Shows
Dollars and DriversLeora Lanz: How Strategic Thinking Shapes Modern MarketingIn this episode of Dollars and Drivers, Keith Kefgen sits down with marketing strategist and author Leora Lanz, whose book Developing Your Marketing Mindset challenges leaders to rethink how marketing fuels long-term success. Lanz shares how shifting mindset - not just tactics - empowers organizations to connect more authentically with customers, align teams, and drive sustainable growth. Drawing on her experience advising leaders across industries, she offers practical insights on clarity, creativity, and strategic thinking in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
2025-12-1737 min
Dollars and DriversJosh Keller: Elevating Leadership Through Strategic VisionIn this episode of Dollars and Drivers, Keith Kefgen speaks with leadership strategist Josh Keller, whose career spans top-tier management consulting and senior leadership roles in hospitality. Drawing on his experience at Boston Consulting Group and his tenure as COO of Woodside Hotels, Keller now runs his own consultancy helping executives drive strategic initiatives, strengthen alignment, and bring clarity to organizational goals. He shares insights on translating vision into action, building high-performing teams, and navigating complexity with intention - offering practical guidance for leaders seeking meaningful, sustainable impact.
2025-12-0525 min
Dollars and DriversEdward Mady: Leading with Heart and HumanityIn this episode of Dollars and Drivers, Keith Kefgen sits down with veteran hotelier and leadership coach Edward Mady, author of Honing the Human Edge: How Leaders Can Unlock Success through Caring, Coaching, and Accountability. Drawing on decades of experience leading iconic luxury hotels, Mady explores how culture, compassion, and clear expectations can transform teams and elevate performance. He shares memorable stories from his career and offers actionable insights for leaders looking to inspire trust, strengthen alignment, and bring out the best in their people.
2025-11-2130 min
Dollars and DriversPaul Sacco: Growth, Grit, and Grace in Hospitality LeadershipOn this episode of Dollars and Drivers, Keith Kefgen sits down with hospitality real estate executive Paul Sacco, Chief Growth & Development Officer at PM Hotel Group, to discuss driving expansive growth through strategic vision, operational insight, and a purpose-driven leadership mindset. With over 30 years of experience across brands such as Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Mint House, Sacco shares his perspective on what it takes to scale hospitality assets while maintaining brand integrity and delivering meaningful value to his team, investors, owners, and communities alike.
2025-11-1321 min
Dollars and DriversPaul Whetsell: Investing in the Future of HospitalityFrom the Dollars and Drivers archives, Keith Kefgen shares a timeless conversation with hotel investor and industry leader Paul Whetsell. With decades of experience shaping some of hospitality’s most recognized brands, Whetsell discusses the principles of long-term value creation, strategic growth, and lasting leadership. His reflections on investment, adaptability, and vision offer insights that remain as relevant today as when the conversation was first recorded.
2025-11-0632 min
Dollars and DriversDavid Gutstadt: Redefining Modern Hospitality Through Community, Wellness, and DesignIn this episode of Dollars and Drivers, Keith Kefgen speaks with entrepreneur and hospitality innovator David Gutstadt, Founder and CEO of Ballers, Good City Studio, and Fitler Club. With a career defined by creating next-generation lifestyle concepts that blend business, wellness, and community, Gutstadt shares how experience-driven design and purpose-led leadership are reshaping modern hospitality. From concept to creation, he reflects on building spaces that inspire connection, the evolution of private membership culture, and the redefinition of what it means to work, play, and thrive in today’s world.
2025-10-2927 min
Dollars and DriversMichael Evans: Navigating Hospitality and Gaming with Integrity and VisionIn this episode, Keith sits down with Michael Evans, President of Marcus Hotels and Resorts, for an insightful conversation about navigating the dynamic worlds of hospitality and gaming. With extensive experience spanning the gaming, hotel, and restaurant industries (as well as Law), Michael brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Join Keith and Michael as they explore the strategies and mindset behind building a successful and meaningful career in hospitality.
2025-10-2421 min
Dollars and DriversDave Garrison: How Collective Alignment Transforms Organizations In this episode of Dollars and Drivers, Keith Kefgen sits down with USA Today best-selling author and strategic execution expert Dave Garrison to discuss how collective alignment can transform organizations from the inside out. Garrison shares insights from The Buy-In™ Advantage, exploring how clarity, collaboration, and shared purpose drive measurable results. With his experience as a top-rated speaker and workshop leader, he offers actionable strategies for executives looking to elevate team performance and create lasting organizational impact.
2025-10-1644 min
Dollars and DriversMarco Roca & Marco Roca Jr: Harnessing Abundance in Hospitality Real EstateIn this episode of Dollars and Drivers, Keith Kefgen speaks with Marco Roca and Marco Roca Jr. about building a legacy through abundance, innovation, and vision in hospitality real estate. The father-son duo reflects on lessons learned across generations, the power of collaboration, and how they’re redefining the future of hotel development and investment with purpose and passion.
