Podcasts about Marriott

What happens when luxury design meets the wild?Award-winning designer, Graeme Labe, Managing Partner and Chief Design Officer at Luxury Frontiers, shares how he's redefining hospitality by crafting experiences that connect people deeply to nature, while championing sustainability and community. Graeme shares his journey from traditional hospitality design to founding Luxury Frontiers, which focuses on creating unique, luxurious experiences in remote locations. The conversation covers topics such as the importance of experiential hospitality, the challenges of working in remote environments, and the role of sustainability and community engagement in their projects. Graeme also discusses the innovation culture within his team, their participation in the Radical Innovation Award, and the significance of site-specific design.Takeaways: Focus on creating unique, immersive experiences that connect guests to their environment, rather than just providing traditional luxury.Design experiences that gently push guests out of their comfort zones, allowing them to grow while still feeling safe and cared for.Integrate sustainability into every aspect of your projects: from site selection and building materials to community engagement and ongoing operations.Foster a culture of innovation within your team. Set up internal labs or competitions to encourage experimentation with new materials and ideas.Use natural materials and let the surrounding environment take center stage in your designs. Break down barriers between indoors and outdoors to enhance biophilic experiences.Thoughtfully integrate technology to improve comfort and accessibility, but also create opportunities for guests to disconnect and fully immerse themselves in the experience.Treat logistical, regulatory, and environmental constraints as opportunities to innovate and improve your designs.Quote of the Show:“ It's those moments that take you out of your comfort zone, when you're truly immersed in a place, that change your life. That's the kind of experience we try to design for.” - Graeme LabeLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graeme-labe-a0332b19/ Website: https://www.luxury-frontiers.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxury_frontiers/ Shout Outs:1:16 - Radical Innovation https://www.radicalinnovation.io/ 1:53 - AHEAD Awards https://www.aheadawards.com/ 5:26 - The Lion King https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lion_King 7:08 - Orient Express Hotels https://www.orient-express.com/hotels 9:47 - Volkswagen https://www.vw.com/en.html 9:48 - Coleman https://www.coleman.com/ 22:16 - Luca Franco https://www.linkedin.com/in/luca-franco-5507b311/ 28:18 - Blue Sky Award https://www.blueskyawards.com/en/ 30:41 - Anomien Smith https://www.linkedin.com/in/anomien-smith-73917715/ 35:02 - The Crown https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Crown_(TV_series) 35:05 - King George https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_III 35:09 - Queen Elizabeth https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_II 41:34 - Hirsch Bedner https://hba.com/ 41:45 - Michael Bedner https://hba.com/legacy/ 50:59 - Six Senses https://www.sixsenses.com/en/ 51:04 - Ritz Carlton https://www.ritzcarlton.com/ 51:06 - Marriott https://www.marriott.com/default.mi 51:07 - Four Seasons https://www.fourseasons.com/ 

In Episode 140 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, hosts Mike Zaccheo and Cameron Laufer cover a range of topics from heartwarming uses of points to travel industry updates and destination planning. They open with a moving story from a community member who used 18,000 AA miles to fly an old friend across the country for emotional support—highlighting how miles can offer more than just luxury travel. Mike and Cameron then discuss notable credit card updates, including new Capital One transfer partners like Qatar Airways and Japan Airlines (with a 30% bonus), and question whether the $895 Amex Platinum fee is worth it given the long list of credits offered. Transfer bonuses from Citi and Amex are also covered, and they touch on current promotions like Chase Freedom's Q4 5x categories.The main segment dives into Cameron's recent trip to the Dolomites in Italy. He provides a detailed rundown on how to get there using points and miles from various programs—highlighting Emirates' fifth-freedom JFK–Milan route, and Star Alliance partners like United and Lufthansa. For accommodations, they explore luxury hotel options using programs like I Prefer, Marriott, and portals from Amex, Chase, Citi, and Capital One. Ground transportation tips emphasize renting a car over relying on trains and buses. Cameron wraps up with Dolomites-specific advice like reserving parking at Tre Cime, getting to Seceda early, and hiking resources, making this episode both informative and personal.Episode Links:Capital One new Transfer PartnersCapital One To JAL Transfer BonusOther Transfer BonusesAmex Platinum DetailsChase Freedom Q4 5x CategoriesDolomites Points & Miles PostWhere to Find Us The Free Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.

What if the key to business growth wasn't just strategy, but building trust at every level? In this episode, Geoffrey Toffetti, CEO of Frontline Performance Group (FPG), shares his journey from starting as a hotel valet to leading the world's top company in frontline sales performance for hospitality. With 30 years of proven results and partnerships with global hotel giants like Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, Radisson, and IHG, FPG empowers frontline teams to maximize revenue, improve guest experiences, and drive employee engagement, all through its innovative IN-Gauge SaaS platform. Geoffrey reflects on pivotal mentors, lessons from scaling companies, and why trust is the cornerstone of leadership and culture.   [00:02:15] Meet Geoffrey Toffetti Kevin introduces Geoffrey to the Million Dollar Relationships Podcast Shout-out to Claire and Quoted for the connection Geoffrey explains FPG's mission to empower hospitality frontline teams [00:05:00] From Valet to Executive Leadership Starting out parking cars at TradeWinds Resort in Florida Moving into management roles before joining a dot-com startup in 2000 Surviving the dot-com bubble and rising to VP of Strategic Solutions [00:07:00] Joining FPG Meeting founder Ziad Khoury after six months of conversations Leaving a billion-dollar company for a sub-$10M firm with high potential Why empowering people to generate revenue was more inspiring than cost-cutting [00:09:10] Expanding into Hospitality FPG's origins in the automotive industry How Geoffrey's hotel background guided expansion into hospitality Scaling to serve more than 2,500 hotels worldwide [00:13:27] Million-Dollar Relationships The pivotal role of Ziad Khoury in Geoffrey's journey Trusting Geoffrey with leadership and appointing him CEO during COVID How Ziad's generosity and mentorship transformed FPG's future [00:15:02] Influential Mentors Coach Matt Hedrick: lessons on leadership and culture from football Harold Mills, CEO of ZeroChaos: strategic mentorship in sales and contracts How diverse mentors shaped Geoffrey's leadership philosophy [00:18:46] Paying It Forward Stories of hiring and empowering talent during challenging times Transformations that reshaped both individuals and the business Why building people is key to sustainable success [00:22:00] Leading with Trust Why leaders must give trust first instead of demanding it be earned How trust shaped FPG's resilience through COVID pay cuts with no turnover The dangers of leading without openness or respect [00:24:30] Building a Strong Culture FPG as a “tribe” rooted in ethics, values, and trust Why cultural violations, not mistakes, are deal-breakers How trust-driven culture fosters resilience, innovation, and loyalty [00:32:14] FPG's Global Impact Overview of FPG's IN-Gauge SaaS platform Equipping frontline managers with performance analytics, training, and incentives How FPG sustains its leadership after 30 years in the industry [00:34:00] Final Reflections Why leading with trust transforms both relationships and business The role of vulnerability and openness in effective leadership Geoffrey's advice: “Lead with trust, you can't go wrong.”   KEY QUOTES “Leaders must give trust first. It's yours to lose.” - Geoffrey Toffetti “Culture built on trust creates resilience, even in the hardest times.” - Geoffrey Toffetti “What FPG does isn't about squeezing nickels, it's about inspiring people to generate revenue.” - Geoffrey Toffetti CONNECT WITH GEOFFREY TOFFETTI

Marriott introduced the Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy—lodges and cabins—alongside a Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors platform that curates trips by activities like hiking and skiing, citing strong loyalty-member interest in outdoor travel. Capital One Travel's new head, Sarah Kaplan Moore (ex-Agoda B2B), signaled continued collaboration with Hopper while keeping options open on the portal's long-term model. At a Senate hearing, Frontier's Barry Biffle argued that “fortress hubs” and gate control stifle competition, urging measures to free up underused gates—while also calling for antitrust immunity for ultra-low-cost carriers. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/⁠⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠⁠ Bluesky: ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠⁠@SkiftNews⁠⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.

In a special presentation of Smart Travel, learn what your points and miles are really worth in 2025 — and why the answer might change how you book travel. Should you take a $650 flight voucher or 32,500 miles? How much are your points and miles actually worth? Smart Travel hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down the latest NerdWallet valuations to help you make smarter redemption choices. But first, they cover recent travel headlines, including Southwest Airlines' new partnership with EVA Air, Frontier's companion certificate promotion and status match, and JetBlue opening up award bookings with Condor Airlines. Then, travel Nerd Craig Joseph joins Meghan to discuss NerdWallet's latest airline, hotel, and credit card point valuations, with tips and tricks on comparing loyalty programs, maximizing transfer partners, and deciding when cash is more valuable than points. They also discuss the impact of devaluations, how close-in bookings can save you points, and why premium cabins can sometimes offer outsized redemption value. Plus: Craig's hot take on airport lounges. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Is the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard Worth Its Annual Fee? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/is-the-frontier-airlines-world-mastercard-worth-its-annual-fee Citi Strata Credit Card Review: Solid Rewards for No Annual Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-strata  Citi Double Cash Review: A Solid Choice for Everyday Spending ​​https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-double-cash  Citi Custom Cash Card Review: Low-Maintenance 5% Cash Back https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-custom-cash  Citi Strata Premier: Big Rewards Across Top Spending Categories https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-strata-premier  Is the New Alaska Atmos Summit Card Worth a $395 Annual Fee? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/is-the-alaska-airlines-atmos-summit-card-worth-its-annual-fee  Resources discussed in this episode: Airline Miles vs. Cash Calculator https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/calculator-should-you-book-a-flight-with-cash-or-miles  How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2025? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/airline-miles-and-hotel-points-valuations  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. In this episode, the Nerds discuss: points and miles valuation, airline miles value, hotel points value, credit card points value, Southwest EVA Air partnership, Frontier Companion Certificate, JetBlue Condor award booking, Citi American Airlines transfer, Amex Membership Rewards value, Capital One points value, Bilt points value, Hyatt points value, Hilton points value, Marriott points value, Wyndham points value, IHG points value, Alaska miles value, JetBlue points value, American Airlines miles value, United miles value, Southwest points value, Virgin Atlantic miles value, ANA miles value, Avianca LifeMiles value, best way to use Amex points, best way to use Citi points, best way to use Capital One points, use cash or points for flights, last minute award flight value, premium cabin redemption value, economy flight points value, airline devaluation, hotel point devaluation, cash vs points travel booking, when to transfer credit card points, how to maximize travel rewards, and NerdWallet points and miles calculator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode: Amanda sits down with Casey Townsend and Jennifer Smith to talk about what it's like being second-generation homeschoolers—the unique challenges, blessings, and how their own homeschool experiences shape how they teach today.

