Wilka Leadership Talks

We're thrilled to welcome Amanda Frank to the next episode of Leadership Talks! With over 15 years of experience in the fast-paced world of hospitality, Amanda is a powerhouse executive known for her ability to drive results, build high-performance teams, and open markets with impact.Amanda has led the successful opening of more than 40 hotels, consistently surpassing RevPAR targets and raising the bar for operational and sales excellence. Her leadership journey spans from early roles as a Sales Manager to high-level positions including Regional Director of Sales and, most recently, Corporate Director of Sales at Kasa Living—a Series C startup redefining flexible accommodations. At Kasa, Amanda built the sales organization from scratch, scaling revenue from zero to over $3 million in just two years while also leading major cross-functional initiatives in product and technology.Previously, during her seven-year tenure at Evolution Hospitality, she oversaw the launch of 28 hotels, led nationwide training programs, and earned the prestigious President's Award for her contributions to both culture and performance.Amanda brings a rare blend of strategic vision and operational execution, making her a standout voice in leadership, innovation, and hospitality. In this episode, she'll share her insights on scaling teams, building culture, and leading through growth and transformation.Don't miss this inspiring conversation with Amanda Frank on Leadership Talks where real leaders share the stories behind their success.

Lynn Zwibak is a dynamic revenue management expert who bridges the gap between theory and practice in the hospitality industry. As an adjunct professor at Virginia Tech University and founder of her own consultancy, she brings a unique blend of academic insight and hands-on experience from her revenue management leadership across the U.S., Asia, and Africa.Drawing from her background in group sales and cross-cultural communication, Lynn specializes in making complex revenue management concepts accessible and actionable. She's particularly known for unifying commercial strategy disciplines and fostering collaboration between revenue management and other hospitality functions.A Cornell Hotel School graduate with an MBA from Duke University, Lynn holds multiple industry certifications (CRME, CHDM, CHIA, CHE) and authored The Study Guide for the CRMA certification exam for HSMAI. Her engaging presentation style and real-world anecdotes make her a sought-after partner for any hotel or vendor looking to unleash their commercial strategy.

With over 18 years of expertise in hospitality sales, Muhammad Tanveer has established himself as a transformational leader known for driving exceptional revenue growth and fostering high-performing sales teams. His leadership spans across global markets, delivering sustained sales excellence and strategic market expansion.Key Achievements:✔ 2024: Ranked #1 LinkedIn Sales Leader in Pakistan (Favikon)✔ 2023: Recognized among the Global Top 100 Most Inspirational People in Hospitality (International Hospitality Institute)✔ Favikon Ambassador Pakistan✔ 2021-2022: Sales Person of the Year✔ 2018: Finalist for Sales Manager of the Year – Hotelier Xpress Awards, DubaiHis leadership is defined by his ability to transform sales strategies, drive innovative growth, and nurture long-term partnerships. As a respected thought leader and industry speaker, he continues to shape the future of hospitality sales through insights and visionary leadership.

We're thrilled to be joined by Cerissa Olson, a dynamic leader with a passion for service, strategy, and elevating experiences. Cerissa currently serves as the Director of Sales & Services at Visit Lubbock, where she plays a key role in attracting and supporting conventions, meetings, and events that bring people and business to the heart of West Texas. With a strong background in hospitality and customer experience, she's a powerhouse when it comes to creating memorable, people-first engagements.But that's not all Cerissa also brings global experience to the table, having served as Executive Briefing Center Manager at Poly in Dublin, Ireland, where she helped steer high-level communications and customer engagement in the tech sector.From West Texas charm to international leadership, Cerissa's journey is full of valuable lessons on adaptability, team culture, and driving growth through human connection.So grab your coffee, get comfortable, and let's dive into this conversation with Cerissa Olson.

Welcome to another episode of the Leadership Talks podcast, where we dive into the minds of inspiring leaders who are shaping industries and driving change. Today, we are honored to feature Nicole Basch!Nicole is an award-winning sales leader with extensive experience in the hospitality industry. As the Area Director of Sales for Commonwealth Hotels, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and a passion for driving business growth. Her ability to innovate, lead high-performing teams, and navigate challenges with resilience has made her a standout in her field.In this episode, Nicole shares her insights on leadership, sales excellence, and the mindset required to succeed in a competitive industry. Get ready for an inspiring conversation packed with valuable lessons!

