Josiah Mackenzie

📑 Shanell Marinuzzi, a hospitality leader from Actabl, discusses hotel performance strategies. In a Hotel Investment Today webinar, she highlights labor strategies, emphasizing how current challenges can strengthen or weaken hotel teams. Marinuzzi shares her experiences in overcoming adversity, empowering employees, and fostering a positive culture. The webinar, "From Cost to Catalyst," focuses on rethinking hotel labor strategies for 2026 and beyond. Music for the episode is by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound.

🏨 Claudio Meli, named Virtuoso’s Hotelier of the Year, leverages his role as General Manager at THE PLACE Firenze to redefine luxury through local cultural immersion in Florence. He launched The Place of Wonders foundation, providing travelers with exclusive access to artisan workshops, typically off-limits to the public. Meli highlights the advantages of longer, meaningful stays for both guests and the community, addressing issues like sustainability and overtourism with innovative, unique hospitality experiences.

🏨 Virtuoso's Hotelier of the Year 2025, Claudio Meli, General Manager of The Place Firenze, emphasizes how true luxury starts upon arrival. He introduces the concept of "sartorial hospitality" to craft unforgettable experiences. Hospitality leaders are encouraged to rethink the guest journey comprehensively. ???? Music by Clay Bassford from Bespoke Sound supports this episode. If you find the episode valuable, share it with your team to implement these insights.

🏨 Dina Belon, President of Staypineapple, discusses her strategy for the first 30 days of leading a new hotel. She emphasizes using the local environment as part of the guest experience by integrating cultural elements, parks, and businesses. Engaging hotel associates for creative solutions and forming community partnerships can enhance guest satisfaction and positively impact the local area.

🛌 Dina Belon, President of Staypineapple, discusses team empowerment with Danica Smith in a podcast episode. Staypineapple eliminates SOPs and scripts, centralizes administrative tasks, and utilizes intuitive technology to enhance team focus on guests. The company prioritizes authenticity over uniforms and rigid rules to help staff thrive. Listen to gain insights into fostering a supportive work environment that benefits both employees and customers. ????