The Social Hotelier

Sam-Erik Ruttmann
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The Social Hotelier

A podcast that inspires hoteliers to create meaningful and memorable experiences for their customers, in pursuit of their passion. I share my views and experiences relating to hospitality, tech trends and also relating to humanity. I am sitting down with world-class speakers, leading industry suppliers, top performing hoteliers, sharing about their inspiration, lessons they learned and how to make an impact.

  1. 5D AGO

    Why Your First Impression Could Make or Break Guest Experience TSHS – 121

    Why Your First Impression Could Make or Break Guest Experience In this episode of The Social Hotelier Show, Sam-Erik Ruttmann welcomes renowned keynote speaker and author Sylvie Di Giusto. Together, they explore the psychology of first and lasting impressions in hospitality and how unconscious biases shape guest experiences. Sylvie breaks down her signature "ABCD-E" framework—Appearance, Behavior, Communication, Digital Footprint, and Environment—offering practical tools for hospitality leaders to influence perception and build trust from the first moment. The conversation also dives into the often-overlooked impact of a leader’s digital presence and how virtual interactions can elevate—or damage—credibility. Whether you're a hotel executive, manager, or aspiring leader, this episode offers actionable insights on how to become more intentional, authentic, and effective in your role . Subscribe, listen, and learn how micro-choices can create macro impact in guest experience.

    42 min

  2. MAR 21

    What Makes a SUCCESSFUL Digital Ads Campaign in 2025. TSHS – 120

    Maximize Your Digital Ads ROI Proven Strategies for Lasting Success Proven Strategies for Hotels, Restaurants, and Businesses to Succeed in Google Ads, Meta, and Beyond Many businesses are burning through their digital advertising budgets without a clear strategy. As John Horn, CEO of  @Stubgroup  , reveals, success in digital marketing requires a thoughtful approach, patience, and strategic oversight. In this post, we’ll explore actionable steps to improve your advertising results while ensuring you stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.

    43 min

  3. MAR 14

    From Boardroom to Global Impact: How One Family Foundation is Changing Lives. TSHS – 119

    From Boardroom to Global Impact: How One Family Foundation is Changing Lives In this inspiring episode, Sam-Erik Ruttmann welcomes Morgan DeNicola, Executive Director of the DeNicola Family Foundation. Discover how this dynamic leader transitioned from marketing in her family's business empire to championing global health, cultural diplomacy, and humanitarian recognition. Morgan shares powerful insights on creating sustainable impact through empathy, trust-building, and listening — proving that caring is more than just an emotion; it's an action. Learn how the foundation's initiatives, from mobile medical vans in Malawi to cultural exchange programs with Russia and Iraq, foster positive change worldwide. Morgan also reveals how their latest *Bright Star Award* program empowers young changemakers in schools, nurturing future leaders with compassion at the forefront. Caring is an action, not just an emotion. If you're seeking inspiration on how to make a meaningful difference — whether through charity, cultural diplomacy, or community involvement — this episode will leave you motivated and ready to take action. 🎧 Tune in now and discover how Morgan’s approach to philanthropy can transform the way you think about impact, compassion, and change.

    39 min

  4. MAR 8

    How to Maximize Hotel Profitability in a Changing Market. TSHS – 118

    How to Maximize Hotel Profitability in a Changing Market. In this episode of the Social Hôtelier podcast, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann speaks with Michael Grove, CEO of HotStats, about the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry. They discuss the importance of financial intelligence, the need for hoteliers to look beyond traditional metrics like RevPAR, and the balance between automation and personalized service in hotels. Michael Grove shares insights from his extensive experience in hotel operations and finance, emphasizing the significance of total revenue management and the challenges faced by hoteliers in today's market. In this conversation, Michael Grove discusses the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry, focusing on the integration of technology, innovative restaurant concepts, and the impact of AI on marketing strategies. He highlights the growth of hospitality in the Middle East, particularly in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, and explores emerging markets like India and Vietnam. The conversation also touches on the current state of the US hospitality market and the potential disruptors that could reshape the industry. Finally, Grove shares valuable career advice for aspiring hoteliers, emphasizing the importance of finding a role that aligns with one's personality. Takeaways Michael Grove emphasizes the importance of financial intelligence in hospitality. The hospitality industry is facing unprecedented challenges and political uncertainties. Profitability is a key concern for hoteliers as revenue growth slows. Total revenue per available room is a crucial metric for revenue management. Hotels need to focus on total revenue management rather than isolated metrics. Automation can help streamline operations and improve guest experiences.

