Shows
It's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastMonika Moser, Founder & Director, Monika Moser Consulting, Interviewed by David Kong Monika Moser shares a career shaped by hospitality, design, and founding her own consulting firm focused on helping organizations transform. She explains that transformation fails when leaders rely on strategy instead of changing everyday behaviors and culture. Monika highlights trust, courage, and consistency as essential leadership qualities, emphasizing that real change happens through presence, authenticity, and genuine human connection.
2025-12-1325 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastDavid Mililli, Founder & Host, Modern Hotelier Podcast, interviewed by David Kong David Mililli's career began as a busboy but grew into leadership roles across hospitality and technology. His journey highlights the power of staying open-minded, surrounding yourself with people you trust, and having the humility to listen. He reminds us that “if you keep your intelligence over your emotions, you’ll always be successful.” His story is a powerful example of how curiosity and courage can shape an extraordinary career.
2025-11-2132 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastRafat Ali, CEO & Founder, Skift, interviewed by David KongRafat Ali shares his journey from engineer-turned-journalist to serial media entrepreneur, reflecting on the choices, setbacks, and grit behind building Skift. We explore the most admired leadership qualities, founder-led passion, and customer empathy. Don’t miss his parting advice on career compounding, travel, embracing contrarian views, and the power of “ask and you shall receive.”
2025-10-1229 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastCarolyne Doyon, President & CEO, Club Med N. America and Caribbean, interviewed by David KongFrom proving doubters wrong early on to leading with determination and kindness, Carolyne reminds us that “success doesn’t come easy, but small wins build confidence and influence.” She also shared candidly about overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and why sometimes the best advice is simple: “You’ve got this.” Her story is a powerful example of resilience, authenticity, and leadership with heart.
2025-08-2127 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastDavid Mansbach, Managing Partner, Global Hospitality & Leisure, DHR Global interviewed by Lan ElliottDave shares the importance for both career and joy to collide. An accomplished Executive Recruiter, he discusses the Top 2 Tips for negotiating an offer letter, which most people rarely do, and 3 Traits that make current candidates stand out, which differ from the past. He also explains why everyone in hospitality has an obligation to make our industry the Employer of Choice, which it currently is not.
2025-07-2736 min
Fighting In The War Room: A Movies And Pop Culture Podcast519 – What’s Happening With Paramount, Donkey Kong Bonanza, Eddington
This week, Katey Rich has gone to the beach (hopefully not the Old beach), leaving the three guys in the War Room where they try to figure out if budget or politics rules at CBS/Paramount, Patches is having a lot of fun breaking everything in Donkey Kong Bonanza on his Switch 2, and Da7e can admit Eddington is a good movie but he didn’t like how it made him feel, so David tries to talk him back to just “good.”
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2025-07-231h 08It's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastPeter Ricci, Director of Hospitality & Tourism Management, interviewed by David Kong Dr. Peter Ricci encourages us to stay open-minded and embrace differences, rather than dismissing them simply because they challenge our preferences. He reminds us not to lose sight of who we are in the face of immediate challenges. In our conversation, we explore the best advice he’s ever received and how he equips his students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Don’t miss his powerful insights on self-empowerment!
2025-04-2731 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastDr. David Corsun, Director, Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management, University of DenverDavid shares his journey from working in NYC restaurants to owning a Manhattan jazz bar, and how that experience motivated him to create humane workplaces, which ultimately led to him leading the University of Denver’s hospitality program. David also explains the benefits of making deposits of “idiosyncrasy credits” in helping one distinguish themselves.
2025-04-1934 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastRoland Elter, CCO and MD S&M, Maritim Hotelgesellschaft mbH, interviewed by David KongIn our conversation, Roland Elter shares powerful insights from his journey:✨ "People are individuals—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach." ✨ "No vision = no success." People need to understand their purpose.We explore the value of building strong habits. For Roland, that means staying curious and actively engaging with others.He also reminds us that effective communication starts with listening and truly understanding the other side and being relevant to your audience.And don’t miss his thoughtful advice to his younger self—practical, grounded, and worth hearing.
