Schulering HUB Talking Hospitality Podcast

Schulering

Schulering Hub is a hospitality training consultancy. Helping hotels and restaurants discover their training needs, training the trainers, and offering training procurament from its rich network of professionals.   Schulering audits, assesses, optmizes, and structures every step of your internal hotel guest - Your Staff. From the pre-employment to departparture, we help hotels build their employer branding by doing all the rights things with their people, turning staff into ambassadors of the brand.  Our podcast, Talking Hospitality aims to raise awareness of the PEOPLE in our industry doing what we preech, showing the impact that treating your staff well do to your business. If there is a guest that you want to see on the show, please contact them with us on hello@schulering.com

  1. Beyond Barriers: Building Belonging at Hotels | Alejandro Boucabeille

    3d ago

    Beyond Barriers: Building Belonging at Hotels | Alejandro Boucabeille

    What do you get when you run a 200-year-old historic hotel in Vienna with 80+ employees representing 26 different nationalities and speaking over 20 languages? You get a beautiful human experiment—and a management nightmare if you don't know what you're doing.  In this episode of Talking Hospitality, host Mauricio Schuler sits down with Alejandro Boucabeille, the former Deputy General Manager at Mercure Grand Hotel Biedermeier Wien. Alejandro isn't just a hotelier; he’s a lawyer, journalist, world citizen, and a literal marathon runner who has lived in more than 10 countries.  Together, they dive deep into the industry's worst-kept secret: Hospitality leadership is lagging behind. For decades, the industry has relied on old-school, rigid structures, high employee turnover, and uninspired onboarding. We love to brag about "multiculturalism" on our websites, but when it comes to the actual working conditions, are we doing enough? When your housekeeping team commutes four hours a day just to get to work and back, standard Excel sheets and corporate jargon just won't cut it.  🔥 What You Will Learn in This Episode: The "Visual" Onboarding Hack: Why standard text manuals fail in a multilingual environment, and how Alejandro successfully trains teams using localized, visual-first strategies. Hiring for Heart vs. Hiring for German: The massive struggle to find qualified local talent post-COVID, and why shifting your mindset to hire for "soul" rather than skill is the only way forward. The Ritz-Carlton Secret Power: How a 16-year-old kitchen trainee carried a single service motto in his pocket for decades, and how you can apply it to a budget or premium property. Why Your F&B Concept Might Be Outdated: The psychological trick to making locals fall in love with a hotel restaurant (and why pretending it isn't a hotel restaurant actually works). The "Paintball with the GM" Retention Strategy: Why modern tech apps and AI are great, but absolute "human listening" and actual fun are the ultimate corporate retention tools. ⚡ Let's Face the Hard Truth...Let's be honest: hospitality has a luxury problem. We complain about labor shortages, yet we are slow to change the way we treat, onboard, and connect with our people. If your leadership strategy hasn't evolved past "fill the shift and hope for the best," you are bleeding revenue and talent.  Tune in to discover how to transform a chaotic, multi-language grid into a synchronized, high-performing "theater" where your team actually goes home happy.  👉 Listen to the full conversation now and stop managing like it's 1989!   Connect with Alejandro Boucabeille on LinkedIn to talk marathons, philosophy, or hospitality culture. Review your People & Culture framework, Fix your Hiring Strategy, and Modernize your Employee Onboarding with Schulering. Because Great Hotel Teams are BUILT, not found. www.schulering.com   Find more information about Schulering on our website. Follow us on other social networks: Linkedin Youtube Instagram  Schulering: Evolving Hospitality through Learning.

    50 min
  2. Is Emotional Intelligence Hospitality's most important skill?

    Jun 14

    Is Emotional Intelligence Hospitality's most important skill?

