Distinguished (BU School of Hospitality Administration )
Explorez tous les épisodes de Distinguished
| Date | Titre | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 Jun 2023 | Distinguished (Official Trailer) | 00:01:22 | |
Distinguished with Dean Arun Upneja You’ll hear from executives, founders, and investors who live and breathe Hospitality. The “distinguished” guests on this podcast represent all areas of our industry, from hotels and restaurants to entertainment and sporting venues, travel and tourism, and of course, a favorite pastime for many of us — shopping — because to put it simply, Hospitality is at play in most parts of our lives and livelihood. The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 26 Jun 2023 | Xenia and the Art of Luxury Retail with Ian Carter Chairman of Watches of Switzerland Group | 00:23:45 | |
The much-coveted Birkin bag or a Ferrari is unattainable for most people. Although these luxury goods may be out of sight price-wise for the majority of consumers, retailers who don’t allow aspirational browsing, are the ones who are out of touch. Subscribing to the idea that Xenia (genuine hospitality) is good for business — for both the browser and buyer alike is the topic of this conversation with Ian Carter, Chairman of Watches of Switzerland Group, the world’s leading retailer of luxury watch brands, and the owner and partner of The Exclusive Automotive Group of Washington DC, dealers of Aston Martin, Bentley, Koenigsegg, and Karma luxury vehicles. The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 11 Jul 2023 | Meet Boston: Widening the View with Hilina Ajakaiye, Executive Vice President of Meet Boston, and Colette Phillips, CEO and President/Chief Strategist/Visionary of Colette Phillips Communications, Inc. | 00:41:36 | |
Meet Boston (formerly Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau) introduces a new way to experience Boston. The “All Inclusive Boston” and “Boston never gets old” campaigns widen the lens to present the city’s diverse and inclusive angles while keeping the city’s rich history as part of the picture. Hilina Ajakaiye, Executive Vice President of Meet Boston, and Colette Phillips, CEO and President/Chief Strategist/Visionary of Colette Phillips Communications, Inc., have been instrumental in the rebranding of the Greater Boston region to showcase an ever-evolving Boston.
Boston Campaigns: The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 17 Jul 2023 | Mandarin Oriental’s Legendary Luxury with James Riley, Group Chief Executive | 00:27:31 | |
James Riley shares how the concept of luxury stays in touch with the 21st world by creating an inclusive corporate culture and cultivating fans, many of whom are widely famous, through its world-class guest experience. The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 24 Jul 2023 | Rebuilding Hospitality with Quendrida Whitmore, Executive Coach | 00:44:13 | |
Employees are demanding change, evidenced by widespread staff turnovers and union organization. Quendrida Whitmore, also known as “Coach Quen,” helps build better bosses and positive workplace cultures by being intentional about “how” work gets done. The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 07 Aug 2023 | The Way to Bartaco with Anthony Valletta, President of Bartaco | 00:33:58 | |
How do you bartaco? “Bartaco” encapsulates both a “thing you do” and the name of this growing restaurant company with over 20 locations in 12 states. Anthony Valletta, an alumnus of Boston University School of Hospitality Administration, and President of bartaco, delves into how the company has innovated the traditional restaurant business model. The secret sauce: operational excellence on the backend and warm service and fresh ingredients front and center. The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 21 Aug 2023 | Sharing Sonesta’s Secret with Vera Manoukian, Chief Operating Officer of Sonesta International Hotels | 00:43:20 | |
Vera Manoukian became COO of Sonesta at the height of Covid in 2020. Defying the odds in these recent turbulent years, the company has expanded globally from its start in a tiny Massachusetts seaside town in 1937 to become one of the largest and fastest-growing hospitality companies. What is the secret to this wild success? Honored as one of the 2022 Influential Women of Hospitality by Hotel Management Magazine, Vera is just the person to shed light on hospitality’s best-kept secret. The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 28 Aug 2023 | Columbus Hospitality Group’s Approach(ability) to Fine Dining with Mark D’Alessandro, Director of Operations | 00:30:01 | |
While some fine dining experiences come with a side of pretension, Mark D’Alessandro, Director of Operations of the renowned Columbus Hospitality Group (CHG), sets a table that is exquisite and exceptional while remaining approachable. Mistral can be credited for being one of the preeminent restaurants that ushered in Boston’s burgeoning dining scene in the 1990s. A testament to its success, the CHG has grown to include Sorellina, three Mooo locations, XV Beacon Hotel, the Inn at St. Botolph, and Ostra – which received a five-star rating from the Boston Globe. Mark D’Alessandro shares his thoughts on how technology is (and is not) useful in restaurants and words of wisdom from decades in the business. The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 18 Sep 2023 | Old-world Charm Meets Automation: New England Inns & Resorts with Deborah Burns, Executive Director of New England Inns & Resorts Association | 00:18:51 | |
