In a world where traditional hotel experiences are becoming obsolete, how can the hospitality industry transform from merely providing a place to stay into a platform for genuine human connection and personal transformation?

In this episode, Steve Carran speaks with Bashar Wali and Eric Jafari as they challenge the status quo of hotel innovation. Moving far beyond traditional wellness concepts, they explore how the next generation is redefining hospitality through community, belonging, and transformative experiences.

Key Topics include:

• The death of conventional hotel models
• How Gen Z and Millennials are reimagining wellness as a social, communal experience
• Why hotels must shift from transactional services to creating genuine human connections
• Lessons from innovative retail concepts like Erewhon and Goop
• The critical importance of making guests feel they truly belong

Drawing from personal experiences and industry insights, Wali and Jafari argue that the future of hotels isn't about amenities, but about creating tribes, cultivating culture, and helping guests feel they matter in an increasingly disconnected world.

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Bashar Wali on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/basharwali/

Practice Hospitality: https://www.practicehospitality.com/

Eric Jafari on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericjafari/?originalSubdomain=uk

AENDRE Limited: https://www.aendregroup.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/121

Follow 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, Steve and David speak with Brad Steward from Caravan Outpost and JC Curleigh, CEO of Pelican Products, as they share their insights on building momentum through impactful moments in their respective industries. Brad Steward discusses his transition from the action sports business to hospitality, highlighting the creation and unique selling points of Caravan Outpost. He emphasizes the importance of consumer marketing and creating genuine experiences.

Following Brad, JC Curleigh elaborates on Pelican Products' mission to protect and equip for critical missions, unveiling exciting new products that will extend Pelican's reach. He provides advice on leadership and the importance of patience, asking the right questions, and not taking oneself too seriously.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How does Caravan Outpost's approach to hospitality differ from traditional hotels?
• What's the significance of the "three W's" in city growth?
• How is Pelican expanding from professional/military cases to consumer travel products?
• What does "rugged luxury" mean in product development?

This engaging discussion offers valuable lessons for any aspiring entrepreneur or business leader.

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
James 'JC' Curleigh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-jc-curleigh-41698739/

Pelican Products, Inc.: https://www.pelican.com/

Bradley Steward on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-steward-7b829a23/

Caravan Outpost: https://caravanoutpostojai.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/120

Follow 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 interview Jeff Kessinger, Vice President of Sales at Jonas Hospitality, who shares his journey from being a night auditor to becoming a 20-year veteran in hotel technology sales.

Jeff dives into pressing industry challenges like labor shortages, technology overload, and fragmented systems, while exploring solutions to enhance guest experiences and loyalty. He sheds light on the future of direct bookings, the evolving expectations of travelers, and how an integrated tech stack can empower hoteliers to stay ahead.

Key Topics Covered:

• The evolution of hotel technology and its impact on the hospitality industry
• How to Overcome Challenges Such as Labor Shortages and Operational Inefficiencies?
• What are the pros and cons of using all-in-one tech solutions for hotel operations?
• The role of unified platforms in enhancing the guest journey

Sponsor spot:
This episode is sponsored by Jonas Hospitality: https://jonashospitality.com/

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkessinger/
Jonas Hospitality: https://jonashospitality.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/119

Follow 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...