Jennifer Barnwell is an advocate for independent hotels. As President of Curator Hotel & Resort Collection, she offers independents the opportunity to harness the power of scale and access cost savings through vendor negotiations, ultimately helping them stay independent and be more profitable. She discusses the challenges and opportunities for independents in terms of funding, brand awareness, and loyalty programs, as well as which key technology investments to prioritize.

With hospitality students graduating with skills that can be applied to other industries with better salaries and work-life balance, how will the industry retain its top-tier talent? As Dean of Hotel Institute Montreux and Assistant Dean of Swiss Hotel Management School, Claire Jollain has direct contact with future hospitality professionals and shares her perspective on how the industry needs to adapt to appeal to the upcoming generation of leaders.  

Additional resources on this topic:  

• A 2024 guide to hotel automation 
• What is a hotel chatbot? 9 benefits and key features to look for

In our inaugural season of The Turndown podcast, host Sebastien Leitner has led conversations with hospitality leaders from all corners of the industry. Now, we’re turning the tables and putting Sebastien in the guest seat to get to know more about his illustrious hospitality career that spans hotel management, travel distribution, technology partnerships, and beyond. Get to know more about his passion and future vision for the industry, plus the other career path he almost followed instead.  

Additional resources on this topic: 

• State of Independent Lodging Report 
• CloudTalks: Strengthening Your Distribution Strategy with the Right Channel Mix 

What’s the difference between Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning? Jason Pinto, Co-founder and COO at Pace Revenue, can not only answer that question in a way that’s easy to understand, he can also explain how these tools are impacting revenue management in the hotel industry. He shares how AI-and-ML-backed technology is bringing hotel revenue managers greater results, more informed decision-making, and even better storytelling. 

Additional resources on this topic: 

• The ultimate guide to hotel revenue management 
• What is a hotel compset and why is it important for pricing? 

Richard Brosal is a hotelier who operates without “bricks or mortars.” As Co-Founder & Owner of Jet Luxury Resorts, a niche hospitality company in the condo hotel space in Las Vegas, Richard has the unique challenge of not only keeping guests happy but also satisfying the owners and investors of the properties he runs. He shares how rising inflation, costs, and guest expectations have presented hurdles in running a hospitality business in today’s post-pandemic world – plus details about his surprising and impressive morning routine.  

Additional resources on this topic: 

• How to meet – and exceed – guest expectations 
• Managing hotel guest communications for the modern traveler 

Having worked as a housekeeper in the past, Luka Berger, Founder & CEO of Flexkeeping, is passionate about bringing technology to properties that are still managing housekeeping using pen and paper. With some hotels either canceling, upselling, or charging for housekeeping, Luka also discusses solutions for forecasting staffing needs, plus the difference between implementing green initiatives vs greenwashing in housekeeping. 

Additional resources on this topic: 

• Housekeeping training manual and SOP
• Housekeeping Checklist

When we hear the word “sustainability,” we often think of green initiatives and the environment. Julie Cheetham, Founding Member & Managing Director of Weeva, a digital system for managing sustainability in tourism, helps hoteliers take a more holistic approach to sustainability, encompassing not only conservation, but also commerce, community, and culture. Julie discusses measuring your property's full sustainability impact, plus how to make positive choices as a traveler when it comes to choosing destinations and excursions.

Additional resources on this topic:

• The top green certifications for your eco hotel (global & regional)
• 11 hotel eCommerce strategies for selling more rooms online

Asa Firestone started his career as a National Geographic grant-sponsored mountain climber and now runs a private, family-owned property that caters to adventure enthusiasts. From hair-pulling maintenance issues to starting a campervan and beer garden side venture right before the pandemic, Asa shares how he tackles the challenges of running bootstrapping businesses head-on – plus how he maintains a loyal staff to help shoulder the load. 

Additional resources on this topic: 

• 5 ways RV parks and campgrounds can boost bookings with software
• How hotel operating costs affect the bottom line

Would you leave home without your wallet? James Lemon does. As Global Lead of Travel, Transport, & Leisure at Stripe, James relies on his digital wallet for making payments and works to connect the hospitality industry with the latest innovation in payments. What does a future of frictionless, invisible payments while traveling look like, and what challenges stand in the way of that? James explains, as well as shares funny stories of when he has gotten caught without cash on hand.

Additional resources on the topic: 

• 3 ways to provide a better payment experience for your guests
• Hotel payment processing with Cloudbeds

As Vice President of Distribution at MGM Resorts, Sarah Fults is a hardcore hotelier who is known as a tough boss when it comes to managing partners. But when it comes to her team of 34, Sarah is a “mama bear” who knows all the kids’ and pets’ names. How does she keep that balance and manage to lead a loyal team even as many others in the industry are struggling with staffing issues? Sarah shares her experience, tips, and her ambition to design the perfect toiletry bag.

