What I Learned Working With Giorgio Armani on His Iconic Hotels. TSHS -130

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Step inside the world of Armani Hotels Dubai & Milan, where Giorgio Armani’s vision of fashion and lifestyle hospitality came to life. In this exclusive interview, Marc Dardenne, the hotelier who worked directly with Armani, reveals behind-the-scenes stories about creating the world’s first Armani-branded hotels.

From designing luxury guest experiences without a front desk to Armani’s obsession with detail (yes, even the soap color!), this episode uncovers what it takes to bring a fashion icon’s DNA into the world of hotels.

💬 You’ll learn:

  • How Giorgio Armani redefined luxury hotel design
  • The challenges of blending fashion with hospitality operations
  • Stories from the opening of Armani Hotel Dubai in Burj Khalifa
  • Why Armani’s philosophy of simplicity, elegance, and humility still inspires hoteliers today

✨ Whether you’re passionate about luxury travel, hotel design, or fashion-led hospitality, this episode offers rare insights from the man who built it with Armani himself.

 

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OFF THE MIC

🌟Unscripted: If you enjoyed this conversation, wait until you hear what happens Off The Mic – After the interview ends, the mic stays on. Hear candid, unfiltered conversations with Marc Dardenne, sharing anecdotes and revealing personal stories about Giorgio Armani, only available in the OFF THE MIC SHOW.

Hit that bell icon, because the best insights often happen Off The Mic.”

Subscribe for exclusive access to OFF THE MIC, which is the audience-supported companion show

https://premiumpodcast.show/afterthemicunscriptedchat

 

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Secrets to Thriving in Dubai’s Fast-Changing Hotel Market. TSHS-129

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🚀 Dubai’s hospitality market is one of the fastest-growing and most competitive in the world. In this episode of The Social Hotelier Show, I sit down with Paul Williams, Founder & CEO of Spearhead Creativity, to uncover the secrets behind building powerful brands in the GCC.

With over 20 years of experience shaping iconic names like Accor, Cartier, Millennium Hotels & Dubai Tourism, Paul shares:
✅ How global brands can adapt to Dubai’s unique culture
✅ The role of AI and storytelling in future branding
✅ Why the mid-market segment is the biggest opportunity todayFpaul williams
✅ Lessons on personal branding and legacy in the Middle East

Off the Mic

If you’d like to go even deeper, beyond the projects and into the personalities, don’t miss Off the Mic, our companion show where guests reveal lighter moments and the person behind the professional. The link is in the description. Join us there. https://premiumpodcast.show/afterthemicunscriptedchat

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Why Storytelling is essential in both filmmaking and hospitality. TSHS- 128

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Why Storytelling is essential in both filmmaking and hospitality.

In this episode, I have a conversation with award-winning filmmaker Jaze Bordeaux about the art of storytelling in hospitality. Bordeaux shares his journey from finance to filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of crafting compelling narratives that resonate emotionally with audiences.

He discusses how hoteliers can create authentic guest experiences by anchoring their brand stories in emotional truths and relatable experiences.

The conversation explores the balance between authenticity and commercial polish, the significance of casting the right people in hospitality, and the importance of audience response over industry recognition. Bordeaux concludes with advice for hoteliers to commit to their unique stories, ensuring they connect with their guests on a deeper level.

This how Jaze feels about hotels:

 

…And I feel like with hotels, it’s incredible because it’s a space where there’s so many people coming through, there’s so many stories that are being told. Every hotel, even if it’s a franchise hotel, has something slightly distinct about it.

 

…And I feel as though if you can literally make that a character, like part of the crew, the, you know, the cast of employees that are there, it’s really easy, for example, for people to remember and talk about it. Here we are on this podcast.

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Why Hospitality Skills Are Essential Beyond Hotels: Insights from Monika Moser. TSHS – 127

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Why Hospitality Skills Are Essential Beyond Hotels: Insights from Monika Moser

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the transformative power of hospitality skills beyond the hotel industry with Monika Moser, a seasoned expert in both hospitality and design.

Discover how Monika’s unique career journey—from leading global hotel operations to pioneering luxury design, demonstrates the universal value of hospitality skills.

