Pillow Talk Sessions – Details, episodes & analysis

This week on Pillow Talk Sessions, we’re excited to release our first live-recorded episode, where we brought industry leaders together to unpack the future of resident experience in front of a live audience.

Hosts Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski are joined by:

🔹 Freya Richard (Vertus)

🔹 Philippa Wagner (PeoplePlacesSpaces)

🔹 Mitch Hammond (OnTheMarket)

💡 In this episode, we explore:

📊 Why renters are prioritizing belonging, values, and community over physical amenities

🏨 The influence of hospitality on rental living

📲 How technology must serve experience—not drive it

📍 Why authenticity, service, and local context are essential to resident loyalty

Don’t miss this dynamic panel discussion packed with real-world insight and forward-thinking perspectives.

This week on Pillow Talk Sessions, Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski are joined by Rachel Hanniquet-Brooking, Managing Director of APO Group LTD, to explore the state of the UK rental market—and how Build-to-Rent operators can prepare for seismic change.

💡 Tune in to hear Rachel’s perspective on:

🧾 The impact of the Renters Reform Bill on no-fault evictions and lease terms

📉 Why tighter regulation could drive traditional landlords out—and open new doors for BTR

🏘️ The fine balance between automation, cost efficiency, and real service

📲 Why resident-focused tech needs to be built in early—not just added later

Rachel draws on 25+ years in hospitality and property to provide grounded, actionable insight into a sector at a turning point.

This week on Pillow Talk Sessions, Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski welcome Katherine Rose, Managing Director of VervLife, for an in-depth conversation about reshaping the future of mixed-asset management.

Key highlights from the episode:

🏘️ Strategic Asset Management – Overcoming the challenges of managing diverse property types.

📊 Flex Rentals – Strategies for meeting the demands of short-term and long-term tenants.

🌍 Building Diverse Teams – Why team diversity is a game-changer in property management.

💡 Customer-Centric Approach – How customer service is redefining success in real estate.

🤝 Co-Living Opportunities – Educating the market on the hidden benefits of co-living spaces.

Join Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski in this latest episode of Pillow Talk Sessions as they explore how multifamily living is being transformed by the hospitality industry’s best practices. Featuring Konrad Koczwara, Founder & CEO of ElevateOS, this episode is packed with insights into creating a 5-star resident experience.

Highlights include:

🔹 Hotelization Explained – How multifamily operators are adopting hospitality principles to exceed resident expectations.

🔹 Resident Retention – The role of events, interest groups, and community-building in keeping residents engaged and happy.

🔹 Innovations on the Horizon – Predictions for the future of multifamily living, from service models to tech integrations.

🔹 Cost vs. Quality – Strategies for maintaining high standards without breaking the bank.

Join Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski on this week’s episode of Pillow Talk Sessions as they welcome Brendan Geraghty, CEO of the Association for Rental Living, to discuss how hospitality is reshaping the Build-to-Rent (BTR) sector.

Key takeaways include:

🔹 The Hospitality-BTR Connection – Insights into how BTR is adopting hotel-inspired practices to enhance the resident experience.

🔹 #BrandbeforeBuilding – Understanding the focus on brand experience over physical infrastructure.

🔹 Service-Oriented Talent – Exploring the new workforce shaping the BTR sector.

🔹 UK vs. US Perspectives – Contrasting the strengths and lessons of these two key rental markets.

🔹 What’s Next for BTR – Trends and innovations redefining rental living.

In this week’s Pillow Talk Sessions, Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski are joined by Freya Richard, Director of Operations & Leasing at Vertus, for an engaging conversation about how hospitality and Build-to-Rent (BTR) are learning from each other.

Key highlights include:

🏘️ Lessons in Community – How Vertus is applying BTR community-building strategies to their upcoming aparthotel brand, Vertus Edit.

⚙️ Operational Insights – Anticipating the challenges and opportunities of managing aparthotels versus residential buildings.

📲 Tech-Enhanced Living – Specific technologies Vertus uses to elevate resident and guest experiences.

♻️ Sustainability in Focus – Vertus’ commitment to green practices and how they’re integrated into their aparthotel strategy.

In our latest episode, Jessica Gillingham and Krstian Lupinski sit down with Yianni Tsitouras, Founder & CEO of POHA House, to explore how POHA is redefining co-living with a focus on community, sustainability, and well-being. This conversation is filled with insights on the future of co-living and the ways it can foster connection and purpose in everyday spaces.

Tune in to hear about: 

🔹 The Co-Living, Co-Working, and Co-Spaces Concept – Yianni shares how these spaces combine flexibility with community for a unique living experience. 

🔹 Commitment to Sustainability – From cradle-to-cradle building design to zero-carbon goals, Yianni talks about the challenges and triumphs in eco-friendly development. 

🔹 Building a Trusted Brand – Discover how POHA House builds trust and engagement, setting new standards in the co-living sector. 

🔹 A Diverse Community for All Ages – Learn how POHA House creates inclusive spaces that meet residents’ unique needs at every life stage.

If you’re passionate about community-centric and sustainable living, don’t miss this episode! 🎧

In this episode, hosts Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski sit down with Michael Levie, co-founder of citizenM, to dive into how citizenM is reshaping the hospitality industry with a bold, customer-first approach. 🎙️

Michael shares his insights on everything from digital transformation to creating unforgettable guest experiences. We explore citizenM’s unique strategies and how they’re influencing the Build-to-Rent and hospitality sectors. 🏢✨

Listen in as we discuss:

How citizenM balances technology with genuine human connection 🤖❤️

The power of brand identity in redefining guest experiences 🌍

Lessons in creating adaptable, modern spaces for today’s travelers 🧳🛌

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with one of hospitality’s visionary leaders! 🎧

#PillowTalkSessions #Podcast #citizenM #HospitalityInnovation #CustomerExperience #MichaelLevie

In this episode, hosts Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski sit down with Suzanne Luscombe, Strategic Growth Director at resiCentral, to dive deep into the Build-to-Rent (BTR) and Co-Living sectors.

🎙️ What to expect: 

🏢 Key strategies for positioning brands in BTR and Co-Living sectors.

🌱 The growing importance of sustainability and green buildings in rental living.

💻 How technology is transforming modern living spaces in mixed-use developments.

🔮 Future trends shaping flexible living, urban environments, and how we work and play.

It’s a fascinating discussion you don’t want to miss!
Tu Subscribe directly visit: https://www.pillowtalksessions.com

#PillowTalkSessions #Podcast #BuildToRent #CoLiving #Sustainability #FutureOfLiving #Technology #FlexibleLiving #BTR

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our very first episode of Pillow Talk Sessions! 🎉

In this premier, we’re diving into the exciting convergence of the hospitality and Build-to-Rent (BTR) sectors with our special guest, Iain Murray, Head of Operational Living at Bidwells.

🎙️ What can you expect? 

🏢 How the BTR sector is learning from hospitality to enhance resident experiences. 

👥 Why building a strong sense of community is key to resident loyalty and retention. 

📐 The impact of innovative space design on creating more flexible, engaging living environments. 

💼 How talent from hospitality is reshaping BTR with a customer-centric mindset.

Join us as we explore these fascinating insights and more with a true industry leader.

🔔 Tune in to our premiere episode and be part of the conversation shaping the future of hospitality and rental living!

#PillowTalkSessions #PodcastPremiere #BuildToRent #Hospitality #ResidentExperience #CommunityBuilding #SpaceDesign #OperationalExcellence #FutureOfLiving #BTR