Museum Hotels
25 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, Juan Fernandez, general manager of 21c Nashville Museum hotel, joins me to talk about his lifelong...
Creating Memorable Guest Experiences with Leah Fields-Nester of Hyatt House
18 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, host Chris Cano is joined by Leah Fields-Nester, Assistant General Manager at Hyatt House Charlott...
Developing Great Leaders with Jelle Vandenbroucke of JW Marriott Houston
17 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, host Chris Cano welcomes Jelle Vandenbroucke, General Manager at JW Marriott Houston Downtown, to ...
A Passion for the Craft with Chef Scott Craig of Myers Park Country Club
08 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, host Chris Cano welcomes Chef Scott Craig, Director of Culinary Operations, Myers Park Country Clu...
Welcome to the Hospitality Leaders Podcast
08 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the Hospitality Leaders podcast with host Chris Cano. Each episode of the podcast will feature insightful conversations with leaders in the...