Serving Up Talent: Workforce Development and the Future of Hospitality Hiring

Serving Up Talent: Workforce Development and the Future of Hospitality Hiring

This week, I’m joined by Tia Plunkett-McQueen, Vice President of Human Resources, for a powerful conversation on one of the biggest challenges facing hospitality today—people. We dive into what’s really happening in today’s hiring landscape, why attracting and retaining talent has become more complex, and what leaders need to understand about building a sustainable workforce. Tia shares her expertise on workforce development, the importance of creating strong talent pipelines, and how partnerships with community organizations and workforce agencies can make a real impact. We also explore the role of leadership, culture, and growth opportunities in retaining top talent—and why the future of hospitality depends on how we invest in people today. If you’re an owner, operator, or leader looking to build stronger teams and future-proof your business, this episode is a must-listen.

Franchise Fame: How to Scale, Market & Lead a Growing Brand | Dani Peleva

This week, I’m joined by Dani Peleva, Founder & CEO of Franchise Fame and Amazon best-selling author of Franchise Fame, for a powerful conversation on what it really takes to scale a brand the right way. Dani specializes in national franchise marketing and helping established brands grow with clarity, consistency, and strategy. We dive into the biggest challenges franchise systems face when expanding, how to align brand messaging across multiple locations, and why marketing is one of the most powerful drivers of sustainable growth. She also breaks down her proprietary “Five F’s of Franchise Marketing”—a framework designed to help brands create momentum, attract the right franchisees, and build long-term success. This episode is all about shifting from thinking like an operator to thinking like a brand—and understanding that real growth doesn’t happen by accident, it happens by design. If you’re looking to scale your business, strengthen your brand, or elevate your marketing strategy, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Creating Unforgettable Experiences : The Art of Events, Details & Hospitality

> This week, I’m joined by Kyle Savage, event planner extraordinaire, author, and motivational speaker, for a conversation all about what it takes to create unforgettable experiences. > > From high-level event planning and managing guest expectations to the power of organization, attention to detail, and leadership under pressure, Kyle shares the behind-the-scenes reality of building events that leave a lasting impression. > > > > We also dive into his book, his journey into motivational speaking, and how the principles of event planning directly connect to hospitality, service, and creating moments people never forget. > > > > Plus… Kyle spills some fun stories about working with celebrity clients and what really happens behind the velvet rope. > > > > If you’re in hospitality, events, leadership—or simply love hearing how incredible experiences come together—this episode is packed with insight, energy, and inspiration.

Finding Your Voice : Leadership, Confidence & Communication

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Distinguished Toastmaster Augusta Inniss, Program Quality Director of District 36 and incoming District Director for District 220  to talk about one of the most underrated skills in leadership—communication. From building confidence and finding your voice to leading teams and speaking with impact, Augusta shares practical insights on how strong communication shapes better leaders, stronger teams, and more successful businesses. Whether you’re running a restaurant, leading a team, or looking to grow personally, this conversation is packed with takeaways you can put into action right away. A Must listen!

The Digital Table: How Technology is Reshaping Hospitality

This week, I’m joined by Noah Glass, Founder & CEO of Olo, for a powerful conversation about how technology is transforming the way restaurants operate, connect with guests, and drive revenue. As a pioneer in digital ordering, Noah has been ahead of the curve—long before online ordering, delivery, and guest data became essential to the industry. Today, Olo powers some of the biggest restaurant brands, helping them take control of their digital experience and build stronger, more profitable relationships with their guests. We dive into how guest expectations have evolved, why owning your customer data is more important than ever, and where operators are missing opportunities when it comes to digital strategy. Noah also shares insights on the future of restaurants, including AI, personalization, and what leaders need to do know to stay competitive. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand where hospitality is headed—and how to stay ahead of it.