Whole Systems Hospitality Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Jack Lighton is the Executive Director of 4ocean Foundation, the philanthropic arm of 4ocean, one of the world’s largest global ocean cleanup companies dedicated to ending the ocean plastic crisis. 

Since 2017, 4ocean’s professional, full-time captains and crews have removed over 40 million pounds of plastic pollution from the world’s ocean, rivers, and coastlines.

4ocean has built a vibrant lifestyle brand with a digital network of over 25m active followers enabling campaigns to reach billions of hearts and minds who can help 4ocean address the ocean plastic crisis. 

Mr. Lighton works with philanthropists, foundations, and corporations to significantly scale 4ocean’s local and global clean up operations, with a bold goal to exceed over 100m pounds of plastic pulled in the next five years.

Mr. Lighton is the immediate past CEO of SeaLegacy, a global nonprofit recognized for their award-winning advocacy campaigns that resulted in the significant expansion of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) which are critical to restoring and re-wilding the ocean.

Prior to SeaLegacy Mr. Lighton spent nearly ten-years as President & CEO of Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) where he worked with the community to transform the center’s visibility, visitation, and conservation impact, repositioning the center into one of Florida’s most visited and respected scientific and cultural facilities.  

Mr. Lighton’s career began in management consulting where he spent two-decades with the firms Harris Interactive-Nielsen and J.D. Power & Associates managing diverse teams based in Detroit, New York, London, and Singapore.

Mr. Lighton lives in Palm Beach County, Florida and contributes his time to multiple boards including:
-Friends of Manatee Lagoon (founding board member) 

-Discover The Palm Beaches (Executive Committee)

In his free time, Mr. Lighton enjoys:
-Advocating for animal rescue and traveling the United States in his family’s motor-coach named, “Karl.”

Mr. Lighton’s comprehensive professional achievements are viewable on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacklighton/

 This episode interviews Laura Sherman, VP of operations for Guest Services, a company managing food and lodging in national parks since 1917. Sherman discusses the company's journey towards sustainability, driven by their partnership with the National Park Service and a growing awareness of climate change, focusing on the Flamingo Lodge in the Everglades, which was rebuilt using shipping containers to minimize its impact. The conversation touches on the challenges and rewards of sustainable practices, emphasizing the long-term benefits and the need for both strategic planning and small, manageable steps for other companies to transition. The podcast aims to inspire listeners to adopt sustainable solutions for both environmental and economic benefits, highlighting that this is not a trend but an industry shift.
 
Key Takeaways: 

Guest Services' Historical Roots in Sustainability:
Guest Services was founded in 1917 and evolved from a food service provider for soldiers to managing contracts in national and state parks. 
Their involvement with the National Park Service 30-40 years ago instilled a commitment to conservation and preservation.


The Flamingo Lodge: A Model for Sustainable Accommodation:


Located in Everglades National Park, the lodge was rebuilt after being destroyed by hurricanes.
It's constructed from elevated shipping containers to minimize environmental impact and provide resilience against future storms. 
The lodge highlights the importance of stewardship in protecting fragile ecosystems like the Everglades.
Offers glamping options alongside traditional camping and RV spots.
Provides educational opportunities through partnerships with park rangers and interpretive programs.


Benefits of Sustainable Practices:Attracts environmentally conscious guests who favor properties with sustainable initiatives.


Improves operational efficiencies and reduces long-term operating costs.
Prepares businesses for increasing regulatory compliance related to environmental protection.
Future Trends in Sustainable Hospitality:
The industry will move forward as people adapt.
People moving towards energy efficiencies using geothermal heating systems.
Getting rid of styrofoam, plastics, and straws. *Regulatory compliance will be evident.
The industry is moving towards bulk amenities. *Colorado has eliminated single use plastics.


Quote: “You've got to set your goals. You've got to set that path and that journey that you want to follow. Because if you just start off and go blindly, it's going to backfire. How do you anticipate getting there and work towards that goal?” 

As the Managing Director of Green Key Global, North America’s leading sustainability certification program, Anick plays a critical role in advancing sustainability efforts in the hospitality sector. 

