Robert Mandelbaum, Hotel Researcher and Consultant, interviewed by Lan Elliott

Ben Brunt, Chief Investment Officer, Noble Investment Group, interviewed by Lan Elliott

Ben's story is a reminder that longevity in one place can be just as powerful a career move as chasing the next opportunity. The depth of trust he has built at Noble - with partners, with his team, and through the cycles of the industry - did not happen by accident; it was the result of showing up fully, year after year. For those earlier in their careers: choose your environment wisely, invest in the people around you, and never stop asking how you can contribute more. In hospitality, relationships are the real currency, and the ones built on genuine trust compound over time.

Karen Stephens, Chief Marketing Officer, Revinate Interviewed by Rachel Humphrey

Karen details her journey from French professor to CRO and CMO of a hospitality technology company including many of the leadership lessons she's learned along the way. Find out how adaptability is a consistent theme for her and why she seeks out team members who can thrive in ambiguity. Karen discusses wellness, balancing time, the benefits of living internationally, comfort in public speaking, and what aspects of her leadership have evolved the most over time, among other great lessons.

Thomas Penny III, President, Donohoe Hospitality interviewed by Rachel Humphrey

Thomas shares some of the many leadership lessons he's learned from his nearly 30 years with Donohoe and his path from dishwasher to president. He discusses his purpose-driven leadership, why representation matters, his commitment to shaping the industry's future, and how AI can be a valuable tool for breaking down traditional barriers to career growth. Thomas talks about his public speaking journey, what he's optimistic about, what people don't know about him, and why adversity is a gift.

Robert Mandelbaum, Hotel Researcher and Consultant, interviewed by Lan Elliott

Robert’s career shows what happens when passion, self-knowledge, and service converge over time. He found his niche in hotel data and leaned into it fully - building tools that transformed how the industry benchmarks performance. His advice: follow what energizes you, surround yourself with people you can learn from, and show up for your network the way you hope they will show up for you. Do that consistently, and the rest tends to take care of itself.

Colin Macdonald, Managing Director & SVP, US & Canada Operations, IHG Hotels & Resorts

Colin shares how his leadership has evolved over 12 years at IHG and the additional leadership skills he's developed through board service, his own curiosity, and lessons from his support system and mentors. He discusses using self awareness to overcome self doubt, his strategies for public speaking and building relationships, and the importance of feedback. Colin talks about wellness, something people don't know about him, and the important impact of knowing everything will turn out okay.