Shows
Pillow Talk SessionsReimagining the Student Experience with Suraiya Comunello (Nido Living)This week, we’re joined by Suraiya Comunello, CMO at Nido Living, for a deep dive into what truly matters to today’s students—and how operators can meet those expectations through service, design, and wellbeing.From cultural contrasts in booking behavior to the rise of digital-first decision-making, Suraiya offers a rare, international perspective on how the student accommodation sector is evolving.🎧 Here’s what to expect:🌱 How biophilic design helps ease student anxiety and promote wellbeing🧠 Why Nido d...2025-07-0340 min
Pillow Talk SessionsThe Coliving Playbook with Mayank Pokharna (Everything Coliving)The coliving industry is booming—but how you scale matters. In this episode of Pillow Talk Sessions, hosts Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski sit down with Mayank Pokharna, CEO of Fllat.com and Founder of Everything Coliving, to unpack the operational, cultural, and economic realities of coliving on a global scale.💡 Key topics: 🛠️ Why getting the basics right is still the biggest growth unlock 🌍 Why cultural context makes global expansion uniquely complex 💡 How affordability vs. experience play out differently across regions 📈 Why operators need to balan...2025-06-1950 min
Pillow Talk SessionsLive Special — Experience is the New AmenityThis week on Pillow Talk Sessions, we’re excited to release our first live-recorded episode, where we brought industry leaders together to unpack the future of resident experience in front of a live audience.Hosts Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski are joined by:🔹 Freya Richard (Vertus)🔹 Philippa Wagner (PeoplePlacesSpaces)🔹 Mitch Hammond (OnTheMarket)💡 In this episode, we explore:📊 Why renters are prioritizing belonging, values, and community over physical amenities🏨 The...2025-06-0554 min
Pillow Talk SessionsNavigating Reform in Build-to-Rent with Rachel Hanniquet-Brooking (APO Group)This week on Pillow Talk Sessions, Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski are joined by Rachel Hanniquet-Brooking, Managing Director of APO Group LTD, to explore the state of the UK rental market—and how Build-to-Rent operators can prepare for seismic change.💡 Tune in to hear Rachel’s perspective on:🧾 The impact of the Renters Reform Bill on no-fault evictions and lease terms📉 Why tighter regulation could drive traditional landlords out—and open new doors for BTR🏘️ The fine balance between automation, cost eff...2025-05-2243 min
Pillow Talk SessionsHospitality Rewired with Simone Puorto (Travel Singularity)Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski sit down with Simone Puorto, Founder of Travel Singularity, to unpack how technology, empathy, and adaptability are reshaping the future of hospitality.💡 Tune in to explore: 🔹 How tech can amplify human connection, not replace it🔄 Why hospitality design must respond to human rhythms, not rigid formats🏠 What rental living can teach hotels about personalization and experience⚙️ How to avoid “tech for tech’s sake” and future-proof your operationsThis e...2025-05-0853 min
Pillow Talk SessionsCommunity & Data in Modern Living with Robert Birch (Gravity Co)In this episode of Pillow Talk Sessions, Kristian and Jessica chat with Robert Birch, Head of Operations at Gravity Co, about creating meaningful living experiences across co-living, BTR, and hospitality.Tune in for insights on: 💬 Why community is central to modern rental expectations 🔎 How Gravity leverages data to detect and solve issues early 🌐 The innovative membership model that connects residents globally 🏗️ Gravity’s strategy to revitalize underperforming assets and integrate sustainability2025-04-2442 min
Pillow Talk SessionsSmart Tech in Living Spaces with Steve Davis (Operto)In this brand-new episode of Pillow Talk Sessions, Jessica and Kristian chat with Steve Davis, CEO of Operto, about the powerful intersection of hospitality, multifamily, and smart technology.💡 Listen in for key takeaways like:🔑 How Operto grew from digital locks to a full-service guest/resident management platform🏘️ Why STR tech is uniquely positioned to enhance multifamily and hotel operations💬 Why real-time communication and service feedback loops are the future📉 The risks of poor tech rollouts—and how to do it ri...2025-04-1049 min
Pillow Talk SessionsPBSA 3.0: Beyond Housing with Bart Sasim (Spatial Experience)In this week’s episode of Pillow Talk Sessions, our founder, Jessica Gillingham, and co-host, Kristian Lupinski, chat with Bart Sasim, CEO & Founder of Spatial Experience, about the evolution of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and what’s next for the sector.Bart shares insights on: 🏢 The transition from traditional student housing to modern, service-driven PBSA. 🔄 Subscription-based living models that offer flexibility and affordability. 🤖 How data-driven personalization is enhancing student experiences. 📊 The role of technology in shaping adaptable, community-focused student housing.2025-03-2743 min
