The Social Hotelier

Sam-Erik Ruttmann

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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.

6 DAYS AGO

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
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
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
JAN 31

AI Expert Exposes Shocking Truth About Video Generation! TSHS – 113

🔥 Get ready for an interesting conversation with Jayanth N Kolla, Founder& Partner of Convergence Catalyst, Expert on AI, Machine Learning. This is our annual episode discussing the rapid evolution of AI and its profound impact on the travel and tourism industry. We explore how social media influences travel trends, the rise of Generative AI Travel Content creation, and the changing landscape of influencers. The conversation also delves into the emergence of theme-based travel experiences AI for Trip Planning, the Future of Tourism Technology, and AI Assistants in Travel, from Artificial Intelligence to Intelligent Assistants . Furthermore, the conversation covers strategies destinations can adopt to remain appealing in an AI-driven world. Finally, they touch on the future of travel planning with AI agents that can automate and optimize the booking process for Authentic Travel Content and Niche Travel Experiences. Here are some Sound Bites from our conversation: AI is rapidly evolving and will significantly impact travel. Social media is changing how people choose travel destinations. Generative AI allows for the creation of travel content without physical travel. The influencer landscape is shifting due to the rise of AI-generated content. Theme-based travel is becoming more popular among tourists. Destinations should focus on unique experiences to attract diverse travelers. AI agents will automate travel planning, making it more efficient. 🔔 Don’t miss out on this game-changing episode. In Substack, there is the latest blog summarizing my conversation with Jayanth N Kolla and the link to the video podcast Here is the Link to a Free Subscription https://samerik.substack.com/subscribe

37 min
JAN 25

The Wellness Industry Exposed: What Most Hotels Get Wrong. TSHS – 112

The Wellness Industry Exposed: What Most Hotels Get Wrong. Join Sam-Erik Ruttmann on The Social Hotelier Podcast as he dives into wellness and hospitality innovation with Celine Vadam of WeThink. Explore how wellness-centric hotel designs, technology-driven spa treatments, and inclusive experiences are reshaping the wellness industry. Discover actionable insights on collaborating with architects, using localized spa products, and making wellness retreats accessible for everyone." Our conversation tackles critical topics such as Wellness consultancy best practices, designing wellness spaces with authenticity and inclusivity, enhancing collaboration between consultants and designers, and leveraging technology to make wellness accessible to broader audiences. Celine highlights the importance of strong concepts before design execution to avoid cookie-cutter solutions and discusses the role of personalized, locally inspired offerings in creating impactful guest experiences. Key Takeaways: Prioritize Concept Development: Establish a clear vision and feasibility study for wellness projects before engaging designers. Innovate with Technology: Incorporate well-tech solutions, such as sensory pods and compression therapy, to provide impactful, cost-effective wellness experiences. Foster Inclusivity: Design spaces welcoming to diverse demographics, from all ages to varying fitness levels. Leverage Local Elements: Use locally sourced materials and scents to create memorable, unique offerings. Avoid Overlooking Details: Ensure wellness spaces, like saunas, meet high standards of functionality and comfort. This episode provides actionable insights for hoteliers, wellness professionals, and innovators eager to redefine the wellness experience. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking conversations! Send us your questions by emailing Celine Vadam, inkedin.com/in/celine-vadam or Sam-Erik Ruttmann, email, sameriks@gmail.com Add in the subject line: Wellness Question

