It's Personal Stories, A Hospitality Podcast

David Kong, Dorothy Dowling, Rachel Humphrey, Lan Elliott
  • 5.0 (7)
  • 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. 1d ago

    Beth McMahon, President and CEO, Hotels Canada interviewed by Dorothy Dowling

    Beth McMahon’s leadership journey reflects a deep curiosity, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a passion for making a meaningful difference. Her career in association management has spanned healthcare, agriculture, environmental organizations, and hospitality, demonstrating the value of bringing fresh perspectives and best practices across industries. A skilled advocate and collaborator, Beth understands that meaningful influence begins with listening, building consensus, and bringing people together around shared priorities. Her ability to work across industry associations and adjacent sectors has strengthened collective advocacy efforts and helped amplify the hospitality industry’s voice with government. Beth also brings strong marketing instincts and an entrepreneurial mindset to leadership. Her vision to evolve the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) into Hotels Canada reflects an appreciation for contemporary branding and the importance of a clear, compelling organizational identity. By connecting the rebrand to a new strategic plan, she helped position the association for its next chapter. Central to Beth’s leadership philosophy is the belief that innovation must be purposeful, grounded in strategy, and focused on delivering value. Her approach to board governance, team empowerment, and organizational change illustrates how trust, curiosity, and thoughtful leadership can create lasting impact.

  2. Sep 26

    Dr. Lisa Cain, Professor, FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, interviewed by Lan Elliott

    Lisa’s insights remind us of the value of constantly learning.  She encourages us to stay curious, whether through reading trade publications, taking a continuing education course, or pursuing a hobby that makes us happy.  She also urges us to stay active, because a moving body cultivates a sharp mind.  Above all, trust the process, know yourself, and stay true to your core values.

  3. Sep 12

    Greg Friedman, Managing Principal & CEO, Peachtree Group Interviewed by Rachel Humphrey

    Greg shares his leadership thoughts on intuition, adaptability, and having an entrepreneurial spirit. He discusses time as our most valuable asset and why passion for what you do is so important. Greg talks about his own leadership evolution, evaluating risks, and what he looks for in building and developing a team.

  4. Sep 12

    Faheem Khan, Executive Director - Head of Lodging & Hospitality SMB Payments, JP Morgan Chase & Co. Interviewed by Rachel Humphrey

    Faheem shares how adaptability and trust have shaped his career. He talks about building genuine relationships and letting the business follow as opposed to always focusing just on the business. Faheem discusses lessons learned from board service, being present as the key to finding work life harmony, and how his leadership style helped him navigate the pandemic.

  5. Aug 31

    Eric Lent, Former SVP, Upscale Hotels, IHG Hotels & Resorts, interviewed by Lan Elliott

    Eric's guiding career advice dates back to age 17, when a cousin told him to strive to understand your client's business better than your client does, a principle he has carried into every role since. That same instinct shaped how he approached turnarounds later at IHG, where he made a point of listening widely, from frontline teams to owners to industry journalists, before ever proposing a plan.

  6. Aug 30

    Dr. Tim Flohr, Co-Founder, Hospitality Nexus, interviewed by Lan Elliott

    Tim’s insights remind us that growth rarely comes from having every answer. It comes from saying yes, listening closely, and treating people as the most important part of any conversation. His experience encourages us to see setbacks as turning points, not endings. Keep showing up for the unglamorous daily work, and choose action over analysis paralysis, since a wrong decision beats no decision. Above all, we are never finished becoming.

  7. Aug 16

    Peter Bheda, Chairman & CEO, Frontera Hotel Group, interviewed by Lan Elliott

    Peter’s career began emptying trash as a young immigrant houseman, teaching him never to look down on people. Leadership is a pattern of behavior, not a title: one part strategy, two part judgment, and three parts grace. He separates the risk to the business from the risk to his own ego - being wrong about an idea never means it was wrong to try - and believes listening and a willingness to learn matter more than any resume.

  8. Aug 14

    Karl Bieberach, SVP & Head of Global Development, Belmond, interviewed by Lan Elliott

    Karl's reflections encourage listeners to embrace opportunities that stretch them, even when uncertain, and to trust that growth lives just beyond comfort. He reminds us that failure is temporary and should not define our sense of self, and that preserving relationships matters more than winning every negotiation. Above all, he urges building a reputation rather than a resume, because character, not titles, determines which doors stay open.

See All (316)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 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
    316
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 It's Personal Stories, A Hospitality Podcast
  • Show Website
    It's Personal Stories, A Hospitality Podcast

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