Anick works with industry players across the globe to establish operational standards that are suited to all stages of a hotel’s sustainability journey and are underscored by the importance of sustainability certification in the ever-evolving regulatory, competitive and environmental landscape. By fostering the enterprise-wide adoption of sustainability efforts, Anick helps hoteliers contribute to the long-term health of the environment and local communities, while simultaneously driving profitable business growth. 

Anick has over two decades of experience developing value propositions that fuel organizational growth. She has worked with leading businesses across multiple sectors and geographies and has experience across a multitude of disciplines that include corporate strategy, marketing, business development and client management.

#GreenKeyGlobal; #SustainableToursim; #SustainabilityCertification

Looking to break through barriers, go for that promotion or reinvent yourself. Possibly, it’s time to revisit what you find valuable. If so, don’t miss this episode with Rachel Vandenberg. From hotelier to leadership coach, Rachel will explore the VALUE  of values and how to strategically use them to live your best life. 

We also discuss her decision to hand off the management duties to someone else at Sun and Ski Resorts. We will also dive into each beautiful season Vermont offers you and how to get the most out of your visit!

Some of the key takeaways from this episode are:

-Difference between coaching and therapy

- what obstacles point out that you could benefit from coaching

- How to use values for leadership skills 

- Why a sustainable hospitality endeavor takes both leadership and vision

- How you can determine your values 

-365 days in Stowe Vermont 

- Why moving to having a property manager was the right move

 Key Takeaways:

Time stamps:

41:01

13:30

Quote: 

“When you want to bring change about in your organization and sustainability is one of those changes that you might be wantong to implement, you really, as a leader want to inspire and motivate your team. Start by giving them the vision, of why we  are doing this, and get that buy-in and create some connection and purpose around that.”

Show Notes:

Come visit! : www.sunandskiinn.com
Learn about my coaching services: www.thetravelleadercoach.com

Don’t forget to subscribe to our valuable and bite size Sustainable Hotelier Insider to stay on top of all of the news, resources and products you need to know!

#Leadership, #LeadershipCoach, #HotelManagement, #HospitalityCareer, #SustainabilityVision, #Vermont, #SunandSki, #SustainabilityPodcast, #GreenluxeStories

Explore true resilience in hospitality and tourism with Dr. Bijan Khazai, CEO of Risklayer GMBH and Hotel Resilient. This German-based scientific benchmarking company prepares the global hospitality industry for crises like pandemics, natural disasters, and climate change.

Dr. Khazai shares his journey from studying disaster recovery to applying these principles in hospitality. Learn how to assess risks and prepare your organization, regardless of size. Gain valuable insights and access free tools to boost your resilience today!

 Key Takeaways:

-       What disaster and climate resilience in practice looks like 

-       How disaster recovery modeling can help hotels 

-       What is the foundation for risk-based resiliency thinking 

-       The two issues with current standards 

-       How important it is to have an entire ecosystem of resilience 

-       How important it is to collaborate with your DMC

-       3 Key areas to understanding risks 

-       The drivers of risks 

-       Understanding your site conditions to avoid natural disasters

-       What California is doing as a destination to mitigate risks

-       What the intersection of resilience and sustainability is

-       The difference between destination stewardship and destination management  

-       What is the Sundai framework 

-       How critical success factors are connected to the UN SDG’s

-       Who is a good candidate for a high-risk assessment 

-       How to identify monetized exposed risk 

-       How when DMC’s, Tourism companies and hotels work in collaboration it can acquire more business 

-       Why this information is so critical to insurance and financial institution

Show Notes:

You can find Dr. Bijan Khazai’s organizations below:

HotelReslient.org

RiskLayer.com

Connect with Dr. Bijank Khazai on Linked in:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bijan-khazai-4305b448/

Subscribe to our newsletter to gain insights in the best practices and ideas in under 5 minutes! 

https://www.greenluxeinc.com/newsletter

#HotelResilience, #DestinationResiliency, #DetailedAnalytics, #Riskmanagement, #KeyRisks, #CommunityResilience, #VisitCalifornia, #SustainabilityandResilienceStrategy, #NaturalDisaster, #CriticalSuccessFactors #Stakeholders, #ESG, #HotelManagement, #StrandedAssets, #UNSDG, #GlobalPolicy, #TourismValueChain, #ClimateRisk, #HotelInvestment, #DestinationManagement 

In this episode of the Sustainable Hospitality Podcast, host Amy Wald interviews Jen Collins, co-founder and president Female founded, Procure Impact. You will hear about Jen’s journey from basketball player to hospitality finance and social impact. We will introduce you to the groundbreaking company Procure Impact's whose innovative model connects social enterprises with the hospitality industry.

