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The Modern Hotelier: Daily Summaries Delivered
by David Millili & Steve Carran
Each episode we discuss industry trends, talk about new technologies, and speak to industry experts. All so that you, The Modern Hotelier, can succeed in a new age of hospitality.
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The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Yesterday52 min
#313: A Journey of Hospitality Innovation: From Cairo to Hotel Brand COO | with Karima Zaki
What does it take to build a hospitality career that breaks barriers while staying ahead of constant industry change?In this episode, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Karima Zaki, COO of Town and Desert Hospitality, to explore her remarkable journey from immigrating to the United States without speaking English to becoming one of the first female hotel executives to lead major hospitality organizations.Karima shares the lessons she learned as the first female General Manager in Red Lion Hotels' history and later as Hilton's first female Area Vice President. She discusses why leadership is about guiding people—not managing them—how boutique hotels can embrace AI without sacrificing authentic guest experiences, and why collaboration between hotels, tourism organizations, and local communities is essential for long-term destination success.In this episode, you'll discover: Why embracing different cultures and experiences creates stronger hospitality leaders. The leadership mindset that separates managing processes from leading people. How boutique hotels can use AI strategically without losing the human touch guests value most. What independent boutique hotels can offer that large hotel brands often can't replicate. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uaYqYP268dcLinks:Karima on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karimazaki/Town & Desert Hospitality: https://townanddesert.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/313Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
- 6 days ago52 min
#312: Relational Wellness is the Foundation of this Hotel | with Elizabeth Mullins
What if the future of hospitality isn't just about exceptional service—but about creating meaningful human connection?In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran welcome Elizabeth Mullins, President of Evermore Hospitality and former executive with Ritz-Carlton and Disney, for an inspiring conversation on the future of guest experiences.Elizabeth shares her remarkable journey from discovering her passion for hospitality at just five years old to leading some of the world's most iconic hospitality brands. Drawing on decades of leadership across Ritz-Carlton, Disney, The Fifth Avenue Hotel, and Evermore Hospitality, she reveals why the industry's next competitive advantage is creating spaces that foster togetherness.The conversation explores Evermore Hospitality's innovative concept of relational wellness, designing destinations that help families, friends, and groups reconnect in an increasingly disconnected world. Elizabeth explains how hospitality can move beyond delivering outstanding service to creating transformational experiences that guests remember long after checkout.The episode also covers the evolution of independent luxury hotels, lessons from leading global hospitality brands, the growing role of AI in enhancing—not replacing—human hospitality, and practical ways hoteliers can intentionally design experiences that build lasting memories.In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why relational wellness is emerging as one of the industry's most important trends and how it helps combat loneliness through meaningful travel experiences.What it takes to design hotels and resorts that foster authentic human connection rather than simply providing accommodations.How AI can remove friction from the guest journey while allowing hospitality professionals to create more personalized, memorable experiences.The leadership principles Elizabeth learned from decades at luxury hospitality brands, including Ritz-Carlton, Disney, and The Fifth Avenue Hotel.How intentional service design and thoughtful programming help build unforgettable guest memories that inspire lifelong loyalty.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v7xVRPx4e1oLinks:Elizabeth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-mullins-263935127/ Evermore Hospitality: https://evermoreresort.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/312Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
- 1 weeks ago54 min
#311: How Your General Contractor Executes Hotel Renovations Without Disruption | with Tom Kelley
What does it really take to renovate a hotel while keeping guests happy, protecting reviews, and maximizing owner returns?In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Tom Kelley, CEO & President of Digney Holding Companies, to explore the business of hotel renovations, capital planning, and hospitality development. Drawing on decades of experience spanning architecture, Marriott, commercial real estate, and hotel construction, Tom shares practical insights into how owners can make smarter renovation decisions in today's rapidly evolving hospitality market.From navigating brand conversions and Property Improvement Plans (PIPs) to managing rising construction costs, tariffs, and supply chain volatility, Tom explains why successful hotel projects start with careful planning, financial discipline, and a relentless focus on the guest experience. He also discusses how owners can avoid costly over-investments, balance design with ROI, and execute renovations in occupied hotels with minimal disruption.Whether you're a hotel owner, operator, developer, investor, architect, or hospitality professional, this conversation offers valuable strategies for protecting asset value while creating exceptional guest experiences.In this episode, you'll learn: How to plan successful hotel renovations and brand conversions Why due diligence should come before design decisions The importance of aligning capital expenditures with long-term investment strategy How hospitality design continues to evolve with changing guest expectations Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cxipY_2xW9ILinks:Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-kelley-84bba2aa/ Digney-York Associates: https://digneyyork.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/311Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
- 1 weeks ago9 min
#310: HITEC E20X 2026 Winners | with Mergim Kacija & Josh Ellis
Live from HITEC 2026, we sit down with the winners of the prestigious E20X startup competition to explore the technologies redefining the future of hospitality.First, Mergim Kacija, CEO of Stayfull AI and the E20X Grand Prize winner, shares how his experience as a hotel owner inspired him to build an AI-native property management platform designed specifically for independent hotels. Learn how specialized AI agents can automate guest communication, revenue management, marketing, and daily operations while dramatically reducing technology costs.Then, we welcome Josh Ellis, CEO of Abra and the E20X People's Choice winner. Josh explains how Abra's guest intelligence platform unifies fragmented guest data across multiple systems, helping hotels deliver highly personalized experiences that strengthen guest loyalty and increase profitability.In this episode, you'll discover:How AI is transforming hotel operations and guest serviceWhy independent hotels are embracing AI-powered technologyThe value of unified guest data for personalization and loyaltyWhat it takes to win the hospitality industry's premier startup competitionWhat's next for two of hospitality's fastest-growing technology companiesWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/m_E8AmNFjZwLinks: Mergim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/investormergim/Stayfull.ai: https://stayfull.ai/ Josh Ellis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-ellis1126/Abra Hospitality: https://abrahospitality.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/310Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