New England’s old-world charm is best captured by the idyllic, charming inns and resorts down backcountry roads, in the midst of beachside towns, and on the perches of snowy mountains. New England Inns & Resorts (NEIRA), established in 1907, makes it easy to explore over 300 resorts, inns, bed and breakfasts, hotels, and motor inns. Deborah Burns, NEIRA Executive Director, gives an inside look into how the care and personal touches are powered by strategy and the latest technology. The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 02 Oct 2023 | Daily Table Offers a Hand, Not a Hand-Out with Doug Rauch, Founder and President of Daily Table | 00:29:21 | |
For the many Trader Joe’s dedicated shoppers, Doug Rauch is a name you might not know as well as “Joe.” As President, he helped grow the business from a small chain in Southern California to a nationally acclaimed retail success story. After 31 years with the company, Doug hung up this trademark Trader Joe’s Hawaiin shirt to start a non-profit, community grocery store that provides fresh, tasty, convenient, and nutritious food to communities most in need at prices everyone can afford. Doug Rauch, Founder and President of Daily Table The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 16 Oct 2023 | Beyond Running Shoes with Keith Craig, Senior Director of Development of NB Development Group | 00:28:06 | |
New Balance has made an indelible footprint not only in fashion and sports but also in the real estate sector. Keith Craig, Senior Director of Development of NB Development Group, takes us through the milestones of how NB Development Group transformed the once-industrial area of Allston-Brighton into a vibrant destination for music, dining, entertainment, and life sciences. Speaking of all-stars, Boston Landing is also home to what might be the world’s fastest track and the training and practice facilities for the Boston Bruins and Celtics – an all-around win for Boston’s many fans and visitors! The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 30 Oct 2023 | Hospitality by Design with Steven Upchurch, Co-Managing Director of Gensler | 00:33:30 | |
Good vibes. That’s probably the ultimate compliment when one enters into a space. An environment viscerally impacts how we feel and interact with one another. Imagine creating those just-right vibes for large-scale spaces and places such as airports, city districts, corporate headquarters of international companies, sports arenas, museums, and hospital facilities. Where do you start? In this interview, Steven Upchurch of Gensler reveals a bit of the blueprint for transformational design. The first note: start finely tuned research and analysis and then you build from there. The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 13 Nov 2023 | California Raises Minimum Wage for Fast-Food Workers | 00:24:57 | |
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a new law that raises the minimum wage from $15.50 to $20 per hour for fast-food workers starting April 1, 2024. Chris Simms, CEO and Founder of Lazy Dog, a casual dining restaurant that started in California and spans 49 locations across the US, joins the podcast for a discussion of how this law may impact employees, owners, franchisees, and consumers across the entire food-service industry. The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 27 Nov 2023 | More Fun and Less Friction with Tim McLaughlin, Cofounder and CEO of GoTab | 00:33:13 | |
Waiting to be served drinks and food and settling the tab rank most certainly as the pain points of the dining experience. As the famous song goes, "You got to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative." In that spirit, to relieve the friction and induce more seamless service, Tim McLaughlin combined his skills as a technologist with his experience as a brewery restaurant owner to cofound GoTab, a restaurant commerce platform. GoTab increases the volume of hospitality and profitability – a tune we can all groove to! The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 11 Dec 2023 | The Virtuous Cycle of Purpose Driving Profit with Niren Chaudhary, Chairman of Panera Brands | 00:32:36 | |
Being the CEO of globally recognized companies for decades is much like driving a race car at high speed: both thrilling and intensely challenging. Reaching a finish line after being on the fast track represents a tremendous feat. After the fanfare ends, and the adrenaline subsides, what do you set your sights on next, especially when you have tremendous drive inside of you? For Niren Chaudhary, it’s back to the shop to re-configure the current model into what he calls: Niren 3.0. This new version is going to put all its energy into "pursuing significance by serving others and becoming a catalyst to help unlock human potential over the next many years." Niren Chaudhary recently served as the Howard Johnson Executive in Residence, a “recharging station” for top executives to mentor students and guest lecture in classes at Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 22 Jan 2024 | Leadership Series: How to Identify a Positive, Values-Based Organizational Culture | 00:24:13 | |