2025-04-1625 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastMatt Clyde, President & Chief Strategist, Ideas Collide, interviewed by David KongThe birth of his daughter led Matt to rethink his purpose - ultimately inspiring him to launch Ideas Collide. In our conversation, he shares invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and the most important lesson he’s learned in life. We dive into his sources of inspiration for continuous innovation, his daily habits, and how he strives for work-life harmony. Plus, don’t miss his insights on mentorship - how mentees can truly maximize the relationship and embrace self-empowerment.
2025-03-1828 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastMehul Patel, Managing Partner, NewCrestImage, interviewed by David KongMehul shares his inspiring immigrant journey, arriving in the U.S. at fourteen, learning English, and navigating a new culture. He recounts how, while still in high school, he purchased his first business—an early step that set him on the path to building the impressive portfolio of NewcrestImage. In our conversation, Mehul shares how he turns challenges into opportunities by taking a strategic long-term view, embracing calculated risks, and empowering his team. He also discusses the leadership qualities he values most and how he mentors and develops talent. Don't miss his valuable advice on innovation, networking, and bringing di...
2025-03-0235 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastWilliam Ferguson, Founder & Chairman, Ferguson Partners, interviewed by David KongBill shares how he differentiates Ferguson Partners by meeting his clients’ many needs and the founding of his nonprofit foundation - Centers of Excellence by scaling the Marriott Sorenson Howard University idea to 25 universities. We discuss the chapters of his new book ‘Living Beyond Your Dreams’ and he used the powerful and inspiring stories of Tom Baltimore, Leslie Hale, Daryl Carter and Mit Shah to illustrate the essence of several principles in his book - ‘Character Counts’, ‘Get Back up’, ‘Find Your Champions’, ‘Live to Learn’, ‘Play the Hand You’re Dealt, and ‘But Don’t Settle’. Don’t miss his valuable tips on preparin...
2025-02-2031 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastDean Kate Walsh, Cornell University Nolan School of Hotel Administration, interviewed by David KongDr. Walsh shares her amazing journey from CPA to corporate trainer to her current role. We discuss how challenges are often opportunities in disguise, and her research on leadership and career development as well as strategic human capital investment. She offers advice on coalescing diversity, overcoming imposter syndrome and self-empowerment. Don’t miss her thoughts on using the latest innovation with hospitality as its ethos.
2025-01-1331 min
Louise Ai Chat 19.99 on the App Store - David S. NishimotoLouise Ai agent - modeling the Hong Kong healthcare systemPrivatization of the health care removes control from the old broken socialistic healthcare the government offers. The Hong Kong model of healthcare is the ideal model of health care to follow. Medical procedures and service care are paid for in cash.
The Hong Kong healthcare system is an effective model due to its unique blend of public and private healthcare services.
In Hong Kong, healthcare is primarily funded through a dual system where both public and private sectors coexist. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and...
2025-01-1205 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastDavid McCaslin, Partner, CapStar Advisors, interviewed by Lan ElliottDave discusses the importance of delegating and continuous learning as one progress to larger roles. He shares how he acquired the New York Palace with a 3-person team – and why he hires people who have experienced failure. He explains how to navigate industry receptions, the right way to ask for something you want, and how to be prepared when opportunity knocks.
2024-12-0634 min
Living MarketingExploring Hong Kong's Vibrant Culinary Scene with Foodie's Rubin Verebes[Scroll down for links to restaurants and bars mentioned]Discover the colorful and complex world of Hong Kong's culinary scene with Rubin Verebes, managing editor of Foodie, Hong Kong's largest English-language food publication. Rubin has dined at nearly 930 restaurants since 2021, and he shares his journey from childhood, growing up with a kosher upbringing, to becoming a prominent food journalist. With insights into his disciplined lifestyle and passion for food, he reveals the intricacies of transitioning Foodie from print to digital amidst the pandemic and the publication's pivotal role in highlighting the city's gastronomic delights.Explore...
2024-11-2339 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastDavid Eisen, VP and Editor-in-Chief, HOTELS Magazine, Interviewed by Rachel HumphreyDavid shares his strategies for effective panel moderating, how he uses LinkedIn to share his take on industry news, and what he's curious about right now. He discusses overcoming self doubt and developing new skills. He talks about why reading is important and his thoughts on formal education versus hands on experience to begin a career in hospitality.