TALK TO ME, TEXT ITEver been blindsided by a strange charge on your restaurant bill? Imagine finishing a peaceful meal only to discover a 20% "quiet time surcharge" tacked on simply because you dined during off-peak hours. According to one customer's account, a restaurant justified this fee by comparing it to "flying private instead of commercial" – as if enjoying a less crowded dining room somehow warranted an extra cost!The hospitality industry seems to be finding increasingly creative ways to test customer boundaries. Beyond questionable restaurant charges, disturbing research from Germany suggests our favorite sodas might be doing more than expanding our waistlines – they could be contributing to depression. Scientists have discovered a link between soft drink consumption and increased levels of gut bacteria associated with depressive disorders, with women apparently facing higher risks than men. This adds another concerning dimension to the already well-documented health issues related to sugary beverages.Perhaps most troubling is the story of a family with a three-year-old child who were allegedly denied their Marriott hotel reservation in Las Vegas because the father didn't have his physical credit card present – despite the chain's heavily marketed digital check-in service. The family claims they were forced to spend the night in their car in the scorching Vegas heat, raising serious questions about corporate policies versus compassionate customer service. When confronted, the hotel management apparently doubled down on their position, prioritizing procedure over a family's wellbeing. What would you do if faced with these situations? Would you pay that unexpected surcharge, or would you stand your ground? These stories highlight the often frustrating disconnect between what businesses advertise and what customers actually experience. Share your thoughts or similar experiences – we'd love to hear how you navigate these hospitality industry challenges!Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREE Thanks for listening! Liberty Line each week on Sunday, look for topics on my X file @americanistblog and submit your 1-3 audio opinions to anamericanistblog@gmail.com and you'll be featured on the podcast. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREESupport the showTip Jar for coffee $ - Thanks Music by Alehandro Vodnik from Pixabay Blog - AnAmericanist.comX - @americanistblog

Booking hotels through travel portals can be a brilliant points-saver, but there are also downsides to booking this way. In this episode I break down when portals like Chase Travel and Capital One beat transferring points to Marriott, Hilton or IHG, the risks of these bookings and the simple steps I teach my Families Fly Free members to mitigate any issues. We'll also cover the powerful Hyatt exception—why transferring Chase points to Hyatt often costs fewer points and avoids third-party headaches—plus real stories from listeners and my own trips.You'll learn:Why to compare portal prices vs. transfers in 2 minutes and pick the cheaper optionThe biggest pitfalls with third-party hotel bookings and how to avoid themMy confirm-confirm-confirm, validate-validate-validate strategyWhy Hyatt is the go-to sweet spot for fewer points and direct-booking peace of mindWant my swipe files, step-by-step Stay Free Formula™ and real-time help and community support as things keep changing? Join Families Fly Free to stretch your points further with fewer cards and less hassle, so your family can make more travel memories together: https://www.FamiliesFlyFree.com/join

The Suite Spot takes a trip to central Florida to visit the incredible AC Hotel Orlando Downtown, part of the Kolter Hospitality portfolio. The Regional Director of Food & Beverage at Kolter, Robert Mason, joins the Suite Spot to discuss: Seasonal Menus F&B in the Guest Experience How Kolter Hospitality is Shaping F&B The Importance of a Social Presence for a Hotel Property Be sure to tune in to catch the whole episode. Ryan Embree: Welcome to Suite Spot, where hoteliers check in and we check out what's trending in hotel marketing. I'm your host, Ryan Embree. Hello everyone. Welcome to another episode of The Suite Spot. This is your host, Ryan Embree, continuing our series of the Suite Spot Road Trip into the summer a little bit coming into the fall. I'm here with right down the road from our Travel Media Group headquarters, I-4. I know you probably hear that and think might be a long way away. I-4 can be congested sometimes, but not too bad of a drive here. We're gonna talk about that today. I'm here with Robert Mason, Regional Director of Food and Beverage at Kolter Hospitality. Robert, thank you so much for joining the Suite Spot. Hey, thanks for having me. And we're gonna talk a little bit about your property today. We're gonna talk a lot about the portfolio and your job here as the Food and Beverage Director, but I do want to get to, as it is, tradition here on the Suite Spot, get to know a little bit about your background and what led you to Kolter Hospitality. Robert Mason: Wow. So I've been 42 years in food and beverage. It's all I've ever done. It's all I know. I started in the culinary side. I worked all the way up to executive chef. I actually studied under a master chef in San Francisco Bay Area and, had a really fun journey through culinary for about two decades. And about 15 years ago, I made the transition to the dark side, as I say, got into the front of house operations. and it's been a great journey. Work brought me to Orlando. In San Fransico, I was kind of a small fish in a big pond, but here I'm kind of, was kind of a big fish in a small pond, so to speak. Yeah, but Orlando has certainly grown and developed over the last 20 years that I've been here. And just having fun. And this opportunity actually came up right in the middle of COVID. I came from a much larger property down in South Orlando. And the reason I took this job was couple full first, you know, I like the company culture. I liked the fact that the Skybar had so much to offer. I saw the potential right away. And it's a smaller, easier to manage kind of thing 'cause everything's in one place as opposed to a big sprawling resort with 15 outlets and that kind of thing. But I have stayed with the company because I really do enjoy all the people I get to work with Sarah, I know, you know, Sarah and John from our corporate office and Scott, our president, they just do a wonderful job. And they're really people first. We're a really people first company. So I believe in the vision here and that's why I stay. It's awesome to hear. And your story resonates coast to coast, but I think it's a true example of hospitality professionalism. 'cause it's transferable skills, right? Yeah. You know, you can work at a hotel, whether you're in food and beverage on one side of the country, and then move all the way to the other, side of the country, like your story. And here you are in Orlando, before we get to talk about your property and this beautiful skybar that we're in right now,right behind us, I four can throw a rock to the Kia Center, Citrus Bowl right over there. Orlando City Stadium. For those that aren't familiar, Robert, that might be listening to this podcast, paint a picture of why this is just the perfect intersection and location. You've got yourself a great location here. Robert Mason: We really do. We really do. So, you know, I always tell people we're kind of three different operations within one.

Marriott held its first “Members' Day,” inviting 75 Bonvoy members to HQ to test concepts like revamped lounges, new spa amenities, and an AI chatbot that lets travelers describe complex trip needs—underscoring the value of direct relationships as AI reshapes booking. In Asia Pacific, hotel investment dropped 23% in H1 2025 (with fewer big deals in Japan), but JLL still forecasts $12.8 billion for the year—about 5% above 2024—on the back of lower borrowing costs, steady tourism growth, and active private capital. Skift Research's new Loyalty Stickiness Index shows airlines scoring 62–66 and hotels 53, revealing significant “leakage” as travelers defect for better schedules, locations, and perks that match the purpose of their trip. Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

“Everything is hard until it's easy. The only way it gets easy is practice.” Episode Highlights [00:01:36] Lee recalls his first attempt at public speaking at Marriott. [00:02:45] Advice from Bill Marriott's father-in-law [00:03:55] Practice as the path to confidence. [00:06:26] How fear holds people back from trying. [00:07:39] Explain things simply to prove understanding. [00:08:33] Improvement through courses, reading, and daily study. Lee Cockerell opens up about his early struggles with public speaking and the lessons that helped him turn fear into confidence. He explains why passion and personal stories make presentations more engaging and memorable than polished scripts. Lee reminds us that practice is the only way to build true confidence, and that fear is often the biggest barrier to growth. This conversation highlights simple, practical steps anyone can take to improve their communication skills and become more effective leaders. Read the blog for more from this episode.  Resources Creating Magic Mastermind October 2025 CockerellStore.com The Cockerell Academy About Lee Cockerell Mainstreet Leader Jody Maberry Travel Guidance Magical Vacation Planners are my preferred travel advisors. Reach out to have them help plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.    

What does it really take to lead one of the world's largest organizations through massive disruption and into the future? When the business collapsed overnight during the pandemic, CHRO and EVP of Global Operations Services Ty Breland helped steer Marriott through the crisis while reshaping how leaders think about resilience and growth. In this episode, he offers a blueprint for balancing authenticity, technology, and human connection in times of change. We explore how Marriott navigated the crisis and built resilience for the future. Ty stresses that well-being must expand beyond physical health to include financial and mental dimensions, and that leaders need to move from annual surveys to real-time listening so employees feel genuinely heard. On technology, his philosophy is clear: be “tech-enabled but human-centered,” which means to automate repetitive tasks but protect space for authentic human connection. He also reframes change management as “change acceleration,” built on alignment over consensus and fueled by healthy debate. To prepare for what's ahead, Ty emphasizes developing workforces that are curious, courageous, and collaborative—equipped to treat change as a constant and ready to adapt through agile scenario planning.   ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

In this episode of Trade Show Talk, hosted by Danica Tormohlen and brought to you by Trade Show News Network, we engage in an insightful conversation with Greg Hitchen, Group CEO of Terrapinn, a global events company.   Greg shares his journey and the strategic moves, including acquisitions and industry diversification, which have propelled Terrapinn into the top 20 exhibition organizers globally by revenues.   We discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, geopolitical factors, and the evolving landscape of trade shows.   Listen in as Greg provides valuable insights into Terrapinn's growth strategy, the importance of event scaling, and the impact of global networking and acquisitions on their success.   00:00 Introduction to Trade Show Talk  01:17 Meet Greg Hitchen: Group CEO of Terrapinn  02:16 Terrapin's Journey to the Top 20  05:07 The Origin Story of Terrapinn  08:11 Scaling and Revenue Strategies  14:29 Acquisitions and Future Growth  24:12 Evaluating Vendor Integrity  25:00 Scoring Acquisitions and Vendor Integrity  26:47 LinkedIn and Industry Trends  27:21 Terrapinn's Global Presence  30:08 AI in Business Media  33:09 Revenue and Growth Challenges  35:51 Personal Insights and Hobbies  39:39 Industry Events and Networking  41:07 Conclusion and Farewell    Special thanks to our sponsor, Marriott, for supporting this content. 

In today's episode, we'll talk about the secret to a happy points & miles marriage, chasing "The Infatuation" credits, Hilton's 250K devaluation, and everything you need to know about the refreshed $895 Platinum cards: (Including The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express). We thought this annual fee might be all bad news, but these cards are shockingly compelling!Giant Mailbag(01:30) -"I was wondering if you would be so kind and encourage my wife “Lindsey” to try and use the correct card for purchases on the next podcast."Card News(06:23) - Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card fights back(12:36) - Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card(15:37) - Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card(19:48) - Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card and Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit CardLearn more about signing up for Chase Ink cards here.The Bonvoyed Collection®™(21:54) - MaxOut Deals(24:32) - Hilton standard award nights now cost up to 250K points(26:38) - Citi locking accounts for many Strata Elite customers, requesting tax transcriptsAwards, Points, and More(30:35) - Hilton for Business offering Diamond status fast track after 10 nights through Dec 15(31:22) - Now filter to Marriott properties with a club loungeMain Event: $895 Platinum Card: Shockingly Compelling(32:54) - Big Picture (all Platinum cards)See our posts on the consumer cards here and the business card here(38:15) - Consumer Platinum cards (includes The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Platinum Card® from American Express for Schwab, and The Platinum Card® from American Express Exclusively for Morgan Stanley)(56:52) - The Business Platinum Card® from American Express(1:08:58) - What we predicted in MarchQuestion of the Week(1:16:44) - This reader earned less through their Chase Travel℠ booking than they expected when using the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. We'll explain why the way these points are posted can be confusing and misleading.Subscribe and FollowVisit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media.Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

Extended stay dominates today's #hospitality development pipeline—and I spoke with Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics, on No Vacancy Live to break it down. Here's what we covered:

Episode 138 of the Award Travel 101 podcast opens with Angie Sparks and Mike Zaccheo discussing a highlight post from member Luis, who was abruptly shut down by Amex with over two million points at stake. The community debated the best redemption strategy—ranging from Delta (discouraged) to BA, Aeroplan, or spreading across multiple programs including Hilton. News updates included Capital One removing Priority Pass restaurant benefits from Venture X Biz cards, a Chase 20% Flying Blue transfer bonus, and Southwest rolling out free Wi-Fi for Rapid Rewards members. They also highlighted multiple transfer bonuses across Hilton, Marriott, and Virgin and reminded listeners of tools like the Transfer Bonus Calculator.The main topic centered on Hilton Honors, with Angie pointing out positives like Hilton's large global footprint, easy paths to status via co-branded Amex cards, and its uncapped free night certificates (FNCs)—which remain among the most flexible in the industry. Mike countered with drawbacks, noting significant devaluations in 2025, with standard awards now topping 250,000 points per night at premium properties. Benefits can feel weaker than other chains, particularly in the U.S. where breakfast is replaced by limited food and beverage credits and parking fees still apply on award stays. They reviewed Hilton's four credit card options, their earning rates, elite benefits, and statement credits, as well as the frequent buy-points promos and Amex transfer bonuses.The tip of the week covered how to generate and add an Atmos virtual card to Apple Pay using the BOA app, offering a workaround for those still waiting on their physical cards. Overall, the episode balanced community highlights, industry news, and a deep dive into Hilton's strengths and weaknesses for travelers navigating the ongoing devaluation landscape.Links to Topics DiscussedCapital One Venture X Business Eliminates Priority Pass Restaurant BenefitChase to Flying Blue Transfer BonusSouthwest Free WiFiHilton Honors DevaluationWhere to Find Us The Free Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.