2025-10-0926 min
Dollars and DriversMonty Bennett: The Role of Leading with Humility & Discernment In this episode of Dollars and Drivers, Keith Kefgen sits down with hospitality and real estate leader Monty Bennett to explore how humility and discernment shape effective leadership. Bennett shares how his journey has informed his approach to decision-making, the balance between conviction and adaptability, and why leading with character builds lasting trust and success.
2025-10-0223 min
Dollars and DriversJonathan Halkyard: Sustaining Trust on the Climb to the TopIn this episode, Keith sits down with Jonathan Halkyard, Chief Financial Officer of MGM Resorts International, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, trust, and resilience in hospitality and gaming. Together, Keith and Jonathan explore what it takes to lead with integrity at scale, why sustaining trust is essential in both business and personal leadership, and how his experiences continue to shape his approach to guiding organizations through change.
2025-09-2523 min
Dollars and DriversAllison Reid: The Power of Curiosity in BusinessWhat truly sets exceptional leaders apart? In this episode, Allison Reid, former Chief Global Growth Officer at Aimbridge Hospitality, shares why curiosity is one of the most overlooked drivers of career success and business growth. Drawing from her leadership experience in hotel real estate, Allison shows how asking better questions, staying open-minded, and leading with curiosity can spark innovation, inspire others, and help you stand out in today’s competitive business world.
2025-09-1725 min
Dollars and DriversMichael Evans: Leading with Transparency and Collaboration in Today’s WorkplaceWelcome back to Dollars and Drivers with your host, Keith Kefgen! In this episode, Keith sits down with Michael Evans, President of Marcus Hotels and Resorts, for an insightful conversation about navigating the dynamic worlds of hospitality and gaming. With extensive experience spanning the gaming, hotel, and restaurant industries, Michael brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Join Keith and Michael as they explore the strategies and mindset behind building a successful career in these competitive fields.
2025-09-1126 min
Dollars and DriversRichard Stockton: Navigating Hotel Real Estate in Today’s Global EconomyIn this episode, Richard Stockton, CEO of Braemar Hotels & Resorts, shares insights into the dynamic world of hotel real estate. From market challenges to growth opportunities, he discusses the strategies, risks, and rewards that come with leading a luxury hospitality portfolio in today’s ever-changing landscape.
2025-09-0329 min
Dollars and DriversPaul Whetsell: TBDWelcome back to Dollars and Drivers with your host, Keith Kefgen! In this episode, Keith sits down with legendary hotel investor and industry leader, Paul Whetsell, for an insightful conversation about navigating turbulent times and driving success in the face of adversity. Paul offers a unique perspective on leadership and resilience. Join Keith and Paul as they delve into the personal and professional motivations that have guided Paul's remarkable journey in the hospitality industry.
2025-03-2734 min
Tuesday's ThanksEpisode 44 - Keith KefgenIn this episode, Brian is joined by Keith Kefgen, CEO & Managing Director at Aethos Consulting Group. Aethos is a global hospitality advisory firm serving people-driven businesses (including the hotel, restaurant, casino, cruise line, club, serviced apartments and travel sectors). Tune in to hear who Keith thanks for helping him along the way.
2023-03-0740 min
Dollars and DriversKeith Cline: How to Prepare for a TransactionThis week on Dollars and Drivers, we are joined by former President and CEO of CorePoint Lodging, Keith Cline to discuss how he navigated transactions throughout his career.
2022-05-1633 min
Dollars and DriversJohn Scott: Career Planning is a Non-Linear EventWelcome back to Dollars & Drivers! We are joined by John Scott, former President and CEO of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and Belmond Hotels, and current Senior Advisor to TPG Global and Founder of Park House Dallas. He thoughtfully describes building his career in an unexpected non-linear path.
2022-03-0733 min
Dollars and DriversCarlos Rodriguez Jr: How to Succeed in the Family BusinessCarlos Rodriguez Junior, Co-Founder, President, and COO of Driftwood Capital touches on the subjects of family business and explains how Driftwood has navigated and thrived through uncertain times throughout the pandemic.
2022-02-1730 min
Dollars and DriversKeith Space: Know Your Customer!Keith Space shares with us the ways Fort Hospitality handled the COVID-19 pandemic from the start.
2022-01-2624 min
Dollars and DriversJohn Paul Nichols: Why Differences Can be a StrengthJP speaks eloquently about why being different can be a great asset in today's world. Being “like minded” may be good for collegiality, but not so for problem-solving and innovation. He also discusses that it was the things he did during “extra time” that made him promotable and visible.
2021-09-2229 min
Dollars and DriversMark Birtha: Personal and Professional Identities IntertwinedMark speaks eloquently about how his work and self-identity are intertwined. He cites an essay he wrote years ago entitled, “A Life Unlived”, where he wanted to make sure he did not regret his life choices later on in life. The essay has become a roadmap to his drive and purpose as an adult. Mark is outspoken about the gratitude he has for the life he is able to lead and all of the people that have gotten him to where he is. It is a compelling and motivational listen.