40 min
JAN 19

The Art of Hospitality: Designing Spaces That Inspire and Connect. TSHS – 111

The Art of Hospitality: Designing Spaces That Inspire and Connect Have you ever walked into a space and felt instantly at ease—as if it were designed just for you? Or perhaps the opposite, where a space seemed to push you away, leaving you feeling out of place? The spaces we inhabit hold incredible power, shaping our emotions, connections, and even our sense of belonging. Today, we’re diving deep into this idea with Ryan Anderson, the Vice President of Global Research and Planning at MillerKnoll, in a cozy fireside chat that promises to challenge the way you think about hospitality and design. Ryan brings over 30 years of expertise in creating environments that don’t just look good but feel right—spaces that foster connection and comfort while leaving a lasting impression. So, grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s explore the art and science of designing spaces that inspire and connect. Hospitality Beyond Aesthetics With over 30 years of experience in furniture and textiles, Ryan brought incredible insights to our conversation. He shared that hospitality isn’t just about beautiful spaces and creating meaningful experiences. “Every space has a purpose,” he said, pointing out how the design of a hotel lobby or a café can transform how guests and staff connect. “Hospitality is a place-based phenomenon,” he added, emphasizing that great design can elevate both personal experiences and business outcomes. Introduction of the concept of loving strangers Ryan introduced the concept of “philoxenia”—the ancient Greek term for loving strangers. “Hospitality starts with making others feel safe and cared for,” he said. For instance, he shared how a simple gesture, like personalizing room amenities for a guest’s preferences, can create moments of genuine connection. Takeaways The design of spaces significantly impacts our emotions and relationships. Cultural experiences shape our understanding of hospitality. Great hospitality is about sincere care for others. Place attachment is formed through our experiences in spaces. Design can either foster or hinder a sense of belonging. Sensory experiences play a crucial role in comfort. Sustainability in design promotes well-being for people and the planet. Technology should enhance, not replace, human connections. Inclusion is essential for creating positive first impressions. Employees should be treated as valued customers in hospitality.

44 min
JAN 11

Discover How to Grow Your Business Through Podcasting. TSHS – 110

Discover How to Grow Your Business Through Podcasting Welcome to this episode of The Social Hotelier Podcast! Today, we are honored to host Noémi Beres, co-owner of Podcast Connections, an agency renowned for helping entrepreneurs amplify their voices through strategic podcast interviews. With over 11 years of experience in content creation and online marketing, Noémi has mastered the art of storytelling and business growth. Starting her entrepreneurial journey in 2007, she pivoted to launch Podcast Connections in 2020, creating a global network of clients and thought leaders. Passionate about engaging and valuable content, Noémi's innovative approach and European flair set her agency apart in the podcasting world. Five Podcast Tips from Noémi Beres 1. Preparation is Key: Always prepare your topics and talking points thoroughly before the interview. 2. Be Present: Engage fully with the host by grounding yourself and focusing on the conversation. 3. Respect the Host's Time: Avoid treating the podcast as a pure advertisement; share stories and knowledge instead. 4. Invest in Basics: Use a quality microphone, proper lighting, and soundproofing to enhance audio quality. 5. Promote and Build Relationships: Promote your podcast appearances and nurture the connections you form during the process. There are many more tips in this episode so stay until the end.

32 min
JAN 4

What Makes a TRULY Successful Marketing Strategy? TSHS – 110

What Makes a TRULY Successful Marketing Strategy? In this episode of the Social Hotelier Podcast, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann speaks with Eric Dingler, a digital nomad and marketing expert, about the intersection of travel and marketing strategies. He runs successfully a location-independent business. Eric shares insights from his family's journey as they travel the world while managing a marketing agency. The conversation explores how the digital nomad lifestyle has reshaped Erik's understanding of marketing, emphasizing the importance of simplicity in marketing strategies and the need for businesses to adapt to changing consumer behaviors. Marketing is simpler than many make it out to be. Eric also discusses the evolution of web design and businesses' need to gather customer information for effective advocacy marketing. In this conversation, Eric Dingler shares insights on effective marketing strategies for engaging customers, particularly in digital nomadism. He discusses the importance of specialized landing pages, understanding customer needs, and innovative engagement tactics, such as the unique Yahtzee experience at a restaurant in Buenos Aires. Erik Dingler has been traveling full-time with his family for over three years. The digital nomad lifestyle has become routine for Erik and his family. Eric also delves into the challenges and benefits of raising a family while living a digital nomad lifestyle, emphasizing adaptability and the use of technology to maintain connections. He highlights emerging trends in the digital nomad community, particularly the increasing number of families embracing this lifestyle and the impact of remote work policies post-COVID.

55 min

See All (144)

Creator

Sam-Erik Ruttmann
Years Active

2023 - 2025
Episodes

144
Rating

Clean
Show Website

The Social Hotelier

The Social Hotelier

Episodes

Redefining Hospitality: From Sustainability to Regeneration. TSHS – 116

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

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

AI Expert Exposes Shocking Truth About Video Generation! TSHS – 113

The Wellness Industry Exposed: What Most Hotels Get Wrong. TSHS – 112

The Art of Hospitality: Designing Spaces That Inspire and Connect. TSHS – 111

Discover How to Grow Your Business Through Podcasting. TSHS – 110

What Makes a TRULY Successful Marketing Strategy? TSHS – 110

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