Distinguished | Hospitality Leadership Podcast with Dean Upneja
What does it take to lead in one of the world's most dynamic industries? Distinguished brings you unfiltered conversations with the executives, founders, general managers, and investors who are shaping the future of global hospitality. Hosted by Dean Arun Upneja of Boston University's School of Hospitality Administration, each episode goes beyond the headlines to tackle the real challenges facing hospitality leaders today from hotel operations and restaurant innovation to talent management, climate action, and the rise of AI and robotics across the industry. Our guests represent every corner of hospitality: luxury hotels, independent restaurants, travel and tourism, entertainment venues, and more. They bring hard-won insight, bold ideas, and the kind of candor you won't find in a boardroom.
Episodes
Beyond Table Stakes: Staying Power and Growth of Himmel Hospitality Group, the Award-Winning Steakhouse
For more than four decades, Himmel Hospitality Group has been a standard bearer of Boston's culinary scene. Grill 23 & Bar has earned Best of Boston recognition across four decades since opening in 1983. Harvest has anchored Harvard Square through generations of Cambridge diners. And in spring 2027, the group makes its biggest move in years: Bar 23 and Le Boulevard, two new concepts openi
Spencer Davidson: Why Main Street Is Winning Hotel Transactions in 2026
Wall Street is selling, Main Street is buying, and the space between is where the deals are getting done. This episode of the Distinguished Podcast was recorded on the road to the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum in New York City. Kaushik Vardharajan, Director of Boston University School of Hospitality’s Real Estate Program, spoke with Spencer Davidson, Senior Vice President at Hunte
Daniel Lesser: Hotel Investment, Loan Maturities, and Too Many Brands
Four decades in this business have taught Daniel Lesser to not to fear uncertainty. From the Cuban Missile Crisis to COVID, despite dire warnings, the hospitality industry recovers and comes back stronger every time. This episode of the Distinguished Podcast was recorded on the road at the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum in New York City, with guest host Kaushik Vardharajan, Directo
Rod Clough: 2026 Hotel Market Outlook, RevPAR, and AI in Valuation
Every so often an interview is also a reunion. Before he led the Boston University School of Hospitality Real Estate Program, Kaushik Vardharajan spent fifteen years at HVS, the global consulting firm focused exclusively on the hospitality industry. For this interview, Kaushik sits down with Rod Clough, who is now running it across the Americas. This episode of the Distinguished Podcast was record
Chad Sorensen: Hotel Asset Management, Margins, and Guest Experience
Ask Chad Sorensen what wins in 2026 and he will not say growth; he will say execution and margins. This episode of the Distinguished Podcast was recorded on the road at the 2026 NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum in New York City, with guest host Kaushik Vardharajan, Director of Boston University School of Hospitality’s Real Estate Program. Chad is CEO of CHM Warnick, a leading hotel
The Simmer Live at the Summit: Judy Thelen of beli on Taste, Trust, and the Future of Restaurant Discovery
We are proud to share from the BU SHA Hospitality Leadership Summit stage on April 10, 2026, the first LIVE podcast recording of The Simmer podcast. Hosted by Kristen Hawley, founder of Expedite, must-read news source about restaurant technology and the future of hospitality, and Brandon Barton, CEO of Bite, this podcast features Judy Thelen, co-founder and CEO of beli, the super-popular app for s
Leading With Curiosity: Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, President and CEO of Collette
What does it take to lead a 100+ year-old travel company into its next chapter without losing the soul that made it legendary? In this episode of Distinguished, Dean Arun Upneja sits down with Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, President and CEO of Collette, a family-owned guided travel brand since 1918. As the first woman to lead the company in its century-long history, Jaclyn has earned her role through experie
Jen Ziskin, Executive Director of Mass Restaurant United: Advocating on Wages, Fees, and Workforce So Independent Restaurants Can Thrive
Restaurants are more than places to eat. They are where communities gather, cultures are shared, and everyday moments become lasting memories. But behind every restaurant is a complex reality, rising costs, workforce challenges, and shifting consumer expectations. In this episode of The Distinguished, Dean Arun Upneja welcomes Jen Ziskin, Executive Director of Mass Restaurant United and co-owner o