Learn why industries like automotive and education are increasingly seeking the expertise of hospitality professionals to enhance client satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Tune in to explore how the principles of service, emotional intelligence, and teamwork can revolutionize any field.

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Rethinking Hospitality Leadership & Education | Marc Dardenne Interview. TSHS – 126

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🎙️ Welcome to The Social Hotelier Show with Sam-Erik Ruttmann – named one of the Top 20 Hotel Podcasts globally by FeedSpot!

🌟 In this exclusive conversation, Sam-Erik interviews Marc Dardenne, CEO of Modon Hospitality, on the evolving role of hospitality education, leadership transformation, and why rethinking hotel design, branding, and talent engagement is urgent in today’s changing world.

💡 Marc reflects on his return to Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne as a guest lecturer — 43 years after graduating — and what he learned from engaging directly with the next generation of hospitality leaders.

🔍 What You’ll Discover:

✨ The future of hospitality leadership

✨ Why modern students need mentors more than manuals

✨ 24-hour check-ins, tech-driven guest journeys & facial recognition

✨ Why “Heart of House” design matters as much as the lobby

✨ The truth about SOPs, flexibility & employee expectations

✨ How to build hospitality brands from culture, not just checklists

🧠 About Marc Dardenne:

👔 CEO, Modon Hospitality – Abu Dhabi

🏨 Former COO at Accor Luxe Europe, Group COO Jumeirah, CEO Emaar Hospitality Group and Armani Hotels and Resorts

📚 Guest Lecturer at EHL (Lausanne)

💼 Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-dardenne

Dominika kustocz lee

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Future of Food Tourism: 4 Bold Scenarios! TSHS – 125

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Future of Food Tourism: 4 Bold Scenarios 

Welcome to The Social Hotelier Show with Sam-Erik Ruttmann! In this episode, we explore the ¨future of food tourism¨ with renowned futurist Dr. Ian Yeoman. From lab-grown delicacies to regenerative dining experiences and dystopian luxury, we dive into four bold scenarios that redefine how we eat, travel, and experience culture.

👨‍🍳 What does the future hold for chefs and hoteliers?

🌱 Can regenerative cuisine become the new luxury?

🚀 Are you ready to dine in Dr. Spock’s restaurant or sip wine from the last wine bottle on Earth?

🙏🏻Proud to share that The Social Hotelier, hosted by Sam-Erik Ruttmann, has been named one of the Top 20 Hotel Podcasts of 2025 — a recognition of our commitment to insightful conversations in global hospitality.

https://podcast.feedspot.com/hotel_podcasts/

Ian yeoman

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This Surprising Truth About Wellness Will Shock You! TSHS – 124

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In this eye-opening episode of The Social Hotelier Show, Sam-Erik Ruttmann reconnects with Niels Steeman—once a high-flying tourism executive in Asia, now a wellness coach on a mission to redefine success. Discover how a near-death experience underwater triggered a radical transformation, shedding over 40 kilos, quitting alcohol, and redefining what it means to truly thrive.

💡 Niels shares his powerful journey from burnout to balance, exposing the blind spots in high-performance industries like hospitality and tourism.

 

🙏🏻Discover now why giving back is  life’s missiom

He dives deep into the myths of dieting, the illusion of wellness in hotels, and why executives often ignore their health until it’s too late.

👥 Whether you’re a hotelier, entrepreneur, or executive seeking clarity, this conversation will shift your mindset on health, leadership, and personal transformation.

👉 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations that challenge the status quo in hospitality and leadership.
🎧 Available also on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.
📘 Get Niels’s book “Thrive” and support children’s wellness education in Ranong.

https://a.co/d/cME3y2D

Niels steeman

Niels Steeman; email niels@thriveapproach.asia

 

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What Are The BIG Changes Happening In Hotel Industry NOW. TSHS – 123

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✅ What Are The BIG Changes Happening In Hotel Industry NOW

In this episode of the Social Hotelier podcast, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann speaks with Rocco Bova, a seasoned hotelier and founder of the Summit Mexicano de la Hospitalidad. Rocco shares his journey in the hospitality industry, his love for Mexico, and the cultural richness he has experienced.

They discuss the importance of hospitality education, the evolving role of technology in the industry, and how guest preferences have changed post-pandemic.

