Episode 34: Building the Next Generation of Luxury Travel with KSL Capital Partners

Episode 34: Building the Next Generation of Luxury Travel with KSL Capital Partners

May Lilley [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maylilley/], Executive in Residence of Global Commercial for KSL Capital Partners, joins Adam Deflorian [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adeflorian/] on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to share why meaningful experiences and human connection continue to define the future of luxury hospitality. Key topics include: * May Lilley’s unconventional path from ski instructor to Executive in Residence at KSL Capital Partners, and the career decisions that helped share some of hospitality’s most innovative brands. * Why experiential travel continues to outperform traditional luxury and the growing demand for transformational travel experiences. * How AI, personalization, and emerging technologies are changing hospitality, and why human connection remains luxury travel’s most valuable differentiator.  Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ [https://www.azds.com/]  Follow us @azdsgroup [https://www.instagram.com/azdsgroup/] on Instagram Produced by Brenna Darling [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brennadarling/] and Chase Gohl [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasegohl/], 2026 Production Assistance by Emily LeDoux [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-ledoux-00778413a/], 2026 Opening by Melissa Kennedy [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-kennedy-55a32b40/] and Ellery Ross-Reid [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellery-r-b897622a/], 2026

Episode 33: Crafting a Sense of Place in New York with The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel

Pradeep Raman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pradeep-raman-9460281/], Regional Vice President and Managing Director of The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, joins Adam Deflorian [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adeflorian/] on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to explore the evolution of modern luxury hospitality through storytelling, personalization, and a deep sense of place in New York’s Upper East Side. Key topics include: * Why true luxury hospitality is rooted in personalization, empathy, and human connection. * How The Surrey is blending art, gastronomy, design, and neighborhood culture into a distinctly Upper East Side experience. * Why travel advisors and relationship-driven hospitality remain more important than ever in an AI-powered world. Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ [https://www.azds.com/]  Follow us @azdsgroup [https://www.instagram.com/azdsgroup/] on Instagram Produced by Brenna Darling [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brennadarling/] and Chase Gohl [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasegohl/], 2026 Production Assistance by Emily LeDoux [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-ledoux-00778413a/], 2026 Opening by Melissa Kennedy [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-kennedy-55a32b40/] and Ellery Ross-Reid [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellery-r-b897622a/], 2026

Episode 32: Why Slower, Smarter Travel is Defining Luxury’s Next Era

Paul Brady [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-brady-51104499/], News Director at Travel + Leisure, joins Adam Deflorian [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adeflorian/] on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to discuss how the next era of luxury travel is all about helping travelers feel more connected (and less overwhelmed), along every step of the journey. Key topics include: * Why luxury cruise and slow travel experiences continue to surge in popularity, especially with younger travelers. * How Travel + Leisure is adapting to a rapidly evolving media landscape shaped by video authenticity, and AI-powered workflows. * The future of travel innovations, from community-driven hospitality experiences to the advancement of supersonic aviation. Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ [https://www.azds.com/]  Follow us @azdsgroup [https://www.instagram.com/azdsgroup/] on Instagram Produced by Brenna Darling [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brennadarling/] and Chase Gohl [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasegohl/], 2026 Opening by Melissa Kennedy [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-kennedy-55a32b40/] and Ellery Ross-Reid [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellery-r-b897622a/], 2026

Episode 31: Inside Ponant’s Expanding World of Exploration

Belinda Hindmarsh [https://www.linkedin.com/in/belinda-hindmarsh-7193272/], Deputy CEO of Ponant Explorations Group, joins Adam Deflorian [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adeflorian/] on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to discuss how Ponant is redefining luxury travel by shifting focus from the ship itself to the experiences of true exploration, offering access to the world’s most remote destinations without sacrificing comfort or depth of connection. Key topics include: * How Ponant is shifting perception from traditional cruising to purpose-driven, small-ship exploration that prioritized access, immersion, and meaning. * Why “where you go” matters more than ever, featuring global itineraries designed around rare, hard-to-reach places. * The unique space Ponant occupies between rugged expedition and refined luxury. Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ [https://www.azds.com/]  Follow us @azdsgroup [https://www.instagram.com/azdsgroup/] on Instagram Produced by Brenna Darling [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brennadarling/] and Chase Gohl [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasegohl/], 2026 Opening by Melissa Kennedy [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-kennedy-55a32b40/] and Ellery Ross-Reid [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellery-r-b897622a/], 2026

Episode 30: The New Economics of Luxury Travel with Investopedia

Caleb Silver [https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-silver-9639585/], Chief Business Editor for People, Inc and Editor in Chief of Investopedia, joins Adam Deflorian [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adeflorian/] on this episode of Luxury Travel Innovators to discuss the hidden economy behind how we travel.  Key topics include: * Why luxury travelers aren’t spending less, but instead demanding more value. * How the loyalty and rewards economy is redefining how travel is funded - and growing more and more popular each year. * The way data, AI, and intent are shaping the future of travel planning, prioritizing anticipation to curate experiences.  Brought to you by https://www.azds.com/ [https://www.azds.com/]  Follow us @azdsgroup [https://www.instagram.com/azdsgroup/] on Instagram Produced by Brenna Darling [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brennadarling/] and Chase Gohl [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasegohl/], 2026 Production Assistance by Emily LeDoux [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-ledoux-00778413a/], 2026 Opening by Melissa Kennedy [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-kennedy-55a32b40/] and Ellery Ross-Reid [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellery-r-b897622a/], 2026