Jeff Gates, COO of Columbus Hospitality Group, on Elevating the Art of Service in the Tech Age
What does it take to lead in a changing industry? In this episode of Distinguished, Dean Arun Upneja speaks with Jeff Gates, Chief Operating Officer of the Columbus Hospitality Group (CHG), about the lessons that his many years in restaurants have taught him about leadership, resilience, and the power of people. From his first job at the dish table to overseeing some of Boston’s most celebrated re
Putting Philoxenia into Practice with Demetri Tsolakis, CEO of Xenia Greek Hospitality
Demetri Tsolakis, CEO of Xenia Greek Hospitality, reflected on a powerful, yet often forgotten idea: hospitality is not a transaction, but a human obligation. Drawing from the ancient Greek philosophy of philoxenia, Tsolakis described hospitality as the act of turning a stranger into a friend, an approach that shapes every decision across his restaurants. The discussion also explored how this phil
The Cycles Are the Opportunity: Ian Livingstone on Crises, Capital, and Long-Game Real Estate
What do you do when the real estate market collapses? If you’re Ian Livingstone, you buy. In this episode of Distinguished, Dean Arun Upneja speaks with Ian Livingstone, the co-founder of London & Regional Properties, one of the UK’s largest private real estate groups, about what it really takes to build a £12 billion global empire, through booms, crashes, and everything in between. Livingston
The Heart of Hospitality: Bashar Wali on Emotion, Belonging, and What AI Can’t Replace
Most leaders talk about transforming hospitality. Bashar Wali actually walked away from a $150 million hotel portfolio to do it. The founder of This Assembly, Wali is building a new kind of hospitality ecosystem, one centered on emotion, belonging, and human connection rather than automation and efficiency. In this episode, Dean Arun Upneja speaks with Wali about why the future of hospitality isn’
The Four-Pillar Framework for Talent Management in Hospitality: Sarah Diehl on Culture, Values & Leadership
When Sarah Diehl’s corporate HR role was eliminated, she called it “the best thing that could have happened.” Out of that setback came Empowered Hospitality, a consulting firm dedicated to helping restaurants and hotels build resilient, people-first teams. In this conversation with Dean Arun Upneja, Sarah shares her four-pillar framework for talent management and explains why culture, onboarding,
Amanda Hyndman, Chief Operating Officer of Mandarin Oriental: Redefining Luxury from the Inside Out
Imagine walking through the gilded corridors of a legendary hotel—where service feels like an art form, and every guest isn’t just remembered, but known. Amanda Hyndman has helped shape one of the world’s most admired hotel brands. Beginning her journey with Mandarin Oriental nearly 20 years ago as a general manager, she has built meaningful, memorable guest experiences. Her 2023 appointment as Ch
Ed Brown, CEO of Restaurant Associates: The Right Ingredients for Hospitality at Scale
Although he wears the CEO suit and title, Ed Brown counters that he’s a chef at heart. He has bridged the world of white-tablecloth fine dining and high-scale institutional foodservice, without losing the soul of either. Ed Brown began his career behind the line, rising through the world of fine dining to earn national acclaim as Executive Chef at The Sea Grill at Rockefeller Center. That same phi
George Poll on Building Distinctive Dining Experiences from Long Island to Miami
George Poll has spent decades building some of Long Island’s most celebrated restaurants. Alongside his brother, he’s crafted iconic dining experiences from Bryant & Cooper Steakhouse to Toku Modern Asian, blending culinary creativity with sharp business acumen. Recently, George took his expertise to Miami, where the journey to open Toku wasn’t exactly smooth sailing—facing all the challenges
Unlocking Ultra-Luxury with Managing Director Luigi Romaniello on the Grand Reopening of the Waldorf Astoria New York
Set to reopen after a seven-year restoration, the Waldorf Astoria New York is poised to redefine ultra-luxury hospitality. In this episode, Managing Director Luigi Romaniello takes us through the journey of bringing the Waldorf Astoria back to life, from restoring storied frescoes and architectural details to creating highly personalized experiences for today’s sophisticated travelers. He shares h
Inhospitable? Redefining Service in Luxury Hospitality with Kate Buhler, Founder and President of Profitable to Train
Kate Buhler, founder and president of Profitable to Train, is a leading expert in hospitality service excellence and profitability. With decades of experience across luxury brands including Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Baccarat, Peninsula, and Bulgari, Kate is known for her unique approach to training that drives both employee satisfaction and financial success. Her n