This week's episode of Travel Deals Thursday is all about unexpected luxury at a great value. We're talking about: Marriott's brand-new Postcard Cabins — 15% off 3+ night stays for Bonvoy members Expedia Autumn Sale — 25%+ off thousands of hotels through March 2026 Explora Journeys luxury cruises — like a 6-night Barcelona to Tenerife sailing this fall, and a 2027 Egypt-to-Greece adventure starting at just $3,525 (with tons included) Some links in this email may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. We only share deals we genuinely believe in and would recommend regardless of compensation. See our full disclaimer here. Deal 1: Marriott Postcard Cabins Get 15% off 3+ night stays at Marriott's stylish new Postcard Cabins — boutique, design-forward escapes in 29 nature-focused locations across the U.S. Bonvoy members can earn/redeem points, and weekday rates start around $132/night. Explore Postcard Cabins here Deal 2: Expedia Autumn Hotel Sale Save 25% or more on thousands of hotels worldwide when you book through a travel advisor now through October 20, 2025, for stays through March 31, 2026. Perfect for fall getaways, holiday travel, or spring break planning. We can help you book any of these deals, click here to learn more or click here to explore Expedia deal. Deal 3: Explora Journeys Luxury Cruises Two ultra-inclusive cruise deals from Explora Journeys: • Oct 2025 – 6-night Barcelona to Tenerife from $3,655 per guest, with up to $1,000 in shore excursion credit. • Mar 2027 – 7-night Luxor to Athens from $3,525 per guest. Both include gratuities, Starlink Wi-Fi, all dining and drinks, and spacious oceanfront suites. Click here to learn more about Explora's current special offers and here to let us help you get it booked! ✨Want even more exclusive travel deals emailed straight to your inbox? Join Travel Deal Insiders at sunshinetravelers.com/deals and use code PODCAST to unlock your membership for just $50/year ✈️ Travel more. Spend less. Skip the Search. Disclaimer: All travel offers shared are subject to availability and may change without notice. Sunshine Travelers Podcast and Travel Deal Insiders curate deals from trusted travel suppliers but do not guarantee pricing, availability, or booking conditions. Please refer to the original provider or booking platform for the most up-to-date information, terms, and conditions. Travel Deal Insiders and Sunshine Travelers are not responsible for third-party content, pricing errors, or changes in promotions. Some links in this email may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. We only share deals we genuinely believe in and would recommend regardless of compensation. See our full disclaimer here.

Round 2 of the Cayman Softball Playoffs is heating up, with the semi-final series now underway in a best-of-three format.Cayman's Special Olympics sports season kicks off in style this Saturday, with the Season Opener event at the Marriott. Basketball training by juniors is offered by DART…The Cayman Islands Red Cross Annual Golf Tournament has once again proven that sport and service go hand in hand

What happens when a hotel developer moves from building Hampton Inns to creating lifestyle hotels with fire pits and Michelin-starred restaurants?Today's guest is a returning guest, Stephen Wendell, Co-Founder and CEO of Mountain Shore Properties. They explore the shift from select-service properties to luxury and lifestyle hotels, examining the business dynamics and guest experiences that differentiate these segments. Steven shares insights on building independent lifestyle hotels, dealing with construction challenges, financing, and the pivotal role of major brands and creative freedom. They also discuss the evolving demands of younger travelers and the potential for lifestyle hotels to serve as cultural hubs. The conversation touches on financing strategies, the impact of current economic conditions, and the balance between guest experience and profitability.Takeaways: The most successful hospitality projects prioritize unique, memorable experiences for guests, which can lead to long-term loyalty and word-of-mouth growth.Each project is a learning opportunity. Apply lessons from past mistakes to improve future outcomes and avoid repeating errors.Consider a mix of select service and lifestyle/boutique properties to balance stability with higher-reward opportunities.Affiliation with major brands can make financing easier and provide valuable marketing/distribution support, but weigh the costs and benefits carefully.The best hotels become hubs for both guests and locals. Create spaces and experiences that attract both groups.Younger travelers value experiences over points. Offer unique, local collaborations and experiences to attract and retain this demographic.Hospitality is a long-term business. Set expectations with investors and partners accordingly, and operate with a long-term mindset.Quote of the Show:“Some people quit in the messy middle. We've pushed through, and now we know what to do and how to do it.” - Stephen WendellLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-wendell-5417291a/ Website: https://mountainshoreproperties.com/ Shout Outs:1:18 - Philadelphia Eagles https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/ 2:00 - Camptown https://mountainshoreproperties.com/project/camptown-leeds-ny/ 3:56 - Airbnb https://www.airbnb.com/ 4:14 - Hyatt https://www.hyatt.com/ 4:15 - Dream https://www.hyatt.com/dream-hotels 4:16 - The Standard https://www.hyatt.com/the-standard/en-US 4:17 - Bunkhouse https://www.hyatt.com/bunkhouse-hotels/en-US/explore 4:18 - Hilton https://www.hilton.com/en/ 4:19 - Graduate https://www.hilton.com/en/brands/graduate-hotels/ 4:22 - Nomad https://www.hilton.com/en/brands/nomad-hotels/ 4:23 - Marriott https://www.marriott.com/default.mi 5:09 - Courtyard https://courtyard.marriott.com/ 5:17 - Hotel Genevieve https://mountainshoreproperties.com/project/hotel-genevieve-louisville-ky/ 7:20 - Hampton Inn https://www.hilton.com/en/brands/hampton-by-hilton/ 13:00 - Gary Vaynerchuk https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Vaynerchuk 13:50 - Steve Jobs https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Jobs 13:52 - Bill Gates https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Gates 13:53 - Jeff Bezos https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Bezos 14:49 - James Beard https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Beard 17:18 - AC Hotels https://ac-hotels.marriott.com/ 18:07 - Independent Lodging Congress https://ilcongress.com/ 18:18 - Deutsche Bank https://www.db.com/ 18:20 - Bank of America https://www.bankofamerica.com/ 22:31 - Vanguard https://investor.vanguard.com/ 22:32 - John Bogle https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_C._Bogle 23:09 - JDV https://www.hyatt.com/jdv-by-hyatt/en-US/explore 24:08 - IHG https://www.ihg.com/hotels/us/en/reservation 24:12 - Vignette https://www.ihg.com/vignettecollection/hotels/us/en/reservation 25:29 - Waldorf Astoria https://www.hilton.com/en/brands/waldorf-astoria/ 34:40 - Ritz Carlton https://www.ritzcarlton.com/ 45:57 - Jerome Powell https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerome_Powell 52:26 - Paul Volcker https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Volcker 54:59 - Costa Susana https://costasusana.com/en/ 56:20 - Hotel Saint Cecilia https://www.bunkhousehotels.com/hotel-saint-cecilia 56:47 - Regent Hotels https://www.ihg.com/regent/hotels/us/en/reservation 

In this episode, we explore Marriott's Fairfield brand hitting 150 hotels in Greater China after rapid expansion and fresh product enhancements, alongside JLL's outlook on Asia Pacific hotel transactions where private investors and high-net-worth individuals are reshaping the investment landscape across markets like Japan, China, Australia, and Thailand.Are you new and want to start your own hospitality business?Join our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Boostly and join the discussion:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Want to know more about us? Visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stay informed and ahead of the curve with the latest insights and analysis.