2021-06-1929 min
Dollars and DriversLaurie Robinson-Haden: You Can Be Whatever You Want To BeLaurie speaks so passionately about growing up with multiple role models who told her “you can be whatever you want to be”. She goes on to tell the funny story of wanting to be a “hotdog lady” when she was a kid. Luckily for the legal profession, she went on to law school and worked at CBS for nearly two decades. She formed the Corporate Counsel Women of Color® in 2004 to provide a support network to in-house women of color and to facilitate networking around the nation and abroad, promote career advancement and the success of women of color, and promo...
2021-05-2742 min
Dollars and DriversMike Cahill: The Importance of Transparency and Conflict ResolutionMy former teammate and close friend, Mike Cahill speaks about how his business platform of transparency has been a welcome change to the traditional model in brokerage. He also speaks about the importance of starting your career right and finding your passion before you start “counting $$$”. The money will come to those that work hard, have passion and find a niche worth pursuing.
2021-04-2931 min
Dollars and DriversJim Alderman: The Relationship Between Failure and SuccessIn this episode of Dollars and Drivers, Jim Alderman, CEO of Radisson Hotels speaks about the driving forces in his childhood and upbringing that have pushed him to succeed. Jim explains how the fear of failure and competitive spirit can drive success.
2021-04-1439 min
Dollars and DriversJohn Payne: Principled Living John talks about the connective tissue of his career as the focus on motivating and leading people. He also opines on changing and adapting as a key to his success. Most importantly he details what “principled living’ is all about.
2021-03-2223 min
Dollars and DriversKevin Henry: The Importance of Resiliency and Constant LearningIn this episode, Kevin Henry talks about resilience and the importance of hard work. He also speaks candidly about social justice and the fact that we need to educate, not point fingers.
2021-03-1139 min
Dollars and DriversTim Wilmott: Enjoying the RideIn this episode, Tim talks extensively about looking for challenges in a business and seeing them as opportunities. He speaks about enjoying the ride no matter how bumpy it gets. His practical metric of looking at “returns on invested capital” has always served him well and allowed him to dodge the pitfalls of many of his competitors
2021-02-2321 min
2021-02-1601 min
Dollars and DriversJim Abrahamson: Team Approach to LeadershipIn this episode of Dollars and Drivers, Jim speaks about the “team” approach to leadership and the importance of collaboration. He also focuses on winning through taking on the big challenges in life and business.
2021-02-0829 min
Dollars and DriversBill Walshe: Destination Driven LeadershipIn this episode Keith sits down with Bill Walshe, CEO of Viceroy Hotel Group. Bill shares with listeners the concepts of Destination Driven Leadership and Chief Pride Officer. He eloquently discusses the connection between purpose and process when leading a high performance organization.
2021-01-2630 min
Dollars and DriversRaul Leal: The Virgin Way In the first episode of Dollars and Drivers, Keith interviews Raul Leal, CEO of Virgin Hotels. Keith and Raul discuss some of the keys to successful leadership and the impact every employee has on Virgin’s success.
2020-11-3022 min
Checking In with Anthony & GlennExtreme Makeover: Feel Good Friday Edition Today, Anthony and Glenn featured #HGTV Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Designer Carrie Locklyn who shares stories from the set and reminices about her days working with Anthony on Hotel Impossible. Plus, Brian Newman, an incredible musician who has a residency at Nomad Las Vegas. First, Keith Kefgen on Servant Leadership and why Anthony was his 23rd pick (for real!) to be GM at The Algonquin.
2020-03-281h 22
The Roots of Leadership PodcastThe Grind to Greatness with Keith Kefgen and David MansbachThe Greek word ethos means the character that best describes a person(s) values. When listening to today’s episode, we understand the ethos/values that made AETHOS leaders, Keith Kefgen and David Mansbach, hospitality titans. Combined, they have more than 50 years’ experience in the hospitality space, published a book, and have lectured aspiring professionals.
Keith, Dave, and Anthony discuss the essence of great leaders, learning from obstacles, and along the way we pick up three pieces of advice for setting our own personal and strategic goals.
Find out more about AETHOS through http://www.aethoscg.com/.
2018-08-2724 min
The Outdoor BoardroomKeith Kefgen Aethos Consulting GroupWith nearly 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Keith is a career hospitality executive. Having graduated from the Cornell University Hotel School, he went on to work at Waldorf=Astoria Hotel before embarking upon a career in hospitality executive search. He was the CEO & founder of HVS Executive Search before joining AETHOS Consulting Group. A frequent lecturer on industry related issues, Keith has written more than 100 articles on the topics of executive selection, pay-for-performance, corporate governance and executive leadership. He is currently writing his first book, The Loneliness of Leadership.
2015-08-0528 min