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

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new podcast series, Pillow Talk Sessions—where hospitality, real estate, and rental living meet to shape the future of how we live, work, and play!

Join us, Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski, as we dive deep into the heartbeat of lodging. We’ll be exploring the transformation from simply providing spaces to creating experiences—and how customer-centric models are reshaping the landscape of hospitality, multifamily, and living sectors.

✨ What’s in store? ✔️ Conversations on the shift from asset-focused approaches to experience-forward strategies. ✔️ Insights into how prop-tech is revolutionizing how operators optimize assets. ✔️ Discussions with industry leaders who are reshaping the future of lodging and living.

We’ve lined up some incredible guests for our first season, including:

Iain Murray, Head of Operational Living at Bidwell

Brendan Geraghty, CEO of The Association for Rental Living (ARL)

Konrad Koczwara, Founder/CEO of Elevated Living

Michael Levie, Former co-founder & COO of citizenM

Freya Richard, Director of Operations and Leasing at Vertus

Suzanne Luscombe, Strategic Growth Director at Resicentral

Yianni Tsitouras, Founder/CEO of POHA House

Katherine Rose, Managing Director of VervLife

🔔 Stay tuned for our first episode, where we’ll bring you the voices of visionaries driving the future of this dynamic industry!

#PillowTalkSessions #PodcastLaunch #Hospitality #Multifamily #RealEstate #PropTech #CustomerExperience #FutureOfLiving #PodcastAnnouncement #BTR 

Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski sit down with Simone Puorto, Founder of Travel Singularity, to unpack how technology, empathy, and adaptability are reshaping the future of hospitality.

💡 Tune in to explore: 

🔹 How tech can amplify human connection, not replace it

🔄 Why hospitality design must respond to human rhythms, not rigid formats

🏠 What rental living can teach hotels about personalization and experience

⚙️ How to avoid “tech for tech’s sake” and future-proof your operations

This episode delivers forward-thinking insight into how we can create meaningful, guest-first spaces in an ever-changing world.

In this episode of Pillow Talk Sessions, Kristian and Jessica chat with Robert Birch, Head of Operations at Gravity Co, about creating meaningful living experiences across co-living, BTR, and hospitality.

Tune in for insights on:
 💬 Why community is central to modern rental expectations
 🔎 How Gravity leverages data to detect and solve issues early
 🌐 The innovative membership model that connects residents globally
 🏗️ Gravity’s strategy to revitalize underperforming assets and integrate sustainability

In this brand-new episode of Pillow Talk Sessions, Jessica and Kristian chat with Steve Davis, CEO of Operto, about the powerful intersection of hospitality, multifamily, and smart technology.

💡 Listen in for key takeaways like:

🔑 How Operto grew from digital locks to a full-service guest/resident management platform

🏘️ Why STR tech is uniquely positioned to enhance multifamily and hotel operations

💬 Why real-time communication and service feedback loops are the future

📉 The risks of poor tech rollouts—and how to do it right

🔮 What IoT means for future personalization and resident satisfaction

In this week’s episode of Pillow Talk Sessions, our founder, Jessica Gillingham, and co-host, Kristian Lupinski, chat with Bart Sasim, CEO & Founder of Spatial Experience, about the evolution of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and what’s next for the sector.

Bart shares insights on:
 🏢 The transition from traditional student housing to modern, service-driven PBSA.
 🔄 Subscription-based living models that offer flexibility and affordability.
 🤖 How data-driven personalization is enhancing student experiences.
 📊 The role of technology in shaping adaptable, community-focused student housing.

Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski are joined by Begum Agca Okutgen, Head of Partner Network at Blueground, to explore the ongoing transformation of the rental market driven by remote work, technology, and evolving guests needs.

💡 Tune in to discover:
 🏠 How remote work is reshaping demand for flexible, furnished rentals across 35 cities worldwide.
 🤖 The role of technology in streamlining operations and enhancing client experience.
 🛋️ Why quality standards and curated design are key to maintaining premium rental experiences.
 🌍 The shift toward individual renters—digital nomads, expatriates, and remote professionals—and how instant booking is changing the game.
 ♻️ How sustainability is becoming a core focus for rental operators and their clients.