In this episode of Leadership Talks, we sit down with Jeremy Huvard, a seasoned hospitality sales and marketing leader with over 15 years of experience driving revenue growth and brand success. As the Regional Director of Sales and Marketing at Donohoe Hospitality Services, Jeremy has played a pivotal role in optimizing market strategies for top hotel brands, including IHG, Marriott, and Hyatt.Beyond his professional expertise, Jeremy serves as the President of the HSMAI DC Chapter, where he helps shape the future of hospitality sales and marketing professionals. In this insightful conversation, he shares key leadership lessons, the evolving landscape of hospitality, and strategies for building high-performing teams in a competitive industry.Join us as we explore Jeremy's journey, his passion for mentorship, and the principles that have shaped his leadership style. Whether you're in hospitality or any customer-driven industry, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to elevate your leadership game.

Leadership Talks Podcast Episode: Exploring the World Through People, Culture, and Experiences with Yves PouliotWelcome to another inspiring episode of Leadership Talks! Today, we dive into the world of travel—not just as a journey from one place to another, but as a transformative experience shaped by the people we meet, the cultures we discover, and the moments that stay with us forever.Our guest, Yves Pouliot, brings over 20 years of expertise in the global hospitality industry, with deep insights into distribution, revenue management, connectivity, sales, and marketing. Having worked across hotels, online travel agencies (OTAs), and tour operators, Yves has developed a profound understanding of what truly makes travel meaningful.In this episode, we'll explore his leadership journey, the evolution of the hospitality industry, and why the essence of travel goes far beyond the destination itself. Get ready for an engaging conversation filled with wisdom, industry insights, and a fresh perspective on what it means to explore the world.Tune in now and let's embark on this journey together!

We're joined by Christopher Ellison Vice President of Revenue at Brittain Resorts & Hotels. With over two decades in hospitality, Chris has built a career from the ground up starting as a bellman and rising to leadership roles in revenue management. His expertise spans global consulting, technological integrations, and optimizing hotel performance. Get ready for an insightful conversation on industry trends, leadership, and the future of hospitality!

Pankaj is the Founder and CEO of RedFox, a leading destination management company in Southeast Asia. RedFox specializes in providing a wide range of products and services to its B2B partners through a single, seamless platform powered by in-house technology. The company's core strength lies in creating experience-based offerings and working closely with local communities to develop sustainable services. Under Pankaj's leadership, RedFox is committed to empowering clients by offering digital solutions that help businesses grow and adapt to the fast-evolving technological landscape. He is proud to lead a team of sharp, creative, and resilient individuals who are dedicated to achieving the company's goals and driving business growth. Pankaj places a strong emphasis on finding partners, clients, and teammates who share RedFox's values, passion, and vision. His approach is centered on commitment, technology, and the power of human collaboration to drive success and create meaningful impact. Nazmus Shaine Sakib is results-focused, dynamic hotel executive with over 23 years of experience in the hospitality industry. With extensive hands-on experience in opening hotels, as well as expertise in commercial, sales, digital marketing, revenue, distribution, and operations, he also provide operational consulting services to hotel owners and general managers.

Scott Quigley is a hospitality professional with 20+ years experience in hotel operations, sales, revenue and specializes in brand management, strategy and design. He has been part of the transformation of iconic brands including the re-launch of Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, InterContinental Hotels, and lead guest experience and innovation for Choice Hotels' upscale brands.

Abdulla Almutairi is a strong, vibrant and hands on operator with an extensive Rooms Division and F&B background, a Hospitality Major, and extensive experience on the front lines of both branded and independent lifestyle hotels. 

