Shows
It's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastSuzanne Bagnera, Director of Executive Education, Florida International University, Interviewed by Rachel HumphreySuzanne discusses how her transferable skills have aided her hospitality journey from restaurants to hotels to academia and podcasting and how she develops new skills with each role. She shares her strategies for achieving work life harmony, one thing people don't know about her, and what advice she'd give to her younger self. Suzanne talks about her leadership evolution, how the next generation sees leadership today, and her strategies for public speaking and how they've changed since her first big opportunity.
2026-02-0433 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastCalvin Stovall, CEO, Iconic Presentations, interviewed by Rachel HumphreyCalvin talks about his journey from hotel desk agent to keynote speaker to published author of Hidden Hospitality. He discusses the importance of sponsorship, the keys to how the hospitality industry can increase diversity at the leadership level, and his thoughts on public speaking. He shares what he wants his sons to learn from his recent experiences, why we should all bet on ourselves, and how his leadership is evolving through better listening and patience.
2026-02-0431 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastMyra Biblowit, Board Director, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Interviewed by Rachel HumphreyMyra shares how choosing and emulating strong role models shaped her leadership and why she puts so much effort into every single public speaking opportunity. She discusses the ways her self-awareness and self-confidence show up in her career decisions and how her leadership has evolved over time. Myra talks about board service, advice to her younger self, and what leadership traits she looks for in hiring and she thinks makes for great corporate leaders.
2026-01-2429 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastNelson Knight, President, Real Estate and Investments, Apple Hospitality REIT, interviewed by Rachel HumphreyNelson discusses balancing tradition with innovation in family businesses. He shares his leadership evolution, leaning into curiosity to challenge the status quo, and overcoming self-doubt. Nelson talks about self care and why he'd tell his younger self and others to enjoy each phase of life more.
2026-01-0527 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastGeorgine Muntz, CEO, Visual Matrix, interviewed by Rachel Humphrey Georgine discusses her transition into hospitality five years ago, how she instantly knew to build a team around her to help support her, and what changed her overall leadership mindset about work life harmony. She shares how her leadership style has evolved into a collaborative approach and why diversity at all levels of the industry will make us stronger. She talks about taking risks, learning and moving on from setbacks, and why she'd tell her younger self not to "be a punk."
2025-12-1130 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastAllison Handy, Chief Commercial Officer, Aimbridge, interviewed by Rachel HumphreyAllison talks about her thoughts and strategies for "moms in hospitality," why mentorship is important to her, and the importance of actually asking rising leaders what they want. She discusses the life lessons she learned during her Semester at Sea in college and the many ways her upbringing continually shapes her leadership style. Allison shares what's one thing that might surprise you about her, what she'd tell her younger self, and why using her voice when she has a seat at the table is important.
2025-12-1132 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastNancy Mendelson, Founder CEO, NEM Global LLC | Co-Founder, hertelier, Interviewed by Rachel HumphreyNancy shares how the road to connection has become a recurring themein her leadership journey. She discusses the importance of listening,knowing your self worth, and trusting your gut. Nancy also sharesdetails about her personal board of directors, what she's learned fromworking internationally, and about her experiences with self doubt andadvocating for yourself and others.
2025-11-1830 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastJosiah Mackenzie, Head of Marketing, Actabl, Interviewed by Rachel HumphreyJosiah shares how his public speaking journey started with a panel ata conference years ago. He discusses how his leadership has evolved,how he develops new skills with each role, and the biggest lessonshe's learned over the past few years. He talks about his curiosity,including what he was curious about as a child and the things he'smost curious about today, and his advice to his younger self.
2025-11-1332 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastBrad Rahinsky, Chairman, Hotel Equities, Interviewed by Rachel HumphreyBrad shares how his leadership style has evolved over time, including what has gotten better and worse, and how he views team sports playing a role in developing leaders. He discusses what he's learned from board service, how he stays physically and mentally healthy, and why surrounding yourself with the best people, personally and professionally, is critical. Brad also shares some sayings that serve as his guiding stars and what he'd tell 18-year old Brad today.