Aldau Development: Modern Hospitality Meets Millennia-Old Treasures
Aldau Development has earned a reputation for excellence in both Real Estate and Hospitality, with developments in Egypt and the United Kingdom. Their strategic partnerships with marquee brands such as Hyatt International, IHG, and Deutsche Hospitality have further cemented their standing internationally. Boston University School of Hospitality and Questrom School of Business designed a customized
Tipping & Wages Series: Politics Play Up the Benefits of Eliminating Taxes on Tips
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump both have proposed eliminating taxes on tips for service workers. While seemingly beneficial, it might just not add up according to renowned economics expert Larry Kotlikoff. Named one of the world’s 25 most influential economists by The Economist Magazine, Kotlikoff has advised the Federal Reserve, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and various other p
Leadership Series: Practical Strategies for Bridging Leadership Gaps with Executive Coach Lori Mazan
What does it take to truly redefine leadership in today's fast-paced world? Lori Mazan, co-founder and Chief Coaching Officer at Sounding Board, shares practical and transformative strategies to address this challenge. In her new book, Leadership Revolution: The Future of Developing Dynamic Leaders, Lori offers a fresh perspective that rethinks outdated leadership norms. In this special podca
Saru Jayaraman Fights for One Fair Wage
The battle over raising the minimum wage for tipped workers and permitting tip pooling bounces to the Massachusetts ballot this November. Saru Jayaraman, President of One Fair Wage and Director of the Food Labor Research Center at UC Berkeley, argues that the current tipped wage structure perpetuates low pay and high turnover. Although the wage increase would occur over five years, opponents asser
Tipping Series: The Psychology of Tipping with Michael Lynn, Ph.D., Professor of Services Marketing, Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration
Beyond good, bad, and mediocre service, how much we tip and why we tip is rich with psychological implications. Find out what tipping reveals about us as consumers and our need for affirmation and societal status. Shedding light on the complexities behind tipping is nationally recognized expert Michael Lynn, Ph.D. , Professor of Services Marketing at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administra
Leadership Series: Dondra Ritzenthaler Embarks on a New Leadership Role
Recognized for her leadership, Dondra Ritzenthaler now sets sail toward a new horizon, taking the helm as Chief Executive Officer of Azamara Cruises, the award-winning, luxury cruise line based in Miami, Florida. Dondra recently spent time at BU School of Hospitality as the Howard Johnson Executive in Residence, inspiring students and faculty with her passion for learning and mentorship. Dondra sh
The Matters that Massachusetts Restaurant Association Wages for (and against) with Stephen Clark
Restaurant work is undeniably tough. Long hours, fierce competition, and thin profit margins characterize this demanding profession. The challenges only intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, testing the resilience of workers and business owners alike. Dining constitutes both an undeniable pleasure and a thriving business sector. It is integral to our lives and livelihood. In this Distinguishe
Tipping & Wages Series: Restauranteur's Dilemma of Balancing Equity and Economics with TJ Callahan
TJ Callahan transformed neighborhood eateries into thriving “go-to” destinations with his acclaimed farm-to-table restaurants in the heart of Chicago. He is the co-founder and owner of Farm Bar and is the farmer at Brown Dog Farm, the Farm Bar farm in Southwestern Wisconsin. With an MBA in finance from the University of Chicago under his belt, he's stirring the pot on a topic affecting thousa
Revolutionizing the Hostel Experience with Oliver Winter, Founder & CEO of a&o Hostels
Think back to your youthful days of travel, hostels along the way were a hub for forging connections with fellow wanderers and were part of the adventure. If you traveled in pre-Internet days, some 20-30 years ago, you didn’t always know what you were getting. The hostel you found in a guidebook could be off the beaten path and might have been not so “hospitable.” Today, the landscape of hostels h
Leadership Series: Demystifying the C-Suite Search with Ann Fastiggi of Spencer Stuart