Jen explains how Procure Impact serves as a bridge between high-quality, scale-ready social enterprises and corporate buyers, offering a tangible way for hotels to achieve social impact goals through procurement. Our discussion covers various impact communities they work with, including trafficking survivors, veterans, and adults with disabilities.

Learn about the "Dignity of Work" campaign in partnership with the American Hotel and Lodging Association, aiming to create 100,000 shift hours for underestimated populations. Jen also discusses partnerships with major hotel brands and the importance of impact tracking in the hospitality industry.

Dive into this episode to learn how hotels can easily incorporate social impact into their operations, from VIP guest amenities to art curation, while maintaining product quality and enhancing guest experiences. Jen's passion for creating meaningful change through business practices shines through, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in sustainable hospitality solutions.

Key Takeaways:

●      Aiming at 100,000 shift hours of work through the hospitality industry

●      How Procure Impact bridges the gap between social enterprises and corporate buyers, particularly in the hospitality industry. 

●      How The company offers a marketplace of products made by individuals who've experienced barriers to work, including trafficking survivors, veterans, and adults with disabilities. 

●        Hotels can easily incorporate social impact into their operations by purchasing items they already need, such as coffee, amenities, and art. 

●      Procure Impact provides impact tracking, allowing hotels to measure their social impact in terms of shift hours created. 

●      The "Dignity of Work" campaign, launched with AHLA, aims to create 100,000 shift hours of work through the hospitality industry. 

●      Major hotel brands and management companies are embracing this model, including Sage Hospitality, Davidson, and Four Seasons. 

●      This approach can increase revenues by appealing to socially conscious guests and decrease expenses by improving employee loyalty and inspiration. 

●      Procure Impact offers customization options, allowing hotels to brand products and create unique guest experiences. 

●      The model aligns with the hospitality industry's values of creating spaces of belonging and providing opportunities for growth. 

●      This initiative allows hotels to fulfill their ESG commitments, particularly in the often `   challenging area of social impact.

Show Notes:

www.procureimpact.us

Book:  Tattoos on the Heart 

Newsletter: https://www.greenluxeinc.com/newsletter

 Hashtags: 

Separate with commas 

#SocialEnterprise #HospitalityImpact #MidLifeSherpa #HumanTrafficking #MakingSpaceForOpportunity #SurpriseandDelight #GuestSatisfaction 
#ESG

Podcast Description:  

What does Hurtigruten mean?  You will learn that and dive into the world of sustainable cruising with Carly Biggart, VP of Sales and Marketing at Hurtigruten. How has Hurtigruten’s 130 year history set them up to lead the charge is preserving places and offering authentic experiences, by falling in love with the places they travel to. Discover how this innovative cruise line is revolutionizing responsible travel along Norway's stunning coastline. Learn practical strategies for balancing profitability with environmental stewardship, engaging employees in sustainability efforts. We talk about everything from circularity to mistakes along their sustainability journey. Whether you're a travel industry professional or a conscious traveler, this episode offers valuable insights on navigating the future of sustainable tourism.

 Key Takeaways:

●      Sustainability should be a core part of a company's DNA, not just an add-on.

●      Authentic communication about sustainability efforts is crucial, including being transparent about challenges to avoid greenwashing.

●      Sourcing locally and engaging with communities can enhance both sustainability and guest experiences.

●      industry collaboration is vital for advancing sustainability in tourism.

●      Deepening existing sustainability commitments (like food waste reduction) can be as important as adding new initiatives.

●      Sustainability can be a powerful tool for attracting both customers and employees who share these values.

●      Experiencing sustainable travel firsthand can inspire guests to make changes in their own lives.

Quote: 

“When people are onboarded at Hurtigruten, to be honest, they will have a passion for sustainability.”

