Is the West really leading the global AI race—or are we missing the bigger picture? In this episode, AI strategist Jayanth N Kolla returns for his sixth appearance to unpack the rapidly shifting balance of power between China and the West in artificial intelligence, and what it means for the hospitality industry, business leaders, and global innovation. From computer vision and robotics to hyper-personalization and enterprise AI, this conversation dives deep into how Chinese ecosystems are scaling faster—and why Western leaders must rethink their AI strategies now to stay competitive.

This episode features Teresa Bergen, a travel writer and expert on sober travel, discussing how hospitality can better include non-drinkers, the rise of alcohol-free experiences, and innovative strategies for hotels to cater to sober guests without sacrificing revenue. We explore the emerging concept of sober travel and its implications for the hospitality sector in 2026. This discussion highlights crucial hotel trends and the growing demand for alcohol-free guest experiences. Join us to understand how hotels can adapt to these shifts to promote mindful travel and enhance overall wellness tourism.

Join us as we explore the journey of Kia Finska, @kiafinska, a Finnish travel and social media creator, who transitioned from cybersecurity to building a global travel brand. Discover her insights on authentic travel experiences, influencing through social media, and creating meaningful cultural connections.

As Kia shared through her journeys:
“It’s always about the people. The conversations. The moments you don’t plan.”

She was chosen as the Travel Influencer of the Year 2025 (2025)

Kia Finska can be reached on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. @kiafinska,

In this episode, Derek DeSalvia, EVP and Chief Customer Officer at Hilton Grand Vacations, shares insights on the evolution of vacation ownership, industry trends, guest experience, and leadership in hospitality.

“Hosting major events adds value and appeal”

Discover how the industry is transforming to meet modern traveler expectations and the importance of service excellence.

⏳Luxury hospitality is often associated with beautiful hotels, elegant design, and flawless experiences.
But behind every memorable stay is something far more important: people, culture, and leadership that shows up every single day.

In this conversation, Sean McCarron, General Manager of Conrad Orlando at Evermore, shares insights from more than 25 years in luxury hospitality — from Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons to Waldorf Astoria and Hilton — and explains why true service excellence begins with visibility, trust, attention to detail, and a people-first mindset.

So do not miss this opportunity to explore what leadership really looks like in luxury hotels, how service cultures are built, and why the human touch remains irreplaceable in a rapidly changing world. 😉

👀 Sean reminds us that hospitality is, at its core, a human business — where culture, connection, and confidence shape every guest experience.

🔥 Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:
✅ Great leadership starts with being visible and practicing management by walking around
✅ Service excellence is built through culture, consistency, and attention to detail
✅ Strong hotel teams need support, development, and trust — not micromanagement
✅ Work-life balance is now essential for sustaining passion and performance
✅ AI can streamline processes, but it can never replace human connection in luxury hospitality
✅ The next generation of leaders must balance technology with emotional intelligence
✅ Hotels must keep evolving to stay relevant, just like the best brands in any industry

🌟This is more than a podcast. It is a thoughtful reflection on what it really takes to lead in hospitality today — with heart, discipline, and a commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and teams.
Buckle up for an insightful discussion filled with leadership lessons, career reflections, operational wisdom, and honest perspectives on the future of the hotel industry.

😉As a surprise and a bonus, stay for the Off the Mic segment where Sean shares his deep connection to Finland, his love for Finnish food traditions, and what makes a truly great sauna experience.

Why Qualified Candidates Don’t Get Interviews: What Recruiters Really Look for in a Resume

Why do so many qualified candidates get overlooked before they ever reach the interview stage?
In this episode, former recruiter Megan Applegate explains how recruiters scan resumes in seconds, what recruiters really look for in a resume, and how the ATS system affects your chances.

You will learn how to avoid common resume mistakes, position yourself strategically, and improve your odds of getting more interviews.

Main Topics Covered:

• The truth about resumes and rejection myths
• How ATS systems filter and parse applications
• The critical first six seconds of resume scanning
• How to craft a resume that sells your value, not just lists your history
• The TAP Protocol: A systematic approach to job searching and talent acquisition
• Common invisible mistakes that block strong candidates
• Shifting from describing experience to positioning value
• Strategies to study and match job descriptions
• Importance of a targeted, concise resume format
• How to leverage your LinkedIn profile and professional branding

In this episode of The Social Hotelier, Sam-Erik Ruttmann sits down with Matt Smith, founder of Speak2, to discuss one of the most overlooked challenges in our digital world — technology exclusion among older generations.

Matt shares the personal story that inspired Speak2: watching his mother become increasingly isolated as communication shifted to smartphones and text messages she couldn’t easily use due to macular degeneration. That experience led him to build a voice-driven platform designed to keep older adults connected, dignified, and included.

Together, Sam-Erik and Matt cover:

•What digital exclusion really looks like in everyday families

•Why simplicity and empathy must drive technology design

•How hospitality can lead the way in inclusive tech adoption

•The real human cost of leaving older guests and team members behind

•What Speak2 is doing to bridge the gap

This is more than a technology conversation. It is about dignity, inclusion, and what it truly means to connect people.

Have you seen someone you love struggle to keep up with technology? Share your story in the comments.

Elizabeth Mullins on Building Hotels That Change Lives

⏳Most people think hospitality is about rooms, service, and luxury standards. But in reality, the industry is fundamentally about how we make people feel — and how we create connection in an increasingly disconnected world. In this conversation, seasoned hotelier Elizabeth Mullins — President of Evermore Orlando Resort — shares her remarkable journey from Ritz-Carlton to Disney, and now leading one of the most ambitious new resort concepts built entirely around togetherness.

We explore why hospitality may be entering a new era — one where emotional connection, culture, and what she calls “relational wellness” redefine what luxury truly means. So do not miss this opportunity to rethink leadership, guest experience, and the real purpose of hospitality in today’s world. 😉

👀 What if hotels are not just service providers — but places that can actively reduce loneliness and reconnect people?

🔥 Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:

✅ Hospitality is ultimately in the memory-making business, not just service delivery

✅ Culture is the foundation of high-performing teams — and it must be intentional and measurable

✅ True leadership starts with designing experiences, not managing operations

✅ “Relational wellness” is about intentionally creating environments for human connection

✅ Luxury is shifting from material excellence to emotional resonance and soul

✅ Technology (AI) will reshape hospitality — but human connection will become even more valuable

✅ The future of travel is less about escape — and more about togetherness

🌟This is more than a podcast. It’s a deep dive into the future of hospitality — where leadership, culture, and human connection take center stage. Buckle up for a thoughtful and inspiring discussion filled with real-world insights, leadership lessons, and a bold vision for where our industry is heading.