This episode dives deep into tech-driven efficiencies, market trends, and what’s next for flexible rentals.

Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski are joined by Mitch Hammond, Build-to-Rent Manager at OnTheMarket, for a candid discussion on defining and differentiating Build to Rent (BTR) in the UK and beyond.

💡 Tune in to explore:

🏗️ Why a unified understanding of BTR terminology is crucial for market growth.

🤖 Balancing technology with human connection in resident services.

📊 Evolving resident expectations for security, amenities, and community spaces.

🏘️ OnTheMarket’s strategy following its acquisition by CoStar Group and the upcoming launch of homes.com in Europe.

This episode offers fresh perspectives on how to create meaningful, community-driven living experiences.

Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski sit down with Philippa Wagner, founder of PeoplePlacesSpaces, to unpack the shifting landscape of hospitality and how it influences sectors like Build-to-Rent.

💡 Tune in to explore:

🔹 How guest expectations have evolved – prioritizing wellness, social engagement, and authentic connections.

🌍 The balance between global brand identity and local storytelling.

🏡 Hospitality principles inspiring multifamily living and intergenerational developments.

🔄 Emerging trends like co-working, sustainability, and the blending of hospitality with living spaces.

This episode is packed with insights on how to create guest-centric experiences that resonate in today’s world.

Jessica Gillingham and special co-host Iain Murray, Head of Operational Living at Bidwells, sit down with Benjamin Hall, Founder of LOFT, for an insightful conversation on how design and sustainability are shaping the future of multifamily and co-living spaces.

🎧 In this episode, we dive into:

🔹 The power of design in fostering resident retention and satisfaction.

♻️ Sustainability in multifamily interiors, featuring the circular economy approach.

📈 The rise of flexible living spaces that blend work, leisure, and community.

✨ Striking the perfect balance between luxury, sustainability, and budget.

If you’re passionate about creating vibrant, sustainable living environments, this is a must-listen! 🎧

This week on Pillow Talk Sessions, hosts Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski welcome Ed Ellerington, Founder & CEO of Packaged Living, to explore what it really means to bring a customer-first, tech-smart, and vertically integrated mindset to rental housing.

💡 In this episode:
 🏘️ Why the UK needs garden living and better single-family rental options
 🏨 How hospitality principles can elevate resident experiences without over-servicing
 🧩 Why flexible tech platforms are essential for future-proofing operations across asset types
 🌍 What makes Spain the ideal launchpad for flexible, mixed-length stays in Europe
 🤖 And where AI will help optimize ops while keeping human interaction at the core

From cultural nuance to tech stack strategy, Ed shares a grounded, thoughtful roadmap for the future of rental living.

This week, we’re joined by Suraiya Comunello, CMO at Nido Living, for a deep dive into what truly matters to today’s students—and how operators can meet those expectations through service, design, and wellbeing.

From cultural contrasts in booking behavior to the rise of digital-first decision-making, Suraiya offers a rare, international perspective on how the student accommodation sector is evolving.

🎧 Here’s what to expect:

🌱 How biophilic design helps ease student anxiety and promote wellbeing

🧠 Why Nido developed a 4-year mental health program with expert Dr. Tara Quinn

📲 What it means when 66% of students book housing without ever visiting

💬 Why localized, authentic content is outperforming polished marketing campaigns

The coliving industry is booming—but how you scale matters. In this episode of Pillow Talk Sessions, hosts Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski sit down with Mayank Pokharna, CEO of Fllat.com and Founder of Everything Coliving, to unpack the operational, cultural, and economic realities of coliving on a global scale.

💡 Key topics:
 🛠️ Why getting the basics right is still the biggest growth unlock
 🌍 Why cultural context makes global expansion uniquely complex
 💡 How affordability vs. experience play out differently across regions
 📈 Why operators need to balance community-building with scalability
 📊 And why "community" isn’t a cost center—it’s a revenue driver when done right

From India to Europe to the US, Mayank offers practical, data-driven insights for anyone in Build-to-Rent, flex living, or residential operations.