In this engaging conversation with Judi Holler, we explore the transformative power of self-expression, the importance of embracing fear, and the journey of personal growth. Judi shares her philosophy of self-expressionism, emphasising the need to listen to one's soul and intuition over societal pressures. We discuss the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a world filled with distractions and the significance of finding inspiration in everyday life. Judi also introduces her new book, Holler at Your Dreams, which serves as a guide for navigating pain, finding peace, and embracing one's true self. We’ll be talking about: ➡ 00:00 Introduction ➡ 02:59 Judi Holler’s wish ➡ 06:02 Defining a Self-Expressionist ➡ 10:18 The Courage to Be Yourself ➡ 17:34 Finding Your True Self ➡ 20:21 Strategies for Self-Discovery ➡ 25:53 Cultivating Creativity and Inspiration ➡ 27:05 The Power of Authenticity in Business ➡ 29:56 Living an Interesting Life ➡ 33:26 Embracing Fear as a Catalyst for Growth ➡ 41:54 Introducing 'Holler at Your Dreams' ➡ 45:58 The Journey of Self-Expression and Trusting Yourself ➡ [47:29] Judi’s recommended read ➡ [48:11] Quotes that drive Judi ➡ [49:26] Judi’s dream superpowers ➡ [50:08] Advice Judi would give to her younger self ➡ [5118] Final reflections Resources Recommended Book: ➡ Holler At Your Dreams by Judi Holler: https://holleratyourdreams.com/ ➡ The War of Art by Steven Pressfield: https://bit.ly/46r0ibw Quotes: ➡ “When you change the rules specially when no one knows you have, the world is yours” by Kent Black About our guest: Judi Holler is a keynote speaker, poet, and creative entrepreneur igniting a revolution of radical self-expression through her soul-powered self-leadership framework, The Art of Self- Expressionism™. With roots in the corporate world and improv training from Second City, Judi brings a one-of-a-kind blend of business savvy and creative fire to global audiences and bold brands like T-Mobile, Marriott, The Boston Red Sox, and more! She’s the author of the bestselling Fear Is My Homeboy, The Fear Boss Project workbook, and her newest book, Holler at Your Dreams—a genre-bending guide for wildly dope souls ready to wake up their magic. Featured in Forbes, Success Magazine, and Good Morning Texas, Judi helps leaders unlock courage, originality, and initiative from the inside out. She lives in Scottsdale with her husband and two dogs, mixing Cadillac margaritas and vibing to 90s hip-hop. Connect with Judi Holler: ➡ Judi Holler’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JudiHollerFanPage ➡ Judi Holler’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judiholler/ ➡ Judi Holler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judiholler/ ➡ Judi Holler ’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JudiHoller ➡ Judi Holler’s Website: https://judiholler.com/ Connect with Direct Selling Accelerator: ➡ Visit our website: https://www.auxano.global/ ➡ Subscribe to Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DirectSellingAccelerator ➡ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auxanomarketing/ ➡ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/auxanomarketing/ ➡ Email us at communnity_manager@auxano.global If you have any podcast suggestions or things you’d like to learn about specifically, please send us an email at the address above. And if you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast. Are you ready to join the Auxano Family to get live weekly training, support and the latest proven posting strategies to get leads and sales right now - find out more here https://go.auxano.global/welcomeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's more to meat than what Aussies might think. After graduating from uni, Sophie Marriott couldn't wait to leave the bright lights of Brisbane to explore the seemingly endless opportunities in red meat processing. She never expected she'd end up in Tasmania, working for family-owned beef processing company Greenham, on the north-western coast. She's become totally smitten by the local community of Smithton and has grown a deep appreciation for the diversity of jobs and experiences inside the red meat world for young people.In this final interview for our More To Meat series, you'll hear how Sophie's travels to America for a meat judging competition sparked a deep love and curiosity for the industry, and her horseback adventure for this year's Robbin Island saltwater cattle muster, an experience she will not easily forget.TakeawaysWorking on a cattle station was pivotal for her career.ICMJ provided her with valuable industry connections.Product knowledge is crucial in the meat industry.Greenham is a family-owned beef processing company committed to backing any emerging talent inside the business and support them to work up through the ranks.Sophie values the connections between producers and consumers.There are diverse roles in agriculture that need to be filled.Chapters00:00 Sophie's Journey to Agriculture05:09 Involvement in Intercollegiate Meat Judging07:49 Career Path and Opportunities at Greenham10:40 Experiences in the U.S. and Industry Insights13:11 Understanding Greenham's Operations15:47 Robbins Island Wagyu Experience21:05 Graduate Program Structure and Future Goals23:50 Connecting with Friends and Advocating for Agriculture26:05 Advice for Future Agricultural StudentsAustralian meat processors are leading the way in research and innovation. There are so many diverse career opportunities, and processors like Greenham are committed to investing in the next generation of business and community leaders like Sophie. Learn more about the More to Meat campaign, which is showing us the side of the red meat industry we don't often see, by highlighting the good work it does for local people, their rural communities and the country as a whole.  Explore more stories of Humans of Agriculture - don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at hello@humansofagriculture.com.  Find out more about the role at MaxCare here: https://humansofagriculture.com/stories/careers-in-ag-maxcare

Great marketing isn't just strategy, it's intuition, timing, and a deep understanding of human behavior. That's the beauty of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, a movie about erasing your memories. In this episode, we're breaking down its lessons with the help of special guest Noha Rizk, Chief Marketing Officer at Incorta. Together, we explore what B2B marketers can learn from putting human emotion at the center of their work, trusting intuition alongside data, and embracing mistakes as the path to growth.About our guest, Noha RizkNoha Rizk is the Chief Marketing Officer at Incorta. With deep expertise in Marketing, brand management, integrated channel management, product leadership, P&L accountability, and change management, across various industries and launching and leading partnerships, marketing and product in over 50 countries, Noha brings extensive experience and insights into how to execute for brand loyalty, growth and sustainable share of the market. Prior to Incorta, Noha led marketing for Meta AI, launching Llama, and leading other open source projects like PyTorch. She pioneered online banking for Amex and Citi, online booking and revenue optimisations and integrated channel strategies in the hotel industry with Starwood and Marriott, led partnerships and loyalty in emerging markets, launched NGO and Gov projects with US state department, launched and spun off two of her own successful businesses and helped organise PayPals enterprise, Platforms and Developer product offerings and streamline their GTM strategies.Noha loves to solve big problems and create groundbreaking products and services that inspire customers and business partners. She focuses on delivering insights and metrics driven outcomes, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and coming up with innovative solutions. She especially enjoys building and developing strong, resilient, and nimble teams that can adapt to changing market needs and customer expectations.Noha is an avid reader, developing painter and pianist, proud mother and animal lover with a passion for helping the private sector thrive in emerging markets.What B2B Companies Can Learn From Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind:Lead with human emotion. Great marketing isn't about features, it's about people. Even in B2B, you're dealing with human psyches, behaviors, and emotions—not faceless corporations. Noha explains, “Even as B2B marketers… you're dealing with individuals. You're dealing with the human psyche, you're dealing with the buying behavior… ultimately that is the objective. The objective is to maintain a relationship with your customers.” The lesson? Build messaging that connects on a human level first, because behind every buying decision is a person making sense of their own emotions.Balance data with intuition. Metrics matter, but numbers can't capture everything. Noha argues that some of the best insights come from being present, listening, and noticing what the data can't show. “Some things can't be measured…A big chunk of marketing has to be intuitive. It's not always purely scientific.” Just as the film's dreamlike narrative reminds us memory isn't linear or logical, B2B marketers need to leave room for creativity, serendipity, and gut instinct, because not everything that counts can be counted.Embrace mistakes as part of growth. Trying to erase failures is as dangerous in marketing as it is in memory. Noha points out, “You can't just erase away the pain… you won't learn if you don't make mistakes. A lot of marketers have to be super buttoned up, their campaigns have to work… there isn't a lot of opportunity for marketers these days to be allowed to make mistakes.” But the best brands learn from experiments that don't go as planned. Failure isn't wasted, it's the raw material for innovation, resilience, and better campaigns down the road.Quote“ As marketers…we explore the human psyche pretty much day in, day out, even if it's not explicitly said. But that's essentially what we do.”Time Stamps[00:55] Meet Noha Rizk, Chief Marketing Officer at Incorta[1:26] Why Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind?[5:51] Role of CMO at Incorta[9:07] Breaking Down Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind[22:11] B2B Marketing Takeaways from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind[43:56] Final Thoughts and TakeawaysLinksConnect with Noha on LinkedInLearn more about IncortaAbout Remarkable!Remarkable! is created by the team at Caspian Studios, the premier B2B Podcast-as-a-Service company. Caspian creates both nonfiction and fiction series for B2B companies. If you want a fiction series check out our new offering - The Business Thriller - Hollywood style storytelling for B2B. Learn more at CaspianStudios.com. In today's episode, you heard from Ian Faison (CEO of Caspian Studios) and Meredith Gooderham (Head of Production). Remarkable was produced this week by Jess Avellino, mixed by Scott Goodrich, and our theme song is “Solomon” by FALAK. Create something remarkable. Rise above the noise. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alan Gregerman is the President and Chief Innovation Officer at VENTURE WORKS Inc, a consulting firm that helps organizations create innovative strategies, products, and services. He is a keynote speaker, award-winning author, and business consultant who helps companies and organizations unlock their teams' genius zones. For over 25 years, Alan has designed and delivered high-impact keynotes for organizations, including Google, Marriott, Verizon, Mercedes-Benz, Kaiser-Permanente, Citibank, and Lockheed Martin. In this episode… With the speed of innovation, businesses often fall into the trap of relying on what they already know. While past expertise can bring incremental improvements, it rarely sparks the kind of breakthroughs that transform industries. How can companies avoid getting stuck in the comfort of their knowledge and uncover fresh ideas to stay relevant? Innovation expert Alan Gregerman encourages brands to embrace enlightened ignorance, a mindset that values curiosity, humility, and openness to the unknown. Outsiders often disrupt industries because they see problems without being blinded by past experiences. Alan also emphasizes the importance of balancing iteration with innovation, continually raising the bar for customer expectations, and finding creative ways to differentiate in increasingly competitive markets. He pushes leaders to reevaluate their expertise and adopt a mindset of constant learning. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris chats with Alan Gregerman, President and Chief Innovation Officer at VENTURE WORKS Inc, about how enlightened ignorance can catalyze innovation. Alan discusses why outsiders often spark breakthroughs, how businesses can balance iteration with bold innovation, and why raising customer expectations is crucial to long-term growth.