If you have ever worked in a toxic workplace, you have learned the hard way that dysfunctional organizational cultures are harmful and hinder employee performance. Taylor Peyton, Ph.D., senior organizational psychologist for BiasSync, and co-founder of Mojo Moments, defines organizational culture as “a force, both visible and invisible, that massively influences employee behavior and an organization’s chance of success.” Telltale signs of a good, thriving work culture go well beyond a company’s stocked kitchen, modern office lounges, flexible work schedules, and other perks. Learn in this podcast how to see beneath a company's shiny veneer by looking for factors that reveal the company's true self (warts and all) and find out practical steps leaders can take to cultivate a positive organizational culture. The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 05 Feb 2024 | Big Brand Hotels: Striving to be Guests’ Everything with Julienne Smith, Chief Development Officer, Americas of IHG Hotels & Resorts | 00:33:51 | |
The “You Can Be Anything” Barbie slogan could apply just as easily to the ever-expanding brand choices of major hotel groups such as IHG Hotels & Resorts which now has 6,200 hotels in more than 100 countries. In a similar fashion, over the decades, the Barbie portfolio has grown to encompass 250+ careers, countless outfits, and multiple dreamhouses. Plus, Barbie has gone far, having traveled throughout the world (and to outer space)! The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 19 Feb 2024 | Leadership Series: Radical Mentor with Cindy Novotny, Managing Partner of Master Connection Associates | 00:36:34 | |
Continuing our Leadership Series, we spotlight Cindy Novotny, who earned the “Radical Mentor” moniker for her no-nonsense approach to delivering results in the areas of leadership, sales, and customer service excellence. Having traveled more than 10 million miles over the course of her career, Cindy helps emerging professionals to CEOs to fly past their comfort zone of “we’ve always done it this way” habits and soar to greater heights of success. Get tips and actionable advice from Cindy who wrote – and lives by – the title of her book, “Living with No Balance... and Loving It!: A Simple Guide to Thriving in a Real World of Life and Work.” The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 04 Mar 2024 | 40,000-foot-view of Customer Care with Allison Ausband, Executive Vice President, and Chief Customer Experience Officer at Delta Air Lines | 00:41:22 | |
Imagine the triumph of human ambition as we glide through the skies, a testament to our enduring quest to conquer the very elements — thirty thousand feet aloft, inside a slender cylinder of steel. Within this confined space, humanity gathers, shoulder to shoulder: a microcosm of society. It's under these conditions that our distinguished guest today crafts an oasis of tranquility and impeccable service. How does one orchestrate such a feat of customer care under these conditions? This is the daily challenge for our guest on this edition of the "Distinguished" podcast: Allison Ausband, Executive Vice President, and Chief Customer Experience Officer at Delta Air Lines. Since embarking on her journey with Delta in May 1985 as a flight attendant, fresh from the University of Georgia with a journalism degree in hand, Allison has risen to oversee the vast customer experience network that encompasses the dedicated efforts of over 63,000 team members in Delta's Customer Care divisions. Under Allison's visionary leadership, the team at Delta marries groundbreaking innovation with a heartfelt dedication to hospitality, securing Delta's position as the premier U.S. airline as named by the Wall Street Journal for the second consecutive year. The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 18 Mar 2024 | Leadership Series: Demystifying the C-Suite Search with Ann Fastiggi of Spencer Stuart | 00:40:31 | |
So, you want to be a C-suite executive? It will certainly give you a leg up to hear about the steps to filling those corner office suites from a search firm expert, Ann Fastiggi. To shed some light on the path to the C-suite, we continue our Leadership Series with Ann Fastiggi, a member of the Global Consumer Practice at Spencer Stuart, a global executive search and leadership advisory firm. The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 01 Apr 2024 | Revolutionizing the Hostel Experience with Oliver Winter, Founder & CEO of a&o Hostels | 00:34:27 | |
