The Social Hotelier

Sam-Erik Ruttmann
  • 5.0 (3)
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  • Updated Biweekly

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. 4d ago

    The Truth About Success in the Hospitality Industry. TSHS-162

    The Truth About Success in the Hospitality Industry Learn real hospitality leadership lessons from Christian Grage, Managing Director, DER Touristik Hotels & Resorts. Gain practical advice on navigating hotel management challenges. What does it really take to build a 42-year global hospitality career—from the kitchen apron to the boardroom? In this episode of The Social Hotelier, Sam-Erik Ruttmann sits down with hospitality veteran, author, and global business leader Christian Grage, Managing Director DER Touristik Hotels & Resorts, whose career has spanned Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Together, they explore leadership, international hotel management, cultural intelligence, career growth, hospitality trends, AI in hospitality, sustainable travel, and the human side of global leadership. “Your image never travels with you—you start again wherever you go.” This is an honest conversation about resilience, purpose, people, and why the future of hospitality may depend more on human connection than technology. If you are looking to advance your career in the hotel industry, this discussion provides a candid look at the decision-making processes required at the executive level. We cover what it takes to maintain operational quality and how to approach problem-solving when managing diverse resort portfolios. Subscribe for weekly hospitality leadership breakdowns, and comment below with which hotel management topic you want us to cover next.

    39 min

  2. Jun 30

    From Michelin-rated Kitchens to CEO Mindset: The Truth About Hospitality Leadership. TSHS – 161

    From Michelin-rated Kitchens to CEO Mindset: The Truth About Hospitality Leadership What does true excellence in luxury hospitality really look like behind the scenes? In this episode of the Social Hotelier Podcast, Sam Erik Ruttmann sits down with Chef Franck Desplechin to explore the realities of leadership, culture, and transformation in high-performance hospitality environments. From Michelin-star kitchens and global luxury resorts to building his own consultancy, Franck shares powerful insights on leadership development, operational excellence, mentorship, and entrepreneurship—including why culture, not strategy, defines success, and how today’s leaders can build teams that truly deliver world-class guest experiences. Franck Desplechin is a seasoned hospitality leader, former Executive Chef, and Director of Food & Beverage with over 25 years of global experience in luxury hotels and resorts.   “Excellence has to become personal… without waiting for someone to tell you what to do.” He is the founder of Incrementum, a consultancy focused on leadership development, coaching, and operational transformation in hospitality. Franck is also the author of Relentless Growth, where he distills decades of experience into a framework for personal and professional excellence. Known for his focus on culture, mentorship, and sustainable leadership, he works with organizations worldwide to elevate performance and redefine modern hospitality leadership. ✅Social and website placeholders ✅Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franck-desplechin/ 📺Guest Website: https://www.cheffranck.com/ ✅Host Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-erik/ 🎙️Podcast Website: https://podcast.show/the_social_hotelier_show/ ✍🏻Newsletter / Substack: https://substack.com/@samerikruttmann Sponsorship Inquiries: https://b8bhospitality.com/contact-us/ ✅If you’re serious about building high-performing teams and redefining excellence in hospitality, this episode is a must-watch. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with industry leaders 👉 Comment your biggest takeaway or leadership insight below 👉 Share this episode with colleagues and professionals in hospitality

    47 min

  3. Jun 17

    Can Hotels Survive Without Embracing These Changes? TSHS-160

    How might culture be quietly shaping—and limiting—your leadership? Tanja Saarinen Chávez shares global stories revealing how Cultural Intelligence (CQ) transforms communication, guest experience, and leadership in an increasingly connected world.

