The Modern Hotelier David Millili & Steve Carran

Diana Geseking is the General Counsel for Restaurant Technologies, where she advises the senior leadership on a wide array of legal issues. She oversees various legal functions across the business and brings diversified experience in contract negotiation, business transactions, corporate governance, intellectual property, risk mitigation, compliance and regulatory matters, privacy, advertising/marketing, employment and labor, and litigation management. She joined Restaurant Technologies in 2019. Diana is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School. She holds a bachelor's degree from Amherst College.
On this episode, Steve and David are joined by Diana Geseking. Diana discusses her company's automated oil management system that helps restaurants increase efficiency, safety, and sustainability by delivering fresh cooking oil, filtering it, and recycling used oil into renewable fuels. They dive into Restaurant Technologies' partnership with Chevron, the impressive statistics around their oil recycling efforts, and how their solutions allow restaurants to meet environmental and social governance (ESG) goals. Diana also shares entertaining stories from her background playing rugby and being a campus police assistant during college.
Get ready to be inspired by her story of determination, innovation, and commitment to making a difference.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
The Restaurant Technologies' InitiativesHow do these technologies contribute to the broader goals of sustainability in the restaurant industry?What are some practical small-scale practices that restaurants can implement to complement technological solutions?Why is digital presence important for professionals today, especially in leadership positions?This episode is sponsored by Restaurant Technologies: https://www.rti-inc.com/
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageThe Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media
Links:Diana Geseking on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-geseking-652692b/
 Restaurant Technologies: https://www.rti-inc.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/67Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

In this episode, David and Steve give their thoughts on some of the most notable trends and topics during the month of April in the Hospitality Industry. They cover:
International Hospitality Institute AwardsHilton Acquiring Sydell GroupBlackstone Pouncing on Hotel Real EstateState of the Union - AprilSummer Demand for US HotelsTropicana Las Vegas closesThe Lafayette Named Hotel of the Year by Esquire Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageThe Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media
Links:Hilton Acquiring Sydell GroupBlackstone Pouncing on Hotel Real EstateState of the Union - AprilSummer Demand for US HotelsTropicana Las Vegas closesThe Lafayette Named Hotel of the Year by Esquire 

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/66Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

The Modern Hotelier Podcast and The Virtual GM Podcast come together for a special crossover episode hosted by Nick Horgan. This lively discussion brings together the hosts of the two popular hospitality podcasts - Steve Carran and David Millili from The Modern Hotelier, and Spencer Halford and Cody Adent from The Virtual GM Podcast.
Nick puts the four hosts in the hot seat, digging into their backgrounds, hospitality experiences, and the origins of their podcasts. They share entertaining stories from behind the scenes. The group also reminisces about their favorite hotel stays and highlights what people may not know about the demanding realities of working in the hospitality industry. With fun banter and candid insights, this episode offers a fresh perspective on four influential voices in the hospitality industry. It celebrates their podcasting journeys while showcasing their passion for delighting guests and pushing the boundaries of hospitality.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
Their Career Backgrounds and Entry into HospitalityThe Conception and Growth of PodcastingThe Virtual GM Concept and Its Operational InsightsPersonality Types and Interpersonal DynamicsThe Importance of Service in the Hospitality IndustryJoin the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageThe Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media
Links:Cody Adent on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/codyadent/Spencer Halford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-halford-%E2%98%85-543393101/Vibrant Management: https://thevibrantteam.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/65Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

Seema Jain is the Founder and CEO of Seva Global – Growing Business Through Cultural Competency. She has years of experience helping companies become more culturally competent when engaging with people from different backgrounds. In her past role as Senior Director, Multicultural Affairs at Marriott International, Seema had responsibility for developing tools and resources for Marriott associates and hotel properties to enhance cultural competencies to better serve the company's diverse guests and customers. She is also a co-founder of two non-profit organizations – the Supporting Excellence in Education Foundation (SEED), which awards scholarships to high school students, and the Young Jains of America (YJA), a national youth organization created to share Jain heritage and culture.
In this episode, Seema discusses her personal background as a first-generation American, her career journey from healthcare to hospitality, and her passion for promoting cultural competency in organizations. She shares insights on the benefits of cultural competency for employee engagement, customer satisfaction, and financial performance. This episode provides valuable perspectives on diversity, inclusion, and cultural intelligence in the hospitality industry and beyond.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
How to deal with tough economic times while in a leadership roleThe importance of cultural competency in hospitalityWhy it is important to empower people at workThe openness to future collaboration and networking opportunities
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageThe Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media
Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemajain/Seva Global: https://www.seva-global.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/64Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

Eric Szymanski is an award winning American hospitality industry professional with extensive sales & marketing leadership experience including Hilton, Marriott, Starwood and Disney. Eric has demonstrated success in leading high-performing sales teams through planning, implementing and monitoring actionable sales and marketing plans at hotels and resorts of all sizes, including city-center, convention district, airport and attractions areas. He has a proven track record of success at all levels through the achievement of both individual and team goals for several 1st tier, globally recognized brands.  Throughout his career, Eric has created authentic, world-class experiences while volunteering at all levels in several meetings industry associations.  As the co-author for Sell More Stress Less: 52 Tips to Become A Mindful Sales Professional Eric believes that sales does not have to stress people out,  in fact when done authentically can inspire both the sales person and prospect.
In today's episode, David and Steve sit down with Eric Szymanski. They discuss the importance of data and business intelligence in driving successful commercial strategies for hotels. So, get ready to engage with a multifaceted leader who understands that the key to success in hospitality is as much about the human touch as it is about the data.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
Why is business intelligence and data-driven strategies important for hotels?What is the significance of mindfulness and stress management in the hospitality industry?The connections between sales, marketing, and overall hotel successThe Commercial Strategy and Industry FutureThis episode is sponsored by Independent Lodging Congress: https://ilcongress.com/
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageThe Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media
Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericszymanski/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/63Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

Nikheel Advani is the COO and co-founder of Grace Bay Resorts and oversees overall operations, branding, sales, and marketing of resort development. He joined Grace Bay Club in August 2004 as the Managing Director, serving as the top operational executive in its expansion and renovation as it evolved from a $15 million, 22-room boutique hotel to a full-service luxury resort boasting 82 suites and residences, now valued at over $200 million. Most recently, he was responsible for the successful opening of the $100 million Veranda Resort & Residences in February 2010.
In this episode, David and Steve are joined by their guest Nikheel Advani, the co-founder, COO, and principal of Grace Bay Resorts in Turks and Caicos. Nikheel shares his inspiring journey from working odd jobs as a teenager to becoming a leader in the luxury hospitality space. He provides valuable perspectives on attracting and retaining talent, creating exceptional guest experiences, the importance of continued education, and trends like wellness travel and multi-generational trips. With wisdom from his decades of experience, Nikheel offers practical advice for young hoteliers looking to climb the ranks and thrive in this dynamic industry.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
Global experience in hotel managementThe role technology plays in enhancing guest experiences at luxury resorts like Grace BayContributions to Turks and CaicosThe importance of hands-on experienceJoin the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageThe Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media
Links:Nikheel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikheel-advani-53184640/
Grace Bay Resorts: https://gracebayresorts.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/62Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...