VIP Guest: Fiona McDonnell International executive with track record in motivating people, driving change, and delivering profitable growth in the Online Retail and Consumer Goods industries. Fiona is a leader with over 30 years' varied experience across the consumer products industry and e-commerce marketplaces, growing house hold names including Kellogg's, Kraft Jacobs Suchard, Nike and McCormick and Amazon. Currently a VP at Booking.com, Fiona is responsible for the commercial operations of the accommodations business, leading the global Partner Services Organisation.   Prior to Booking.com Fiona held various Director roles at Amazon in Germany and the UK leading the European consumer retail businesses and then as MD of UK advertising.  Alongside her commercial business responsibility, she was the Executive Sponsor for Diversity within Amazon UK businesses and was Amazon's UK spokesperson from 2018 and chair of the  Women in Innovation Advisory Committee.  In 2021 Fiona added a new string to her professional bow, writing and publishing a career book, Two Mirrors and a Cheetah: Think Differently, Own Your Career & Succeed by Being Yourself'.  A bold and passionate leader, Fiona has been successful in her career in sharpening brand performance, steering and developing multi-dimension teams to drive growth and profitability through transformational changes including post acquisition integration, business model change and in recent years embracing the rapidly changing  world of digital commerce.  Fiona is committed champion of diversity. She is an active mentor supporting iW50 as professional mentor for female entrepreneurs; a board Advisor for DIAL GLOBAL (Diverse and Inclusive Aspirational Leaders), an active fundraiser and teaching volunteer for Working Options in Education and she has become a STEM ambassador, encouraging kids to get involved in STEM activities. Fiona loves adventure and would consider herself as quite international  having lived and worked in Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Singapore &  France, alongside UK and speaking a handful of the languages. She  gets her energy and drive from attempting and achieving what seems  impossible and getting others motivated to do the same. Important  alongside her work is the time she spends with her husband and 2 boys (8  & 11 yrs.), staying healthy with tennis, yoga and fitness and keeping a sense of humour.     What  sets Fiona apart from other leaders is her clarity of thought, her  ability to share her energy and passion and the commitment to keep it 'fun' without compromising performance.

“Motto”: Sparking Connections and Transforming the Journey, One BOLD step at a time. Meet Kima—a powerhouse executive coach, facilitator, and speaker who knows how to light up a room and ignite change. With a knack for helping leaders master Emotional Intelligence, Leadership, Communication, and Team Dynamics (especially in those high-conflict, high-stakes situations), she's the secret weapon behind some of the most successful teams across industries. From the Americas to the Caribbean and Europe, Kima has traveled the globe, transforming leaders in Travel/Entertainment, Tech, Engineering, and beyond. But Kima's superpower isn't just about coaching—it's about connection. Her ability to relate to people from all walks of life makes her coaching sessions not only impactful but unforgettable. And when she's not working her magic with executive teams, Kima's busy as a children's author, championing literacy and creating pathways for future leaders. She's all about trust, empathy, ambition, and curiosity. Off the clock, you'll find her decorating for Halloween, devouring fantasy novels, or globe-trotting with her family. If you're looking for someone who can take your team—and your career—to the next level, Kima's the coach you didn't know you needed!

Lou Zameryka is Lou Zameryka is global travel industry veteran. He spent 17 years building global commercial strategies, partnerships and teams at Booking.com. He has also served on the national board of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association. Lou is an active real estate investor in the multi-family and short-term rental space In addition to his role with Ventures Hospitality, Lou has a passion for wellness and human potential. He is a certified Health Mindset Coach and an accomplished competitive amateur long-distance runner. He enjoys the process of creating and refining ideas as well as supporting people from the early stages to achieving their fullest potential.

VIP guest Ramon R. Teran

Theresa Dunn is an Award winning 24 year high performing relationship and business development professional passionate for creating unique experiences at every interaction.Purposeful, visionary leader with a strategic mindset and core focus on driving results through creativity and innovation in both behavioral healthcare and hospitality.Committed to continuous process improvement and staff development while contributing to team and organization success. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wilka-nascimento/message

Claudia Eggspuhler is a successful Women in Hospitality, she has 20 years of experience in hospitality and tourism managing hotels across the US. Eggspuhler, A Swiss native, built a career developing personnel and original programming at dynamic, respected hotels. Most recently she serves as the General Manager at the Hilton Washington DC National Mall. Claudia has also earned degrees in Hotel Management from the Hotel Schule Belvedere, and Business from the College of Oberwinterthur, both in Switzerland. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wilka-nascimento/message

Mirian Ortega is a goal oriented Sales & Marketing Director with a 20 years of experience in various leadership roles within the hospitality industry. Mirian embodies the passion for sales but also loves the operations part of the hotel day to day business. One of the best rewarding things Mirian enjoys in her role is being able to help other hospitality professional reach their personal and professional growth in their career. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wilka-nascimento/message