    39 min

  4. May 29

    From Sauna Ritual to Design Philosophy: A Finnish Architect’s Approach. TSHS – 159

    From Sauna Ritual to Design Philosophy: A Finnish Architect’s Approach What if the future of hospitality, wellness, and architecture lies not in adding more—but in building less, feeling more, and reconnecting deeply with ourselves? In this thought-provoking conversation, architect Mikko Jakonen from Studio Puisto Architects joins Sam-Erik Ruttmann to explore the intersection of sustainable design, Finnish sauna culture, meditation, and human-centered hospitality. From designing immersive nature-based experiences to redefining luxury through silence, materiality, and emotional connection, this episode reveals how the most powerful spaces are not just seen—but deeply felt. Mikko Jakonen is a founding partner of  @studiopuisto3459  , a Finland-based architecture firm known for redefining sustainable hospitality and nature-integrated design. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in creating human-centric, environmentally conscious spaces that combine architecture, wellness, and emotional experience. His work spans international hospitality projects, with a focus on sauna design, sensory environments, and holistic wellbeing. Alongside architecture, Mikko has practiced meditation for over 15 years, deeply influencing his design philosophy. Mikko can be reached  on mikko@studiopuisto.fi Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikko-jakonen-5063431a/ Guest Website: https://studiopuisto.fi/ Guest Social Media https://www.instagram.com/studiopuisto?igsh=MWhqdmwzdmtvdGR3eg== If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for more insights on leadership, hospitality, and global trends shaping the future of business and travel. 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments: Have you experienced a truly transformative wellness space? 🔁 Don’t forget to like and share this episode with your network.

    45 min

  5. May 21

    China vs West in AI: What Leaders Don’t See Coming. TSHS-158

    Is the West really leading the global AI race—or are we missing the bigger picture? In this episode, AI strategist Jayanth N Kolla returns for his sixth appearance to unpack the rapidly shifting balance of power between China and the West in artificial intelligence, and what it means for the hospitality industry, business leaders, and global innovation. From computer vision and robotics to hyper-personalization and enterprise AI, this conversation dives deep into how Chinese ecosystems are scaling faster—and why Western leaders must rethink their AI strategies now to stay competitive.

    50 min

  6. May 14

    Sober Travel Trends 2026: Why hotels must rethink Alcohol in guest experience. TSHS – 157

    Sober Travel Trends 2026: Why hotels must rethink Alcohol in guest experience. This episode features Teresa Bergen, a travel writer and expert on sober travel, discussing how hospitality can better include non-drinkers, the rise of alcohol-free experiences, and innovative strategies for hotels to cater to sober guests without sacrificing revenue. We explore the emerging concept of sober travel and its implications for the hospitality sector in 2026. This discussion highlights crucial hotel trends and the growing demand for alcohol-free guest experiences. Join us to understand how hotels can adapt to these shifts to promote mindful travel and enhance overall wellness tourism.

    42 min

  7. May 4

    The Truth About Being a Travel Influencer in 2026.TSHS-156

    The Truth About Being a Travel Influencer in 2026. TSHS-156 Join us as we explore the journey of Kia Finska, @kiafinska, a Finnish travel and social media creator, who transitioned from cybersecurity to building a global travel brand. Discover her insights on authentic travel experiences, influencing through social media, and creating meaningful cultural connections. As Kia shared through her journeys: “It’s always about the people. The conversations. The moments you don’t plan.” She was chosen as the Travel Influencer of the Year 2025 (2025) Kia Finska can be reached on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. @kiafinska,

    54 min

  8. Apr 29

    The Future of Vacation Ownership | Derek DeSalvia on Industry Evolution. TSHS – 155

    The Future of Vacation Ownership | Derek DeSalvia on Industry Evolution. In this episode, Derek DeSalvia, EVP and Chief Customer Officer at Hilton Grand Vacations, shares insights on the evolution of vacation ownership, industry trends, guest experience, and leadership in hospitality. “Hosting major events adds value and appeal” Discover how the industry is transforming to meet modern traveler expectations and the importance of service excellence.

    33 min
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

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
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    188
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sam-Erik Ruttmann
  • Show Website
    The Social Hotelier