IN EPISODE 245: The best leaders bring out the best in others - something they do by choice, not chance. In Episode 245, Matt Tenney shares a systematic and scalable way to inspire greatness in your team. We discuss the three most important needs of employees; why frequent feedback is more effective than occasional surveys; and how to approach someone who doesn't seem inspired to grow. This episode is packed with practical tips and powerful insights that will inspire you to unlock the greatness in others - and yourself. ABOUT MATT TENNEY:Matt Tenney is the author of three leadership books, including the national bestseller, "Inspire Greatness: How to Motivate Employees with a Simple, Repeatable, Scalable Process." His TED talk on leading with love has been viewed over 1 million times, and he's developed leadership programs for companies like Salesforce, T. Rowe Price, Marriott and United Airlines.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFamed Fox Network TV Producer Files Lawsuit Against CIA‘Disinformation' Scientist and Antigravity/UFO Research Firm Contact: Rob McConnellThe “X” Zone Broadcast Network Canadian Media Servicesrobmcconnell@xzbn.net(905) 575-1222 March 7, 2019 – Orange, CA – Robert C. Kiviat, the investigative producer best known for his hit TV Specials FOX Broadcasting aired along with their X-Files series such as Alien Autopsy: Fact or Fiction?, UFOs: The Best Evidence Ever Caught On Tape and World's Greatest Hoaxes: Secrets Finally Revealed, has filed a lawsuit in California against longtime CIA scientist Ron Pandolfi, who ran the CIA's “Weird Desk” and most recently has been backing InterNASA, an advanced physics firm also named in the lawsuit which Kiviat worked for under contract since 2018, but has yet to pay him.According to the Complaint filed last week, Kiviat – whose 2014 TV Special for NBC Universal's Syfy channel, Aliens On The Moon: The Truth Exposed unveiled never-before-seen NASA photos taken by the Apollo astronauts that appear to show gigantic lunar constructions of unknown origin – is seeking $300,000 in employment salary arrears InterNASA presently owes him. The suit also promises to pry open for the first time, via legal discovery, the inner workings behind CIA operations ostensibly led by Pandolfi comprising a decades-long disinformation campaign designed to influence and confuse the public about UFOs – or exotic technologies – by manipulating researchers, and worse, lead those involved to lose money, and more, in the process. “Covering UFOs and other unexplained topics for TV networks made me keenly aware that both a former Director of the National Security Agency (NSA) and a famous astronaut had moved into anti-gravity R & D upon leaving government service,” Kiviat says. “So when InterNASA CEO Joe Firmage assured me he had secured the necessary funding and that Pandolfi was backing his gravity-control research, I accepted a position to oversee InterNASA's Studios division.” Kiviat adds that Pandolfi's apparent support of the science behind Firmage's device was independently corroborated by a prominent researcher and author giving lectures at packed UFO conferences throughout 2017, claiming he learned of it from a known Pandolfi operative. The same month that Firmage was recruiting Kiviat to oversee InterNASA Studios – which Firmage envisioned as a news and entertainment entity for informing the public about the implications of his discovery – The New York Times ran a front-page article announcing that unidentified “Tic Tac” shaped aircraft had been caught on video by U.S. Navy pilots easily outmaneuvering our fastest jets with gravity-defying capability. These videos The Times wrote about were not released by the U.S. military, but by a company headed by former Blink 182 guitarist Tom DeLonge and Dr. Hal Puthoff, a scientist who had conducted government ESP research and is a former paid consultant Firmage employed 10 years earlier when he was just beginning work on the anti-gravity device.“Firmage asked me repeatedly if I knew of any actual technology that was being developed by the company DeLonge and Puthoff were heading, which they named To The Stars Academy (TTSA), and when I told him I didn't, he indicated he felt Puthoff must have usurped his overall ‘new physics Academy' concept he had been talking about for years,” Kiviat recalls. “To be fair, Firmage had a point, in that InterNASA – or its full name, International Academy of Science and Arts, does sound like it could have inspired TTSA. Then he gave me our plan, which was to beat TTSA to the punch and get news stories and TV series made about our efforts to prove gravity-control exists.”While Kiviat explains that he performed multiple tasks for InterNASA working under his employment contract, including corporate communications, investor relations and also managed to make multiple trips to New York to pitch two major TV Networks a series which would, in part, unveil InterNASA's plans, it was Firmage's insistence that Kiviat actually was working for both him and Pandolfi that intrigued him the most.“Often when I would have my daily phone calls with Firmage, and also with Pandolfi's most trusted operative who was stationed at Firmage's Utah home laboratory overseeing technical progress being made on the gravity-control device and reporting back to Pandolfi on the East Coast, Pandolfi would call in and they would both have to aburprtly end our calls,” Kiviat says. “Any claim Pandolfi makes that he did not call in that frequently or was not majorly involved in monitoring InterNASA's technology development is preposterous and demonstrably false.” InterNASA's financial problems started early, Kiviat reveals, when its seemingly most interested investor, former Utah Congressman Daniel Marriott, feigned he would provide the investment capital to cover all operating costs, but kept coming up with reasons for holding up doing so, while curiously, also maintaining that if any other investor stepped in, he would pull his involvement completely. “It was this Catch-22 kind of dealing that basically strangled the company, Kiviat adds. “But Marriott did eventually make as minimal payment as possible to keep InterNASA's technological development going, and also paid me a small amount out of his own pocket to cover a tiny portion of my amassing InterNASA salary arrears.”By the middle of 2018, Kiviat was told by both Firmage and Pandolfi's operative in Utah that a major meeting – or “gravity control” demonstration – was being planned with Pandolfi's assistance in Colorado. But due to Firmage's inability to meet certain deadlines, the meeting abruptly was canceled. Kiviat was informed the company was going “dark” to work on the machine without distraction, and Kiviat – or what Pandolfi's operative called “Media” – would be the last to be paid with whatever funds Marriott was continuing to contribute. “From that point on, I focused primarily on getting a TV deal since it seemed money would have to come in from some outside source to keep InterNASA going, with Marriott manipulating the way he was doing,” Kiviat says. “TV executives I met with in both Hollywood and New York showed a lot of interest, and these negotiations are continuing despite the lawsuit being filed. One way or another, I think the series I presented will get made, and it will be the most definitive and far reaching TV project ever concerning UFOs, the subject's connection to exotic propulsion systems and what the U.S. government knows about possible extraterrestrial visitation.”On the advice of his attorney, Kiviat's lawsuit also names Marriott as a co-defendant and alleges he is culpable for money owed to Kiviat for the year or more of work performed under his employment contract. Yet Kiviat sees his case having much more significance than simply being about receiving his fair compensation. “Not only am I seeking to be paid for what I am owed legally for my dedicated efforts, but the suit has the added value of exposing the way the U.S. intelligence agencies have seemingly manipulated the UFO community and overall, the general public for years. And to put it mildly, it stinks, many good people have been damaged and it has to stop.”##Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.Please note that all XZBN radio and/or television shows are Copyright © REL-MAR McConnell Meda Company, Niagara, Ontario, Canada – www.rel-mar.com. For more Episodes of this show and all shows produced, broadcasted and syndicated from REL-MAR McConell Media Company and The 'X' Zone Broadcast Network and the 'X' Zone TV Channell, visit www.xzbn.net. For programming, distribution, and syndication inquiries, email programming@xzbn.net.We are proud to announce the we have launched TWATNews.com, launched in August 2025.TWATNews.com is an independent online news platform dedicated to uncovering the truth about Donald Trump and his ongoing influence in politics, business, and society. Unlike mainstream outlets that often sanitize, soften, or ignore stories that challenge Trump and his allies, TWATNews digs deeper to deliver hard-hitting articles, investigative features, and sharp commentary that mainstream media won't touch.These are stories and articles that you will not read anywhere else.Our mission is simple: to expose corruption, lies, and authoritarian tendencies while giving voice to the perspectives and evidence that are often marginalized or buried by corporate-controlled media. 

What if your workplace was a place people actually wanted to be? In this episode, I'm joined by Matt Tenney, entrepreneur, speaker, and author of Inspire Greatness: How to Motivate Employees with a Simple, Repeatable, Scalable Process. Matt's TED Talk has been viewed over a million times, and he has helped leaders at organizations such as Salesforce, Marriott, and United Airlines build engaged, high-performing teams. We talk about: Why traditional performance reviews fail employees and leaders alike How to shift from being a boss to being a coach The secret to building accountability and engagement Why love should be a leader's top priority Practical steps to create workplaces people actually love

This week, we dig into Atlassian buying The Browser Company, whether Pay Per Crawl makes sense, and Oracle's cloud jackpot. Plus, a quick lesson in Aussie slang. Watch the YouTube Live Recording of Episode (https://www.youtube.com/live/iTFrzM8U2hQ?si=XaRjUM0tMr2aOLVZ) 537 (https://www.youtube.com/live/iTFrzM8U2hQ?si=XaRjUM0tMr2aOLVZ) Runner-up Titles "I have a plan to make things slightly better.” Matt Ray comes off the top rope We are in that demographic Flip-flops, thongs, and slides. No Translation Needed Do we have a fashion channel? Why not us too? Let's just try it Hooters adjacent tech story Pay-per-crawl. I don't know how DNS works, nobody does Cool, copyright, I love it Just lots of weird stuff going on. Y'all are weird Rundown Final thought on Australia (https://walkingtheworld.substack.com/p/final-thought-on-australia) Atlassian agrees to acquire The Browser Company for $610 million (https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/04/atlassian-the-browser-company-deal.html) VMware buying Slide Rocket in 2011 (https://techcrunch.com/2011/04/26/vmware-acquires-online-presentation-application-sliderocket/), which is now ClearSlide (https://www.clearslide.com/product/sliderocket/) An Interview with Cloudflare Founder and CEO Matthew Prince About Internet History and Pay-per-crawl (https://stratechery.com/2025/an-interview-with-cloudflare-founder-and-ceo-matthew-prince-about-internet-history-and-pay-per-crawl/) Anthropic Agrees to Pay $1.5 Billion to Settle Lawsuit With Book Authors (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/05/technology/anthropic-settlement-copyright-ai.html) Apple unveils iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max (https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/09/apple-unveils-iphone-17-pro-and-iphone-17-pro-max/) Catch up quick | Apple September event highlights (https://youtu.be/31MbUHX7W8k?si=lmDZqRp_SsQykqsr) Apple introduces AirPods Pro 3 with live translation feature (https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/09/new-airpods-pro-3-turn-apples-earbuds-into-fitness-tracker-universal-translator/) Nvidia's top two mystery customers made up 39% of the chipmaker's Q2 revenue (https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/28/nvidias-top-two-mystery-customers-made-up-39percent-of-its-q2-revenue-.html) Oracle Financial's US parent jumps 27% in extended trading on Tuesday; Here's why - CNBC TV18 (https://www.cnbctv18.com/market/oracle-corp-share-price-jump-q1-results-guidance-data-centre-india-listed-stock-19668521.htm) Relevant to your Interests Google, Apple, and Mozilla Win in the Antitrust Case Google Lost (https://spyglass.org/google-apple-and-mozilla-win-in-the-antitrust-case-google-lost/) Privacy Nightmare: Your Doorbell Camera Is Snitching to Insurance Companies (https://www.gadgetreview.com/privacy-nightmare-your-doorbell-camera-is-snitching-to-insurance-companies) Broadcom Stock Soars as AI Demand Drives Strong Earnings—Crucial Price Levels to Monitor (https://www.investopedia.com/broadcom-stock-soars-as-ai-demand-drives-strong-earnings-crucial-price-levels-to-monitor-11804068) Addressing the unauthorized issuance of multiple TLS certificates for 1.1.1.1 (https://blog.cloudflare.com/unauthorized-issuance-of-certificates-for-1-1-1-1/) Exclusive | Databricks Crosses $4 Billion in Annual Revenue Rate (https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/databricks-increases-revenue-forecast-to-4-billion-a-year-642897c8) SpaceX strikes $17B deal to buy EchoStar's spectrum for Starlink's direct-to-phone service (https://techcrunch.com/2025/09/08/spacex-strikes-17b-deal-to-buy-echostars-spectrum-for-starlinks-direct-to-phone-service/) Google Cloud CEO sees sunny prospects thanks to AI demand (https://www.theregister.com/2025/09/09/google_cloud_ceo_sees_sunny/) Apple unveils iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max (https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/09/apple-unveils-iphone-17-pro-and-iphone-17-pro-max/) Catch up quick | Apple September event highlights (https://youtu.be/31MbUHX7W8k?si=lmDZqRp_SsQykqsr) Apple introduces AirPods Pro 3 with live translation feature (https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/09/new-airpods-pro-3-turn-apples-earbuds-into-fitness-tracker-universal-translator/) Claude can now create and use files (https://www.anthropic.com/news/create-files) The $69 Billion Domino Effect: How VMware's Debt-Fueled Acquisition Is Killing Open Source, One Repository at a Time (https://fastcode.io/2025/08/30/the-69-billion-domino-effect-how-vmwares-debt-fueled-acquisition-is-killing-open-source-one-repository-at-a-time/) Nonsense 2025 AI Darwin Award Nominees - Worst AI Failures of the Year (https://aidarwinawards.org/nominees-2025.html) Ground staff strike: KLM cancels over 100 flights on Wednesday - DutchNews.nl (https://www.dutchnews.nl/2025/09/ground-staff-strike-klm-cancels-over-100-flights-on-wednesday/) Listener Feedback Carless People (https://www.amazon.com/Careless-People-Cautionary-Power-Idealism/dp/1250391237) What We've Learned About the Kawhi Leonard Situation—and What We Haven't (https://www.theringer.com/2025/09/09/nba/kawhi-leonard-los-angeles-clippers-steve-ballmer-aspiration-salary-cap-circumvention) Conferences VMUG London (https://my.vmug.com/s/event/a4pVs000000eX25IAE/uk-usercon?filters=%257B%2522baseConditions%2522%3A%255B%257B%2522fieldName%2522%3A%2522acem__Zone__c%2522%2C%2522fieldType%2522%3A%2522ID%2522%2C%2522fieldValue%2522%3A%2522a4vVs0000002wkgIAA%2522%257D%255D%2C%2522tabCondition%2522%3A%2522Upcoming%2522%2C%2522textAreaConditions%2522%3A%255B%255D%2C%2522picklistConditions%2522%3A%255B%255D%2C%2522chatterGroupCondition%2522%3A%257B%2522chatterGroupId%2522%3Anull%257D%2C%2522page%2522%3A5%257D&chatterGroupId&utm_source&utm_medium&utm_campaign), Coté speaking, September 18th. SREDay London (https://sreday.com/2025-london-q3/), Coté speaking, September 18th and 19th. Civo Navigate London (https://www.civo.com/navigate/london/2025), Coté speaking, September 30th. Texas Linux Fest (https://2025.texaslinuxfest.org), Austin, October 3rd to 4th. CF Day EU (https://events.linuxfoundation.org/cloud-foundry-day-europe/), Coté speaking, Frankfurt, October 7th, 2025. AI for the Rest of Us (https://aifortherestofus.live/london-2025), Coté speaking, October 15th-16th, London. Use code SDT20 for 20% off. Wiz Wizdom Conferences (https://www.wiz.io/wizdom), NYC November 3-5, London November 17-19 SREDay Amsterdam (https://sreday.com/2025-amsterdam-q4/), Coté speaking, November 7th. SDT News & Community Join our Slack community (https://softwaredefinedtalk.slack.com/join/shared_invite/zt-1hn55iv5d-UTfN7mVX1D9D5ExRt3ZJYQ#/shared-invite/email) Email the show: questions@softwaredefinedtalk.com (mailto:questions@softwaredefinedtalk.com) Free stickers: Email your address to stickers@softwaredefinedtalk.com (mailto:stickers@softwaredefinedtalk.com) Follow us on social media: Twitter (https://twitter.com/softwaredeftalk), Threads (https://www.threads.net/@softwaredefinedtalk), Mastodon (https://hachyderm.io/@softwaredefinedtalk), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/software-defined-talk/), BlueSky (https://bsky.app/profile/softwaredefinedtalk.com) Watch us on: Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/sdtpodcast), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi3OJPV6h9tp-hbsGBLGsDQ/featured), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/softwaredefinedtalk/), TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@softwaredefinedtalk) Book offer: Use code SDT for $20 off "Digital WTF" by Coté (https://leanpub.com/digitalwtf/c/sdt) Sponsor the show (https://www.softwaredefinedtalk.com/ads): ads@softwaredefinedtalk.com (mailto:ads@softwaredefinedtalk.com) Recommendations Brandon: Python: The Documentary | An origin story (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfH4QL4VqJ0) Matt: macOS - Sound Output → another computer beats using a headphone switcher Coté: back to Obsidian (https://obsidian.md). Marriott lifetime platinum luggage tags (https://www.reddit.com/r/marriott/comments/17vtenx/life_time_platinum_luggage_tags_thats_it/), check out this deep dive (https://phillipsloop.com/2024/05/10/review-complimentary-marriott-bonvoy-lifetime-elite-gift/). Photo Credits Header (https://unsplash.com/photos/opera-house-sydney-australia-r2L6vCKaVRk)

