Josiah Mackenzie

📱 Eva Klausner, Director of Guest Experience at Numa, discussed how Numa has redefined hospitality by removing the traditional front desk in favor of a digital-first guest experience on March 10, 2025. The episode also featured Danica Smith, founder of MorningStar GX. Sojern, a marketing platform for hotels, was mentioned for its email solution that helps hoteliers drive direct bookings and retain more revenue. Music for the show was produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound.

📅 Amanda Frasier, President of Ratings for Forbes Travel Guide, discussed her career transition at the Guide's annual summit. Starting in hospitality 13 years prior, she moved from a UK technical college to her first hotel job and then to Bermuda. By 2001, Amanda relocated to the U.S., working in New York. Eventually joining Mobil Travel Guide, she became involved in its evolution to Forbes Travel Guide, focusing on creating transparent standards from the guest perspective. Forbes now conducts thousands of inspections in 90 countries. Their summit hosts qualified industry professionals and celebrates collaboration between hotels and luxury brands, such as the awarded Ritz Paris and frame. Amanda noted the increasing presence of women in luxury hotel leadership, emphasizing the importance of balance and merit.

🏩 On Feb. 26, 2025, Matthias Huettebraeuker interviewed Hans Meyer, the co-founder and managing director of Zoku, on the strategy used to innovate in the hospitality industry. The podcast episode, titled "From Concept to Success: The Strategy Behind Our Hospitality Innovation - Hans Meyer, Zoku," was featured on the Hospitality Daily Podcast. The interview delves into the process behind Zoku's successful hospitality innovations.