    57 min

  5. MAR 1

    AI & Service Transformation Unforgettable Hospitality Experiences TSHS – 117

    AI & Service Transformation Unforgettable Hospitality Experiences In this episode of the Social Hotelier podcast, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann interviews Johann Diaz, an expert in service transformation and customer experience. They discuss the importance of redefining strategies to meet evolving customer needs, the role of AI in enhancing service delivery, and the shift towards servitization in business models. Johann emphasizes the significance of understanding customer sentiment, the core principles of exceptional service, and the risks and opportunities associated with AI adoption. The conversation also explores future trends in AI, particularly the rise of agentic AI, and how organizations can prepare to remain competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.

    45 min

  6. FEB 22

    Redefining Hospitality: From Sustainability to Regeneration. TSHS – 116

    Redefining Hospitality: From Sustainability to Regeneration A Deep Dive into Sustainable Tourism, Policy Challenges, and the Double-edged Sword of Social Media In this episode of the Social Hotelier podcast, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann engages with Chalana Perera, the founder of Retrace Hospitality, to discuss the critical shift from sustainable to regenerative tourism.    Chalana emphasizes the importance of proactive measures in tourism to address climate change and over-tourism, particularly in Sri Lanka. The conversation explores the challenges faced by governments and businesses in implementing effective tourism policies, the role of social media in promoting responsible travel, and the need for evolving hospitality education to prepare future leaders. Chalana shares insights on her current projects aimed at creating regenerative tourism experiences and the influence of colonial practices on the industry. The episode concludes with advice for aspiring professionals in the hospitality sector.

    39 min

  7. FEB 15

    The Hidden Profit Killers in Restaurants—And How to Fix Them. TSHS – 115

    The Hidden Profit Killers in Restaurants—And How to Fix Them In this episode, Sam Erik Ruttmann interviews Geordy Murphy, a visionary restaurateur and owner of Cypress Hospitality Group. Geordy shares his journey from managing restaurants to developing innovative software solutions for the hospitality industry with FOBESoft. The conversation covers key themes such as the importance of budgeting, leadership lessons learned from culinary icons like Wolfgang Puck, the impact of technology on the restaurant industry, and the challenges faced during the pandemic. Geordy emphasizes the need for restaurateurs to understand their financials and adapt to the evolving landscape of hospitality.

    26 min

  8. FEB 8

    Independent vs. Global Hotels: The Fight for Authenticity & Culture. TSHS – 114

    In this engaging conversation, with Abdul Baaghil, Co – Founder / principal Harvest Cotton Tale, Abdul speaks about his experience working for luxury hotel brands, like Ritz Carlton, Cambell Gray Hotel. Abdulshares his journey from corporate management to independently developing hotels rooted in authenticity and cultural identity. Together, we explore how the evolving landscape of luxury and lifestyle hotels is grappling with maintaining genuine experiences amidst large-scale acquisitions by global chains like Accor and Marriott. Abdul highlights the critical need for integrity, immersive guest experiences, and transformative leadership to preserve the soul of hospitality brands. Listen in to gain insider perspectives on the current and future state of the hospitality industry, the role of human capital, and strategies to maintain brand authenticity. Key Takeaways: The Shift from Corporate to Independent: Abdul shares his decision to leave large hospitality chains to create hotels that emphasize local culture, creativity, and unique experiences. Challenges of Large-Scale Acquisitions: With global brands like Accor and Marriott acquiring independent luxury and lifestyle hotels, there are concerns about losing the original character and vision of these properties. The Importance of Authenticity: True luxury today is less about material offerings and more about delivering emotionally engaging, culturally immersive, and transformative guest experiences. Culture as a Competitive Advantage: Abdul emphasizes that a strong, well-defined company culture, led by general managers who embody and infuse it, is key to maintaining guest trust and loyalty. Strategies for Direct Bookings: To reduce dependency on OTAs, Abdul advocates for brands to build trust through honesty, consistent quality, and personalized service, enhancing direct booking channels.

    37 min
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    About

    A podcast that inspires hoteliers to create meaningful and memorable experiences for their customers, in pursuit of their passion. I share my views and experiences relating to hospitality, tech trends and also relating to humanity. I am sitting down with world-class speakers, leading industry suppliers, top performing hoteliers, sharing about their inspiration, lessons they learned and how to make an impact.

    Information

    • Creator
      Sam-Erik Ruttmann
    • Years Active
      2023 - 2025
    • Episodes
      149
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © Sam-Erik Ruttmann
    • Show Website
      The Social Hotelier

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