Angela Webb is a vision-driven sales executive with a 20+ year track record in team leadership, operations management, and proactive communications eager to leverage skills in a new role at a growing company. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wilka-nascimento/message

Igor Gaspareto shares his ownership career expertise in the Pantanal, Mato Grosso - Brazil. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wilka-nascimento/message

Vagner Sardinha, Diretor de Desenvolvimento de Novos Negócios e Expansão no Samba Hotéis, professor de Vendas Estratégicas no Hotel College e Council Member - Tourism & Travel Industry Expert na Rede GLG --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wilka-nascimento/message

Clarisa Jimenez serves as the President and CEO of the Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association (PRHTA). In her role, she holds the responsibility for the operation of the 400 member association and collaborates with the board of directors to make decisions and implement objectives. Jimenez develops and executes annual strategic plans, ensuring the maximum effectiveness of the Association in various areas such as supporting allied members, membership development, advocacy programs, marketing, internal and external communications, public relations, events management, liaison with other tour and travel industry associations, maintaining sound fiscal policies, cultivating staff talent, reviewing new revenue generation streams, and managing a budget of $1.2 million. With over 30 years of experience in the tourism industry, including 14 years at the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Jimenez is regarded as a high-energy leader who consistently encourages employees to maintain a positive attitude, particularly during challenging times. She is an exceptional speaker and strongly believes in always promoting transparency. Her contributions have been recognized through various awards and honors, including being named Caribbean Business Influential Businesswoman in 2005, SME Top Management Award in 2006, National Hotel Association Executive of the Year in 2008, and Hispanic Executive in 2012. During her tenure at the PRHTA, Jimenez has achieved notable accomplishments, including maintaining a high member retention rate of 94%. She established the Tourism Industry Employee Scholarship Fund and implemented the Beyond Hospitality: Taking the Art of Service to the Next Level, formerly known as the Six Keys for Top Notch Service Certification. Additionally, she played a leading role in creating Saborea Puerto Rico, the most significant culinary event in the Caribbean, and developed the Lifetime Achievement Award for Puerto Rico's Culinary Industry. In terms of governance, Jimenez led efforts to prevent the implementation of an additional room tax in San Juan, worked towards establishing a Destination Marketing Organization, and successfully opposed a bill to legalize illegal slot machines in Puerto Rico. Jimenez's experience includes serving as the head of the marketing division at the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and as the regional director responsible for the operation and promotion of the company's western region in California. She also held the position of President at Hospitality Marketing and Solutions, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in tourism marketing. Beyond her role at the PRHTA, Jimenez actively participates in various organizations and boards. She is involved with the Scholarship Foundation for Hotel & Tourism Studies and serves as a board member of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and the Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives (CSHAE). Jimenez is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Interagency Beach Management, overseeing the island's Blue Flag Certification Program, as well as the Private Sector Coalition. Furthermore, she contributes her expertise as a member of the Advisory Boards of the University of Puerto Rico, Carolina Campus and The International School of Tourism & Hospitality Management at Universidad del Este, recinto de Carolina. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wilka-nascimento/message

Neyda Urias, a seasoned HR professional with 14 years of invaluable industry experience, embarked on a bold and inspiring journey as a newly minted entrepreneur. Leaving behind the confines of the corporate world, Neyda found her true calling in career coaching and HR consulting. With an unwavering passion for helping individuals reach their fullest potential and organizations optimize their human capital, she brings her clients a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective. Neyda's commitment to fostering personal and professional growth is evident in every interaction, making her a trusted advisor and catalyst for success in the world of HR and career development. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wilka-nascimento/message

Aladin Glaoui General Manager Full Service Beach Resort. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wilka-nascimento/message

Trica Jean-Baptiste is the Founder of Morgensheer Hospitality, Inc., a Consortium of Hospitality, Real Estate and Finance Consultants. Trica represents family offices, institutional investors and developers transacting in the hospitality, multi and single family, private membership and senior living sectors. In the twelve years since establishing Morgensheer Hospitality Inc., Trica has amassed an impressive list of investor clients. Prior to transitioning into commercial real estate, Trica spent 25 years in the hospitality industry, holding director of public relations positions at hotel brands Doral Hotels & Resorts, Le Parker Meridien and Cendant Corporation. She led the award-winning boutique public relations agency, Trica Jean-Baptiste Communictions Inc., for 14 years, representing luxury hospitality brands such as Rocco Forte Hotels, Rosewood's Caneel and Little Dix Bay, European and Caribbean boutique resorts, and tourism boards such as The Scottish Business Tourism Unit and Dubait Tourism Authority. Trica chronicled her career journey in a guidebook titled, OPERATION RESET: A GUIDE TO RESET YOUR CAREER IN ANY ECONOMY. She is a board member of BCREN (Black Commercial Real Estate Network) and mentors hospitality and real estate practitioners.

