hotel news

In this solo episode, Susan Barry explains the three stakeholders in the hotel business, how they are incentivized, and why their financial incentives might be inhibiting creativity and innovation.  Although she explains a bunch of financial concepts her, be advised -- Susan is neither an attorney nor an accountant.  If you have an idea for fixing, changing, or reinventing hospitality, consider this your sign -- get in touch!

Trina Notman experienced something that many people both desire and fear -- going viral -- when her LinkedIn post about sexism from the podium garnered her international news coverage and so many messages she could barely keep up. Although Trina had experienced a similar flash of fame after going undercover to bust up a prostitution ring, she credits her current boss for creating the kind of culture that allowed her to speak up without fear of retribution. Susan and Trina talk about nooners, trolls, and bandits.

Jody Merl is an entrepreneur and luxury travel expert. If that sounds glamorous, you should hear about one of her first jobs - as assistant to the director of famed Olivia Newton John roller skating film, *Xanadu*. Jody carved out a unique space in hospitality when she founded her company, Innovative Travel Marketing, and she works with hotels and media companies to maximize unused space. Susan and Jody talk about orange juice, dry shampoo, and marketing budgets.

Part two of Susan's conversation with Ira Vouk, author of Hospitality 2.0.  In this episode, Ira explains how she teaches hospitality tech and makes the case for data standardization.  If you missed part one, you can find it at topfloorpodcast.com/episode/32, along with definitions and explanations of some key terms.

Let's face it: Susan is one of the nerdiest people you've ever met, so when she meets her match in Ira Vouk, you know something special is happening. Ira is the author of Hospitality 2.0, about the digital revolution in hospitality. This conversation is long and interesting, so stay tuned for part two next week. And, if these technical conversations leave you scratching your head, go to topfloorpodcast.com/episode/32 for definitions and explanations of some key terms.