2025-10-2331 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastSarah Dandashy, Ask A Concierge, interviewed by Rachel HumphreySarah shares why she trusts her instincts when it comes to evaluating risks and the impact her preparation and practice have on her public speaking. She discusses the importance of the outdoors and physical activity on her overall performance and why curiosity is important. She talks about how developing human connections can help you feel more at ease in any environment, how she tackles moments of self-doubt, and what she'd tell her younger self.
2025-10-1431 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastRod Clough, President, HVS interviewed by Rachel HumphreyRod shares his journey from working in high school catering services to becoming President of HVS. He reflects on his growth as a public speaker and his preparation, his approach to leadership, and why he prioritizes and models wellness and self-care. As an openly gay, Latino senior executive, Rob highlights the critical role that workplace culture, inclusion, and representation play in shaping his leadership.
2025-09-0930 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastJacob Messina, CEO, Stayntouch, interviewed by Rachel HumphreyJacob shares how an early love of video games led to a career in technology and the hospitality industry. He discusses why trust is critical in leadership, reflects on his own leadership evolution and philosophies, and why anticipating and learning from challenges is more important than being perfect. Jacob also talks about cooking as a form of self care and why relationships matter in an industry that seems so large but is really so small.
2025-09-0326 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastHeather Carnes, Director and Founder, Carnes Agency Interviewed by Rachel HumphreyHeather shares how she views taking risks as pushing boundaries and the quote that helps propel her every day in her personal and professional lives. She talks about how she leaned into compassion and adaptability as key leadership traits during the pandemic. She discusses how public speaking has built her confidence and that she overcomes self doubt through changing the narrative in her mind, aided by a deep focus on intentionally establishing a healthy mindset.
2025-07-1831 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastDonte Johnson, Author, The Hospitality Impact Handbook, Interviewed by Rachel HumphreyDonte discusses the importance of community on his leadership style and how social impact and business success can go hand in hand. He shares his strategies for overcoming self doubt, building great teams, overcoming challenges, and developing new skills. He also talks about why representation matters, his public speaking journey, and what drives his curiosity.
2025-04-3034 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastLiam Brown, Group President, US & Canada, Marriott International, Interviewed by Rachel HumphreyLiam shares his journey from the dining car on the railway to 35 years with Marriott. He discusses the importance of reading, being curious, and preparing for public speaking. He talks about his leadership evolution, how he develops new skills, and what he looks for in building great teams, plus his involvement in associations and his advice to his younger self.
2025-04-2332 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastAmy Vaxman, Vice President, Questex, Interviewed by Rachel HumphreyAmy talks about the importance of public speaking and why everyone should develop this skill as early as possible in their careers. She discusses support systems, preparing for business travel, strategies for conference attendance, and building strong networks. Amy shares why it is important to celebrate and share your successes as an individual and not just as part of a team in order to advocate for yourself and advance your career.
2025-02-2028 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastEric Jacobs, Global Growth Officer, Aimbridge Hospitality interviewed by Rachel HumphreyEric shares how his love of cooking set in motion a lifelong career in the hotel industry. He talks about realizing leadership at any early age, how his leadership has evolved over time, and why character is the driving factor in building great teams. Eric discusses why his engagement with non-profits is so important for him, the important ways his employers have supported him in these endeavors, and his advice to his younger self.
2025-02-1732 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastRita J. Varga, CEO, RaizUp, Interviewed by Lan Elliott & Rachel HumphreyRita shares how her early exposure to travel, culture, and entrepreneurship led to a hospitality industry career spanning several different chapters. She talks about the importance of believing in self, owning your expertise, the impact of community, and why curiosity is a great motivator. Rita also encourages people to know you are enough and why she'd tell her younger self to be more in the moment.