2024-11-1328 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastJim Burba, Co-Founder, Burba Hayes LLC, Burba Hotel Network (BHN), interviewed by David KongJim Burba, well known co-founder of Burba Hotel Network (BHN) and former producer of ALIS, HICAP and other industry investment shows shares his career journey and credits mentors such as Tony Marshall, Bob Hazzard and his partner Bob Hayes for their inspiration and encouragement for co-founding BHN and Burba Hayes. He offers tips from his book ‘Smart Partners’ on relationships and speaks to how his failures led to his success. Don’t miss his quote from Olivia Newton John on self-empowerment at the end.
2024-08-2128 min
Coffee's on Me, David Quan 权丁文 Podcast CommunityIsaac Chan | Co-Conductor & Principal Horn of the Cambridge University Symphony Orchestra (CUSO) as Year 1 Clare Fresher, Chetham’s School of Music, HK/UK Education Experiences, Professional Music Aspirations, Cultures | Coffee's on Me, David Quan 权丁文Episode 99 of #CoffeesOnMeDavidQuan: Isaac Chan is a first-year music student at Clare College of Cambridge University. He is currently principal horn of the Cambridge University Orchestra, and is a designated conducting scholar for 2024-25 conducting the symphony orchestra and wind orchestra of Cambridge. Originally from Hong Kong, he started playing the horn at age 7, developing an interest in conducting through ample experience playing in orchestras. A recent graduate from Chetham’s School of Music sixth form, he founded and conducted a student group Chetham’s Camerata, and gave his operatic debut of Hansel and Gretel at age 16 amon...
2024-06-062h 15It's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastJohn Fareed, Global Chairman, Horwath HTL, Interviewed by David KongJohn offers highlights of his newly released book on personal branding and shares his personal mantra. He reflects on the most profound lessons from his professional journey, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and how to cultivate effective mentor relationships. John articulates the importance of embracing risk and provides advice on coalescing diverse perspectives to achieve alignment.
2024-04-2632 minFighting In The War Room: A Movies And Pop Culture Podcast469 – Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire, Katey’s Vanity Fair Exit, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
This week, David has to sit a week out of the War Room, but it’s just because of visiting in-laws – he is safe and fine! Katey, Patches, and Da7e convene so Patches and Da7e can talk about the not-good, but also not-bad Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire, then Katey updates everyone on her departure from Vanity Fair and what her media life is like now. Finally, Katey and Da7e dig into another type of Empire in theaters right now, a Ghostbusters Frozen one since Katey’s eldest child wanted to see it as his first...
2024-04-031h 20It's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastDavid Kong, Closing Keynote of HSMAI Intercollegiate Global ConferenceDavid uses his career journey to explain the three phases of leadership, progressing from an individual contributor to a team leader and ultimately evolving into a change-making visionary. He passionately discusses the inspiration behind establishing DEI Advisors and articulates his goals for the future. Additionally, David candidly reflects on one of his most significant mistakes, emphasizing the invaluable lessons learned from it. Don't miss out on David's advice for budding professionals, as well as the wisdom he would impart to his 25-year-old self.
2024-03-2836 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastLindsey Ueberroth, CEO, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, interviewed by David KongLindsey delves into the pivotal moments of her transformative journey at Preferred Hotels & Resorts, highlighting key lessons she's gleaned. She discusses the importance of integrating diverse perspectives, reflects on invaluable advice she's received, and outlines the qualities she prioritizes when interviewing executive candidates. Additionally, Lindsey provides insights on mastering effective communication, optimizing work-life harmony, and the art of networking.
2024-03-2527 min
Value CreatorsEpisode #34 David Kong's Entrepreneurial Voyage from Finance to Fine GlasswareDavid Kong discusses his transition from Finance to Entrepreneurship and the process of building a supply chain for a product with exclusive features, such as thin, and handcrafted glasses. He explains how he searched for manufacturers, tested samples, and addressed production issues. Despite challenges with finding warehouses and improving packaging, Kong emphasizes the importance of creating value for customers. He shares insights on the emotional value of Glasvin stemware, its impact on the drinking experience, and the evolution of consumer preferences in the wine industry. Additionally, Kong discusses his direct-to-consumer (DTC) model, marketing strategies, and the significance of inbound...
2024-03-2138 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastMichelle Jensen Session, Co-Founder, Aquarius Hospitality Solutions, Interviewed by David KongMichelle shares her career journey and the personal mantra that guides her. We discuss her general approach to challenges, taking risks, as well as imposter syndrome. She offers networking and communication tips. Finally, she shares her thoughts on personal empowerment.