Rocco emphasizes the need for a balance between technology and human interaction in hospitality. Sam-Erik Ruttmann and Rocco Bova delve into the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry,

✅ focusing on the balance between technology and the human touch,

✅ The challenges of recruitment,

✅ The significance of personal branding and

✅ Emerging trends such as the rise of boutique hotels.

✅ They discuss the impact of technology on staffing and guest interactions,

✅ The shortcomings of current recruitment processes, and

✅ The importance of authenticity in personal branding for professionals entering the industry.

This is more than a podcast. It’s a wake-up call. If you’re in hospitality, you can’t afford to miss it. Buckle up for a no-nonsense, passionate discussion packed with hard truths, future trends, and personal revelations.

Rocco bova

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How Blue Apple Beach Redefines Eco-Luxury & Regenerative Hospitality TSHS – 122

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🌱 In this powerful episode of The Social Hotelier, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann sits down with Portia Hart, founder of Blue Apple Beach—a regenerative hospitality concept in Cartagena, Colombia.

From crushing glass bottles into usable sand to empowering local communities through sustainable supply chains, Portia proves that luxury can lead with purpose. Get inspired by her journey from Monaco to the Caribbean and learn how she built one of the world’s most impactful eco-hotels.

🎧 Tune in for: ✨ How Blue Apple became B Corp certified
 ✨ Circular economy practices in hospitality
 ✨ The mission behind the Green Apple Foundation
 ✨ Creating zero-waste operations and sustainable supply chains
 ✨ Shifting traveler mindsets with values-based hospitality
 ✨ Blending high-end travel with community empowerment

👤 About the Host – Sam-Erik Ruttmann

Sam-Erik is a global hotel advisor, podcast host, and hospitality veteran helping hoteliers grow through innovation, sustainability, and storytelling.

🌐 Website: https://b8bhospitality.com
 🌐 Podcast Site: https://the-social-hotelier-show.blubrry.net
 📧 Contact: samerik.ruttmann@b8bhospitality.com
 ☕ Support the channel: https://buymeacoffee.com/samerik

 

📱 Connect with The Social Hotelier

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesocialhotelier
 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialhotelier/
 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-erik/

 

💡 Who Is This EPISODE For?

📌 Hoteliers & hospitality entrepreneurs
 📌 Sustainability-driven investors & eco-conscious travelers
 📌 Travel trendsetters, ESG leaders & digital marketers
 📌 Boutique hotel owners looking to make an impact

 

💖 Spread the Love

📣 Share this podcast with your friends & hospitality network
 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop
 🔔 Tap the bell icon so you never miss a future episode!

 

📜 Important Information

⚠️ Disclaimer: All content is for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from its use. Always conduct your own research and due diligence.
 © Copyright Notice: All materials are owned by The Social Hotelier. You may share or embed video links with full credit to the channel.

 

How Blue Apple Beach Redefines Eco-Luxury & Regenerative Hospitality

🧠 Related Hashtags

#RegenerativeHospitality #EcoHotels #SustainableTourism #LuxuryWithPurpose #HotelLeadership #BlueAppleBeach #PortiaHart #BcorpCertified #HospitalityTrends #TheSocialHotelier #TravelPodcast #HospitalityExperts #EthicalTravel #CartagenaHotels #HospitalityForChange

 

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Why Your First Impression Could Make or Break Guest Experience TSHS – 121

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Why Your First Impression Could Make or Break Guest Experience

In this episode of The Social Hotelier Show, Sam-Erik Ruttmann welcomes renowned keynote speaker and author Sylvie Di Giusto.

Together, they explore the psychology of first and lasting impressions in hospitalitySylvie digiusto

and how unconscious biases shape guest experiences.

Sylvie breaks down her signature “ABCD-E” framework—Appearance, Behavior, Communication, Digital Footprint, and Environment—offering practical tools for hospitality leaders to influence perception and build trust from the first moment.

The conversation also dives into the often-overlooked impact of a leader’s digital presence and how virtual interactions can elevate—or damage—credibility. Whether you’re a hotel executive, manager, or aspiring leader, this episode offers actionable insights on how to become more intentional, authentic, and effective in your role . Subscribe, listen, and learn how micro-choices can create macro impact in guest experience.

 

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