It's Personal Stories, A Hospitality Podcast

David Kong, Dorothy Dowling, Rachel Humphrey, Lan Elliott
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Semiweekly

At It’s Personal Stories, A Hospitality Podcast, we believe that leadership is shaped as much by setbacks and self-doubt as by achievements and accolades. That’s why we go beyond titles and résumés to uncover the personal journeys of hospitality leaders—the moments of vulnerability, resilience, and courage that define true success.  Since 2022, our mission has been to empower the next generation of leaders by sharing unfiltered stories of growth from across the industry. With more than 250 interviews and counting, we’ve built a library of candid conversations that reveal not only strategies for professional advancement, but also lessons in authenticity, balance, and perseverance. Recognized each year by the International Hospitality Institute as a top hospitality podcast, It’s Personal Stories continues to inspire dreamers and doers to push boundaries, embrace challenges, and pursue their goals with confidence. Learn more and watch the Interviews at www.ItsPersonalStories.com and Follow Us here on LinkedIn.

  1. 3d ago

    Gyan Manohar Khurana Asst VP Dusit Hotels & Resorts interviewed by Dorothy Dowling

    Gyan Manohar Khurana’s leadership journey began with a conversation that changed the direction of his career. Encouraged by an early mentor who recognized his communication skills and commercial aptitude, he discovered that hospitality extended far beyond guest service into strategy, sales, and business performance. Since then, his career has been shaped by continuous learning, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace rapid technological change. As hospitality has become increasingly data-driven, he has learned that effective leaders remain humble, accept they cannot know everything, and build teams that bring diverse perspectives to every challenge.

  2. Jul 17

    Amanda Frasier, President, Standards & Ratings, Forbes Travel Guide, interviewed by Lan Elliott

    Amanda's career is a masterclass in treating uncertainty as opportunity rather than obstacle. Her willingness to say yes, paired with a mindfulness around chasing perfection, is a reminder that growth rarely comes from staying comfortable. Just as importantly, her approach to self-advocacy and relationship-building shows that confidence doesn't require volume - it requires clarity about one's own worth. For anyone navigating a career crossroads, her story is proof that authenticity, patience, and a willingness to take a leap can shape a lasting and meaningful path forward.

  3. Jul 17

    Robert Ambrozy Exec VP Global Sales GBTA interviewed by Dorothy Dowling

    Leadership Built on Trust, Curiosity, and Global Partnership Robert Ambrozy’s leadership journey began with a passion for travel, languages, and hospitality that emerged during his teenage years while traveling across Europe with his family. Those early experiences exposed him to different cultures and perspectives, reinforcing his belief that people, relationships, and travel would become both his career and his purpose. Working internationally pushed him beyond his comfort zone, teaching him to adapt quickly, embrace change, and appreciate that success is never a final destination but a milestone that continually raises the bar. Throughout his career across hospitality, travel technology, and now GBTA, he has remained committed to continuous learning, cultural awareness, and building meaningful relationships. As Executive Vice President of Global Sales at GBTA, Ambrozy describes a shift from commercial execution to partnership, empowerment, and trust. He believes leaders create value by listening first, understanding shared goals, and aligning diverse stakeholders around a common purpose. His leadership philosophy emphasizes clarity, transparency, prioritization, and helping others succeed before seeking personal recognition. Whether discussing global partnerships, intentional business travel, or developing future leaders, he consistently returns to curiosity, integrity, and creating long-term value. For Ambrozy, commercial success follows naturally when relationships are built with authenticity, consistency, and genuine care for others.

  4. Jun 30

    Indy Adenaw, SVP & General Manager, Upscale Brands Division, Choice Hotels International interviewed by Dorothy Dowling

    It's Personal Stories, A Hospitality Podcast

  5. Jun 30

    Ben Brunt, Chief Investment Officer, Noble Investment Group, interviewed by Lan Elliott

    Ben's story is a reminder that longevity in one place can be just as powerful a career move as chasing the next opportunity. The depth of trust he has built at Noble - with partners, with his team, and through the cycles of the industry - did not happen by accident; it was the result of showing up fully, year after year. For those earlier in their careers: choose your environment wisely, invest in the people around you, and never stop asking how you can contribute more. In hospitality, relationships are the real currency, and the ones built on genuine trust compound over time.

  6. May 29

    Karen Stephens, Chief Marketing Officer, Revinate Interviewed by Rachel Humphrey

    Karen details her journey from French professor to CRO and CMO of a hospitality technology company including many of the leadership lessons she's learned along the way. Find out how adaptability is a consistent theme for her and why she seeks out team members who can thrive in ambiguity. Karen discusses wellness, balancing time, the benefits of living internationally, comfort in public speaking, and what aspects of her leadership have evolved the most over time, among other great lessons.

  7. May 20

    Thomas Penny III, President, Donohoe Hospitality interviewed by Rachel Humphrey

    Thomas shares some of the many leadership lessons he's learned from his nearly 30 years with Donohoe and his path from dishwasher to president. He discusses his purpose-driven leadership, why representation matters, his commitment to shaping the industry's future, and how AI can be a valuable tool for breaking down traditional barriers to career growth. Thomas talks about his public speaking journey, what he's optimistic about, what people don't know about him, and why adversity is a gift.

  8. May 14

    Robert Mandelbaum, Hotel Researcher and Consultant, interviewed by Lan Elliott

    Robert’s career shows what happens when passion, self-knowledge, and service converge over time. He found his niche in hotel data and leaned into it fully - building tools that transformed how the industry benchmarks performance. His advice: follow what energizes you, surround yourself with people you can learn from, and show up for your network the way you hope they will show up for you. Do that consistently, and the rest tends to take care of itself.

See All (306)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

At It’s Personal Stories, A Hospitality Podcast, we believe that leadership is shaped as much by setbacks and self-doubt as by achievements and accolades. That’s why we go beyond titles and résumés to uncover the personal journeys of hospitality leaders—the moments of vulnerability, resilience, and courage that define true success.  Since 2022, our mission has been to empower the next generation of leaders by sharing unfiltered stories of growth from across the industry. With more than 250 interviews and counting, we’ve built a library of candid conversations that reveal not only strategies for professional advancement, but also lessons in authenticity, balance, and perseverance. Recognized each year by the International Hospitality Institute as a top hospitality podcast, It’s Personal Stories continues to inspire dreamers and doers to push boundaries, embrace challenges, and pursue their goals with confidence. Learn more and watch the Interviews at www.ItsPersonalStories.com and Follow Us here on LinkedIn.

Information

  • Creator
    David Kong, Dorothy Dowling, Rachel Humphrey, Lan Elliott
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    306
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 It's Personal Stories, A Hospitality Podcast
  • Show Website
    It's Personal Stories, A Hospitality Podcast

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