Pillow Talk SessionsThe Rise of Flexible Living with Begum Agca Okutgen (Blueground)Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski are joined by Begum Agca Okutgen, Head of Partner Network at Blueground, to explore the ongoing transformation of the rental market driven by remote work, technology, and evolving guests needs.💡 Tune in to discover: 🏠 How remote work is reshaping demand for flexible, furnished rentals across 35 cities worldwide. 🤖 The role of technology in streamlining operations and enhancing client experience. 🛋️ Why quality standards and curated design are key to maintaining premium rental experiences. 🌍 The shift toward individual renters—digital nomads, expatriates, and remote professionals—and how i...2025-03-1343 min
Pillow Talk SessionsWhy Build-to-Rent Needs a Unified Vision with Mitch Hammond (OnTheMarket)Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski are joined by Mitch Hammond, Build-to-Rent Manager at OnTheMarket, for a candid discussion on defining and differentiating Build to Rent (BTR) in the UK and beyond.💡 Tune in to explore:🏗️ Why a unified understanding of BTR terminology is crucial for market growth.🤖 Balancing technology with human connection in resident services.📊 Evolving resident expectations for security, amenities, and community spaces.🏘️ OnTheMarket’s strategy following its acquisition by CoStar Group and the upcoming launch of ho...2025-02-2752 min
Pillow Talk SessionsCrafting Exceptional Living Experiences with Philippa Wagner (PeoplePlacesSpaces)Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski sit down with Philippa Wagner, founder of PeoplePlacesSpaces, to unpack the shifting landscape of hospitality and how it influences sectors like Build-to-Rent.💡 Tune in to explore:🔹 How guest expectations have evolved – prioritizing wellness, social engagement, and authentic connections.🌍 The balance between global brand identity and local storytelling.🏡 Hospitality principles inspiring multifamily living and intergenerational developments.🔄 Emerging trends like co-working, sustainability, and the blending of hospitality with living spaces....2025-02-1352 min
Pillow Talk SessionsDesigning Sustainable Living Spaces with Benjamin Hall (LOFT)Jessica Gillingham and special co-host Iain Murray, Head of Operational Living at Bidwells, sit down with Benjamin Hall, Founder of LOFT, for an insightful conversation on how design and sustainability are shaping the future of multifamily and co-living spaces.🎧 In this episode, we dive into:🔹 The power of design in fostering resident retention and satisfaction.♻️ Sustainability in multifamily interiors, featuring the circular economy approach.📈 The rise of flexible living spaces that blend work, leisure, and community.✨ Striking...2025-01-3052 min
Pillow Talk SessionsOptimizing Mixed-Asset Portfolios with Katherine Rose (VervLife)This week on Pillow Talk Sessions, Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski welcome Katherine Rose, Managing Director of VervLife, for an in-depth conversation about reshaping the future of mixed-asset management.Key highlights from the episode:🏘️ Strategic Asset Management – Overcoming the challenges of managing diverse property types.📊 Flex Rentals – Strategies for meeting the demands of short-term and long-term tenants.🌍 Building Diverse Teams – Why team diversity is a game-changer in property management.💡 Customer-Centric Approach – How customer service is redefining success in...2025-01-1645 min
Pillow Talk SessionsRevolutionizing Multifamily Living with Konrad Koczwara (ElevateOS)Join Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski in this latest episode of Pillow Talk Sessions as they explore how multifamily living is being transformed by the hospitality industry’s best practices. Featuring Konrad Koczwara, Founder & CEO of ElevateOS, this episode is packed with insights into creating a 5-star resident experience.Highlights include:🔹 Hotelization Explained – How multifamily operators are adopting hospitality principles to exceed resident expectations.🔹 Resident Retention – The role of events, interest groups, and community-building in keeping residents engaged and happy.🔹 Innovations on the Horizon – P...2025-01-0250 min
Pillow Talk SessionsShaping the Future of Build-to-Rent with Brendan Geraghty (The Association of Rental Living)Join Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski on this week’s episode of Pillow Talk Sessions as they welcome Brendan Geraghty, CEO of the Association for Rental Living, to discuss how hospitality is reshaping the Build-to-Rent (BTR) sector.Key takeaways include:🔹 The Hospitality-BTR Connection – Insights into how BTR is adopting hotel-inspired practices to enhance the resident experience.🔹 #BrandbeforeBuilding – Understanding the focus on brand experience over physical infrastructure.🔹 Service-Oriented Talent – Exploring the new workforce shaping the BTR sector.🔹 UK vs. US Per...2024-12-1942 min