    Why is the hospitality industry facing a massive talent exodus? Hint: It’s not just about the long hours or the mediocre pay. It’s a systemic failure of emotional leadership. For decades, the hospitality sector has operated on an outdated, rigid playbook. Traditional industry leadership has historically ignored the human element, treating employees like replaceable cogs in a 24/7 machine. The result? Burning out our best talent, toxic working conditions, and a post-pandemic mass exodus of passionate professionals who simply said, "Enough." But while corporate spreadsheets have failed to fix the crisis, the answer might actually lie in a skill we all possess but rarely train: Emotional Intelligence (EQ). In this episode of The Schulering Hub, host Mauricio Schuler sits down with two incredible industry heavyweights: Vládka Vlaskova, a former luxury hospitality professional turned certified Life Coach, and Nah-Dja Tien, a legendary former General Manager who built some of Europe’s coolest boutique hotels entirely on emotional connections. What You Will Learn in This Episode: EQ vs. IQ: Why being "smart" isn't enough anymore, and why your emotional quotient is the ultimate business superpower.The "Falling in Love" Recruitment Strategy: How leading with vulnerability and letting your team be their authentic selves creates a massive competitive advantage (and skyrocketing TripAdvisor reviews).The Burnout Trap: A raw, unfiltered look into how even the most successful leaders crash when they ignore their own emotional red flags, and how to spot the warning signs before it's too late.The Color Palette of Feelings: Practical, actionable tools (including AI-driven journaling experiments!) to help you label, process, and master your emotions in a fast-paced environment.A Quick Reality Check: While our guests advocate for the power of emotional awareness, let’s be brutally honest: EQ isn’t a magical band-aid for structural industry problems. A leader practicing emotional intelligence cannot use it as a substitute for fair wages, safe working environments, and manageable workloads. However, true EQ demands that leaders finally look in the mirror, acknowledge the human beings behind the uniforms, and stop treating "hospitality" as a license to exploit. If you are tired of the old-school, robotic approach to management and want to discover how human emotions can bring joy, profit, and longevity back to our industry, this conversation is your wake-up call. Stop pretending. Start feeling. 👉 Hit play to join the journey toward true happiness in hospitality! Don't forget to connect with Vládka and Nah-Dja on LinkedIn to follow their work. Find more information about Schulering on our website. Follow us on other social networks: Linkedin Youtube Instagram  Schulering: Evolving Hospitality through Learning.

    40 min
  3. Why Hotels Keep Failing at Staff Training (And How to Fix It) with Sarah Brooks

    May 9

    Why Hotels Keep Failing at Staff Training (And How to Fix It) with Sarah Brooks

    Most hotels keep failing at staff training — but what if the solution is simpler than you think? Sarah Brooks, a top 101 global HR mind, reveals how genuine communication and a focus on core skills can transform staff retention and service quality almost overnight. In this eye-opening episode, Sarah shares her personal journey from childhood ambition to senior HR expert, highlighting the power of experience, empathy, and intentional training in hospitality.  You'll discover why on-the-job learning, targeted skills matrices, and authentic leadership are the keys to reducing staff turnover — even in the most high-pressure environments. We break down practical steps for independent hoteliers to build foundational training plans, foster company culture, and engage their teams without massive budgets or complex overhaul. You'll also hear why traditional training often fails hospitality brands, especially amid high turnover and industry burnout. Sarah discusses the importance of connection, caring for employees' well-being, and leading by example — especially in a post-COVID world where mental health and resilience have become critical.  Her insights show how transparent communication, personalized onboarding, and small yet impactful gestures (like quality staff meals and inclusive feedback) can dramatically improve morale and loyalty. Missing out on effective development costs your business in turnover, reputation, and service — but investing in people creates a competitive edge. Whether you're running a boutique hotel or managing large brands, this episode delivers pragmatic, proven strategies to upgrade your staff training and retention today.  Perfect for hotel owners and managers hungry for real change, it's your blueprint to cultivate a motivated, skilled, and committed team.Sarah Brooks is a globally recognized HR leader with over 20 years of hospitality expertise, known for transforming staff development strategies across multiple markets and hotel types.  Her practical approach and human-centered philosophy make her insights invaluable for hospitality professionals aiming to elevate their teams sustainably.Learn how to reframe your training culture, empower your staff, and build a hotel that visitors and employees love.  Because in hospitality, people are the true luxury — and the winning difference. Fikrah HR: www.fikrahhr.com Connect with Sarah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbrooks-hr-passionate/ Find more information about Schulering on our website. Follow us on other social networks: Linkedin Youtube Instagram  Schulering: Evolving Hospitality through Learning.