Show Notes:

Learn more about their itineraries: https://www.hurtigruten.com/en-us

Sign up for the Sustainable Hotelier Insider: everything you need to know about sustainable hospitality industry news,  how to start to enhance your journey, frameworks to follow, and innovative products, technologies, and software!

https://www.greenluxeinc.com/newsletter

 #Authenticity, #Norway, #NorthernLights, #ESG, #HotelSalesandMarketing, #SustaianableCruising, #ProgressNotPerfection, #CircularEconomy, #FoodWaste, #GuestExperience, #SustainableProcurement, #EmployeeValues, #HospitalityTopTalent, #DNA, #DestinationStewardship

Timestamps:

Cruise ships, Norway, and sustainability. (2:56)

Hurtigruten's sustainable practices and their impact on the environment and local communities. (8:16)

Sustainability in the travel industry, balancing authenticity and progress. (13:18)

Sustainability practices and initiatives in the travel industry. (17:52)

Sustainability in the travel industry. (22:41)

Sustainability in the travel industry, with a focus on reducing food waste and deepening commitments. (30:45)

Hurtigruten cruises and their unique itineraries, focusing on the North Cape line and Svalbard. (35:56)

Sustainability in the cruise industry with a focus on protecting wildlife and communities. (40:58)

Here's a compelling description for your podcast episode with Anna Blue:

"In this inspiring episode of the Sustainable Hospitality Podcast, host Amy Wald sits down with Anna Blue, the dynamic president of the AHLA Foundation's Forward initiative. Anna brings over two decades of social impact leadership to her role, and she's on a mission to celebrate and elevate women in hospitality without leaving anyone (men) out of the equation or conversation!

Anna shares her journey from political campaigns to social impact work, and how she's now leveraging her experience to drive meaningful change in the hospitality industry. Listeners will gain insights into:

·       The Foundation's history and Anna's vision for its future

·       The power of the Forward initiative and its rapid growth

·       Why the hospitality industry desperately needs this momentum

·       The importance of including men in the conversation about women's advancement

·       How Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) can kickstart diversity efforts

·       The truth about DEI initiatives and their impact on business success

·       Practical advice for starting conversations about equality in your organization

From debunking myths about imposter syndrome to discussing the changing demographics of the workforce, Anna offers a candid and eye-opening perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the hospitality industry.

Whether you're a hospitality professional looking to make a difference, or simply interested in the intersection of social impact and business, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to learn how you can be part of the movement to create a more inclusive and equitable hospitality industry."

Join us in this meaningful conversation! We will see you on the inside.

Key Takeaways:

-       How Anna’s career really laid the groundwork for this work

-       How Forward is building a movement with

-       The setbacks DEI has faced as of late

-       What book Anna recommends reading 

-       What leaders such as IHG are doing 

-       If the hospitality industry is ready for this movement and will answer the call 

-       What Gen Z expects and how soon we will witness see first generation majority minorities 

-       What Gloria Steinem says about men and equity 

Quote: 

"We're seeing it work in some pretty incredible ways. At that first conference, there was 190 people in the room. And five conferences later, we have 900 people in the room. And we had 50% growth just over last year. So we're really seeing the need for this. There is such a huge need for these spaces and this vulnerability and these conversations to exist in our industry."

 Show Notes:

 www.ahlafoundation.org/forward/

https://www.ahlafoundation.org/our-people/


Sign up for the Sustainable Hotelier Insider: everything you need to know about sustainable hospitality industry news,  how to start to enhance your journey, frameworks to follow, and innovative products, technologies, and software!

https://www.greenluxeinc.com/newsletter

#Executiveleadership, #ERG, #CareerPlanning, #AHLA, #ForWard, #Equity, #Female Empowerment, #Inclusivity, #Partnership, #DEI, #Mentorship, #SeatAtTheTable, #TheRightNarrative

In this episode of the Sustainable Hospitality Podcast, we welcome Sarah Dandashy, a true hospitality trailblazer. With over 18 years of luxury hotel experience and an impressive background as an award-winning concierge, Sarah has transformed her passion for hospitality into a multimedia empire.

From her early days at the concierge desk to her current role as the founder of Ask a Concierge, a multi-platform social media brand with over 250,000 followers, Sarah shares her incredible journey of combining her love for hospitality with her expertise in film and television.

