Hotelier Learning Curve: Humility & Curiosity – Discussion with Marc Dardenne. TSHS-056

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Hotelier Learning Curve: Humility & Curiosity – Discussion with Marc Dardenne

We are reflecting with my guest Marc Dardenne on our decades-long careers and sharing insights learned along the way. Starting as management trainees Marc with Hilton and me with Hyatt, we gained experience across multiple countries and cultures. Early challenges included adapting to new places, understanding cultural norms, and taking the initiative to learn. 

 

Key lessons covered are being curious and proactive, embracing humility, respecting local cultures, and cultivating a passion for hospitality. We emphasize the need for self-learning, adjustment, and developing skills over time.

 

Discussion topics also include changes in the industry, attracting young talent, and offering better career paths. Flexibility, work-life balance, training, and shaping hotel culture are noted as ways to engage the new generation. 

 

Overall, this candid discussion between seasoned hotel professionals provides an intriguing look at their global journeys and the evolution of the hospitality business. The humor and stories offer both wisdom and entertainment.

 

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Stand Out in a Crowded Market – Hotel Branding Strategies. TSHS-055

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Stand Out in a Crowded Market – Hotel Branding Strategies

Join me with my guest hospitality expert Marc Dardenne as he shares insider tips and anecdotes from career-launching iconic hotel brands, like Armani Hotels, The Address, and Patina Hotels. – Learn Marc’s perspective on what makes a successful brand, from identifying your market niche to crafting memorable experiences.

– Discover the intricacies of brand creation – from selecting the perfect name to instilling a vibrant culture that brings your brand identity to life.

– Gain invaluable insights on brand storytelling, designing for your target demographic, flagship properties, maintaining integrity as you expand, and avoiding common pitfalls. – Whether you’re looking to launch a new brand or strengthen an existing one, Marc imparts his wisdom on standing out in a crowded hospitality marketplace and connecting with guests through authenticity.

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Why Interior branding has the incredible ability to connect brands with their guests. TSHS – 054

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Why Interior branding has the incredible ability to connect brands with their guests. Discussing with Bruna Rodrigues, Founder and principal designer of INPAR Hospitality Concepts, a boutique design studio specializing in the hospitality sector. Originally from Brazil, and based in Malaga, Spain, she is passionate about helping businesses realize the full potential of their interiors.

 

 

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2 Hospitality Events, 3 Takeaways with 5 Guests. TSHS -053

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2 Hospitality Events, 3 Takeaways with 5 Guests

I attended IHIF ( International Hotel Investment Forum, Berlin and Eco Resort Network Event, in Montenegro. I thought it would be great to get some people who joined either or both events to share their views, in this way to give a balanced takeaway for you the listeners.

Let me introduce my guests who made this episode possible.

Dr.Willy Legrand is, Professor at the IU University of Applied Sciences in Germany, with specialization in sustainable hospitality development and management. His recent publication co-edited with Henri Kuokkanen and Jonathan Day, Critical Questions in Sustainability and Hospitality is a must-read. Contact: linkedin.com/in/prof-willy-legrand. Website. www.willylegrand.com

Robyn Woodhead, is a polar explorer who co-founded with her husband White Desert Antarctica, operating three separate luxury camps in Antarctica, and aiming to be a positive influence on the entire continent’s Climate Change legacy.  website: www.white-desert.com. Email: robyn@white-desert.com

Maribel Esparcia Perez, is an Independent Advisor, Professor and Managing Partner of the European Sustainable Hospitality Club, Certified Change Agent by ISSP, part of the CSW63 SDG’s at UN. Contact: linkedin.com/in/maribelesparcia , website: www.eshclub.com

Tariro Madzingira is a banking professional and community builder, interested in getting underrepresented groups into nature for mental health benefits. She is building a diverse online community encouraging high-potential professionals and students to intentional breaks in the outdoors. Contact: linkedin.com/in/madzingira

Chris Nader is the Co-Founder and CEO of ENVI Lodges, the first luxury ecolodge brand and management company to launch from the Middle East, with a presence in the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. Contact: linkedin.com/in/christiannader

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How to achieve a sustainable and profitable future for a hotel.

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Discussion with Hylton Lipkin the General Manager for Garrya Mu Gang Chai and Homm Tu Le in Vietnam, part of The Banyan Tree Group.
Speaking about his approach to operate a hotel sustainably with a focus on People,Planet and Profit.
Hylton is passionate about Environmental Wellness and describes his approach.

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Is there a real potential for generative AI in the Hotel industry?

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Is there a real potential for generative AI in the Hotel industry?
Discussing with Jaynath N Kolla, Head of Strategy for a Big Tech Firm, Building the new Internet of Health. Jayanth insight on emerging tech is invaluable and will surely leave you inspired. He is sharing his views about the Technologists, what happened to their Rock Star status, and the latest trends with Generative AI shaping the future of the hotel industry, with some practical tips.

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Critical Questions in Hospitality explored with Celine Vadam. TSHS – 050

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Critical Questions in Hospitality.
My guest in this episode is Celine Vadam, Co-founder of Hospitality of the Future Think Tank contributed with the team from the Hospitality of the Future Think Tank to Prof. Dr. Willy Legrand’s book¨Critical Questions in Sustainability and Hospitality.¨

We will discuss with Celine Vadam how to make better choices and prioritize a more holistic commitment to protecting the planet.

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The future hotel leadership – discussion with Aki Keskitalo. TSHS-049

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The future hotel leadership – discussion with Aki Keskitalo, Hotel General Manager, Hotel Torni & Solo Sokos Helsinki
Interesting discussion with Aki Keskitalo, besides his passion for hospitality, and empowering his colleagues, he is known to get out of his comfort zone.
He is the contestant in the Finnish version of The Apprentice aka DIILI 2023.

Learn more what drives him to excel in Life and his views on the future of hotel leadership.

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Michael Haddad: From Paralysed to World Record Breaker. TSHS – 048

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Michael Haddad: From Paralysed to World Record Breaker
Discussion with endurance athlete Michael Haddad about his Awake Walk Svalbard
Michael Haddad is a UNDP Arab States Goodwill Ambassador for Climate Action, an endurance athlete holding four record-breaking athletic feats, who overcame his disability and believes nothing is impossible.

In April 2023 he will be mustering all his willpower to perform a 100km Arctic walk to address the climate emergency, and to bring attention to the melting Arctic ice, which provides important evidence of the urgent need for concerted and scaled-up climate action.
*   As far as we know no one has accomplished and Michael is a rare case. He has no control over his lower body.  He is the source of discoveries that will benefit medical, science, engineering, and technology fields in discovering massive potentials and major capabilities in the service of humanity.
* Endurance athlete able to walk and balance himself using his shoulders and hands, and achieve records as an endurance athlete.

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What is the evolution of Finnish Sauna? TSHS – 047

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Discussing with Yana Kaiser, Architect and passionate sauna aficionado. She moved to Finland recently and joined the Studio Puisto Architects.
While writing her thesis for the Masters Degree, and sitting long hours in front of computer she developed back pains and was also mentally stressed out. She found the sauna health benefits from sauna, both physically as a relaxant but also mentally.
As an architect she appreciates Nordic form and describes how she sees the evolution of sauna design and best saunas.
Yana got interested in the German ¨Aufguss¨ sauna experience, and is a certified Aufguss Master. She describes the entertainment factor which has made Aufguss popular in Central Europe.
We will conclude this episode by sharing 10 tips how to enjoy the ultimate sauna experience.

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