First it was finance spreadsheets, now it’s suite dreams: Ian Di Tullio’s journey to the top of Minor Hotels is anything but ordinary. Let’s just say: it started with data and ended with loyalty (lots of it). We mic’d up with the Global Chief Commercial Officer, Ian Di Tullio, who went from flying high with Air Canada & Accor to shaking up hospitality from Bangkok with brains, heart, and some serious backend magic. In this one, we get into: - What the airline industry taught him about innovation and squeezing margin magic - How data & AI = power (when you actually use it right) - And why respect > synergy when it comes to brand acquisitions Enjoy the show!

Say hello to Samuel Njoroge, Director of Quality Assurance & Sustainability at Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA, joining our latest Breaktime episode with the fabulous Mari. Talking trash (literally), tech, and turning purpose into planet-saving action. From phone operator in 2009 to full-blown eco-legend today, Samuel’s journey is pure SMACK: hustle, heart, and a whole lot of green ambition. What’s on the Breaktime menu? - Climbing the ranks and building a regional sustainability strategy that actually works - AI-powered bins, data-driven food waste reduction, and how Winnow helped save 21,000+ meals - Why educating kids to plant trees and clean beaches is both adorable and revolutionary (warning: might trigger proud-parent tears) His vibe? Calm, clear, and climate-conscious: “Sustainability isn’t just CSR. It’s everyone’s responsibility – and it starts at home.” Enjoy the show!

From courtroom to boardroom, now serving global hospitality with that Spanish spice. Meet María Zarraluqui, VP of Global Development at Meliá Hotels International, lawyer-turned-development-queen and Mallorca-based hospitality firecracker. We caught up with her at IHIF2025 in Berlin, where our host Florian had the mic, and María brought the magic. In this episode: How a life twist landed her at Meliá... where 25 years later, she’s still rocking the show. Why Spanish hospitality isn’t just service: it’s soul, sunshine, and secret sauce. How “Mujeres en Hospitality” started as a Friday video call and turned into a full-on movement of mentoring and powerful community. Her vibe? Big energy, bigger wisdom: “Believe in yourself, raise your voice, make your knowledge and your capabilities visible.” Enjoy the show!

Swiping Right on Luxury & Small Hotels. The wait is finally over… As you might know, Richard Hyde, COO of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, took the hot seat SMACK Live at Young Hoteliers Summit at #EHL in Lausanne and here comes his podcast episode. From his slide into hospitality to building what he calls the “Tinder of Hotels” – matching dream stays with the perfect guests – Richard spilled the tea about working with SLH with style, wit, and a whole lotta love for the world of small luxury. This exclusive SMACK Live episode dives into: - What a day in the life of a COO really looks like (spoiler: it involves strategy, sales, numbers, and his amazing team). - The secret life of SLH’s mystery inspectors (yes, they’re real – and no, they’re not paid). - The new Unplugged Collection: massive phone detox, luxury edition. - His dream hotel: small, warm, Italian, and family-style hospitality that sticks with you forever. Also, if you’re someone who tries to dodge long emails and Zoom marathons to have real conversations instead: Richard might just be your new role model. So tell us… If hotels were on Tinder, who would you swipe right on? Enjoy the show!

Are you ready for some stories about waffles, wellness, and the CIA? Adam Crocini isn’t just shaping Hilton’s F&B scene across 8,000+ properties - he and his team have also been pushing those legendary DIY waffles like true breakfast evangelists. Yes, the iconic Hampton by Hilton ones. As SVP of Global Design, Wellness, and Food & Beverage at Hilton, Adam oversees everything from restaurant concepts to wellness initiatives. But don’t let the fancy title fool you - he believes real hospitality leadership starts at the bottom, sleeves rolled up, hands in the action. No shortcuts here! Adam and Fritz met up at the Taste of Hilton F&B Conference in Istanbul, where Adam dished out some insider stories about his work and his involvement with the Culinary Institute of America... From his early days in the kitchen to running Michelin-starred operations and massive casino resorts, Adam has seen it all. And now, he’s on SMACK to tell you all about it... Enjoy the show!

Buckle up, hospitality fans, this episode is double trouble on the mic! Glenn Hausman, Podcast Host and initiator of THE No Vacancy Podcast, joined Flo to discuss how one moves from editing hip-hop videos to running one of the biggest podcasts in #hospitality. Flo and Glenn chat about personal branding, career moves, and why AI will never be able to replace real human connections. Glenn gets real about his early struggles, the podcast boom, and the importance of showing up as your true self. If you’re looking for a lesson on authenticity, passion, curiosity, and how to skyrocket your own personal-brand… then listen closely to this one! What moment during a hotel stay makes you most excited? 🤩 Enjoy the show!