Prentice Pollard is a dynamic, results-driven business executive with a sustained track record of leading high-performing, efficient and profitable sales organizations. As a seasoned corporate sales leader, Prentice creates and implements effective business development strategies which deliver impactful customer experiences, increase capture, encourage cross-functional synergy and optimize financial results. His collaborative and analytical management approach enables consistent over-achievement of team goals and objectives. During his 25 year career, Prentice has been recognized by both employers and key industry organizations for his contributions to the hospitality and technology sectors. Before joining INSPIRE's leadership team, Prentice enjoyed tenures with Towne Park, PSAV, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Hotel Corporation. In addition to his day-to-day work responsibilities, Prentice has dedicated countless volunteer hours and resources different hospitality industry organizations. Prentice earned a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from West Virginia University. Additionally, he's earned three professional designations during his career: Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP) and Certified Professional Catering Executive (CPCE). Prentice is married to Erica Pollard. The couple has three children: Shelby, Brooks and Cameron.

Tiffany Townsend is the Executive Vice President, Global Communications at NYC & Company. She comes to NYC & Company from the Biden-Harris administration, where she served as a Senior Advisor with the U.S. Small Business Administration in the Office of Government Contracting & Business Development. She has formerly held positions at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, the New York City Council, the New York Wheel, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey and the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, as well as with PR agencies Wander and Vine Communications. She previously worked for NYC & Company from 2007–2012, most recently as Vice President, Communications & Government Affairs.

Femi D. Thomas

Simon Mendy is responsible for leading a diverse portfolio at Aimbridge Hospitality management. Mendy has over 23 years of highly successful hospitality management experience, distinguished by extensive background in hospitality operations and revenue management. Mendy received a Master of Science in Finance and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Economics, Finance and Marketing) at the University of Colorado. Most recently, Mendy served as Executive Vice President of Operations for Extended Stay America, where he held multiple leadership positions over the last two decades (Senior Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Training, Standards and Guest Relations, Regional Director of Operations, and Director of Revenue Management). Mr. Mendy was also an Adjunct Professor at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, Colorado.

Raul Moronta joined Remington in 2020 and has over 25 years of experience in operations and revenue management. Most recently, Raul was the Senior Vice President of Revenue Management for Crescent Hotels & Resorts. Prior to Crescent, Raul held several senior level positions at Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Hersha Hospitality Management. While at Starwood, Raul developed the first Centralized Revenue Management program for franchise partners, oversaw Revenue Management Franchise support for Full Service hotels and served as Director of Revenue for a number of properties in the Boston Area. Raul has a BS in Hotel Administration in the Dominican Republic, an MBA in Hospitality Management from University of New Haven a well as a Certificate in Asset Management and Hotel investments from Cornell University & Certificate of Business Analytics from Wharton School.

With over 20 years of expertise spanning various facets of Hotel & Hospitality Management, Ousmane Diop excels in helping teams to improve the quality of the guest experience, maximize productivity & to create efficiency in processes while exceeding performance goals. Ousmane takes a client-focused outlook to develop strategies that increase company performance and profitability. Through this approach, he aims to create a positive effect in the lives of people, nurture a truly inclusive and diverse environment, and empower teams to pursue excellence more than anything else. Combined with his extensive professional experience, Ousmane has an expansive education portfolio, including three academic degrees. Over the years and from coast to coast, he has held executive roles for several esteemed luxury hotel brands and lifestyle/boutique hotels, having most recently served as the Opening General Manager for a forward thinking lifestyle hotel in Est Nashville. Currently, he presides as Director of Brand Operations, Graduate Hotels under the management of AJ Capital Partners. In the truest sense of servant leadership, Ousmane strives to create a legacy of distinction and brilliance that inspires teams to embrace change and strive for greatness. In addition to being an avid fashionista, martial artist, soccer player, track and field, extreme sport and motorcycle enthusiast, Ousmane is an “Ambassador of Goodwill” and a student of life who strives to impact lives positively. His expert level of superintendence, deep passion for people, and his innate essence of “Teranga” – (It designates the values ​​of hospitality, sharing and solidarity of the Senegalese. This term, proudly claimed, reminds us that Senegal has always been a place of mixing of peoples and cultures.) is what drives his desire to not only lead others but to provide for them as well. Ousmane is also a multi-hyphenate; he is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and activist with a “unity-first” mindset. He is the founder of “A Home meal and A Smile,” an initiative that regularly provides freshly prepared food and other assistance to the homeless and hungry members of the community. He is imbued with many talents that afford him opportunities to make a notable impact on the daily lives of others while educating and empowering next-generation leaders with the knowledge that leads to success.

