In this episode of the Skift Ideas Podcast, we are joined by Ashraf Amaani, Vice President, Brand Marketing at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. He currently serves as Vice President, Brand Marketing at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, where he is responsible for driving the global brand marketing agenda and orchestrating the development and implementation of worldwide campaigns and programs to elevate brand visibility and drive revenue.  Ashraf is known for his creativity and ability to...

In this episode of the Skift Ideas Podcast, Colin sits down with Larry McGuire, Co-Founder and Owner of MML Hospitality.  Larry McGuire was born and raised in Austin where his culinary career began at age 16, today, with 23 restaurants, hotels, and retail shops under MML Hospitality, Larry focuses on project development, finance, and operations at MML while co-leading concept and interior design at Lambert McGuire Design. Listen in as Colin's and Larry explore how the design of a space can...

In this episode of the Skift Ideas Podcast, Colin is joined by Michael Fuerstman, Co-Founder and Creative Director at Pendry Hotels & Resorts, where Michael currently oversees the development of the brand and its execution in design, guest experience, programming and new development. Listen in as we explore Michael's approach to delivering hospitality experiences that go beyond conventional expectations. Host: Colin Nagy Guest: Michael Fuerstman Producer: Adam Stacy/Jose Marmolejos

In this episode of the Skift Ideas Podcast, Colin is joined by Ho Ren Yung, Head of Brand HQ at Banyan Group. Banyan Group is one of the world’s leading independent, multi-branded hospitality groups centered, with Ren being responsible for Brand, Digital and Wellbeing across the Group’s multi-branded portfolio, having joined the Group in 2009.  Listen in as we unravel the secrets behind crafting spaces and experiences that seamlessly blend luxury, sustainability and wellbeing to shape an...

In this episode of the Skift Ideas Podcast, Colin is joined by Christopher Norton, CEO of Equinox Hotels, as explore the evolution of guest expectations when it comes to luxury hospitality.  Chris has been designing premiere guest experiences with holistic health in mind throughout his 30-year career in the hospitality industry, and following stints at the Watergate Hotel, Boca Raton Resort & Club, Ritz-Carlton New York, and a long tenure at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Chris brought...

In the latest episode of the Skift Ideas Podcast, Colin is joined by Harry Jameson, CEO of Pillar Wellbeing, as we explore the evolution of wellbeing in travel. Harry has over 18 years' experience in the fitness & hospitality industries, having optimized performance and wellbeing for CEOs, celebrities and politicians alike, alongside creating wellbeing retreats and advising on wellness programming in some of the world's most luxurious hotels and resorts.  Listen in as Harry shares his...

In episode seven of the Skift Ideas Podcast, we are joined by Michael Canning, co-founder and chief brand officer at Exceptional Alien.  Hot off the heels of their 2023 Skift IDEA Awards win, Exceptional Alien is a new travel platform leveraging the power of creatives and influencers to curate travel communities in order to highlight unique experiences through its 'Travel Playbooks'. Listen in as Colin and Michael discuss how Exceptional Alien is weaving a unique and authentic tapestry of...

In this episode of the Skift Ideas Podcast, we will be delving into the fascinating world of globally renowned designer Bill Bensley, Founder of Bensley. Join us as we explore the remarkable journey that has shaped Bill's unique perspective on the world of design, from his upbringing on a self-sustaining farm in California to his deep-rooted commitment to sustainability.  Listen in as Bill discusses his incredible career so far, and how he seamlessly blends his two passions – design and...

In this episode, we are joined by Harsha L’Acqua, Founder & CEO of Saira Hospitality. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on the enduring importance of the human touch in hospitality and the impact we can have within communities through creating opportunities and fostering mentorship. Listen in as Harsha offers her valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry, emphasizes the vital role we play in building communities, and shares her vision for...

Whether we are embarking on a personal adventure or jetting off on business, boarding an aircraft has become a common occurrence for most of us. However, no matter how familiar we become with stepping through those aircraft doors, the experience never fails to evoke a sense of wonder within us – even for a pilot. In episode four of the Skift Ideas Podcast, Colin is joined by Mark Vanhoenacker, a seasoned commercial airline pilot for British Airways and best-selling author of ‘Skyfaring: A...

In this episode, Rafat Ali and Colin Nagy sit down with Geetika Agrawal, Founder and CEO of Vacation With An Artisit (VAWAA), for a conversation on the evolving role of souvenirs in the modern travel economy.  As awareness of the impact travel can have on the environment grows, travelers are increasingly looking for ways to adopt more sustainable practices, and there is an emerging interest in finding alternative ways to commemorate trips without relying on physical mementos. Listen as they...

In this episode, Colin Nagy sits down with renowned hotelier Liz Lambert for a candid conversation around creating unparalleled guest experiences. With an illustrious career as a hotelier, designer, and innovator, Liz has left an indelible mark on the hospitality landscape whilst creating some of the most intriguing lifestyle hotels in the United States.  Join us as we explore Liz’s philosophies around creating a sense of place, the importance of community in hospitality, the innovations...

Join travel industry thought leaders Rafat Ali and Colin Nagy on the new Skift Ideas podcast. On the Skift Ideas podcast we will immerse listeners in discussions regarding the latest innovations within the industry, focussing on the key topics of design, marketing, sustainability, experience and so much more.  This first episode looks at the current state of creativity and innovation within the travel industry, and what ideas are already transforming the way we look at travel.

As Skift continues on its mission to celebrate the groundbreaking creative projects and build the industry's go-to resource for the campaigns, designs, and ideas taking the industry to the next level, we are excited to launch the Skift Ideas Podcast.  Launching 15 June, the Skift Ideas Podcast will be a vibrant bi-weekly discussion with the thinkers, craftspeople and operators that are moving the travel and hospitality industries forward.  Leading the conversation will be industry thought...