What do sustainability, the future of hospitality, and King Charles III have in common? Turns out, more than you’d think – and Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, is here to spill the tea (or should we say, the royal Earl Grey?). In this episode, Glenn met with Phil to chat about what sustainability really means for #hospitality and tourism and how ‘the Alliance’ is planning to get the whole industry on board to go #netpositive. From practical tips to planet-sized challenges, he keeps it real about why going green isn’t just a trend – it’s the only future. Glenn paints a clear picture of how hospitality can step up and lead the way to a greener planet – with actionable insights for big and small players to tackle issues like modern slavery, food waste, and other sustainability topics – one initiative at a time. Hit play and join the conversation! Enjoy the show!

How to avoid cranky customers and rainy days 🌧☂ Ever wondered what happens when a #climate scientist becomes a travel enthusiast? Meet Nick Cavanaugh, who turned his PhD in atmospheric physics into a solution for weather-impacted #travelplans. In this Breaktime episode, Lisa chatted with the founder and CEO of Sensible Weather, who is planning to make travel more predictable one booking at a time with "weather guarantees" - automatic reimbursements when Mother Nature doesn't cooperate with your vacation plans. From analyzing snowfall in Berlin to protecting beach days in Hawaii, Nick's innovative approach combines complex weather data with simple, consumer-friendly insurance products. His company helps guests overcome dampened travel experiences, whether they're planning a ski trip or a golf getaway. Enjoy the show!

What makes The World’s 50 Best Hotels award so iconic? In this Breaktime episode, Mari has a delightful chat with Emma Sleight, Head of Content at The World’s 50 Best Hotels - aka the Oscars of hospitality. Emma gives us a peek into the special award categories, like the SevenRooms Icon Award, Flor de Caña Eco Hotel Award, and Nikka Best New Hotel Award… plus all the behind-the-scenes magic that comes with being the list every #luxuryhotel dreams of making. Get ready for insider insights, plenty of laughs, and a fresh perspective on what it takes to reach the top! What’s the one thing you think every hotel should have to make it onto The World’s 50 Best Hotels list? Enjoy the show!

What's the secret behind leading a team to the World’s 50 Best Hotels award? Hint: It’s not a killer minibar! John Blanco, General Manager of Capella Bangkok, sits down with Phil to share his journey. From chef to hotel industry pro, John’s worked on every continent and brought those global insights with him to create a winning team at Capella. It’s a mix of leadership, passion, and a whole lot of hard work (with a dash of fun along the way, of course ). Tune in and find out what makes Capella Bangkok truly stand out. Now we’re turning the spotlight on YOU! What’s the magic that makes a hotel stand out? The little details? The big ideas? Drop your thoughts in the comments. Enjoy the show!

How does Hyatt approach hotel development? For this episode Felicity Black-Roberts Senior Vice President of Development for EAME at Hyatt met with Fritz at the FHS world to chat about hotel development in Europe and the Middle East. They explored how the hotel investment landscape has transformed and what this could mean for the hospitality industry's future. Felicity gives us a peek into how Hyatt is positioning its brands to meet the unique needs of each acquisition – and the benefits that big brand names offer to hotel owners. What would your ideal brand portfolio look like? Hit play, relax, and enjoy some top-tier insights that might just change the way you think about the industry. Enjoy the show!

Ever dreamed of living in Karl Lagerfeld’s world of fashion and design?  Well, it’s about to get real!  In this SMACK episode Pier Paolo Righi, CEO of Karl Lagerfeld, shares exclusive insights on how the brand has evolved since the maestros passing, his visionary approach to luxury, and the creative legacy he left behind. Fritz and Pier Paolo met during #FHSworld to discuss how Pier is guiding Karl’s intimate vision for the brand forward. This conversation is packed with style and insider details.  And, of course, we explore their latest move into #hospitality with Lagerfeld’s plans for #brandedresidences. Imagine stepping into a space that captures the essence of the iconic #Lagerfeld style - every bit as glamorous and timeless as you'd expect… and sweatpants would most likely be forbidden.  Tune in on our website for the full elegance. Enjoy the show!

This is hotter than your morning coffee! Join us for our very first #Breaktime episode on SMACK! Mari is kicking things off with Mieke Berkers, Director of European Business Development at Montgomery Group, who’s giving us the inside scoop on the Independent Hotel Show Munich making its first German appearance. Ever wonder why this #event is such a unique show for hoteliers? Or why Munich is the perfect spot? Mieke’s got the answers - plus some fun insights into what’s next for boutique hotels. So, if you’re up for a little inspiration and some fresh ideas, this one’s for you. Come hang with us and hear what’s brewing! Enjoy the show!

Are you the driver of your career or just a passenger along for the ride? In this episode, Pat sits down with Daniel Afonso, Senior VP of People & Culture at Radisson Hotel Group, and trust us, staying stagnant is not on the agenda. Daniel shares his story – From a start in finance to his accidental start in #hospitality, and how he seized every opportunity to create the life he wanted. They dive into what makes hospitality so addictive, and how to keep talent by offering hybrid roles that help them grow and evolve. For the Radisson team it’s all about training for skills and letting people experiment, learn, and thrive. Get ready for some real career talk with Daniel! Whether you're navigating through twists and turns or cruising toward your goals, Daniel's insights will inspire you to take charge and drive your career forward. Buckle up and tune in! Enjoy the show!