Dr. Erinn Tucker-Oluwole, CoFounder "Black Restaurant Week" promotes the knowledge and awareness of black-owned food and beverage businesses in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area.  Dr. Tucker-Aluwode is a thought leader, hospitality industry advocate, professor, speaker, and relationship cultivator, Dr. Tucker- Aluwode's (she/her) political astuteness and decision making skills interacting effectively and partnering with university/college internal and external constituencies, governing boards, committees, governmental agencies, FORTUNE 500 businesses, and the industry as well as grass-root efforts have made her a sought after knowledge maker. She is the co-founder of DMV Black Restaurant Week and creator of platforms that bridge small hospitality businesses to the local resources they need to thrive. A Clinton Foundation 20/30 Advisory Board member and HELF Leadership Fellow, her first book is under contract with Columbia University Press.

Randall Snell is currently the Assistant  Director of Employer Relations at Clayton State University responsible for developing and implementing recruitment strategies to enhance the current employer base for the University. 

Cherrie Woods is a communications veteran, who serves as the Director of Marketing and Communications for Baltimore Public Markets Corporation. A former nomad who has lived in three countries and six cities, she has called Baltimore home for over a decade. Woods has held staff and management communications positions at museums, arts organizations and government agencies. She also proudly wears the title of author and award-winning poet. Her skills are based in the concept of using PR as a tool to bring diverse communities together in creative ways that provide mutually beneficial outcomes.

Heather Skipper Heather Skipper Naval Academy Business Services Division United States Naval Academy Hailing from Newport, Rhode Island, Heather Skipper is currently the Hospitality Sales Manager at the Naval Academy Business Services Division. Heather oversees the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center and Guide Services, manages the Naval Academy Club membership coordination, works with Approved Business Partners in the local community and manages the NABSD marketing efforts.

Special guest Kemo Camara, Founder & CEO at OMEK

Halee Whiting is the President at Hospitality with Flair. Whiting is a Travel Writer, creative, outside of the box, seasoned hospitality professional that specializes in remote hotel sales. 

David President, Jr., known as the “Traveling Tailor”, is a self-taught fashion designer who specializes in custom-made suits. David has achieved personal success as a hospitality sales veteran, an avid investor, a financial literacy coach, a fashion designer, and a public speaker. He is also the Founder of iTrade Community, an online group that he created to educate and share best practices as it relates to investing, real estate, and building generational wealth.

Thomas Penny, President of Donahue Hospitality Services, hospitality professional with multi-brand hotel experience, history of achieving above average results in the areas of employee satisfaction, market share and profitability.  Mr. Penny is a passionate community activist. Currently serving on the Board of Trustees and/or the Advisory Boards of the following organization: Hotel Association of Washington DC, Howard University School of Business (Hospitality Program), Hospitality of High School of Washington DC, Bridges Marriott Foundation of Washington DC; SOME - So Others May Eat & Prince George's Pro Start Advisory Council. 

Kevin is a travel & hospitality professional passionate about people and the world of travel. Regional Director of Sales for Kalyan Hospitality, Currently serves as an advisory board member for BLK RVA, a collaborative initiative that highlights African American tourism by illustrating the Richmond region as a multicultural hub.

Bruce is an outstanding Hotelier and on this episode he shares his views on BLACK EXCELLENCE in Hospitality. 