Additional resources on this topic:

• Facing a labor shortage at your property? Here’s how technology can help
• What is a GDS & how can it help increase occupancy?

When Giancarlo Carniani, General Manager of ToFlorence Hotels and President and Founder of the Hospitality Innovation Academy noticed that his hotel’s room rates were always selling at their peak, he had an idea – what if he stopped limiting the revenue management system and set the rates free? Hear about his experience removing the ceiling from his rate restrictions as well as how he handles recruitment, labor shortage, and what it was like to be on the frontlines of the Covid-19 pandemic as a hotelier. 

Additional resources on this topic: 

• What is yield management? +9 strategies to boost your revenue
• Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) Calculator

When was the last time you spent the night camping? As Global Director of Partnerships at Hipcamp with over 15 years of experience in the outdoor hospitality and tech industry, Kristen Vasan is dedicated to getting travelers to experience nature as a way of promoting environmental stewardship. She shares her transition from working in New York City to spending half the year sleeping in a tent and her thoughts on the transformative power of nature in sparking collective humanity. 

Additional resources on this topic: 

• 6 ways to make your hotel more sustainable 
• 10 types of hotel guests who might walk through your door 

As someone who joined the hospitality industry right after high school, lecturer Julia Krebs has deep passion, understanding, and experience in the field that she draws from to connect with students at Les Roches International School of Hotel Management. She emphasizes the importance of inspiring young adults to choose a career in hospitality and discusses the need to balance technology in hospitality education with the human touch. 

Additional resources on this topic: 

• Infinitely scalable: Build your ideal hotel tech stack with a modern platform 
• A guide to hotel operations: Strategies, trends, and technology

The vacation rental industry has become highly lucrative – and competitive – in recent years. As Global Head of Connectivity Account Management at Vrbo, Gavin Gray has a wealth of insights to share about the vacation rental industry, including top trends, hot destinations, and essential technology tools needed to gain a competitive edge. He highlights the differences between hotels and vacation rentals, as well as the increasing similarities in the experiences they offer. 

Additional resources on this topic: 

• 23 Airbnb competitors and alternative booking sites 
• How to choose a revenue management system (+18 top RMS solutions)

During his long career in hospitality education, Dr. Stowe Shoemaker (Ph.D. Cornell University) has witnessed the hospitality curriculum evolve into a business-focused teaching. But should hospitality be all business? He discusses the challenges of educating and attracting a new generation to the hospitality industry and explores the value of applying hospitality principles in other industries, especially healthcare. 

Additional Resources on this topic: 

• Exclusive interview: How to empower hospitality’s future leaders with modern tech skills and innovation 
• 6 trends shaping the travel landscape

Running a resort & spa in the middle of remote Utah has proven to be one of life’s greatest adventures for Dallin Tait. After spending the better part of his career running an excursion company, Dallin also took on the role of General Manager at his family-owned hotel in Bluff, Utah – a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts. He shares his success journey, from starting a destination hotel business and building a strong team to navigating challenges and scaling for growth. 

Additional resources on this topic: 

• From idea to execution: 10 sections to include in your hotel business plan
• Starting a lodging business: The complete technology guide

Jacqueline Nunley has been at the forefront of revolutionizing travel industry technology for over two decades. As the Industry Advisor for Travel & Hospitality at Salesforce, she has dedicated her career to guiding companies to transform with innovative solutions. She shares her perspective on the importance of discovering and adopting new tools, the impact technology has on hospitality job roles, and the future of travel – including potential disruptions that may occur.  

Additional resources on this topic: 

• 14 hotel technology trends that every hotelier needs to know
• PMS Technology: The evolution and future of the hospitality platform

From business setbacks to viral TikToks, Bianda Brasdorp has experienced a full spectrum of challenges and triumphs on her journey to becoming the successful owner of multiple female-only hostels in Europe. She shares her experience and recommendations for aspiring hostel owners, including coming up with a unique concept, making the most of social media marketing, and maintaining a positive mindset when facing obstacles and criticism. 

Additional resources on this topic: 

• TikTok for hotels: 9 best practices & examples to get you started
• 8 ways hostel marketing should differ from hotel marketing

Love them or hate them, social media influencers are on the rise. As the co-founder of Anorak Travel, an influencer company focused on the tourism industry, Anne-Julie Karcher has made a career of strategically matching hoteliers with influencers who can help them reach their marketing goals. She provides insights into the costs and budgeting of influencer marketing and how to choose influencers who match your target audience. 

