Surely, he has no worries. Just look at Cesar Wurm. He has a loving family, the appearance of an international model, the stride of a professional athlete, and the perceived confidence of a rockstar. He is a senior leader within an incredible hospitality company. He is a published author. He exudes confidence. However, 10 years ago, his "inside story" was much different.

Today's podcast guest is now not only helping to create service and sales excellence for Premium hotels within the IHG Brand (Crowne Plaza, VOCO, EVEN, HOTEL INDIGO), but also aiding those that are facing addiction problems.

In this podcast episode, recorded live from the Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport and Expo Center during the Greatness Conference, the host interviews Cesar Wurm, Vice President of Commercial for Premium Brands at IHG and author of 'The Powers of Addiction: Finding Freedom and Acceptance in Recovery.'

Cesar shares his inspiring life story, from a challenging childhood in Brazil where he lost his mother and dealt with his father's alcoholism, to his rebellious teen years involving early alcohol use, and his eventual journey towards sobriety. Facing his addiction profoundly changed Cesar’s life, enhancing his leadership skills and aligning his values with his role at IHG.

Cesar emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and understanding that addiction is not a fault but something one can overcome with support. The conversation also explores how these personal growth experiences have enriched his career and deepened his connection with family and colleagues.

More about Cesar Wurm:

As the VP of Commercial, Premium Brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts in the US, Cesar Wurm combines his deep expertise in sales and marketing with a passion for personal growth and community involvement. With a background that includes leadership roles at IHG, Starwood, Trust Hospitality, and Hotel Equities, Cesar has a rich history in the hospitality industry.

Outside of work, Cesar cherishes time with his family, his wife Laura and daughter Gabby, and enjoys Formula One racing. He is deeply committed to supporting addiction recovery, reflecting his own journey to sobriety. This commitment is showcased in his book, "The Powers of Addiction: Finding Freedom in Acceptance and Recovery," which shares his personal story and offers hope to others.

Cesar's professional and personal contributions have been recognized widely, earning him spots on the Marquis Who’s Who 2023 and the Empower Role Model List- 2022 Top 100 Executives. He holds degrees from Washington State University and Cesar Ritz College, Switzerland, and is actively involved in various boards including IHG’s Americas Regional DE&I and HOPE Atlanta.

Through his life's work and book, Cesar aspires to inspire and assist others on their recovery journey, promoting a message of resilience, acceptance, and empowerment.

Connect with him here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cesar-wurm-5aa855b/

Find his book here: https://a.co/d/dQHicIZ

More about IHG here: https://www.ihg.com/hotels/us/en/reservation

Most People Don't | Resources

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"Nothing happens by chance. It happens as intended."

I was meant to meet this woman called Tommie. She exudes an aura that is calming, contagious, and confident.

"Success is there for anyone that wants it."

In this podcast episode, I interview S. R. Tommie a/k/a Tommie, the President and Founder of Redline Media Group and a member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida (the owners of Hard Rock International).

The podcast explores Tommie's background, her influential upbringing in a Seminole tribal camp, and her journey to success. She discusses growing up with rich cultural traditions and the significant impact of her grandmother.

She also elaborates on her company's strong values, which align with those of Hard Rock, focusing on kindness, community, and integrity. Tommie emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling and supporting one another in business.

The episode highlights her determination to achieve success, the cultural importance of the Seminole Tribe, and the community-oriented ethos of Redline Media Group.

More about Tommie:

Tommie has worked in many capacities throughout her career, serving in various capacities, from economic development, social welfare, community development/management, on both the Board and Council arms of Tribal Government, ultimately retiring in 2010, as Chief of Staff to the Chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Throughout her many experiences Tommie has realized the importance of communication, consistency and making a positive impact. With that at the forefront of her mind, she founded Redline Media Group, a full service creative marketing and strategic advertising agency. As a start-up company, Tommie assembled a highly experienced team consisting of industry veterans that possessed proven leadership skills to ensure success.
Redline Media Group launched as an organization consisting of three employees, and currently employs nearly 50 fulltime Team Members. Today, after 15 short years, RMG is a multi-award winning creative, marketing and advertising agency, providing services Internationally, with a proven track record of developing and executing successful campaigns for a variety of products, services and brands, as well as, representing tribal and non-tribal municipalities and their respective business endeavors.
Tommie continues to drive forward each, and every day, committed to building a legacy that will make her tribe and the matriarchs of her family proud. More about Redline Media Group:

https://redlinemediagroup.com

More about Hard Rock International:

https://hardrock.com

Most People Don't | Resources

Learn additional key take-aways by listening to more of Bart Berkey's conversations with successful leaders on his weekly podcast.

Please subscribe, like & share to help others find these words of wisdom.

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www.mostpeopledont.com

Any KEYNOTE SPEAKING OR LEADERSHIP TRAINING REQUESTS can be directed to bart@mostpeopledont.com

He taught me to "throw spaghetti against the wall" to see what would stick.

His friendship and guidance STUCK.

A brilliant entrepreneur that is also KIND BEYOND WORDS.

When I needed work, he gave me work.

When I needed an answer, he provided it.

When I needed a friend, he was there.

Many of my hospitality friends already know him, Serge Asensio, and his company, TOPLINE GROUP, LLC.

We discuss the POWER OF TAKING ACTION and FACING FEARS. For years, Serge was afraid of stealing second base. He was scared to leave the safety and security of first base. Finally, one of his mentors called him out on this.

With the support of his wife who said, "we'll figure this out", he then found enough confidence to not go it alone and to start an incredible business that has lasted over 25 years. He is not greedy and stresses the importance of making $.05 from a customer over and over, rather than making $.10 once from a client.

More about Serge:

Serge Asensio is managing director of Topline Group, a Sales & Marketing company specializing in customer data analysis. Founded in 1998, Topline Group helps Fortune 500 companies maximize their sales efforts by ensuring that the right resources are applied against the right customers, at the right time.

Mr. Asensio and Topline Group have worked with Kraft, Nabisco, Gillette, Hershey Foods, and most of the major hotel companies in North America, helping them maximize their sales efforts.

Prior to founding Topline Group, Mr. Asensio was Vice President of Sales Deployment & Analysis for Marriott International. His responsibilities spanned all full-service brands and all geographies.

More about Topline Group https://toplinegroup.com

Most People Don't | Resources

Learn additional key take-aways by listening to more of Bart Berkey's conversations with successful leaders on his weekly podcast.

Please subscribe, like & share to help others find these words of wisdom.

• Find all Podcast episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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www.mostpeopledont.com

Any KEYNOTE SPEAKING OR LEADERSHIP TRAINING REQUESTS can be directed to bart@mostpeopledont.com