Top Floor

Glenda Lee is a workforce development leader specializing in bringing young adults into hospitality. After a long hotel sales career, Glenda spent a few years in the classroom and learned all kinds of things about what early career candidates are looking for at work. Hint to hotels: Rethink your rules and regulations. Susan and Glenda talk about first-time professionals and obstacles to hotel career success.

Frank Reeves is Chief Evangelist at SHR Group after having been co-founder and CEO of Avvio. At Avvio, Frank was doing AI in travel long before ChatGPT and digital key automations were even being discussed in the hotel industry. Susan and Frank talk about how hotel guests are like serial killers, how cancellations can be de-risked with data, and how three wet lads worked their way to a successful exit.

From Chinese food to burning cardboard, this year's Loading Dock stories from the 35th Hunter Hotel Investment Conference did not disappoint. Listen to these funny, crazy, and just-plain-weird tales from hoteliers, and count your blessings if none of the crazier things have ever happened to you!

Calvin Stovall has been the vice president of a hotel brand, the CEO of a charitable foundation, and the founder of a speaking company, but the role he's most excited about is historian. With his book Hospitality Historiography well underway, Calvin is sharing the stories of African American hoteliers (listen for a cool one in this episode). Susan and Calvin talk about branding, soul music, and ice storms.

Melissa Maher is a former hotelier and 20-year Expedia executive who is writing a new career chapter - founder of Pinnacle Enterprises Group. Melissa's company offers hospitality consulting and executive coaching, and she is launching a new leadership class that will share her best lessons in a group cohort format. Susan and Melissa talk about confidence, courage, and Las Vegas.

Jason Brooks spent more than 20 years in the restaurant business, and he has packed two decades' worth of wisdom into "Every Leader Needs Followers," his book about restaurant leadership. Structured to meet restaurant managers where they are, Jason's book is a tactical must-read for the industry. Susan and Jason talk about secrets, success, and sharp knives.

Edwin Schaerlaeckens had a long career in the corporate world before a hotel room door hanger changed his perspective. As the North American lead for Hotels for Trees, Edwin helps travelers turn their unused housekeeping into newly planted trees. Susan and Edwin talk about handball, the end of capitalism, and nature.

Michael Goldrich has spent time working in politics, management consulting, and hospitality, but the through-line of his career is curiosity. Michael's book, "Too Many Hats, Too Little Time: Productivity Reimagined with AI Personas," describes how business leaders can create their own virtual advisors using AI. Susan and Michael talk about ethics, copyrights, and scams.

Peter Yesawich's long career in hospitality and travel marketing led him to healthcare, where he discovered that an infusion of hospitality could make a big difference for patients and providers. His book, co-authored with Stowe Shoemaker, details how the healthcare industry can make positive change. Susan and Peter talk about buying behavior, books, and best practices.

Michèle Kline and Stephanie Leger bonded over WTF hotel moments in their work and travels, so it only made sense for them to come together to "walk the floors" as hospitality trainers and podcasters. Susan, Stephanie, and Michele talk about service, junk fees, and awkward lurking.

Stuart Greif did a metaphorical backflip into hospitality, spending 18 months living in a hotel while working as a management consultant. These days, Stuart is Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy, Innovation, and Operating Officer at Forbes Travel Guide. Susan and Stuart talk about going to summer camp, being an ally, and four-wheeling through the jungle.

Cat Meek is back to help Susan recap last year and predict the future for 2024. Mostly, the sisters ask each other rapid-fire questions. 

If you have seven minutes to spare, we would love to have your feedback. Click the link below for a completely anonymous, five-question survey for Top Floor listeners!
https://lnkd.in/g8ACtQz2

Kelsey Knoedler Perri can impersonate a princess or two, but writing is her one true love. As director of public relations for Road Scholar, Kelsey specializes in the mission of combining travel and education to provide experiences for older adults. Susan and Kelsey talk about the transformative power of travel and the power to transform travel for social good.

Haley Payne started "working" in hotels at age six, rolling silverware for her mom. After 14 years as a general manager, she flipped the script to become head of commercial at Pure Wellness. Susan and Haley talk about making a guestroom allergen free for better sleep.

Naureen Ahmed credits her international childhood with creating the desire for the kind of multicultural environment found in hospitality. After a 16-year career, Naureen took a belated gap year, during which she founded Inspiring Women in Hospitality. Susan and Naureen talk about visibility and shrinking chef pants.

Scott LaMont is a landscape architect and CEO of EDSA. In spite of his terrible taste in college football teams, Scott has a way of explaining the concepts of design and planning that makes you want to learn more. Susan and Scott talk about dead zones and how to dress when you lose your luggage.

Talking to Christine Trippi is like drinking seven Five Hour Energy shots and lighting a firecracker in your brain -- even reading her book, Yes is the Answer, makes you feel energized. As the Wise Pineapple, Christine helps hotel leaders build cultures where yes is always the answer. Susan and Christine talk about passion, purpose, and pineapples.

John Chernesky has spent his entire career in the cruise business, with jobs that have ranged from daytime entertainment to national sales. Having taken more than 25 cruises himself, John expertly addresses all of Susan's unfounded concerns about taking a cruise and explains why staying with one company for a long time can be a pleasure.

Steve Palmer has had a hand in more restaurants than you've probably even visited, and he founded Indigo Road Hospitality Group in 2009. Steve is also known for Ben's Friends, a support group for food and beverage professionals. Susan and Steve talk about why businesses need to stop managing to the exception and where to put CBD drinks on your beverage menu.