Additional resources on this topic: 

• 8 hotel marketing trends & how properties can prepare
• Instagram for hotels: what to post, features to use, and examples to inspire

There’s a lot of talk about AI in hospitality - but how can it actually be used to enhance guest experiences and streamline operations for hotels? In this episode of The Turndown, Maxim Tint, Founder & CEO of Trevo talks about the evolution of guest experiences through technology. 

The conversation dives into the challenges hoteliers face in adopting change, the role of governments in driving innovation, and the balance between automation and in-person guest interactions.

The hospitality industry is facing a talent crisis, but what does it take to attract, retain, and inspire the next generation of leaders? In this episode of The Turndown, Lori Kiel, SVP of Revenue Management at Pyramid Global Hospitality, shares her thoughts on the evolving role of talent and technology in the industry.

The conversation dives into the future of revenue management and commercial teams, the importance of collaboration, and how to create a sustainable pipeline of passionate hospitality professionals.

What does it take to shape the future of hotel development while staying true to your vision? In this episode of The Turndown, Richard Kessler, Founder of The Kessler Collection, shares his journey from building budget hotels to becoming a visionary in boutique luxury. 

From his first boutique hotel (before anyone really knew what that meant) to shaping the Autograph Collection with Mariott, Richard explains how art, music, and innovative design create guest experiences that keep people coming back. This conversation explores the realities of hotel development today and what it takes to succeed as an independent in a brand-driven world.

What does it take to lead a successful hotel brand while keeping people at the heart of everything you do? In this episode of The Turndown, Diego de Ponga, CEO of Port Hotels, shares his journey from head of revenue management to CEO of one of Spain's most iconic family-owned hotel groups.

Diego explains how Port Hotels invests heavily in employee development, emphasizing why training programs and team culture are critical for hospitality success. He also highlights the importance of clearly aligning sales, marketing, and revenue management teams to create a perfect growth cycle, shares how integrated technology drives efficiency, and provides practical advice for revenue professionals to future-proof their careers.

What does it take to lead the largest hotel group in Mexico, oversee 17,000 employees, and navigate an industry in constant transformation? In this episode of The Turndown, Enrique Calderón Fernández, COO of Posadas, shares his insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of hospitality.

From keeping hotels open during the pandemic to developing 30 new properties, Enrique discusses the challenges of labor retention, rising costs, and evolving guest expectations. He explains how Posadas is driving productivity through guest experience, upselling, and sustainability - while navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. 

What’s it like to build a portfolio in a high-barrier market like San Diego? In this episode of The Turndown, Adam Dailey, real estate investor and accommodation operator, shares how he finds value in overlooked properties and why uncertainty is both a challenge and an opportunity for independent hoteliers.

From running an Olympic hospitality business to building a portfolio in San Diego, Adam shares how his early experience packaging tickets and accommodations sparked a passion for real estate. He talks through the realities of today’s hospitality market—financing challenges, shifting guest behavior, and why service still matters more than ever.

How do you balance guest experience with data security in an industry built on personal connections? In this episode of The Turndown, Claudia Infante, Chief Data Officer at Margaritaville, shares her perspective on the evolving role of technology in hospitality—what’s working, what’s missing, and what needs to change.

From guest data management to AI and facial recognition, Claudia breaks down how hotels can leverage technology without losing the heart of hospitality. She also shares her thoughts on the next generation of industry leaders and why seamless tech integrations are still one of the biggest pain points in hospitality. Plus, we hear about her career journey from banquet server to hospitality tech leader and what earning a Lifetime Achievement Award means to her.

What does it mean to deliver authentic hospitality in an increasingly automated world? In this episode of The Turndown, Diogo Vaz Ferreira, Head of Commercial at Clink Hostels, shares his thoughts on balancing modernization with the human touch in the hostel industry.

The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities of integrating automation, the evolving expectations of younger, tech-savvy travelers, and how hostels like Clink are staying ahead by embracing innovation without sacrificing community. From the intricacies of hostel revenue management to the impact of social dynamics on guest experience, this episode offers valuable insights for hospitality professionals navigating a fast-changing landscape.

What does it take to keep hospitality from becoming just another commodity? In this episode of The Turndown, Bashar Wali, Founder and CEO of This Assembly and Practice Hospitality, shares why the future of hotels lies not in points or perks, but in the power of human connection. 

Drawing on his experience as hotel developer, operator, and tireless traveler, Bashar challenges the industry to rethink loyalty, guest experience, and the role of technology. Discover why emotional intelligence is hospitality’s greatest asset – and how small, thoughtful moments can transform forgettable stays into lifelong loyalty. 

What does it take to create a hospitality experience so unique that guests become your greatest advocates? In this episode of The Turndown, Brad Steward shares the philosophy behind Caravan Outpost, a place where intentional design and experiential travel collide.

