In this episode, Neil Harvey delves into the personal side of the hosting business. With over eight years of hosting experience and interactions with guests from over 40 countries, Neil shares five key realities of being a host. From how hosting can change your mindset to facing and overcoming prejudices, dealing with guest irritations, wearing different hats to cater to various guest needs, and ultimately how hosting enriches your life through diverse guest interactions.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Hosting on Airbnb can have a significant personal impact, changing your mindset and forcing you to face your prejudices. Interacting with a diverse range of guests can enrich your life and provide valuable learning experiences. Your behavior and attitude as a host set the tone for your guests' experience, ultimately impacting your success. Despite occasional irritations, maintaining a positive and empathetic approach towards guests is crucial for a successful hosting experience. Embracing the challenges and joys of hosting can lead to personal growth and fulfillment, making the journey rewarding. BEST MOMENTS "Just because I was in debt was no reason to be unhappy. Debt made me broke. Broke is a state of pocket. Being poor is a state of mind." "If I had let my first impressions of these guests control my actions, it not only would have affected my hosting duties and provided a poorer experience for those people, but I too would also have missed out on learning about their backgrounds and their lives." "Understanding one another is one thing, but unless you're Mother Teresa or Gandhi, there will be occasions when your guests simply push your buttons with their behaviors." "If the world is at your kitchen table, why wouldn't you want to be part of it? You would be amazed with how much of their lives guests are actually willing to share with you." "Your behavior sets the tone of your guests' experience. If you want to pay all your bills and enjoy a host of new thrills, at the end of the day the size of your pay will be set by your people skills." ABOUT THE HOST Neil has led a fulfilled and unconventional life, navigating an extraordinary journey from the Royal Navy to prop-making in London's West End theatres. Born into a military family, it was a twist of fate which led him to the theatre, where he contributed to iconic productions such as Phantom of the Opera. Eventually, Neil transitioned to Corporate Event Team Building, eventually founding his own venture in 1999. Financial challenges in 2017 are what prompted a strategic shift to Airbnb hosting, proving a reliable backup income. By 2021, Neil and his business partner triumphed over significant debt, fuelled by their resilience and the success of Neil's Airbnb venture. Now, Neil has left the corporate world behind, thriving solely through his flourishing Airbnb endeavours. ABOUT THE SHOW Welcome to "The Airbnb Superhost," your ultimate guide to mastering the art of hosting on Airbnb. In each concise 15-minute episode, Neil will reveal the secrets to creating unforgettable guest experiences and maximizing the potential of your property, drawing on over 8 consecutive years as a qualifying Airbnb Superhost. With a focus on 3 specific aspects of running an Airbnb business; the host, the property, and Airbnb itself, Neil provides step-by-step guidance on everything from ambiance creation to effective communication. In each episode, a Superhost Secret will help you elevate your hosting game and keep guests coming back for more. Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, Neil’s actionable tips and tricks will help you become a hospitality superstar. Disclaimer: The Airbnb Superhost is in no way affiliated with Airbnb. All ideas, thoughts, concepts and data presented in this podcast are entirely Neil’s own and do not represent the views of Airbnb.