The Modern Hotelier

David Millili & Steve Carran
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Each episode we discuss industry trends, talk about new technologies, and speak to industry experts. All so that you, The Modern Hotelier, can succeed in a new age of hospitality.

  1. 13H AGO

    #251: Transforming Insurance for the Hospitality Industry | with Sriram Nalla

    Can AI stop your next big hotel claim before it happens? In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Sriram Nalla, Hospitality Vertical Lead at WithCoverage, to discuss his unique journey from music management and entrepreneurship to transforming the insurance industry for hotels. Topics Covered: How WithCoverage is disrupting traditional hotel insurance with AI-powered solutionsStories of hotels saving 20-25% on premiums and improving coverageTips for aspiring leaders in hospitality and entrepreneurshipThe importance of curiosity, networking, and building trust in business. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7cegKtiXR-I Links:Sriram on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sriram-nalla/ WithCoverage: https://withcoverage.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/251 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    42 min

  2. 5D AGO

    #250: Lessons in Luxury Hospitality & Leadership | with Mark Harmon of Auberge Resorts

    Steve Carran & David Millili sit down with Mark Harmon, Founder of Auberge Resorts Collection, on this episode of The Modern Hotelier. From studying law at Princeton and UC Law to becoming one of the most influential leaders in luxury hospitality, Mark shares how he transitioned from Silicon Valley attorney to visionary hotel developer behind some of the most iconic boutique resorts in the world. Mark also shares his philosophy on leadership, empathy, innovation, and why hospitality is ultimately about creating meaningful experiences — not just rooms. In this episode, we explore: How Auberge Resorts redefined luxury hospitalityWhy 50-room hotels can be wildly profitableThe power of design, real estate, and residential-style experiencesWorkforce housing challenges in resort marketsAdvice for the next generation of hospitality leadersWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/luY77HXb6f0 Links:Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-harmon-2184851/Auberge Resorts: https://auberge.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/250 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    39 min

  3. FEB 10

    #249: A Life of Hospitality in Resorts & Technology | Ashley NeQuent

    In today’s episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Ashley NeQuent, Director of Product Strategy at Jonas Hospitality, for an in-depth conversation about hotel tech, operations, and creating unforgettable guest experiences.  We kick things off with a lightning round to get to know Ashley, then dive into her journey from working at a small resort in upstate New York to leading product strategy for one of the biggest names in hospitality tech. Along the way, Ashley shares: How mentorship and teamwork shaped her early career in hotelsMoving from front desk to tech leadership in hospitalityThe power of unified tech stacks and breaking down siloed hotel systemsUsing data to personalize guest experiences without losing the human touchWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NKlc9_j_AQc Links:Ashley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleybooton/Jonas Hospitality: https://www.jonashospitality.com/Jonas Hospitality on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jonas-hospitality/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/249 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    43 min

  4. FEB 5

    #248: From Pro Snowboarder to Hospitality Innovator | with Bradley Steward

    How does a pro snowboarder become a hospitality innovator? Join David Millili and Steve Carran as they sit down with Bradley Steward, Co-founder and President of Caravan Outpost, to explore an extraordinary journey from professional snowboarding to creating one of America’s most unique boutique hospitality experiences. In this episode, you'll discover: The transition from sports to media, directing projects for Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, and even influencing early Jackass.How he co-founded Bonfire Snowboarding, turning it into a global apparel brand before selling to Adidas.The inspiration behind Caravan Outpost, and how he and his wife designed it as an experiential travel destination, blending luxury, community, and the outdoors.Tips for independent hoteliers and entrepreneurs on creating a brand that fosters emotional connections rather than just products.Get ready for candid stories, unexpected adventures, and behind-the-scenes moments from snowboarding competitions, Hollywood projects, and a luxury outdoor retreat that feels more like a community than a hotel.   Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/leosxe5M0-0 Links:Bradley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-steward-7b829a23/Caravan Outpost: https://caravanoutpostojai.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/248 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    56 min

  5. FEB 3

    #247: How CDP's & AI Can Supercharge Hotel Marketing Campaigns | with Scott Buelter