Key Takeaways:

-       How she fell into hospitality and turned it into a thriving career

-       The world of luxury travel, revealing the latest trends

-       The growing importance of sustainability and how a concierges can play a vital role in promoting eco-friendly practices and guiding guests towards more sustainable choices, without compromising on the overall experience

-       Crafting magical moments for guests to navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the hospitality industry

-       Becoming a member of the prestigious Les Clefs d'Or and a winner of the esteemed "Best Young Concierge" award

Join us as we uncover the secrets behind Sarah's success and discover how the philosophy of a concierge can be applied to any role, any organization, and any aspect of life. Get ready to be captivated by the magic of hospitality and learn how to create unforgettable experiences that will leave a lasting impact on your guests and your career.

Quote:  “A good concierge is only as good as their connections.”

Show Notes:

Buy Sarah’s book: Hospitality from WIthin

Visit her website: www.AskaConcierge.tv

Join to follow her journey:
https://www.instagram.com/askaconcierge/
https://www.facebook.com/AskAConcierge/
https://twitter.com/AskAConcierge/
https://www.youtube.com/c/AskAConciergeTV

#SustainableHospitality, #LuxuryTravel, #ConciergeMindset, #HospitalityIndustry, #Guest Experience, #SustainableTourism, #LesClefsdOr, #HospitalityExcellence, #CareerAdvice, #HotelTrends #SustainableLiving #GreenHospitality #TravelTips #HospitalityLeadership, #CustomerService, #LuxuryLifestyle, #TravelInspo, #HospitalityProfessionals, #SarahDandashy, #AskaConcierge, #MultimediaMogul, #SustainableChoices, #EcoConsciousTravel, #MagicalMoments, #HospitalityCommunity, #CareerGrowth, #ServiceExcellence #ResponsibleLuxury, #BleisureTravel, #SustainabilityPodcast

In this episode of the Sustainable Hospitality Podcast, we sit down with Meredith Marine, the visionary founder and CEO of Vegan Hospitality, to discuss the growing importance of catering to vegan guests in the hospitality industry. As the demand for plant-based options continues to rise, Meredith shares her insights on how hotels and restaurants can seamlessly integrate vegan offerings into their menus and create a more inclusive dining experience for all guests.

Meredith's unique background in social work and community organizing has given her a keen understanding of the challenges faced by vegan travelers and the importance of accessibility in the hospitality sector. She discusses her motivations for starting Vegan Hospitality, the world's largest professional vegan consultant network, and how her company is helping businesses navigate the transition to vegan-friendly practices.

Throughout the episode, Meredith shares practical tips and strategies for implementing vegan options, from menu engineering and staff training to marketing and guest satisfaction. She also delves into the intersection of veganism and sustainability, explaining how plant-based dining can help reduce environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry.

Whether you're a hotel owner, restaurateur, or simply passionate about creating a more inclusive and sustainable hospitality experience, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we explore the exciting world of vegan hospitality with Meredith Marin and discover how embracing plant-based options can revolutionize your business and delight your guests.

Tune in now and learn how you can start serving ALL your guests with the help of Vegan Hospitality!

 Quote: “The biggest mistake I see companies make is assuming there’s no demand for vegan options because they are not getting requests.”

Show Notes:

www.veganhospitality.com

https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7065991663868948481 

Check out some of Vegan Hospitality’s clients: 

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort - Caribbean’s first carbon neutral resort, and made it to TripAdvisor’s 2024 top 25 hotels in the world list. They have electronic menus and the guest just needs to click Vegan to access all of the vegan options on the ipad menu. 

Boardwalk Boutique Hotel - They have a “Do Good” program that encourages guests to participate in sustainability and animal welfare initiatives - they make it easy for guests to compost their in-room food waste. They connect guests with local animal sanctuaries for donations and volunteering.

Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa - They have a full vegan menu, with innovative dishes, such as lychee ceviche, crispy tofu and truffle risotto, grilled vegan fish filet, spicy buffalo cauliflower wings, and several vegan desserts including a Caribbean snickers bar. Their staff is also extremely knowledgeable and welcome toward vegan guests, as we can see from the reviews they receive.

#foodjustice, #aruba, #veganlifestyle, #deforestation, #climatechange, #inclusivity, #esg,

#consumerdemand, #consumerpreferences, #guestexpereince, #professionaldevelopment

#guest satisfaction #stafftraining, #caribbeanvacations