Josiah Mackenzie

📈 Sage Hospitality's CEO Walter Isenberg emphasizes the company's purpose of "enriching lives one experience at a time," starting with employees like housekeepers and executives. Sage conducts a cultural immersion program for new leaders, held quarterly at their corporate office. This program focuses on the company's history, core values, and leadership, crucial for understanding their people-first culture. Isenberg often participates unless he's out of town, such as for a meeting in Portland.

📚 Walter started working in the hospitality industry at age 14 in Kansas City as a dishwasher, inspired by Carlos Pena and Phil Pastelli. Pena, a maitre d' and immigrant, encouraged him to attend Cornell University for hospitality. In 1974-75, Pastelli, a key figure in the hotel industry and an alumnus of Cornell, wrote a recommendation letter for Walter, which was crucial for his admission. This support significantly shaped Walter's career trajectory, highlighting the impact of mentorship.

🏖️ 2025, the French Riviera: Billy of Beaumier emphasizes guest experience evolution over two decades. Hotels must allow guests to craft personal experiences without prescription. At Les Roches Rouges, flexibility in service is key, accommodating diverse guest needs. The focus is on staff happiness, as it directly influences guest experiences. A notable past shortfall was a rigid arrival process in Mauritius. Unexpected, genuine gestures, like a staff member playing football with a child, create memorable moments.

🏨 Billy, CEO of Beaumier Hotels, blends design-driven thinking and local culture in boutique hospitality across Europe. He has a history with iconic luxury hotels in France, Switzerland, and Italy, and built the Lore Group, growing from 1 to 1,500 staff in a decade. Recently, Billy managed Eden Hotels in the Netherlands. Currently in Provence, Billy emphasizes guest experiences and a culture valuing feedback from young staff, key to enhancing hotel stays and addressing post-COVID staffing challenges.