Drawing on his background as a snowboarder, designer, and brand innovator, Brad brings a unique perspective to hospitality. Discover how his philosophy of “rugged luxury” combines innovation, storytelling, and hands-on craftsmanship to deliver experiences that speak directly to his guests’ desires—making them his brand’s biggest advocates and fans.

How do you create a truly memorable hospitality experience that keeps guests coming back? In this episode of The Turndown, James Kendall LaRue, COO of LOGE, shares his journey from consulting to leading an innovative hospitality brand that prioritizes community and authenticity. With properties designed to get guests out of their rooms and connected with each other and the outdoors, LOGE blends technology and personalized hospitality to create memorable moments across its growing network of experiential stays.

Kendall discusses how LOGE leverages tech to streamline operations while empowering team members to focus on human-to-human interactions and shares insights on why authenticity and genuine care are the core competencies he seeks in leaders. With a unique approach to staffing, training, and community engagement, Kendall explains why true hospitality is about creating meaningful experiences, not just selling rooms.

A 15-year veteran of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Charlie Lopez-Quintana is now rewriting the rules of luxury hospitality at ETC Hotels, home to Shutters on the Beach and Hotel Casa del Mar.

In this episode of The Turndown, Charlie shares why the future of luxury isn’t about scripts, stiff formality, or hiding behind a front desk. It’s about laid-back luxury — a more human, intuitive approach where leaders roll up their sleeves, teams are empowered to create unscripted moments, and technology supports hospitality without replacing its soul.

Resources:

A guide to improving the hotel guest experience Guest profiles: The foundation of personalized experiences

Enough one-night stands: A guest marketing playbook for driving repeat revenue

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About Cloudbeds

Cloudbeds is the hospitality management system built for ambitious hoteliers who demand more. The Cloudbeds platform unifies operations, distribution, guest experience, and revenue marketing, giving operators a breadth of tools to capture demand, grow direct bookings, optimize pricing, maximize upsell revenue, and act on real-time intelligence within a single system.

Designed to scale with independent hotels, large hotel groups, and multi-property portfolios, Cloudbeds is trusted by tens of thousands of properties in more than 150 countries. Founded in 2012, Cloudbeds is recognized as a top Hotel Management System, PMS, and Channel Manager — and Best Place to Work — by Hotel Tech Report for eight consecutive years.

In this episode, Vipul Dayal shares how he stepped into hospitality after his father-in-law’s passing, inherited a powerful family legacy, and made the bold decision to take a historic Days Inn in San Francisco independent just as COVID shut the world down.

The conversation explores what it really takes to leave a franchise, build a brand from scratch, lead with purpose, and prepare teams for ownership. Vipul also opens up about his A.L.L. philosophy, advocacy, leadership, and legacy, plus his views on AI, TrevPAR, front-desk-free hotels, and why the future belongs to hoteliers willing to rethink the old playbook.

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Resources:

Cloudbeds' 2026 guide to hotel deflagging What is Total Revenue per Available Room (TRevPAR)?

10 best hotel software systems for independent properties

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About Cloudbeds

Cloudbeds is the hospitality management system built for ambitious hoteliers who demand more. The Cloudbeds platform unifies operations, distribution, guest experience, and revenue marketing, giving operators a breadth of tools to capture demand, grow direct bookings, optimize pricing, maximize upsell revenue, and act on real-time intelligence within a single system. Designed to scale with independent hotels, large hotel groups, and multi-property portfolios, Cloudbeds is trusted by tens of thousands of properties in more than 150 countries. Founded in 2012, Cloudbeds is recognized as a top Hotel Management System, PMS, and Channel Manager — and Best Place to Work — by Hotel Tech Report for eight consecutive years.

What does it really take to lead when the pressure never lets up, and the conversations most leaders avoid become impossible to ignore? In this episode of The Turndown, Suzanne Speak, Managing Director UK & Ireland at Radisson Hotel Group, shares an unfiltered look at leadership through constant change, personal strain, and menopause, a topic the industry has long kept in the shadows.

Suzanne breaks down what it means to lead while navigating invisible challenges, why silence around menopause is costing businesses more than they realize, and how leaders can build cultures where people don’t have to hide. From high-stakes decision-making to redefining resilience at the executive level, this conversation pushes beyond surface-level leadership advice and into what’s actually happening behind the scenes.

In this episode, Suzanne shares:

• Why menopause is a leadership issue, not a personal one
• What’s really happening across UK & Ireland hospitality right now
• How guest expectations are evolving and what operators are getting wrong
• Where AI fits and where it doesn’t in a human-first industry
• Lessons from running complex operations like stadium hotels
• The leadership mindset shifts that actually move careers forward
• Why stepping away might be the most underrated performance strategy