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Josiah Mackenzie

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How I Hire Great Hotel General Managers – Jennifer Clay, Appellation

🏨 Jennifer Clay, Vice President of Hotel Operations at Appellation, discusses hiring practices for General Managers on Oct. 3, 2024. Highlights include interview questions, key traits for success, and the value of downtime for recharging. Key interview insights are shared at 01:28 and 03:15, with a focus on the importance of disconnection at 04:14. Clay recommends sharing episodes for turning ideas into action within hospitality teams.
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How I Recruit A Winning Team: Four Seasons Chief People Officer-Turned-Appellation Co-Founder & COO Christopher Hunsberger

💼 Former Four Seasons Chief People Officer, Christopher Hunsberger, now co-founder and COO of Appellation, reveals his talent recruitment strategy in an episode dated Oct. 1, 2024. Highlighting the significance of strong relationships (01:07), Hunsberger utilizes networks for talent spotting (01:38), LinkedIn for job broadcasting (02:31), and advocates for storytelling in transparent job descriptions (03:10). Techniques for crafting engaging job postings using technology are also discussed (04:14).
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  • 3 min

What I Learned Leading Innovation at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts – Christopher Hunsberger, Appellation

💼 Christopher Hunsberger, former executive at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, shares his experience in leading product and service innovation during a significant CEO transition when Izzy Sharp was replaced by Katie Taylor. Entrusted by Taylor, he took on the role to explore future directions for the company, which was already 30 years into its history. Over two or three years, Hunsberger worked with various levels of the organization and consultants to foster a stronger culture of innovation, emphasizing nimbleness, agility, and a willingness to embrace failure for successful risk-taking and collaboration.
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  • 2 min

How We Restored And Operate A Landmark Hotel with Love – Tely Nagle, The Drake Oak Brook

🏨 Tely Nagle, owner of The Drake Oak Brook, relaunched a historic Chicago hotel into a Condé Nast award-winner. Purchased in 2013, the hotel required extensive renovations to restore its glory. Nagle's personal involvement and partnership with Marriott's Autograph Collection elevated the guest experience. The hotel's new restaurant, COA, celebrates Mexican heritage. Key figures include Gino DiRenzo, original manager since 1961, and First Hospitality Group, the management company hired. 📆 Sept. 28, 2024.
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What Hotel Workers on Strike Told Me in San Francisco – Josiah Mackenzie

🏨 In San Francisco, hotel workers are striking due to management's perceived lack of responsiveness, reduction in work hours while increasing workload expectations, and insufficient wages amid rising living costs. Despite hotels making profits even during lockdowns, workers argue the current pay is unsustainable in the high-cost city, and accuse hotels of greed for not increasing their pay despite the financial ability to do so. The situation has led to understaffing and employees being forced to handle multiple roles.
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  • 16 min

Uncorking Collaboration: How Napa Valley’s Tourism Strategy Can Boost Your Hospitality Business – Linsey Gallagher, Visit Napa Valley

🏠 Linsey Gallagher, President and CEO of Visit Napa Valley, reveals how the hospitality industry significantly supports the local economy, with 16,000 families relying on it for livelihood, and visitors spending approximately $2.5 billion annually. Napa Valley welcomes 3.7 million people each year, contributing to $108 million in tax revenue for community services. Local budgets are heavily supported by tourism taxes, with Calistoga receiving nearly 75%, Yountville 65%, and Napa almost 30%. Collaboration between hotels, local businesses, and organizations like Visit Napa Valley is key to enhancing visitor experiences and driving demand.
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