Think back to your youthful days of travel, hostels along the way were a hub for forging connections with fellow wanderers and were part of the adventure. If you traveled in pre-Internet days, some 20-30 years ago, you didn’t always know what you were getting. The hostel you found in a guidebook could be off the beaten path and might have been not so “hospitable.” Today, the landscape of hostels has undergone a profound metamorphosis. What was once perceived as budget accommodations exclusively for backpackers has now emerged as a dynamic sector of the hospitality industry, attracting travelers seeking immersive experiences at affordable prices. Oliver Winter, Founder & CEO of a&o Hostels, was inspired by his travels and the desire to provide people, especially students and young adventurers, with professionally managed, affordable, and centrally located accommodation. Oliver embarked on a mission to revolutionize the hostel experience. Hear how a&o Hostels grew into the largest independently owned hostel chain. The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 15 Apr 2024 | Tipping & Wages Series: Restauranteur's Dilemma of Balancing Equity and Economics with TJ Callahan | 00:43:44 | |
TJ Callahan transformed neighborhood eateries into thriving “go-to” destinations with his acclaimed farm-to-table restaurants in the heart of Chicago. He is the co-founder and owner of Farm Bar and is the farmer at Brown Dog Farm, the Farm Bar farm in Southwestern Wisconsin. With an MBA in finance from the University of Chicago under his belt, he's stirring the pot on a topic affecting thousands in the hospitality industry: eliminating the tipped wage. From the fields of his farm to the forefront of financial debate, we explore the pressing issue of fair wages in the hospitality sector. The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 29 Apr 2024 | The Matters that Massachusetts Restaurant Association Wages for (and against) with Stephen Clark | 00:42:36 | |
Restaurant work is undeniably tough. Long hours, fierce competition, and thin profit margins characterize this demanding profession. The challenges only intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, testing the resilience of workers and business owners alike. Dining constitutes both an undeniable pleasure and a thriving business sector. It is integral to our lives and livelihood. The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 05 Jun 2024 | Leadership Series: Dondra Ritzenthaler Embarks on a New Leadership Role | 00:34:28 | |
Recognized for her leadership, Dondra Ritzenthaler now sets sail toward a new horizon, taking the helm as Chief Executive Officer of Azamara Cruises, the award-winning, luxury cruise line based in Miami, Florida. Dondra recently spent time at BU School of Hospitality as the Howard Johnson Executive in Residence, inspiring students and faculty with her passion for learning and mentorship. Dondra shares her outlook on leadership and professional development and the excitement of moving from an executive leadership role to becoming a CEO for the first time in her career. The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 17 Jul 2024 | Tipping Series: The Psychology of Tipping with Michael Lynn, Ph.D., Professor of Services Marketing, Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration | 00:40:06 | |
Beyond good, bad, and mediocre service, how much we tip and why we tip is rich with psychological implications. Find out what tipping reveals about us as consumers and our need for affirmation and societal status. The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 20 Aug 2024 | Saru Jayaraman Fights for One Fair Wage | 00:52:10 | |
The battle over raising the minimum wage for tipped workers and permitting tip pooling bounces to the Massachusetts ballot this November. Saru Jayaraman, President of One Fair Wage and Director of the Food Labor Research Center at UC Berkeley, argues that the current tipped wage structure perpetuates low pay and high turnover. Although the wage increase would occur over five years, opponents assert the mandate would be detrimental to some small and independent restaurants and could fail to increase employee job satisfaction and retention. This episode is part of the Tipping and Wage Series where we explore the various angles of this debate with restaurant owners, advocates, academics, and consumers to gain a deeper understanding of the bottom line. Boston University School of Hospitality Administration is committed to presenting topics shaping the hospitality industry's future with thoughtful and constructive discussion that respects different perspectives. We welcome your input and feedback. Email us at shadean@bu.edu Tipping and Wages Series podcasts: California Raises Minimum Wage for Fast-Food Workers with Chris Simms, CEO and Founder of Lazy Dog
Always Essential, Still Waiting for Change: Service Worker Fatalities and Inequities During COVID and Post-Pandemic, March 2024 Press Release: Department of Labor Renews Multi-Year Initiative to Provide Enforcement, Outreach, Education for Restaurant Workers: 85% of investigations find violations in fiscal year 2021 The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 05 Sep 2024 | Leadership Series: Practical Strategies for Bridging Leadership Gaps with Executive Coach Lori Mazan | 00:35:23 | |