DeVanna, an Eastern Shore of Maryland native has 10+ years of hospitality and property management experience and firmly believes that a business is not business without people. She is a passionate and determined professional with a genuine care for establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with customers, associates, and ownership. DeVanna has demonstrated continuous success in overseeing and operating a portfolio of multi-million dollar income producing properties.

Monique Jones is a women leader in the Hospitality Industry in Washington DC. In this episode Monique shares her career journey in the industry , she is enchanting while sharing her real life story, sharing lessons learned, obstacles overcome and leadership style of serving and working together with others. She brings to the stage a lot of data driven influence into her teams across the 15 years in the Hospitality Industry. 

Belmond Copacabana Palace, a nearly century-old luxury hotel facing Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) which has welcomed countless worldwide celebrities over the years, is now led by Algarvean hotel manager Ulisses Marreiros. Inaugurated in 1923 and designed by French architect Joseph Gire, the Copacabana Palace is one of the world's most famous luxury hotels. Some of the world's most influential celebrities and politicians have enjoyed stays at the hotel, from American actor and director Orson Welles (who made quite a scene during his stay by throwing a sofa out of his suite's window into the pool) to Marlene Dietrich, Madonna, and even German theoretical physicist Albert Einstein. In 1991 alone, the hotel welcomed the likes of George Michael, Pelé, Nelson Mandela and Prince Charles and Princess Diana. More recently in 2009, British rock legends Rolling Stones stayed at the Copacabana Palace and performed live on a stage set up in front of it to an estimated crowd of 1.3 million. It's quite a history to live up to, but it's a challenge that Ulisses Marreiros has embraced. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wilka-nascimento/support

David Aucoin says passion is the key to success in the hospitality industry. At only 19, Aucoin kick-started his career, allowing him to develop personally and professionally in a wide range of roles. He began working as a reservation agent at Sheraton Parkway and Best Western Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites. Three years later, he became sales co-ordinator. For most of his 20s, Aucoin assumed sales roles at Westmont Hospitality Group, JM Hospitality Inc. and Extended Stay Deluxe Toronto (now Staybridge Suites by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)), bringing in more than $5 million in sales. With strong intentions of climbing the hotel-management ladder, Aucoin became vice-president and managing director of the Hampton Inn by Hilton in Brampton, Ont., where he formed an unbreakable bond with the hotel owner, Mandeep Sahi. With shared visions, missions and goals, the duo joined forces to launch DM Hospitality Inc. in 2016. https://www.hoteliermagazine.com/profile-david-aucoin/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wilka-nascimento/support

Trina White, General Manager at the Parkside Hotel & Spa. Proud to be pioneers in promoting sustainable tourism in Victoria, since 2009. As a Green Key Global leader and Biosphere Certified, all elements of the hotel have been carefully thought out with a sustainable mindset. From diverting waste from landfills to partnering with local organizations like Surfrider Foundation Vancouver Island, The Parkside was the second Carbon Neutral hotel in British Columbia —and they just received their Climate Positive certification. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wilka-nascimento/support

Paula Carreirão is a Hospitality Leader who currently works as a Content Coordinator at Asksuite. Paula has been an important voice for the hotel industry for the last 10 years, writing and talking about hospitality and technology in blog posts and at webinars. Her podcast, Hotel Cast, was named #2 Hospitality Podcast by International Hospitality Institute. Paula has a flair for public speaking and has been invited to international podcasts and events to talk about hospitality, career, and content marketing. She was named Global Top 25 Social Media Influencers Hospitality 2021 and Global Top 20 Hospitality Executives to Watch in 2022. Paula is a frank and authentic advocate for the industry and you can always count on her contagious laughter to make noteworthy conversations even more engaging. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Erik Leenaars - Hospitality Professional, Coach and Storyteller. His purpose is to meaningfully engage with others and unlock their strengths, in order to make the world more joyful and inclusive.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Jacqueline Chicralla is the founder and director of JC Hotelaria. Tourism Ambassador of Rio de Janeiro Bachelor in Hospitality, specialist in revenue management and distribution Sales and revenue professional with more than 15 years in hospitality industry, acting in Brazil and USA. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Osman Cuadros is a successful General Manager in the DMV area. He has over 25 years experience in the Hospitality Industry. Skilled in Associates and Guest Satisfaction. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Sheila Neal is a Director of Sales for Visit Detroit.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app