Booking Holdings is developing agentic AI to create a more personalized travel assistant capable of taking actions like booking flights, with CFO Ewout Steenbergen calling it key to delivering the long-promised “connected trip.” Marriott is expanding its Bonvoy loyalty program through partnerships with retailers such as Flipkart and Nectar, aiming to reward everyday shopping and draw new customers into its hotel portfolio. Meanwhile, a Skift Research report finds hotels still devote most tech budgets to legacy systems, but the biggest revenue gains will come from upgrading core infrastructure and applying AI to behind-the-scenes tasks like pricing and issue resolution. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/⁠⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Threads: ⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠⁠ Bluesky: ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠⁠@SkiftNews⁠⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Skift's Generation Next series highlights 20 women transforming the travel industry, including leaders like Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson and Shaika Nasser Al Nowais, who will become the first Emirati and first woman to lead UN Tourism. Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano pointed to a “bifurcation of the consumer,” with luxury travel booming while mid-tier hotels face pressure from economic headwinds. Meanwhile, Hyatt reported strong holiday demand for its all-inclusive resorts, particularly in the Americas, and is weighing a potential sale of a stake in its ALG Vacations arm despite its central role in filling those properties. Generation Next: The Risk Takers Hyatt Sees All-Inclusives Surge, May Sell a Stake in ALG Vacations Marriott CEO Flags Wealth Divide, Government Travel Drop, More Tech Spending Connect with Skift LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/⁠⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠⁠ Bluesky: ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠⁠@SkiftNews⁠⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Watch Us On YouTube! This week on Miles to Go, Ed and Richard reminisce on Episode 400 of the podcast! Richard settles into the new recording location of New York City, and Ed battles the Vegas dayclub scene from his room at the Venetian. Milestones discussed: Episode 50: Richard Kerr was a special guest in his first appearance on the pod. The topic? What's Going Right In the World of Miles and Points Episode 100: Gary Leff was on to discuss the change to Peak and Off-Peak Hyatt redemptions as well as Scott Kirby joining United as CEO. Ed and Richard discuss if the changes are good years later.  Episode 168: The one where they Richard and Ed recorded at Daddy Joe's  Episode 200: Richard was a guest on the show after a Disney marathon charity event. They talk about the credit cards mentioned in that episode: Venture X and the Hyatt Business card.  Episode 300: The "Fantastic 4" of Ed, Richard, Julian, and Summer discussed Marriott's Bonvoy Brilliant card and how Richard would never get the card.  Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun: Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/    

Behind the scenes at Disney, it's leadership that truly runs the show. In this episode, Lee Cockerell shares the surprising leadership secrets that helped him oversee 40,000 cast members as the former VP of Operations for Walt Disney World Resort. From his time at Hilton, Marriott, and Disney, he breaks down the habits and leadership principles that helped him become one of the industry's most respected leaders. You'll learn what it takes to be successful in any role, why routines matter more than you think, and how to become the kind of leader people want to work with. Topics discussed: How Lee built his career with no college degree What he learned working at Hilton and Marriott Why some leaders fail How his leadership style has evolved The habits and mindset that made him successful The legacy of his book, Creating Magic: 10 Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney Resources: Mitlin Financial: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/ The JOY and Productivity Journal by Lawrence Sprung: https://www.amazon.com/JOY-Productivity-Journal-brought-mindset/dp/B0CYQFYW54/ Download Your Free Copy of the Couple's JOYful Money Guide: https://mitlin.us/CouplesJOY Connect with Larry Sprung:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencesprung/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larry_sprung/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LawrenceDSprung/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/Lawrence_Sprung Connect with Lee Cockerell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/LeeCockerell/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leecockerellmagic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Lee-Cockerell-100070689116367/ Creating Disney Magic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/createmagic/ Personal Website: https://www.leecockerell.com/ Cockerell Academy Website: https://www.cockerellacademy.com/ About our Guest: Lee Cockerell retired as the Executive Vice President of Operations for the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, a position he held for ten years. His responsibilities encompassed a diverse mix of operations, which included 20 resort hotels with over 24,000 Guest rooms, 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, 5 golf courses, a shopping village & nighttime entertainment complex, the ESPN Sports Complex and the ancillary operations support functions. Lee joined the Disney organization in July 1990 as Director of Food and Beverage and Quality Assurance for the Disneyland Paris hotels. Prior to joining the Walt Disney World Co., he spent seventeen years in various executive positions with the Marriott Corporation and eight years with Hilton Hotels. Lee is the best-selling author of four books on leadership, management and world class customer service: Creating Magic: 10 Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney is now available in 21 languages. The Customer Rules: The 39 Essential Rules for Delivering Sensational Service is currently available in 15 languages. Time Management Magic: How to Get More Done Every Day Career Magic: How to Stay on Track to Achieve a Stellar Career Lee and his wife Priscilla reside in Orlando, Florida. Lee enjoys teaching leadership, management and service excellence seminars, traveling, dining out and most of all spending time with his three grandchildren, Jullian, Margot, and Tristan. Disclosure: Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest's content linked on this site. This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

The secret to a hotel's success isn't just great design; it's what guests don't see.Harzali Hashim, Complex Director of Engineering at Kyo-ya Hotels and Resorts in Honolulu, joins Dan to discuss sustainability engineering within the hospitality industry. They discuss Harzali's extensive 20-year career in hotel and resort engineering, focusing on the importance of maintenance, design, and sustainability in creating memorable guest experiences. They explore the operational challenges of managing historic properties, the significance of green engineering, and the collaborative efforts across the industry to uphold high standards. The episode also touches on Harzali's leadership within the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association's Engineers Advisory Council and his proactive approach in mentoring and fostering sustainability initiatives.Takeaways: Focus on creating memorable experiences for guests, not just through amenities but also through attentive service and a welcoming environment.Regularly maintain both visible and behind-the-scenes infrastructure to ensure long-term property value and guest satisfaction.Implement sustainable practices, such as energy and water conservation, and educate both staff and guests on their importance.Build strong relationships with all stakeholders: designers, engineers, housekeeping, and ownership to ensure successful projects and renovations.Be willing to rethink traditional processes and adapt quickly to changing circumstances for more efficient project delivery.Maintain honest and open communication with all project stakeholders to reduce misunderstandings and accelerate progress.Engage in community service and industry events to strengthen local ties and contribute positively beyond your organization.Quote of the Show:“Sustainability has been part of me for a while. Being here in Hawaii, embracing the local community means being sustainable.” - Harzali HashimLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harzali-hashim-b6901540/ Website: https://www.kyoyahotelsandresorts.com/ Shout Outs:0:53 - Marriott https://www.marriott.com/default.mi 1:15 - Sheraton Waikiki https://www.kyoyahotelsandresorts.com/sheraton-waikiki/ 1:19 - Diamond Head https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/ 1:31 - Moana Surfrider https://www.kyoyahotelsandresorts.com/moana-surfrider/ 2:56 - The Royal https://www.kyoyahotelsandresorts.com/the-royal-hawaiian/ 3:00 - The Palace https://www.kyoyahotelsandresorts.com/the-palace-hotel/ 6:48 - Halekulani https://www.halekulani.com/ 8:23 - John Staub https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-staub-a8486914/ 8:26 - Philpotts https://www.philpotts.net/ 10:55 - Starwood Hotels https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starwood_Hotels_and_Resorts 11:28 - Disney https://www.disney.com/ 23:23 - Engineers Advisory Council https://www.hawaiilodging.org/engineers-advisory-council.html 23:27 - Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association https://www.hawaiilodging.org/ 27:48 - Eileen Madigan https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileenamadiganasid/ 27:49 - Las Vegas Sands Corp https://www.sands.com/ 31:44 - Princess Kaiulani https://www.kyoyahotelsandresorts.com/princess-kaiulani/ 44:55 - Green Business Program https://greenbusiness.hawaii.gov/ 

Ticked Off Tuesday rolls in from Providence with listener gripes and a few of Jared's own! We get sentimental over Lee Corso's final mascot pick and call out the “even as a Badger fan…” homerism that followed. There's a Marriott check-in limbo, complete with seven-minute lobby purgatory and vague updates. A three-hour Hozier marathon hijacks a salon visit, while a mid-flight pastor's prayer request and whispery sauna gossip test everyone's patience. Lighthearted rants, quick laughs, and a nudge to assemble the group chat for the next one!Get 10% off your Hero Bread order. Use code JTRAIN at https://www.hero.co