What does it take to truly redefine leadership in today's fast-paced world? Lori Mazan, co-founder and Chief Coaching Officer at Sounding Board, shares practical and transformative strategies to address this challenge. In her new book, Leadership Revolution: The Future of Developing Dynamic Leaders, Lori offers a fresh perspective that rethinks outdated leadership norms. In this special podcast episode on leadership, Arun Upneja is joined by Dr. Taylor Peyton, an expert in Leadership and Organizational Behavior who previously taught at BU School of Hospitality, bringing added depth and insight to the conversation. The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 23 Sep 2024 | Tipping & Wages Series: Politics Play Up the Benefits of Eliminating Taxes on Tips | 00:16:25 | |
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump both have proposed eliminating taxes on tips for service workers. While seemingly beneficial, it might just not add up according to renowned economics expert Larry Kotlikoff. The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 28 Oct 2024 | Aldau Development: Modern Hospitality Meets Millennia-Old Treasures | 00:38:29 | |
Aldau Development has earned a reputation for excellence in both Real Estate and Hospitality, with developments in Egypt and the United Kingdom. Their strategic partnerships with marquee brands such as Hyatt International, IHG, and Deutsche Hospitality have further cemented their standing internationally. Boston University School of Hospitality and Questrom School of Business designed a customized Executive Education program for Aldau -- a testament to Aldau's commitment to leadership and entrepreneurship. The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 05 Nov 2024 | Inhospitable? Redefining Service in Luxury Hospitality with Kate Buhler, Founder and President of Profitable to Train | 00:39:55 | |
Kate Buhler, founder and president of Profitable to Train, is a leading expert in hospitality service excellence and profitability. With decades of experience across luxury brands including Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Baccarat, Peninsula, and Bulgari, Kate is known for her unique approach to training that drives both employee satisfaction and financial success. Her new book, Inhospitable: Lessons Learned from a Lifetime in Service, tackles a critical question in the industry: why is great service often so hard to come by? In this episode, Dean Arun Upneja engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Kate about the evolving landscape of hospitality, the critical role of the human touch in a tech-driven world, and how her “Profitable to Train” method helps businesses unlock untapped potential. Kate also shares insights on bridging generational gaps in service expectations, strategies for meaningful revenue management, and advice for rising professionals. The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 04 Dec 2024 | Unlocking Ultra-Luxury with Managing Director Luigi Romaniello on the Grand Reopening of the Waldorf Astoria New York | 00:37:40 | |
Set to reopen after a seven-year restoration, the Waldorf Astoria New York is poised to redefine ultra-luxury hospitality. In this episode, Managing Director Luigi Romaniello takes us through the journey of bringing the Waldorf Astoria back to life, from restoring storied frescoes and architectural details to creating highly personalized experiences for today’s sophisticated travelers. He shares his philosophy on ultra-luxury, emphasizing service precision, meaningful guest connections, and the challenge of meeting modern expectations while preserving the hotel’s legendary charm. For anyone fascinated by hospitality, architecture or New York’s history, this conversation unveils the layers of passion and detail behind the Waldorf’s remarkable revival. The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||
| 19 Dec 2024 | George Poll on Building Distinctive Dining Experiences from Long Island to Miami | 00:38:50 | |
George Poll has spent decades building some of Long Island’s most celebrated restaurants. Alongside his brother, he’s crafted iconic dining experiences from Bryant & Cooper Steakhouse to Toku Modern Asian, blending culinary creativity with sharp business acumen. Recently, George took his expertise to Miami, where the journey to open Toku wasn’t exactly smooth sailing—facing all the challenges that come with launching in a new city. This episode is a masterclass in the fine balance between tradition and innovation, the intense planning behind every design choice, and the hurdles that come with launching each new restaurant. Through stories of teamwork, resilience, and a relentless drive to improve, George offers listeners an unfiltered look inside the restaurant business. George Poll is an alumnus of BU School of Hospitality Administration’s first graduating class and serves on the school’s Dean’s Advisory Board member. George also played on BU’s football team, which is no longer, but that story is for another podcast! The “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. Host: Arun Upneja, Dean | |||