2024-03-2137 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastMiraj Patel, President, Wayside Investment Group & 2024-25 AAHOA Chair, Interviewed by David Kong Miraj shares his career journey, his key learnings, and secrets to his success. We discuss his personal mantra and the best advice he received from his parents. He offers thoughts on effective communication, networking, and risk-taking. We also discuss leadership qualities that he admires the most.
2024-03-2027 min
Wine Guide with Cork & Fizz - Wine education for beginners and enthusiastsElevating Everyday Wine with Hand-Blown Glasvin Wine Glasses with Founder David KongEp 43Does a beautiful hand-blown wine glass make a difference when it comes to drinking wine?Are different glasses good for different kinds of wine? Or is it just all a marketing strategy?Today, I have David Kong, founder of Glasvin Stemware, with me. David is changing the game for wine and cocktail lovers everywhere! And he is giving us all the details on those questions. David dives into how a wine gl...
2024-03-1346 min
The Servant Leadership PodcastBUILDING DIVERISTY THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS - DAVID KONGIn this episode, Greg Aden sits down with David Kong (former CEO of Best Western International) to discuss how relationships, diversity and inclusion are playing key roles in today's leadership. David Kong came to America as an immigrant from Hong Kong at the age of 18. He graduated from the University of Hawaii with Bachelors degree in Business Administration and soon began working in the hospitality field as a busboy. Eventually, he became the CEO of Best Western International and focused his leadership on building a culture of inclusion and diversity throughout the hotel industry. Today...
2024-03-1239 min
Madison BookBeatFragile Institutions: Shibani Mahtani And Timothy McLaughlin on the 2019 Protests in Hong KongIn this edition of Madison Book Beat, host Andrew Thomas speaks with journalists Shibani Mahtani and Timothy McLaughlin for a conversation on their book Among the Braves: Hope, Struggle, and Exile in the Battle for Hong Kong and the Future of Global Democracy (2023, Hachette Books).Among the Braves is a narrative history of the 2019 pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong told through the eyes of four activists named Finn, Tommy, Chu, and Gwyneth. Imbedded reporters Mahtani and McLaughlin give insight into the development and ultimate dissolution of a movement more than 150 years in the making...
2024-03-0451 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastHeena Patel, SVP of Rental Operations, Digital Marketing & Commerce, Travel & Leisure Interviewed by David KongHeena shares her career journey and the advice she has received from her mentors and advocates. We discuss her approach to challenges, how she built her extensive network, and the “Imposter Syndrome”. She offers advice on improving communication skills, taking risks, and personal empowerment. She also shares her thoughts on the most important leadership qualities.
2024-03-0232 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastMike Leven Interviewed by David Kong and Rachel HumphreyIndustry icon Mike Leven shares some of the challenges he faced in his illustrious career and how he overcame them. We talk about the important lessons he learned from his father and his bosses. He reveals his secret to building a successful franchise business. We discuss his mantra and his advice to students. He offers his advice on building a great team and earning followership.
2024-01-1431 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastStuart Greif, Executive VP, Forbes Travel Guide interviewed by David KongStuart shares the pivotal moments that altered his career trajectory. He offers his ideas on improving diversity, equity and inclusion as well as allyship. We discuss his role as a strategic adviser and the best advice he has given and received. Stuart offers tips on improving one’s persuasion skills and building a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
2024-01-1138 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastWinnie Ho, VP Digital and Technology Solutions, MGM in Macau, interviewed by David KongWinnie shares her story of rising in a field traditionally dominated by men. We discuss formal and informal mentorship, her focus on staff development, and how she overcame the “Imposter Syndrome”. She offers her thoughts on taking risks and advice to her younger self and self-empowerment.
2024-01-1131 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastBart Berkey, TEDx Motivational Speaker, interviewed by David KongBart shares highlights of his career journey transitioning from Global Executive at Ritz Carlton to starting his firm. We discuss his TEDx experience and how his show became the “top 15% Most Shared Podcasts in the world”. He shares the best advice he heard on his show and how he connects with the audience in public speaking. He offers advice on communications and networking. Don’t miss his advice on self-empowerment.
2023-12-1436 min