- 2 weeks ago34 min
#309: Think Global, Act Local: Insights from an International Hotelier | with Gonzalo Aguilar
What does it take to lead one of the world's fastest-growing global hotel groups while staying true to the heart of hospitality?In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Gonzalo Aguilar, CEO of Europe & Americas at Minor Hotels, to discuss his remarkable journey from restaurant manager to global hospitality executive. Gonzalo shares how growing up across multiple continents, learning from his father—a lifelong hotelier—and leading hotels around the world shaped his leadership philosophy and passion for creating exceptional guest experiences.The conversation explores Minor Hotels' global expansion strategy, its shift toward an asset-light growth model, the launch of new hotel brands, and the company's vision for expanding across the United States and Canada. Gonzalo also shares valuable insights on balancing global brand standards with local market needs, building strong owner partnerships, and why the best hotel leaders are deeply connected to their communities.In this episode, you'll learn: Why Minor Hotels is embracing an asset-light growth strategy The company's expansion plans for North America How new hotel brands are helping meet evolving owner and traveler needs The importance of adapting global hospitality strategies to local markets Why community engagement remains the foundation of exceptional hotel leadershipWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7on3C3IsOOoLinks:Gonzalo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gonzalo-aguilar-/Minor Hotels: https://www.minorhotels.com/enFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/309Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
- 2 weeks ago1h 9m
#308: Hospitality Roundtable: Shannon McCallum, Anthony Melchiorri, Dmitry Kroshka & Henrik Shimony
What does the future of hospitality really look like?In this special Modern Hotelier Round Table, industry leaders come together for an honest conversation about leadership, technology, AI, hotel operations, employee engagement, and the future of guest experiences.Joining the discussion are Shannon McCallum, VP of Hotel Operations at Resorts World Las Vegas; Dmitry (Dima) Kroshka, CEO of Phunware; Henrik Shimony, CEO & Co-Founder of Reeco; and Anthony Melchiorri, Co-Founder of the Hospitality Creator Summit and renowned hotel expert.Together, they share career-defining lessons, leadership philosophies, and practical insights on topics including AI adoption, digital transformation, hotel technology, procurement, employee retention, guest personalization, and why hospitality remains one of the world's most dynamic industries.In this episode, you'll learn:The leadership advice that shaped successful hospitality careersHow AI is transforming hotel operations without replacing peopleThe biggest technology opportunities hotels should embraceThe future of hotel operations, procurement, and digital guest experiencesWhy hospitality offers one of the most diverse and rewarding career pathsWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eU1Z9fDjh2ALinks:Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonymelchiorri/ Shannon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-mccallum-09ba7a8/ Dmitry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dkroshka/ Henrik on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrik-shimony/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/308Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
- 3 weeks ago50 min
#307: Elevating the Airport Lounge Experience | with David Collyer of Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality
In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with David Collyer, Global SVP of Aspire PreFlight Hospitality, to explore how hospitality principles are transforming the airport lounge experience.David shares his fascinating career journey—from studying design in London and working with global brands like IHG, British Airways, and Accor, to leading guest experience innovation across luxury retail and aviation. He reveals how Aspire is applying hotel-style service standards, technology, design thinking, and guest insights to elevate airport lounges around the world. In this episode, you'll discover: How Aspire is reshaping airport lounges through hospitality-first thinkingThe role of AI, occupancy management, and dynamic pricing in lounge operationsWhy guest expectations have dramatically changed post-pandemicThe importance of guest feedback and data-driven innovationDavid also shares his vision for the future of airport hospitality, including luxury airport experiences, in-terminal hotels, sustainability initiatives, and how lounges can become a seamless extension of the travel journey.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/45AdsDBRe-ALinks:David Collyer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-collyer-a1341641/Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality: https://www.theaspireway.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/307Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
- 3 weeks ago18 min
#306: A Better Way For Hotel Marketing | with Evan Saunders
How can hotels use AI and location intelligence to attract new guests instead of spending marketing dollars on travelers who were already planning to book?In this special HITEC edition of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili sits down with Evan Saunders, who shares how Azira is helping hotels rethink marketing through AI-powered location intelligence and attribution. Rather than focusing on vanity metrics like inflated return on ad spend, Evan explains how hotels can identify untapped travelers, win guests away from competitors, and measure the true impact of their campaigns.The conversation also explores the evolving role of OTAs, the importance of guest journey marketing, World Cup travel strategies, and why hotels should prioritize experience-driven campaigns over generic discounts and promotions.In this episode, you'll learn: How AI and location intelligence help hotels attract new guests Why traditional hotel marketing metrics can be misleading The power of foot traffic attribution and booking-channel-agnostic measurement Why experience-focused advertising outperforms discount-driven campaigns Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/79-_nfYS2XgLinks:Evan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evansaunders/ Azira: https://azira.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/306Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
About The Modern Hotelier
Each episode we discuss industry trends, talk about new technologies, and speak to industry experts. All so that you, The Modern Hotelier, can succeed in a new age of hospitality.
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