On this Live Greatly podcast episode, Kristel Bauer sits down with Dr. Haley Perlus Ph.D., Performance Psychology Expert. Dr Haley has a Ph.D. in Sport Psychology and her and Kristel talk about how to transform high-stress environments into arenas for success. Tune in now!  Key Takeaways From This Episode: How to peform under pressure Tips to have success under stress A reset routine that could help when feeling stressed or overwhelmed A body to mind exercise A mind to body exercise Tips to handle tough feedback How to improve decision making under pressure ABOUT DR. HALEY PERLUS  PH.D Dr. Haley Perlus is a Performance Psychology expert, speaker, and author specializing in helping business leaders, entrepreneurs, and high achievers apply the mental strategies of elite athletes to reach peak performance. With a Ph.D. in Sport Psychology and certifications in coaching, fitness, and nutrition, she transforms high-stress environments into arenas for success—whether in the boardroom, on the stage, or in high-stakes leadership roles. Her expertise has been sought after by Fortune 500 companies, top executives, and business innovators looking to master mental resilience, sustain focus under pressure, and turn obstacles into opportunities. Haley's work goes beyond motivation—she provides actionable, science-backed tools that optimize leadership, enhance decision-making, and drive peak productivity. She is the author of Personal Podium: How to Use Your Mind to Maximize Your Potential, which distills the psychological strategies of world-class performers into practical techniques for business and personal growth. Her insights have been featured on Oprah, ESPN, Thrive Magazine, and Beachbody, and she has spoken for companies such as Marriott and Starbucks, bringing a pragmatic, results-oriented approach to mastering high performance. Connect with Dr. Haley Perlus  Website: https://drhaleyperlus.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhaleyperlus/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-haley-perlus/  About the Host of the Live Greatly podcast, Kristel Bauer: Kristel Bauer is a corporate wellness and performance expert, keynote speaker and TEDx speaker supporting organizations and individuals on their journeys for more happiness and success. She is the author of Work-Life Tango: Finding Happiness, Harmony, and Peak Performance Wherever You Work (John Murray Business November 19, 2024). With Kristel's healthcare background, she provides data driven actionable strategies to leverage happiness and high-power habits to drive growth mindsets, peak performance, profitability, well-being and a culture of excellence. Kristel's keynotes provide insights to “Live Greatly” while promoting leadership development and team building.   Kristel is the creator and host of her global top self-improvement podcast, Live Greatly. She is a contributing writer for Entrepreneur, and she is an influencer in the business and wellness space having been recognized as a Top 10 Social Media Influencer of 2021 in Forbes. As an Integrative Medicine Fellow & Physician Assistant having practiced clinically in Integrative Psychiatry, Kristel has a unique perspective into attaining a mindset for more happiness and success. Kristel has presented to groups from the American Gas Association, Bank of America, bp, Commercial Metals Company, General Mills, Northwestern University, Santander Bank and many more. Kristel has been featured in Forbes, Forest & Bluff Magazine, Authority Magazine & Podcast Magazine and she has appeared on ABC 7 Chicago, WGN Daytime Chicago, Fox 4's WDAF-TV's Great Day KC, and Ticker News. Kristel lives in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area and she can be booked for speaking engagements worldwide. To Book Kristel as a speaker for your next event, click here. Website: www.livegreatly.co  Follow Kristel Bauer on: Instagram: @livegreatly_co  LinkedIn: Kristel Bauer Twitter: @livegreatly_co Facebook: @livegreatly.co Youtube: Live Greatly, Kristel Bauer To Watch Kristel Bauer's TEDx talk of Redefining Work/Life Balance in a COVID-19 World click here. Click HERE to check out Kristel's corporate wellness and leadership blog Click HERE to check out Kristel's Travel and Wellness Blog Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast are intended for informational and educational purposes only. Always seek the guidance of your physician for any recommendations specific to you or for any questions regarding your specific health, your sleep patterns changes to diet and exercise, or any medical conditions.  Always consult your physician before starting any supplements or new lifestyle programs. All information, views and statements shared on the Live Greatly podcast are purely the opinions of the authors, and are not medical advice or treatment recommendations.  They have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration.  Opinions of guests are their own and Kristel Bauer & this podcast does not endorse or accept responsibility for statements made by guests.  Neither Kristel Bauer nor this podcast takes responsibility for possible health consequences of a person or persons following the information in this educational content.  Always consult your physician for recommendations specific to you.

In this episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Michael Weiss, co-founder and co-CEO of Trailborn, a brand redefining outdoor hospitality.Michael shares his journey from Goldman Sachs to Airbnb and Compass, to ultimately launching Trailborn—boutique, design-forward hotels in outdoor destinations like national parks, wine country, and coastal getaways. Listeners will hear how Mike and his partner identified a white space in the market, why outdoor hospitality is booming post-COVID, and how Trailborn is bridging the gap between camping and traditional luxury hotels.We also dive into:The challenges and opportunities in outdoor hospitality today.How Trailborn balances local authenticity with brand consistency.The company's partnership with Marriott and what it unlocks for growth.Lessons Mike has carried from startups like Airbnb and Compass into building Trailborn.The importance of finding the right business partner and aligning on vision.If you're curious about innovation in hospitality, the rise of outdoor travel, or how design and experience shape modern brands, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t5PWuCYNvQ0 Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageThe Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More MediaLinks:Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedweiss/Trailborn: https://www.trailborn.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/204Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

It's Story Time, our walk through cricket history via your listener quiz challenges. This week, Adam and Geoff are back to normal with a few great tales and a major statistical quirk. We go back to both World Wars to look at the mentor of a frequent ST subject, and revisit our inaugural Dusty Old Bastard. Then there's a true pioneer, and a mathematical oddity: how can the most frequent one-day score also be so unlikely, and how did one Australian number become an Indian nemesis? Your Nerd Pledge numbers for this week: 2.50 - Jeff White 11.96 - Kal L 2.29 - Nikhil Venkatesh 3.60 - Tom Riordan Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/thefinalword⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for the rights of workers since 1919: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mauriceblackburn.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get your big NordVPN discount: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nordvpn.com/tfw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get discounts on Noobru, the think drink: ⁠⁠noobru.com/finalword⁠ Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠t20vision.com/FINALWORD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find previous episodes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠finalwordcricket.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Title track by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Urthboy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Send us a textIn this Road to Wealth update, I'm keeping it 100 about a tough month: my total debt went up by $769.76 since my last check-in, bringing me to $49,416.12 across personal and business cards.I break down exactly where the balances sit today and why interest ate my progress.I also walk through a real option I'm considering: a debt management program with Money Management International (MMI) that would drop my monthly payments from $1,590 to $1,214 in month one and $1,144 after—about $446/monthback in my pocket.I talk through the trade-offs, like closing my cards (goodbye points and Marriott status… for now), but also slashing interest so more money actually hits principal.You'll hear my due-diligence process, the difference between consolidation loans vs. programs, how payments would be routed, and why I set a follow-up for August 15 before deciding.If you're in the trenches with credit cards, this episode gives you the numbers, the pros/cons, and the mindset I'm using to dig out—skills over status, progress over pride, and facts over feelings.Support the showHOW TO SUPPORT THE WALK 2 WEALTH PODCAST: 1. Subscribe, Rate, & Review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform. 2. Share Episodes with your family, friends, and co-workers.3. Whether you're just starting your business or your business is established, ChatGPT can help you take your business to the next level. Get Instant Access To My List of Top 10 ChatGPT Prompts To Save You Time, Energy, & Money: HTTPS://WWW.STOPANDSTARE.MEDIA/AI

Want even more exclusive travel deals emailed straight to your inbox? Join Travel Deal Insiders at sunshinetravelers.com/deals and use code PODCAST to unlock your membership for just $50/year. Click here to see all the deals in one place! 1. Atlas Ocean Explorers Choice Expeditions Up to $500 OBC + 30% Bonus Savings All 2026 destinations: Antarctica, Mediterranean, Caribbean & more Pick a complimentary amenity: $2,000 Air Credit, Hotel/Land Package, or Unlimited Wi-Fi Ends Sept 9

What does it take to manage 420 apartments and create a million memorable moments? On this episode, host Dan Ryan sits down with Sebastián Torres-Calderón, the CEO of Stay U-nique, an award-winning short-term rental company in Spain. Sebastián shares his journey from customer journey intern to CEO and reveals how implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) helped his company not only survive the chaos of COVID but quadruple in size. The conversation dives deep into how Stay U-nique uses data and technology to create a frictionless guest experience, the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry, and the political headwinds facing the short-term rental market. Sebastián offers a unique perspective on the debate between prohibition and regulation and provides a powerful case for why collaboration between the private and public sectors is the key to solving housing inventory issues.Takeaways: Track key metrics (KPIs) across all departments, not just leadership, to identify and address recurring issues. Use data to drive improvements in guest experience, operations, and communication.Use frameworks such as the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to set clear goals, break them into manageable projects (“rocks”), and review progress regularly. Involve the entire team in the process for maximum impact.Don't be afraid to make mistakes, learn, and adapt. Regularly test new approaches, measure their impact, and iterate quickly. Use technology to streamline operations (e.g., remote locks, cleaning apps) and enhance the guest experience, but ensure it remains personal and responsive.Success takes time and consistent effort. Focus on long-term growth rather than immediate results.Empower every team member with ownership of projects and clear goals to drive company-wide improvement.Quote of the Show:“To take that time and make it something that they will remember forever, and get to do that every day, that's amazing.” - Sebastián Torres-CalderónLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebasti%C3%A1n-torres-calderon-serkovic-310044121/ Website: https://www.stay-u-nique.com/en/ Shout Outs:0:53 - World Travel Awards https://www.worldtravelawards.com/ 10:46 - EOS https://www.eosworldwide.com/ 12:02 - Airbnb https://www.airbnb.com/ 13:43 - Traction https://amzn.to/4fEGOTZ 13:43 - Gino Wickman https://www.ginowickman.com/ 14:53 - Mitcham Rentals https://www.mitchamgrouprentals.com/ 16:23 - Enrique Alcántara https://www.linkedin.com/in/enrique-alc%C3%A1ntara-b9623b/ 24:28 - What the Heck is EOS? https://amzn.to/4fGGXGC 40:49 - Sonder https://www.sonder.com/ 40:56 - Marriott https://www.marriott.com/default.mi 

After four years and 100 episodes of extraordinary conversations with world-class leaders, what are the most powerful leadership lessons that have emerged? In this milestone episode, hosts Simon Kingston and Marla Oates dig through the Redefiners archives to share the top 10 leadership insights. From Ruth Porat's revelation that not having a rigid career plan was her secret weapon, and Debra Martin Chase's unshakeable determination in Hollywood, to Will Guidara's $2 hot dog that redefined hospitality excellence—these aren't just inspiring anecdotes. They're battle-tested lessons from leaders who've built careers with real impact across technology, finance, entertainment, hospitality, and global governance. Simon and Marla reveal their most memorable moments from conversations with CEOs like Adena Friedman at Nasdaq, Brad Smith at Microsoft, Tony Capuano at Marriott, and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at the World Trade Organization. They explore how these leaders navigated everything from AI transformation and crisis management to building authentic cultures and making unpopular decisions. "Do people need to learn before they leap? I actually think they need to leap in order to learn.” – Brad Smith, Microsoft Vice Chair and President Four things you'll learn from this episode: Why the most successful leaders embrace uncertainty and leave their doors open to unexpected opportunities How to build the resilience and grit needed to navigate setbacks and transform failure into your competitive advantage The critical importance of putting people first during times of crisis and organizational transition Why authentic leadership—being unapologetically yourself—creates the strongest foundation for long-term successFeatured leaders: Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer, Alphabet and Google Adena Friedman, Chair and CEO, Nasdaq Debra Martin Chase, Film and Television Producer Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President, Microsoft David Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, Carlyle Group Dee Caffari, Record-Breaking Yachtswoman Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organization Tony Capuano, President and CEO, Marriott International Bill Roedy, Former Chair and CEO, MTV International Sarah Mensah, President, Jordan Brand Will Guidara, Restauranteur and Author

