The Roller Coaster Ride: What aspiring Entrepreneurs need to prepare for – Chris Nader. TSHS-0064

The Roller Coaster Ride: What aspiring Entrepreneurs need to prepare for – Chris Nader. TSHS-0064

Chris Nader, CO-founder, of ENVI lodges talks about his background growing up in a family of hoteliers and his early exposure to the hospitality industry working at his family’s beach club at a young age. He later got a hospitality MBA from EHL, and worked with various hotel brands before deciding during the pandemic in 2020 to launch his own sustainable hospitality company focused on luxury eco-lodges.

He co-founded ENVI Lodges intending to create a global brand of lodges immersed in nature that provide unique guest experiences while operating responsibly towards local communities and the environment.

Chris discusses the key attributes entrepreneurs need – the courage to take risks and be disciplined to see things through.

He talks about the fundraising process, investing partners they targeted like high net worth individuals and family offices, and differences of raising funds in Europe vs the Middle East. Chris elaborates on ENVI Lodge’s brand vision centered around community and distinguishes it from safari resorts.

He shares perspectives on technology’s role at the lodges to enhance the guest experience while allowing people to disconnect.

The interview concludes with Chris emphasizing the importance of supporting and collaborating with local communities wherever ENVI Lodges launches.

Chris Nader can be contacted on Linkedin and Instagram, @envilodges and @hotel_trotter. When you contact Chris Nader please add #thesocialhotelier

Enjoyed our discussion. Feel free to Buy me a Coffee right here.https://www.buymeacoffee.com/samerik ☕️

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

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