Thirsty Bandit - Strategy Sessions

What Guests Actually Remember

In this episode of Strategy Sessions, Corey Krejcik and Rachel Brown explore the art of creating memorable guest experiences in wine tasting and hospitality. They discuss the importance of storytelling, emotional design, pacing, and genuine enthusiasm to leave lasting impressions and foster customer loyalty. Key takeaways: * Guests remember how you made them feel more than technical details. * Storytelling and enthusiasm create memorable experiences. * Reading guest cues and pivoting is crucial for engagement. * Intentionality in service design enhances guest satisfaction. * Personalized experiences foster loyalty and repeat visits.

Embracing the Grey with Jamie Cooperstein

In the world of hospitality, service standards and procedures are essential for maintaining brand integrity and ensuring consistency. But what happens when you find yourself in a situation that requires flexibility? How do you know when to adhere strictly to the rules and when to bend them for the sake of exceptional guest experiences? In this episode, Corey and Rachel discuss how to navigate the grey areas of hospitality service standards with insights from expert Jamie Cooperstein. The conversation uncovers practical strategies to enhance guest experiences while maintaining brand integrity. About our guest: Jamie Cooperstein in the owner and CEO of J. Cooperstein Hospitality Consulting, LLC and the author of True Hospitality: Lessons Learned from Behind the Concierge Desk. After having spent a decade as a concierge at both a luxury hotel and a luxury residence, Jamie now passes along her acquired knowledge to employees at a myriad of hospitality businesses. Jamie uses the principles of AAA “Five Diamond” service, which shaped her career, to educate employees who work behind or supervise those that work at front desk counters, host stands, customer service windows, in lobbies or over the phone. Learn more about Jamie at https://jcoopconsulting.com [https://jcoopconsulting.com/book/]

Collaboration with Sydney Welch

Collaboration is often misunderstood in creative industries. It is not merely about working together; it is about creating mutual benefits and shared investment. In this episode, Corey and Rachel chat with Sydney Welch, co-founder of The Maker's Table, to discuss the power of true collaboration and why it involves all parties contributing something meaningful. In their model, guests are not just attendees but active participants who enhance the overall experience. This approach transforms a typical dinner into a collaborative event where everyone's contributions are valued. About our guest: Sydney Welch, author of The Art of Collaboration and co-founder of The Makers Table, loves working at the intersection of hospitality, creativity, and collaboration. Often referred to as a connector, she loves bridging the gap between the makers in her orbit to create opportunities for unexpected partnerships. With a background in education and high-ed Sydney takes an individualistic approach to every person and project that’s rooted in data and community building equally. Learn more about Sydney and The Makers Table at https://www.themakerstable.co/ [https://www.themakerstable.co/]

Morality in Leadership with Kimberly McGlonn

In this episode, Corey and Rachel chat with Dr. Kimberly McGlonn to discuss the intersection of ethical leadership, purpose-driven business, and social responsibility, emphasizing the importance of morality, emotional literacy, and vulnerability in leadership. The conversation explores how hospitality brands can align profit with purpose and create cultures where people and communities thrive. Key topics discussed, include: * The role of morality in leadership decisions * Emotional literacy and emotional design in organizations * Building authentic and purpose-driven brands * The importance of vulnerability and courage in leadership * Aligning business practices with social and environmental impact About Our Guest: Dr. Kimberly McGlonn is a speaker, author, and executive advisor working at the intersection of leadership, design, and social impact. Her work challenges leaders to move beyond performance and toward purpose, responsibility, and systems-level thinking. Kimberly is the author of The Leader's Work [https://builditboldly.com/collections/books-journals/products/the-leaders-work] and Build It Boldly [https://builditboldly.com/products/build-it-boldly-book], as well as a columnist for Philadelphia Magazine, where her “Dear Kimberly [https://www.phillymag.com/author/kimberly-mcglonn/]” column explores leadership, identity, and navigating complexity with clarity. More information about Kimberly can be found at: https://www.drkimberlymcglonn.com/ [https://www.drkimberlymcglonn.com/] https://builditboldly.com [https://builditboldly.com]

Daily Rituals with David Dressler

Corey and Rachel chat with executive coach and leadership advisor David Dressler about the power of daily rituals and how small, intentional practices can create clarity, structure, and momentum in both life and work. Drawing from his experience co-founding Tender Greens and coaching high-performing founders and executives, David shares how rituals act as anchors in an otherwise chaotic day, helping you transition with purpose, show up more intentionally, and build deeper connections. This conversation breaks down how to identify your core values, start small with sustainable habits, and create space for reflection so your rituals actually evolve with you. If you’ve ever felt stuck in reactive mode, this episode offers a practical framework to move with intention and is grounded in one simple but powerful question: Who do I need to be right now? About Our Guest: David Dressler is an executive coach and leadership advisor with extensive experience working with founders and executives. He has a rich background in building and scaling businesses, including co-founding the successful restaurant chain Tender Greens. His unique perspective on rituals stems from his journey through the corporate world, where he learned the importance of mindfulness and intentionality. More information on David can be found at https://www.daviddressler.co/ [https://www.daviddressler.co/]