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

🎙️ 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

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

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