Welcome to Defining Hospitality, the podcast focused on highlighting the most influential figures in the hospitality industry. In each episode we provide 1 on 1, in depth interviews with experts in the industry to learn what hospitality means to them. We feature expert advice on working in the industry, behind the scenes looks at some of your favorite brands, and in depth explorations of unique hospitality projects. Defining Hospitality is hosted by Founder and CEO of Agency 967, Dan Ryan. W ...
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Crafting Authentic Southern Hospitality - Amy Michaelson Kelly - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 166
51:40
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In this episode, Dan Ryan interviews Amy Michaelson Kelly, a former litigator turned hotel developer and Principal of Hatteras Sky. Amy shares her path from practicing law to creating unique hospitality experiences in Asheville, North Carolina. She’s developed the Radical and Zelda Dearest hotels, both providing unique hotel experiences. Amy discus…
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Hospitality Through Empathy - Malcolm Berg - Defining Hospitality - Episode #165
1:01:12
1:01:12
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Today, Dan finally gets to sit down and talk with Malcolm Berg, who is not only a designer, but an entrepreneur who founded Edge of Architecture. He is all about pushing the boundaries and innovating to the next degree. Malcolm provides his insights on hospitality and how important it is to bring empathy and human connection to the forefront of des…
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The Entrepreneurial Spirit of Design - Vanessa Watts & Erika Dray - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 164
53:45
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In today’s episode, Dan sits down to talk with a fiery design duo who have overcome new business challenges and thrived in the interior design industry. They are the co-founders and current partners of Watts & Dray: Vanessa Watts and Erika Dray. The two provide insights into their journey from creative director and fashion designer into partners wh…
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INDIEConFab Recap - Dan Ryan - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 163
19:17
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This week, Dan Ryan sits down to talk about the INDIEConFab, a conference he attended and emceed earlier this week. He recaps on the two days he spent there and provides insights on what he thought about it (spoiler: he loved it) and summarizes the different segments he got the opportunity to emcee for! Listen to hear about Dan’s experience at the …
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Building The Business Of Service - Ashli Johnson - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 162
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Our guest this week is someone who is committed to elevating communities and creating wealth through hospitality ownership and leadership. Please welcome to the show, Founder of Hospitality Hued, Ashli Johnson! Ashli sits down with Host Dan Ryan to discuss the ways the hospitality industry can be more accommodating of Black and Brown professionals.…
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Crafting Opulent Hospitality - Vibha Sawhney - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 161
48:19
48:19
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Joining the show this week is a hospitality professional who creates distinct projects that make emotional connections with guests. Please welcome to the show, Senior Director of Design & Construction Services at Kempinski, Vibha Sawhney. Vibha joins Host Dan Ryan to discuss how she creates luxury projects that meet the needs of owners. Vibha also …
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Five Generations of Mountaintop Magic - Eric Gullickson - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 160
1:05:02
1:05:02
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Joining the show this week is a committed executive who cherishes the traditions of his resort, inspired by the legacy of his late family, the Smileys. Please welcome to the show The President of Mohonk Mountain House. Eric joins Host Dan Ryan, their conversation delves into the intricacies of managing a multi-generational family business, emphasiz…
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The Evolution Of Design - Julie Frank - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 159
51:51
51:51
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Today’s guest is a creative thinker with a unique understanding of the spaces she designs. Please welcome to the show, Vice President of Design at Aspen Hospitality Julie Frank. Julie joins Host Dan Ryan to share her journey from Architect to VP. Julie discusses her philosophy on hospitality, the importance of seizing opportunities, and how to blen…
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Telling A Brand’s Story - Kristen Freeland - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 158
58:59
58:59
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Joining the show this week is an award-winning brand innovator who is responsible for the design and experiences across most of IHGs family of brands. Please welcome to the show A Director of Design Strategies at IHG, Kristen Freeland! Kristen joins Host Dan Ryan to dive into the nuances of telling stories. Kristen shares the importance of mentorsh…
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Crossing The Threshold Of Hospitality - Eran Chen - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 157
1:01:32
1:01:32
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In this engaging episode, Dan sits down with Eran Chen, renowned architect and the founder of ODA. Chen discusses his journey from starting his own firm in 2007 to becoming an influential figure in urban design, teaching at Columbia and NYU. The conversation dives into the significance of hospitality in architecture and the importance of saying 'ye…
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Building A Legacy Of Hospitality - John Hardy - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 156
1:06:20
1:06:20
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Joining the show this week is an industry titan who is shaping the next generation of hospitality professionals. Our guest is none other than Founder of the Radical Innovation hospitality awards, Founder and Chairman of the Hardy Group, John Hardy! John joins Host Dan Ryan to discuss the importance of innovation and creativity. John reflects on his…
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Crafting Stories in Luxury - Michael Doneff - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 155
1:03:49
1:03:49
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Hospitality is about intuition and reading the customer. Are you doing too much, or are you not doing enough for them? The guest on this episode has left an impact on leading luxury lifestyle brands in hospitality, food and beverage, design, and wellness over the course of his 30-year career. Please welcome the Vice President of Food and Beverage C…