So, you want to be a C-suite executive? It will certainly give you a leg up to hear about the steps to filling those corner office suites from a search firm expert, Ann Fastiggi. To shed some light on the path to the C-suite, we continue our Leadership Series with Ann Fastiggi, a member of the Global Consumer Practice at Spencer Stuart, a global executive search and leadership advisory firm. With
40,000-foot-view of Customer Care with Allison Ausband, Executive Vice President, and Chief Customer Experience Officer at Delta Air Lines
Imagine the triumph of human ambition as we glide through the skies, a testament to our enduring quest to conquer the very elements — thirty thousand feet aloft, inside a slender cylinder of steel. Within this confined space, humanity gathers, shoulder to shoulder: a microcosm of society. It's under these conditions that our distinguished guest today crafts an oasis of tranquility and impecca
Leadership Series: Radical Mentor with Cindy Novotny, Managing Partner of Master Connection Associates
Continuing our Leadership Series, we spotlight Cindy Novotny, who earned the “Radical Mentor” moniker for her no-nonsense approach to delivering results in the areas of leadership, sales, and customer service excellence. Having traveled more than 10 million miles over the course of her career, Cindy helps emerging professionals to CEOs to fly past their comfort zone of “we’ve always done it this w
Big Brand Hotels: Striving to be Guests’ Everything with Julienne Smith, Chief Development Officer, Americas of IHG Hotels & Resorts
The “You Can Be Anything” Barbie slogan could apply just as easily to the ever-expanding brand choices of major hotel groups such as IHG Hotels & Resorts which now has 6,200 hotels in more than 100 countries. In a similar fashion, over the decades, the Barbie portfolio has grown to encompass 250+ careers, countless outfits, and multiple dreamhouses. Plus, Barbie has gone far, having traveled
Leadership Series: How to Identify a Positive, Values-Based Organizational Culture
If you have ever worked in a toxic workplace, you have learned the hard way that dysfunctional organizational cultures are harmful and hinder employee performance. Taylor Peyton, Ph.D., senior organizational psychologist for BiasSync, and co-founder of Mojo Moments, defines organizational culture as “a force, both visible and invisible, that massively influences employee behavior and an organizati
The Virtuous Cycle of Purpose Driving Profit with Niren Chaudhary, Chairman of Panera Brands
Being the CEO of globally recognized companies for decades is much like driving a race car at high speed: both thrilling and intensely challenging. Reaching a finish line after being on the fast track represents a tremendous feat. After the fanfare ends, and the adrenaline subsides, what do you set your sights on next, especially when you have tremendous drive inside of you? For Niren Chaudhary, i
More Fun and Less Friction with Tim McLaughlin, Cofounder and CEO of GoTab
Waiting to be served drinks and food and settling the tab rank most certainly as the pain points of the dining experience. As the famous song goes, "You got to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative." In that spirit, to relieve the friction and induce more seamless service, Tim McLaughlin combined his skills as a technologist with his experience as a brewery restaurant owner to
California Raises Minimum Wage for Fast-Food Workers
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a new law that raises the minimum wage from $15.50 to $20 per hour for fast-food workers starting April 1, 2024. Chris Simms, CEO and Founder of Lazy Dog, a casual dining restaurant that started in California and spans 49 locations across the US, joins the podcast for a discussion of how this law may impact employees, owners, franchisees, and consum
Hospitality by Design with Steven Upchurch, Co-Managing Director of Gensler
Good vibes. That’s probably the ultimate compliment when one enters into a space. An environment viscerally impacts how we feel and interact with one another. Imagine creating those just-right vibes for large-scale spaces and places such as airports, city districts, corporate headquarters of international companies, sports arenas, museums, and hospital facilities. Where do you start? In this int
Beyond Running Shoes with Keith Craig, Senior Director of Development of NB Development Group
New Balance has made an indelible footprint not only in fashion and sports but also in the real estate sector. Keith Craig, Senior Director of Development of NB Development Group, takes us through the milestones of how NB Development Group transformed the once-industrial area of Allston-Brighton into a vibrant destination for music, dining, entertainment, and life sciences. Speaking of all-stars,
Daily Table Offers a Hand, Not a Hand-Out with Doug Rauch, Founder and President of Daily Table
