Category Archives: 2025

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

Posted on by

🎙️ 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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

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

Posted on by

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

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

Posted on by

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

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

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

Posted on by

✅ 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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

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

Posted on by

Thumbnail 01

🌱 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

 

© The Social Hotelier

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

What Makes a SUCCESSFUL Digital Ads Campaign in 2025. TSHS – 120

Posted on by

Maximize Your Digital Ads ROI Proven Strategies for Lasting Success

Proven Strategies for Hotels, Restaurants, and Businesses to Succeed in Google Ads, Meta, and Beyond

Many businesses are burning through their digital advertising budgets without a clear strategy. As John Horn, CEO of  @Stubgroup  , reveals, success in digital marketing requires a thoughtful approach, patience, and strategic oversight. In this post, we’ll explore actionable steps to improve your advertising results while ensuring you stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.

John horn01

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

From Boardroom to Global Impact: How One Family Foundation is Changing Lives. TSHS – 119

Posted on by

From Boardroom to Global Impact: How One Family Foundation is Changing Lives

In this inspiring episode, Sam-Erik Ruttmann welcomes Morgan DeNicola, Executive Director of the DeNicola Family Foundation.

Discover how this dynamic leader transitioned from marketing in her family’s business empire to championing global health, cultural diplomacy, and humanitarian recognition. Morgan shares powerful insights on creating sustainable impact through empathy, trust-building, and listening — proving that caring is more than just an emotion; it’s an action.

Learn how the foundation’s initiatives, from mobile medical vans in Malawi to cultural exchange programs with Russia and Iraq, foster positive change worldwide.

Morgan also reveals how their latest *Bright Star Award* program empowers young changemakers in schools, nurturing future leaders with compassion at the forefront.

Caring is an action, not just an emotion.

If you’re seeking inspiration on how to make a meaningful difference — whether through charity, cultural diplomacy, or community involvement — this episode will leave you motivated and ready to take action.

🎧 Tune in now and discover how Morgan’s approach to philanthropy can transform the way you think about impact, compassion, and change.

Morgan Denicola

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

How to Maximize Hotel Profitability in a Changing Market. TSHS – 118

Posted on by

How to Maximize Hotel Profitability in a Changing Market.

In this episode of the Social Hôtelier podcast, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann speaks with Michael Grove, CEO of HotStats, about the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry. They discuss the importance of financial intelligence, the need for hoteliers to look beyond traditional metrics like RevPAR, and the balance between automation and personalized service in hotels.

Michael Grove shares insights from his extensive experience in hotel operations and finance, emphasizing the significance of total revenue management and the challenges faced by hoteliers in today’s market.

Michael Grove

In this conversation, Michael Grove discusses the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry, focusing on the integration of technology, innovative restaurant concepts, and the impact of AI on marketing strategies. He highlights the growth of hospitality in the Middle East, particularly in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, and explores emerging markets like India and Vietnam. The conversation also touches on the current state of the US hospitality market and the potential disruptors that could reshape the industry. Finally, Grove shares valuable career advice for aspiring hoteliers, emphasizing the importance of finding a role that aligns with one’s personality.

Takeaways

  • Michael Grove emphasizes the importance of financial intelligence in hospitality.
  • The hospitality industry is facing unprecedented challenges and political uncertainties.
  • Profitability is a key concern for hoteliers as revenue growth slows.
  • Total revenue per available room is a crucial metric for revenue management.
  • Hotels need to focus on total revenue management rather than isolated metrics.
  • Automation can help streamline operations and improve guest experiences.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

AI & Service Transformation Unforgettable Hospitality Experiences TSHS – 117

Posted on by

AI & Service Transformation Unforgettable Hospitality Experiences

In this episode of the Social Hotelier podcast, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann interviews Johann Diaz, an expert in service transformation and customer experience.

They discuss the importance of redefining strategies to meet evolving customer needs, the role of AI in enhancing service delivery, and the shift towards servitization in business models.

Johann emphasizes the significance of understanding customer sentiment, the core principles of exceptional service, and the risks and opportunities associated with AI adoption.

The conversation also explores future trends in AI, particularly the rise of agentic AI, and how organizations can prepare to remain competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.

Johann Diaz

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

Redefining Hospitality: From Sustainability to Regeneration. TSHS – 116

Posted on by

Redefining Hospitality: From Sustainability to Regeneration

A Deep Dive into Sustainable Tourism, Policy Challenges, and the Double-edged Sword of Social Media

In this episode of the Social Hotelier podcast, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann engages with Chalana Perera, the founder of Retrace Hospitality, to discuss the critical shift from sustainable to regenerative tourism.

   Chalana emphasizes the importance of proactive measures in tourism to address climate change and over-tourism, particularly in Sri Lanka.

The conversation explores the challenges faced by governments and businesses in implementing effective tourism policies, the role of social media in promoting responsible travel, and the need for evolving hospitality education to prepare future leaders.

Chalana shares insights on her current projects aimed at creating regenerative tourism experiences and the influence of colonial practices on the industry. The episode concludes with advice for aspiring professionals in the hospitality sector.Chalana Perera

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More