2025-02-1231 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastBashar Wali, Founder and CEO, This Assembly and Practice Hospitality, Interviewed by Rachel HumphreyBashar discusses the many ways his passion and love for hospitality fuel his career journey. He talks about public speaking, how self-care means something different to everyone, and how he took every opportunity to learn through doing. Bashar shares what he's curious about, how his patience has both gotten better and worse over time, and taking risks.
2024-11-1932 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 PodcastDina Belon, President, Staypineapple Interviewed by Rachel HumphreyDina discusses how her interest in sustainability and deep dive into it ended up being a pivotal moment in her career journey. She talks about advocating for yourself, having confidence, and seeking out mentors and allies who believe in you. Dina shares her strategies for public speaking, her personal mantra, her advice to her younger self, and why you should lead like a girl.
2024-10-2130 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastAmit Sripathi, Chief Development Officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Interviewed by Rachel HumphreyAmit discusses his path from engineer to CDO of Wyndham with the pivotal reset and opportunities in between. He shares his leadership evolution and the skills he's focused on developing in his own leadership style. Amit also discusses the role of mentors, his style of relationship building, and why the hustle and the grind are so important in career development.
2024-10-1931 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastZack Gharib, President, Red Roof Interviewed by Rachel HumphreyZack discusses his journey from growing up in Lebanon to being the new President of Red Roof with various stops in between. He shares his personal mantra of 'people first' and his advice to his younger self to "trust in your path." Zack also talks about taking risks, curiosity, leadership, and the importance of attending industry conferences.
2024-09-2030 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastZach Demuth, Head of Strategic Growth & Asset Management, Eight Form Interviewed by Rachel HumphreyZach shares his experiences with imposter syndrome and find out whether he's a risk taker or risk averse. He discusses his strategies for public speaking, how his curiosity drives him, and how he tries to combine his career and personal life in ways that provide him balance. Zach talks about his mentors, his mentoring, and his advice to his younger self.
2024-08-1930 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastSima Patel, CEO, Ridgemont Hospitality interviewed by Rachel HumphreySima shares how the hospitality industry chose her, how her board service has propelled her career, and the biggest leadership lessons she's learned along the way. She talks about how she unwinds and how she overcomes self doubt through leaning in on her own experiences. She discusses how she has learned the most through "doing" but has also developed and relied upon a deep support system of advisors and why championing others is important to her.
2024-08-0328 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastJonathon S. Zink, Chief Operating Officer, The BHN Group interviewed by Rachel HumphreyJonathon shares what he's learned from living all over the world. He talks about how several company mottos have, in ways, evolved into his own personal mantra. Jonathon also discusses how running is an important part of his business travel experience, he relies on his network to keep growing and learning, he perceives taking risks and tackling challenges, and his leadership has developed over time.
2024-07-2330 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastBrian Quinn, Senior Advisor, Equinox Hospitality Interviewed by Rachel HumphreyBrian discusses why resiliency and learning to work through ambiguity are two critical leadership traits. He shares his strategies for managing business travel, balancing life, and adapting to new roles. He talks about engaging with mentors, public speaking, building networks, being active in industry associations, and what advice he'd give his younger self.
2024-07-1736 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastLynn Mohrfeld, President & CEO, California Hotel & Lodging Association interviewed by Rachel HumphreyLynn shares why knowing his audience is an important part of his public speaking preparation. He discusses his leadership style, how it's evolved, and which leadership skills he's focused on developing over time. Lynn also talks about wellness, getting involved with associations, and what he'd tell his younger self.
2024-06-1130 minIt's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastRachel Vandenberg, Founder, The Travel Leader interviewed by Lan ElliottRachel shares how aligning on purpose creates the glue within a group, and why she would advise her younger self to seek out (early on) the support she needed to achieve her goals. She also explains why developing public speaking skills are key to those looking to advancing their careers, and the practices she utilizes as a skilled presenter.
2024-06-1034 min