For the many Trader Joe’s dedicated shoppers, Doug Rauch is a name you might not know as well as “Joe.” As President, he helped grow the business from a small chain in Southern California to a nationally acclaimed retail success story. After 31 years with the company, Doug hung up this trademark Trader Joe’s Hawaiin shirt to start a non-profit, community grocery store that provides fresh, tasty, c
Old-world Charm Meets Automation: New England Inns & Resorts with Deborah Burns, Executive Director of New England Inns & Resorts Association
New England’s old-world charm is best captured by the idyllic, charming inns and resorts down backcountry roads, in the midst of beachside towns, and on the perches of snowy mountains. New England Inns & Resorts (NEIRA), established in 1907, makes it easy to explore over 300 resorts, inns, bed and breakfasts, hotels, and motor inns. Deborah Burns, NEIRA Executive Director, gives an inside look
Columbus Hospitality Group’s Approach(ability) to Fine Dining with Mark D’Alessandro, Director of Operations
While some fine dining experiences come with a side of pretension, Mark D’Alessandro, Director of Operations of the renowned Columbus Hospitality Group (CHG), sets a table that is exquisite and exceptional while remaining approachable. Mistral can be credited for being one of the preeminent restaurants that ushered in Boston’s burgeoning dining scene in the 1990s. A testament to its success, the C
Sharing Sonesta’s Secret with Vera Manoukian, Chief Operating Officer of Sonesta International Hotels
Vera Manoukian became COO of Sonesta at the height of Covid in 2020. Defying the odds in these recent turbulent years, the company has expanded globally from its start in a tiny Massachusetts seaside town in 1937 to become one of the largest and fastest-growing hospitality companies. What is the secret to this wild success? Honored as one of the 2022 Influential Women of Hospitality by Hotel Manag
The Way to Bartaco with Anthony Valletta, President of Bartaco
How do you bartaco? “Bartaco” encapsulates both a “thing you do” and the name of this growing restaurant company with over 20 locations in 12 states. Anthony Valletta, an alumnus of Boston University School of Hospitality Administration, and President of bartaco, delves into how the company has innovated the traditional restaurant business model. The secret sauce: operational excellence on the ba
Rebuilding Hospitality with Quendrida Whitmore, Executive Coach
Employees are demanding change, evidenced by widespread staff turnovers and union organization. Quendrida Whitmore, also known as “Coach Quen,” helps build better bosses and positive workplace cultures by being intentional about “how” work gets done.Quendrida Whitmore writes on leadership in Boston Hospitality Review.Coach Quen® Quendrida Whitmore, Executive Coach and Founder of Quendrida Whitmore
Mandarin Oriental’s Legendary Luxury with James Riley, Group Chief Executive
James Riley shares how the concept of luxury stays in touch with the 21st world by creating an inclusive corporate culture and cultivating fans, many of whom are widely famous, through its world-class guest experience. James Riley, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin OrientalEmail us at shadean@bu.eduThe “Distinguished” podcast is produced by Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. H
Meet Boston: Widening the View with Hilina Ajakaiye, Executive Vice President of Meet Boston, and Colette Phillips, CEO and President/Chief Strategist/Visionary of Colette Phillips Communications, Inc.
Meet Boston (formerly Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau) introduces a new way to experience Boston. The “All Inclusive Boston” and “Boston never gets old” campaigns widen the lens to present the city’s diverse and inclusive angles while keeping the city’s rich history as part of the picture. Hilina Ajakaiye, Executive Vice President of Meet Boston, and Colette Phillips, CEO and Presi
Xenia and the Art of Luxury Retail with Ian Carter Chairman of Watches of Switzerland Group
The much-coveted Birkin bag or a Ferrari is unattainable for most people. Although these luxury goods may be out of sight price-wise for the majority of consumers, retailers who don’t allow aspirational browsing, are the ones who are out of touch. Subscribing to the idea that Xenia (genuine hospitality) is good for business — for both the browser and buyer alike is the topic of this conversation w
Distinguished (Official Trailer)
Distinguished with Dean Arun UpnejaWelcome to the Distinguished podcast. Here, we skip the small talk and get right into the top-of-mind topics in the world of Hospitality, including and certainly not limited to: recruiting and retaining talent, the need to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion, wellness and well-being of our team and our guests, climate action, and the impact of robotics and