    1h 4m
  4. Hotel Staff Training: Turning Operational Intelligence into ROI with Julia Krebs

    Apr 15

    Hotel Staff Training: Turning Operational Intelligence into ROI with Julia Krebs

    What if I told you that your housekeepers are your best source of insight?   In our latest episode, we discuss the invaluable role of housekeepers in understanding guest needs and preferences.   Host: Mauricio Schuler Guest Speaker: Julia Krebs How do you think hotels can utilize this knowledge better? Let’s chat in the comments!   #Housekeeping #GuestInsights #HotelManagement #Hospitality #ServiceExcellence #Podcast #IndustryInsights #HotelExperience  Find more information about Schulering on our website. Follow us on other social networks: Linkedin Youtube Instagram  Schulering: Evolving Hospitality through Learning.

    45 min
  5. Websites for Humans vs. Agents: The Future of Independent Hotel Distribution

    Mar 28

    Websites for Humans vs. Agents: The Future of Independent Hotel Distribution

    Are you still selling four walls and a bed? If so, you’re already behind.  In this episode of the Schulering HUB Talking Hospitality Podcast, we sit down with Pedro Colaco, CEO of Guestcentric, to dismantle the traditional approach to revenue management and guest engagement. Pedro argues that in an increasingly digital world, guests aren't looking for a hotel—they are looking for memories and emotional resonance.  We dive deep into the "Hospitality Staffing Crisis" and why the industry’s biggest bottleneck is no longer technology, but the ability to deliver a genuine emotional connection. Whether you are looking for a hospitality staff training solution or trying to reduce hotel staff turnover, this conversation provides the blueprint for balancing high-tech facilitators with high-touch human warmth.  In this episode, you will learn: Why we are moving toward separate websites for "agents" and "humans." The critical link between staff engagement and guest connection. Why you must hire for warmth and train for skill to survive the current market. How to use tech as a facilitator for understanding, not a replacement for soul.  Tune in to transform your independent property from a commodity into an experience.  Follow Schulering HUB Talking Hospitality Podcast for more insights into the future of the industry. Find more information about Schulering on our website. Follow us on other social networks: Linkedin Youtube Instagram  Schulering: Evolving Hospitality through Learning.

    42 min
  6. Stop Managing Rooms: The Evolution of Total Revenue Management with Alexey Kovrigin.

    Mar 25

    Stop Managing Rooms: The Evolution of Total Revenue Management with Alexey Kovrigin.

    Is your hotel still living in the past? In this episode of the Schulering HUB Talking Hospitality Podcast, host Mauricio sits down with Alexey Kovrigin, a veteran who built the in-house revenue optimization system (ROS) for Starwood Hotels. Now leading Hotel Lab, Alexey is on a mission to prove that revenue management is the "soul" of a profitable hotel business—and most people are doing it wrong. We dive deep into why "Total Revenue Management" is no longer just a buzzword but a necessity that includes spas, casinos, and even parking lots. If you think your monthly market reports are timely, wait until you hear how Hotel Lab uses AI to generate 20-page, data-heavy reports in just 10 minutes—delivered days after the month ends, not months later. In this episode, you’ll discover: The Three Pillars of RM: Why technology fails without the right process and people.The Pricing Simulator: How gamification is fixing the "boring" world of revenue management training.The "Unexplored Territory": Where AI is headed and why you need to "embrace technology" to free up your strategy. Whether you’re a boutique owner or a director of revenue, it’s time to stop "recycling numbers" and start strategizing. Listen, subscribe, and join the Schulering HUB community to stay ahead of the hospitality staffing crisis and master continuous learning. Find more information about Schulering on our website. Follow us on other social networks: Linkedin Youtube Instagram  Schulering: Evolving Hospitality through Learning.

    31 min
  7. Beyond the Booking Engine: How AI Agents Will Sell Your Hotel in 2027