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Reimagining Spaces - Jun Aizaki - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 154
1:09:07
1:09:07
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For a vision to come to fruition, there must be a level of persistence to make it happen. Here to share his insight is a designer skilled in interior and custom furniture. Please welcome the Owner and Founder of CRÈME, Jun Aizaki. Host Dan Ryan and guest Jun Aizaki discuss CRÈME’s award winning Gourd project. Jun dives into how he finds inspiration…
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Investing In The Guest Experience - Keith Brenan- Defining Hospitality - Episode # 153
1:03:49
1:03:49
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As an advisor, helping guide your clients to the project of their dreams can be challenging yet rewarding. Here to shed light on the advisory process is a Principal and Managing Director at Weitzman, Keith Brenan! Keith joins Host Dan Ryan to discuss the nuances of investing in hospitality properties, and some of the many considerations that client…
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Showing Up With Intent - Hemanshu Parwani - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 152
1:03:13
1:03:13
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Our guest this week has over 30 years of hospitality experience in international operations, capital markets, and strategic development. Please welcome to the show, CEO and Owner of Olson Kundig, Hemanshu Parwani! Hemanshu joins Host Dan Ryan to dive into the importance of showing up with intent. Hemanshu shares why designers should chase meaningfu…
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Detox, Destress, And Discover - Leon Emmett - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 151
50:01
50:01
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This week’s guest helps people detox, destress, and discover while surrounded by nature. Through meditation, breathwork, yoga, workshops, and more, he creates an environment of rejuvenation. Joining the show this week is Founder of Onze Retreats, Leon Emmett! Leon dials in from the Jungle to join Host Dan Ryan on a journey of hospitality and self r…
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Defining Modern Luxury - Roy Kim - Defining Hospitality - Episode #150
1:01:32
1:01:32
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If you’ve ever gazed across the New York City skyline, you’ve likely admired the work of this week’s guest. His work has defined modern luxury apartments. Please welcome to the show, Chief Design Officer at Extell, Roy Kim! Roy sits down with Dan to explore his journey in the world of hospitality, and how Extell is leading the world of development.…
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Falling Forward - Karen Gilbride - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 149
1:05:38
1:05:38
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Joining the podcast this week is the force behind some of IHG’s most dynamic brands. She’s a hospitality veteran who works to create seamless end-to-end guest experiences. Meet Karen Gilbride, Vice President of Avid Hotels, Atwell Suites, and Garner Hotels at IHG. Karen joins Host Dan Ryan to explore IHG’s newest brand Garner, and the design philos…
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Guiding The Adventure - Ben Weinberg and Michael Weiss - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 148
53:37
53:37
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Joining the show this week are Co-Founders with a focus on bringing experiential and sustainable accommodations to the outdoors. Please welcome to the show, Co-Founders of Castle Peak Holdings, and Co-Founders of Trailborn, Michael Weiss and Ben Weinberg! Mike, Ben, and Dan sit down to discuss the story behind Trailborn, and the importance of authe…
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Breaking New Ground - Steve Galbreath - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 147
1:06:34
1:06:34
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This week’s guest specializes in working with local governments to help bring projects to completion. With over 30 years of experience, he knows how to help cities and counties develop crucial assets. Welcome to the show, Chief Development Officer and Head of Design and Construction at Garfield Public/ Private, Steve Galbreath! Steve joins Host Dan…
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Understanding What Your Client Needs - Jeff Diener - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 146
1:08:37
1:08:37
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Joining the show this week is a partner who enjoys helping people disrupt the hospitality space, and who has represented billions of dollars in acquisitions. Please welcome to the show, Partner and Co-Leader of the Hospitality Industry Team at Baker Hostetler, Jeff Diener! Jeff sits down with Dan Ryan to discuss the role of a partner in the hospita…
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Finding Success In Constraints - Dan Welborn- Defining Hospitality - Episode # 145
1:05:01
1:05:01
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Our guest this week is a global design and development leader who excels at hospitality. With over 25 years of experience, he helps developers and owners turn their vision into reality. Joining us is Principal at DW Design Strategy, Dan Welborn! Dan and Host Dan Ryan chat about his journey into the hospitality industry. Dan dives into what it takes…
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How Story Meets Function - Brad Zuger - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 144
1:07:39
1:07:39
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Our guest this week is a designer who treats each project as a chance to innovate. He’s worked across the globe on hotel, restaurant, and office projects. Please welcome to the show, Principal and Studio Leader at Rockwell Group, Brad Zuger! Host Dan Ryan joins Brad at the Rockwell office in New York to discuss some of the recent projects the firm …
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Understanding To The Nth Degree - Bill Bensley - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 143
56:14
56:14
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Joining the show this week is someone who rejects normality in his pursuit to disrupt the hospitality industry, and who uses hospitality as a tool for preservation. Please welcome to the show, Author of the book “More Escapism”, and Director of Bensley Studios, Bill Bensley! Bill sits down with Host Dan Ryan for an enlightening conversation on the …
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Security, Surprise, Significance, and Synergy - Kimberly Jackson - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 142
55:22
55:22
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Joining the show this week is a talented multi-disciplinary designer with over 25 years managing a variety of projects. As a designer, she’s led teams through the full life of a project. Our guest this week is none other than the Managing Director at AvroKO’s Miami Studio, Kimberly Jackson! In a candid conversation with Host Dan Ryan, Kimberly shar…
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