Pillow Talk SessionsElevating Build-to-Rent Living Experiences with Freya Richard (Vertus)In this week’s Pillow Talk Sessions, Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski are joined by Freya Richard, Director of Operations & Leasing at Vertus, for an engaging conversation about how hospitality and Build-to-Rent (BTR) are learning from each other.Key highlights include:🏘️ Lessons in Community – How Vertus is applying BTR community-building strategies to their upcoming aparthotel brand, Vertus Edit.⚙️ Operational Insights – Anticipating the challenges and opportunities of managing aparthotels versus residential buildings.📲 Tech-Enhanced Living – Specific technologies Vertus uses to elevate resident and guest experiences....2024-12-0550 min
Pillow Talk SessionsShaping the Future of Co-Living with Yianni Tsitouras (POHA House)In our latest episode, Jessica Gillingham and Krstian Lupinski sit down with Yianni Tsitouras, Founder & CEO of POHA House, to explore how POHA is redefining co-living with a focus on community, sustainability, and well-being. This conversation is filled with insights on the future of co-living and the ways it can foster connection and purpose in everyday spaces.Tune in to hear about: 🔹 The Co-Living, Co-Working, and Co-Spaces Concept – Yianni shares how these spaces combine flexibility with community for a unique living experience. 🔹 Commitment to Sustainability – From cradle-to-cr...2024-11-2140 min
Pillow Talk SessionsRedefining Modern Hospitality with Michael Levie (citizenM)In this episode, hosts Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski sit down with Michael Levie, co-founder of citizenM, to dive into how citizenM is reshaping the hospitality industry with a bold, customer-first approach. 🎙️Michael shares his insights on everything from digital transformation to creating unforgettable guest experiences. We explore citizenM’s unique strategies and how they’re influencing the Build-to-Rent and hospitality sectors. 🏢✨Listen in as we discuss:How citizenM balances technology with genuine human connection 🤖❤️The power of brand identi...2024-11-0750 min
Pillow Talk SessionsFuture of BTR & Co-Living with Suzanne Luscombe (resiCentral)In this episode, hosts Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski sit down with Suzanne Luscombe, Strategic Growth Director at resiCentral, to dive deep into the Build-to-Rent (BTR) and Co-Living sectors.🎙️ What to expect: 🏢 Key strategies for positioning brands in BTR and Co-Living sectors.🌱 The growing importance of sustainability and green buildings in rental living.💻 How technology is transforming modern living spaces in mixed-use developments.🔮 Future trends shaping flexible living, urban environments, and how we work and play.I...2024-10-2451 min
Pillow Talk SessionsBridging Hospitality and Build-to-Rent with Iain Murray (Bidwells)We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our very first episode of Pillow Talk Sessions! 🎉In this premier, we’re diving into the exciting convergence of the hospitality and Build-to-Rent (BTR) sectors with our special guest, Iain Murray, Head of Operational Living at Bidwells.🎙️ What can you expect? 🏢 How the BTR sector is learning from hospitality to enhance resident experiences. 👥 Why building a strong sense of community is key to resident loyalty and retention. 📐 The impact of innovative space design...2024-10-1051 min
Pillow Talk SessionsPillow Talk Sessions teaserWe are thrilled to announce the launch of our new podcast series, Pillow Talk Sessions—where hospitality, real estate, and rental living meet to shape the future of how we live, work, and play!Join us, Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski, as we dive deep into the heartbeat of lodging. We’ll be exploring the transformation from simply providing spaces to creating experiences—and how customer-centric models are reshaping the landscape of hospitality, multifamily, and living sectors.✨ What’s in store? ✔️ Conversations on the shift from ass...2024-09-2701 min
I Meet Hotel - The Hoteliers PodcastThe Growth of Short-Term Rentals with special guest Jessica GillinghamThis week, host Kristian Lupinski and CEO and Founder of Abode PR, Jessica Gillingham, discuss the background, growth and new demands for Short-Term Rentals. We also touch on the need for new technologies, how to evaluate what techs should be used and what we think will stick around.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/imeethotel)2021-12-0726 min