    Mar 14

    Beyond the Booking Engine: How AI Agents Will Sell Your Hotel in 2027

    The Death of Chatbots & The Rise of Agentic Hospitality Is the hotel website officially dead? In this episode of the Schulering Hub Talking Hospitality Podcast, host Mauricio Schuler sits down with two industry "heavyweights"—Daniel Doppler, CEO of Quinta, and Philip von Ditfurth from Apaleo PMS —at the Hotel Jalta in Prague to discuss the seismic shift from basic automation to AI Agents. As we approach 2026, the hospitality landscape is moving beyond the "kindergarten" phase of chatbots. We dive deep into why structured data is the new "quintessence" of the industry and how the Model Context Protocol (MCP) is creating a bridge between Large Language Models (LLMs) and property management systems (PMS). In this episode, you’ll discover: The Evolution of Data Points: Why moving from 800 to 3,700 data points (like pool length or fridge temperature) is the only way to stop AI "hallucinations".The Future of Booking: Why Daniel believes hotel websites will become less useful as personal AI agents begin talking directly to hotel AI agents.Operational Autonomy: How AI "assistants" are ending the era of "room Tetris," freeing staff from administrative screens so they can return to being true hosts.Open API vs. Monolithic Systems: Why a "smart PMS" with an open architecture is essential for actionable data and seamless guest experiences.The Infrastructure "Shovels": How companies like Apaleo, Quinter, and Blent are building the sub-brains and infrastructure required for the next generation of hospitality. Whether you are an independent hotelier or part of a global chain, this conversation provides the "shovels" needed to navigate the AI gold rush. Don’t get stuck in the traffic of the past—learn how to leverage agentic hospitality to stay ahead of the curve. Key Hospitality Insights: MCP (Model Context Protocol): The "box" that provides the knowledge and guardrails for AI to act securely on transactional data.Staff Adoption: Why convenience is the ultimate driver for overcoming technology anxiety in the hotel industry.Beyond 2026: The transformation of accommodation concepts through digital-first, staffless, and tailored business models. Featured Guests: Daniel Doppler: CEO of Quinter (formerly Quicktext), serving 1,900 hotels in 72 countries.Philip von Ditrich: Representing Apaleo, an open PMS platform serving over 2,000 hotels across 32 countries.Find more information about Schulering on our website. Follow us on other social networks: Linkedin Youtube Instagram  Schulering: Evolving Hospitality through Learning.

    45 min
  8. The "Silent Killer" of Independent Hotels (And How Training Stops It)

    Jan 17

    The "Silent Killer" of Independent Hotels (And How Training Stops It)

    Is your training budget the first line item you cut when times get tough? In this episode, we reveal why that decision might be costing you nearly $626,500 a year in hidden turnover costs. Join us for a deep dive into the measurable ROI of hospitality training. We move beyond the "fuzzy" benefits of soft skills to analyze hard data, proving that well-designed training programs don't just prevent mistakes—they generate returns of 200% to 500%. Whether you are an independent hotelier or a GM, you will learn how to transition your training strategy from "defense" (avoiding lawsuits and turnover) to "offense" (generating efficiency and revenue). In this episode, you will discover: The Math of Turnover: Why replacing a single manager costs $50,000 and how "modest" turnover rates can bleed over half a million dollars annually.Legal "Defense" Strategy: The critical lessons from Miller v. Walmart and why your training documentation is your best protection against negligent hiring lawsuits.Case Study - The 37% ROI: How addressing a language barrier with ESL courses led to a massive productivity boost for groundskeepers.Operational Efficiency: How a simple "supply cart" training program saved 240 hours of labor in just one month.Why Training Fails: The danger of skipping the "Design" phase and why the T.R.A.I.N. methodology (Teach, Repeat, Ask, Imitate, Know) is essential for adult learners. Featured Concepts: ADDIE Model ImplementationRisk Management & Legal Liability Calculating "Net Program Benefits" The "Virtuous Cycle" of Staff Satisfaction Listen now to stop the "silent killer" of your margins and turn your staff development into your hotel's strongest asset. Find more information about Schulering on our website. Follow us on other social networks: Linkedin Youtube Instagram  Schulering: Evolving Hospitality through Learning.

    12 min
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About

Schulering Hub is a hospitality training consultancy. Helping hotels and restaurants discover their training needs, training the trainers, and offering training procurament from its rich network of professionals.   Schulering audits, assesses, optmizes, and structures every step of your internal hotel guest - Your Staff. From the pre-employment to departparture, we help hotels build their employer branding by doing all the rights things with their people, turning staff into ambassadors of the brand.  Our podcast, Talking Hospitality aims to raise awareness of the PEOPLE in our industry doing what we preech, showing the impact that treating your staff well do to your business. If there is a guest that you want to see on the show, please contact them with us on hello@schulering.com

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