    What if your hotel could know exactly what your guests want before they even check in — and deliver it automatically?  In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Scott Buelter, CEO of Ascent 360, to dive into the transformative power of AI, data, and personalization in the hospitality industry. In this episode you'll learn about: How hotels are using Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) to unify guest data from multiple systems.The current and future role of AI in hospitality, from marketing automation to operational efficiency.How AI can support staff rather than replace them, improving the human touch in guest interactions.The shift from providing tools to delivering outcomes, and why marketers who embrace AI will thrive.If you want to understand how AI and data are shaping the next generation of hotel marketing, guest experiences, and operational efficiency, this episode is a must-watch. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wM8cOSoRIXs This episode is sponsored by Ascent360: https://ascent360.com/ Links:Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbuelter/Ascent360: https://ascent360.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/247 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    49 min

  6. JAN 29

    #246: 2026 Hospitality Industry Outlook, 5 Trends to Watch, Hotel Bathroom Backlash, & Mews Funding | January Hot Topics

    Join Steve Carran and David Millili as he welcomes Jon Bumhoffer, producer of The Modern Hotelier, for a deep dive into hospitality trends and industry forecasts for 2026.  In this episode, we break down everything hotel owners, operators, and travelers need to know—from group business rebounds, rising labor costs, and food & beverage innovations, to AI-driven bookings, lifestyle brands, and the latest in hotel tech investments. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Food & beverage shifts: pop-ups, healthy options, and tech-driven dining experiencesRising labor and operational costs impacting the hospitality industryAI in travel: how large language models are reshaping hotel bookingsHotel tech spotlight: MEWS secures $300M funding and what this means for cloud PMSControversial hotel design trends: the debate over doorless bathroomsSubscribe to The Modern Hotelier for more industry analysis, expert interviews, and hospitality hot topics. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gDHkSaG0Wu0 Links: 2026 US Industry Forecast5 Trends to watch in 2026MEWS Secures $300 Million in FundingU.S. Hotel Bathroom “Privacy Backlash” Goes Viral For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/246 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    13 min

  7. JAN 27

    #245: How Hotels Can Leverage Assets & Technology in 2026 | with Kunal Shah

    In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Kunal Shah, Managing Partner of Travel & Hospitality at ZS, to explore the future of the hotel industry in 2026, key revenue strategies, and how technology is reshaping guest experiences. Kunal shares insights from his global career—starting at United Airlines, earning an MBA at London Business School, and now leading ZS’s travel and hospitality practice. He breaks down the biggest opportunities and challenges hotels face today, including RevPAR pressure, AI adoption, guest personalization, and new revenue streams beyond rooms. Whether you’re a hotel operator, GM, revenue manager, or hospitality investor—this episode is packed with practical strategies and industry foresight. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 2026 hospitality trends & industry outlookWhy RevPAR growth is plateauingHow hotels can improve guest engagement & incremental revenueThe most promising new revenue streams beyond roomsWhy relationships & intellectual curiosity matter in hospitality leadershipThis episode is sponsored by ZS Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7y2WcNmOwfo Links:Contact ZSKunal on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ksshah/ZS: https://www.zs.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/245 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    48 min

  8. JAN 20

    #244: Transforming the Courtyard San Diego: Inside the Complete Hotel Renovation | with Alpha Barry

    How do you lead a hotel through a major renovation and emerge stronger than ever? Join David Millili and Steve Carran as they sit down with Alpha Barry, General Manager of the newly renovated Courtyard San Diego Downtown Little Italy. Alpha shares his 25+ year hospitality journey—from front desk to finance leadership to GM—and the transformational renovation that reshaped the hotel into a modern destination in one of San Diego’s most vibrant neighborhoods. In This Episode You’ll Learn: How Alpha built a career from operations to finance to GMThe massive renovation and brand transformation of the hotelWhat a Noble Investment + Schulte Hospitality supported the visionHow the hotel connects to Little Italy through local partnershipsWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pNcXsExpASQ Links:Alpha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alpha-midiaou-barry-42a6b014/ Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sandy-courtyard-san-diego-downtown-little-italy/overview/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/244 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    9 min
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About

Each episode we discuss industry trends, talk about new technologies, and speak to industry experts. All so that you, The Modern Hotelier, can succeed in a new age of hospitality.

Information

  • Creator
    David Millili & Steve Carran
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    252
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © David Millili & Steve Carran
  • Show Website
    The Modern Hotelier

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