UnHerd's Freddie Sayers brings together two leading voices on the decline of reading and the future of literacy: Times columnist and cultural critic, James Marriott, and YouTuber and philosopher, Jared Henderson.Marriott has written extensively about what he calls the dawn of a “post-literate society.” For him, the slow death of English literature and the retreat from serious reading mark a cultural crisis, with far-reaching consequences for politics, education, and civic life. He argues that without books and deep reading, society risks becoming shallow, distracted, and dangerously unserious.Henderson agrees and sees the problem through a different lens. On his YouTube channel he has chronicled the “male reading crisis” in American colleges, showing how boys and young men are abandoning reading altogether. But rather than mourning literature's decline, he focuses on practical ways to reignite reading habits, from choosing the right books to rebuilding attention in an age of screens.In this discussion, Freddie Sayers asks: Is literacy truly collapsing, or simply evolving into new forms? As AI, smartphones and digital media reshape our minds, is the future of reading one of decline — or reinvention? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marriott's Tyler Weeks joins Chad & Cheese to unpack what it's like running HR for a million humans (and possibly a few Roombas). Expect: Ritz-Carlton ghosting Joel harder than his prom date. Why Marriott's HR is basically 9,000 mom-and-pop shops in a trench coat. The shocking discovery that AI doesn't make great recruiters greater—it just stops the bad ones from lighting themselves on fire. CFO ROI math so sketchy it belongs in a late-night infomercial. And the big AI fix for fake résumés and deepfakes? Drag ‘em into the lobby for an old-fashioned, in-person interview. This is hospitality meets HR Tech chaos—and Tyler's got the room service order.

This episode features a live audience conversation and bottleshare with Ikimi Woodson, the CEO of The Roots Fund, recorded in Smyrna, GA at The Oenophile Institute. The Roots Fund is a non-profit that empowers underrepresented communities within the wine and spirits industry to build successful careers through financial support, education, mentorship, and career development, and because the value of community lies at the core of all their work, we invited a few friends and fellow wine professionals from the Atlanta wine community to join for this recording session. We asked everyone to share a little bit about why they chose the wine to open, so you'll hear why we opened the special wines in the room. Ikimi grew up in Brooklyn and attended Johnson & Wales University, but after graduation she utilized her time traveling the world studying culture through food. Upon her return to the states, she was the youngest & first woman to complete the Marriott & Ritz Carlton management training program. Her career led her to lead culinary and management teams at sports organizations, restaurant groups, and prestigious educational institutions. In August 2017, in conjunction with Lifeworks Restaurant Group, she designed and opened LEO MKT, a food hall in Washington, DC, focusing on cuisines around the world. Ikimi is known for her ability to create managers, lead large teams, encourage the growth of women and minorities in the business, and her insight throughout - and especially at the end of this episode - is important for everyone interreacting with the wine space to hear right now. You can visit www.therootsfund.org to learn more and get involved in their work, and you can follow @rootsfund on Instagram. -------------This live audience episode was sponsored by Tower Beer Wine and Spirits, a family-owned business for 76 years, who continue to elevate the Atlanta wine scene creating access to craft beverages (@toweratl)www.towerwinespirits.com/buckhead---------------Recorded August 11, 2025 with a LIVE audience at The Oenophile Institute in Atlanta, GA. You can follow @oenophileinstitute and visit www.oenophileinstitute.com for more info on their certification programs and educational events.-------------Featuring appearances by Jade Palmer, Aaron Cooper, Jordan Traylor, Dannielle Thomas, Amanda Kimbrough, and Chelsea Young.

In episode 260 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I'm joined by Kelly Price, founder of ThriveHR and a powerhouse in strategic HR, leadership, and workplace culture.With a career that began at Marriott and grew into executive HR leadership and entrepreneurship, Kelly brings a rare blend of people-first wisdom and sharp business acumen. Today, she helps small businesses build solid people foundations that support long-term success.In this episode, we explore: ✅ Why HR is not just a support function - but a strategic driver of business results ✅ What confident HR leadership really looks like ✅ How leaders can build thriving workplace cultures through intentional development ✅ Why leadership development is essential, not optional, for sustainable growth✅ What small businesses can teach big companies about authentic leadership✨ If you're building a business, leading a team, or shaping company culture - this episode will challenge and inspire you.Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn: Kelly Price, SHRM-SCP | LinkedInThank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq. 

The Swan and Dolphin are Marriott Bonvoy properties that have been at Walt Disney World since 1990 (their sister Marriott property, Swan Reserve, opened in 2021), and they hosted my family for a two-night stay at the Swan on a recent trip to Central Florida. As a good neighbor hotel officially with Disney Deluxe Resort benefits, the Swan is located in the EPCOT Crescent Lake resort area with easy walking distance (or Friendship boat) access to EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's BoardWalk, and Disney's Yacht & Beach Club resorts, plus bus service to Magic Kingdom (via Transportation and Ticket Center), Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. With comfortable rooms, world-class service, and a wide range of dining and recreation, the Swan is a hotel you should definitely consider for your next Walt Disney World vacation. You can learn more at https://swandolphin.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/swandolphin.   In this episode, we discuss everything you need to know about staying at the Swan, reveal details that make this property noteworthy, share reasons why you might want to stay here, and offer suggestions about how to make the most of your stay.   To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Get bonus content, ad-free episodes, and more at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.   Tag me and join the conversation below. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook Group (ImagiNation): https://www.facebook.com/groups/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@imaginationskyway  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@imaginationskyway Twitter: www.twitter.com/skywaypodcast Email: matt@imagineerpodcast.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-imagineerpodcasts-podcast/id1244558092 Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Purchase merchandise - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/imagineer-podcast?ref_id=8929 Enjoy the show!

Most retreat leaders aren't just undercharging… they're under-profiting. In this powerhouse episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail is joined by Leni Cavazos—event strategist, loyalty marketing expert, and former Ritz-Carlton powerhouse turned retreat business mentor. Together, they unpack why up to 90% of retreats aren't actually profitable—and how to shift that. You'll learn: Why retreat leaders must treat their business like a business (not a hobby) What loyalty marketing actually is (and how to start it from day one) The biggest pricing mistake even experienced leaders make Why your transformation container is worth way more than a fancy vacation How alumni can become your secret sales team This episode is a must-listen for retreat leaders ready to stop surviving and start scaling.

Picture this: a candlelit living room in New York, a guest list cast like a film, and a host who knows exactly who should meet whom—and why. That's Erin Hosler. Before she checks a rate code or a P&L, she curates people. She trained at The Ritz-Carlton before the Marriott acquisition. Learned stagecraft under Ian Schrager. Honed the five-senses playbook with Andre Balazs. Sharpened her eye alongside Philippe Starck. Then led chapters at The Standard Spa, Miami Beach; THE WELL in New York; Eaton DC; and Soho House Austin. Her take is simple: the last real moat isn't marble or mixology. It's training.   Why this matters for independents: Turn choreography into rituals your team can actually repeat. Make being known beat being “bonvoyed.” Design around human behavior, not developer spreadsheets. Let tech automate the admin—never the moment. We'll talk membership energy and that feeling of “home on demand,” then get painfully practical—guest history, uniforms that fit, and managers who coach. If you've ever wondered how a latte placed at the right table, at the right time, by the right person can outperform any brand campaign—this one's for you. Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Erin.   Connect with Erin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinhosler/   Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world's top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we'd love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

In today's podcast episode, we'll talk about whether or not Hertz will put Nick in jail, how Greg's British Airways flight was saved by Delta, and Marriott's "Brilliant" potential new business card line-up.Giant Mailbag(03:02) - Catch Greg on these podcasts: Chris Hutchins / All the Hacks: Top Airline & Hotel Transfer Partners to Maximize Your Points(03:42) - Point me to first class (Devon): What Credit Card Points Are Really Worth in 2025(04:18) - Many people wrote in with examples of where an International Driver's Permit is required (Japan, Italy, etc)See episode 318 about The Rental Car Game hereCard News(07:28) - Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card offer (100K + promo credit good for up to $500 towards a single Chase Travel℠ booking after $5K spend in 3 months) ending soon.Crazy Thing DOUBLE HEADER(09:36) - Alaska: Atmos Rewards(15:14) - A reader has a strange Lifemiles story to report...Nick's JetBlue 25for25 Update(18:52) - Marriott Day Use Rate: Got lounge access, earned elite night credit (and points)(20:30) - Edgar Hotel Martha's Vineyard: Undeniably Choice in some ways, but great room & value.(23:37) - Lounge access reminders worth a mention: Ritz card gets unlimited visits & guests at Sapphire Lounges. Use the Ritz card, not Priority Pass, for access. Amex Platinum cardholders get Escape Lounge with 2 guests. We've used Escape lounges at SJU, PVD, FLL, and PBI on this trip. Of those, only PVD is on Priority Pass (so remember to check for these!).(26:53) - Couldn't check in online for Etihad-booked flight ACK-LGA (expected -- no birthdays for P1 & P2). Got it fixed at the BOS Mosaic check-in area. Ended up being a quick fix. Glad they could do it at BOS because time was tight at ACK.(30:27) - Nick's Hertz rental (even if you only have the first part of the story -- it's entertaining!)Awards, Points, and More(36:14) - Air Canada Aeroplan program updates (mileage and status earning changes)(44:51) - Greg's positioning flight to Boston for the British Airways first class flight(49:01) - Greg flies AA Flagship Preferred Suites LHR to ORD(51:21) - If Uber to the airport seems expensive, try switching your airline(54:43) - New Reasonable Redemption Values (RRVs)Main Event: Marriott's rumored business cards(1:03:51) - The following is based on surveys, not announced changes...(1:05:18) - Amex Bonvoy Business card(1:13:28) - Amex Marriott Bevy Business(1:20:22) - The Rumored Amex Bonvoy Brilliant BusinessQuestion of the Week(1:28:22) - Which hotel-branded credit card is the best?Subscribe and FollowVisit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media.Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

"Most of the time, when you've got a problem in your life, it's at least partially your fault." Notable Moments 00:03:25 – The story of missing a promotion and discovering who didn't support me. 00:04:37 – Recognizing the difference between being responsible and being annoying. 00:06:42 – Shifting from aggressive oversight to teaching and guiding. 00:08:47 – Why admitting “it's me” is key to improvement. 00:12:11 – Practical advice for repairing a damaged professional relationship. 00:13:27 – The value of honest feedback from trusted people. Lee Cockerell shares a personal story from his Marriott days about missing out on a promotion because of strained relationships with key leaders. He explains how he took responsibility, adjusted his leadership style, and rebuilt trust, all lessons that later fueled his success at Disney. This episode offers practical strategies for repairing professional relationships by leading with empathy, self-awareness, and adaptability. Read the blog for more from this episode.  Resources The Cockerell Academy About Lee Cockerell Mainstreet Leader Jody Maberry Travel Guidance Magical Vacation Planners are my preferred travel advisors. Reach out to have them help plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.