We’re kicking off Season 6 in the vibrant streets of London, where Jonathan Worsley, Chairman & CEO of The Bench, met with Fritz to explore the past, the present and the future of hospitality and its exciting global development. With the FHS World in Dubai just around the corner, Jonathan shared his insights on the Middle East’s remarkable transformation over the past two decades and highlighted various success factors for the sector, including the vital role of women. Guess what: Nothing works without…? Women, correct! ;) Jonathan explained why involving the topic of sustainability in his events is crucial, what impact new technologies like AI have in the field and he shared how hospitality investment conferences have evolved over the last 25 years. And if anybody knows, it’s him! As co-founder of the International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) Jonathan was largely involved in establishing successful hospitality events across the globe. As a member of the board, he serves as a trusted advisor to, among others, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Freshontable and Envi Lodges. Luckily, Fritz has, for once, done his homework and asks Jonathan to spill the beans about some of his highlight moments, like an epic charity bike ride from Amsterdam to Berlin, skiing in Iran and unforgettable mishaps at award shows. Jonathan’s journey is nothing short of inspiring and this episode is packed with personal insights. Tune in and enjoy the show!

Traveling under the rainbow flag During the recent pridemonth, Phil sat down at TSH Berlin with Simon Mayle Event Director at Reed Exhibitions, for, among others, PROUD Experiences and ILTM Cannes. At PROUD Experiences he connects hotels, travel advisors, and LGBTQ+ travel trailblazers and helps them to customize their offers to the community’s needs and wishes. Simon and Phil had a jolly exchange about the status quo of #gaytravels, the problems rainbow families are facing during their holidays, the importance of brand values, boycotts, and the potential that the target group holds – especially in the luxury segment. Don’t get all glittered up before you hear about the hottest top or flop destinations for travelers and fabulous queer adventures. The full sparkly episode is out now! Stay proud and loud and enjoy the show!

Pat had a chat with Chris Nader, Co-Founder and CEO of ENVI Lodges, who is on a mission to revolutionize outdoorhospitality and combine it with sustainableluxury. Chris and his team find themselves facing the challenge of meeting sustainability standards while satisfying the demanding needs of #luxurytravelers. But there’s no doubt that the soon-to-open boutique properties immersed in nature will manage to close this gap. ✨ Chris shared insights into his adventurous entrepreneurial journey and gave plenty of great advice for curious hotel entrepreneurs-to-be. One of the most important factors in launching one’s own company? The right co-founder and team to jump all the bumps and bombs along the road with.💥 Listen carefully, Chris even shares some exclusive, top-secret news with SMACK! 🤫👂 Enjoy the show!

Fahad Abdulrahim Kazim, CEO of Millennium Hotels & Resorts MEA, joined Fritz at the FHS in Riyadh for a chat about Saudi Arabia’s booming travel market, the plans of Millennium Hotels & Resorts in the middleeast and African region, and the future of brand evolution. Fahad found his true calling in hospitality through numbers. He went from accounting to real estate and landed in hospitality with a passion for showcasing Saudi Arabia’s beauty to the world. The Vision 2030 and the country’s transformation coming with it are spectacular. Today’s travelers crave authentic experiences, and Saudiarabia delivers – stunning landscapes, rich culture, and history. And the food! Ever tried local Saudi honey? It’s not just about breakfast; it’s about tasting the essence of the land. 🍯 Millennium thrives in sustainability and unforgettable experiences – including local produce, farm visits, and cultural interactions. Guests book more than just a room; they book a story. For Fahad, it’s the best of both worlds – memorable experiences and earth care. Stick around for the “not so easy” SMACK questions challenge at the end, which Fahad bravely faced and successfully conquered. 😉 Enjoy the show!

A business affair of data and sustainability. Meet Caroline Tiveus, Senior Vice President of Sustainable Business at Pandox - one of the forefront players in bringing the #hopsitalityindustry to the next level sustainability-wise. Caroline and Flo discussed the work she is doing to help hotels reduce their CO2 emissions, along with how different standards throughout the EU affect business decisions, and how it is time to take proper action instead of just #greenwashing. Caroline doesn't just talk the talk; she manages several #hotelproperties throughout Europe and implements direct actions in all departments and teams. Her work showcases how businesses can actually save money while at the same time, becoming more eco-friendly. Even though she doesn’t consider herself an activist, she proves every day that passion and data work hand in hand. For her, the most important part is doing meaningful work, to be able to look her children in the eye, and actually be proud. Tune in to the full episode! Enjoy the show!