In this episode, we explore the essence and impact of hospitality in various contexts. Dan interviews Marion Emmanuelle Bullôt, the Managing Partner of AvroKO Hospitality Group. The conversation dives into Marion's career journey, starting from her early days in France, her influential experience with Gordon Ramsay, to her current role where she oversees strategy and concept development at AvroKO. Marion provides insights into how hospitality can transform spaces, enhance business strategies, and create meaningful experiences. The episode also highlights AvroKO's global projects, the importance of understanding market constraints, and the evolving nature of hospitality in enhancing guest experiences and business success.

Takeaways:

• When expanding or starting new ventures in different regions, understanding the local context and customer needs is crucial.
• Leaders should have a clear understanding of the financial realities of their business, such as the P&L of restaurants or the budget constraints for food and beverage in specific projects.
• Encourage and value diverse experiences within your teams to innovate and solve complex problems.
• Building trust with clients through transparent communication and demonstrating expertise can help in securing buy-in for ambitious projects. Focus on ensuring clients understand both the vision and the practical steps.
• Think about how every touchpoint, from design to customer interaction, contributes to the overall experience and brand perception.
• Be prepared to adapt and evolve with changing market conditions. Whether it's incorporating new technology or rethinking strategies post-pandemic, leaders must remain flexible and open to change.
• Effective F&B strategies can significantly contribute to the revenue of hotels and other establishments. Consider investing in high-quality F&B offerings and understand the unique value it can bring to your business.

Quote of the Show:

“I have lots of early childhood memories that tie into hospitality and I just love that it comes with me through my day-to-day, through my work, and through everything I do.” - Marion Emmanuelle Bullôt

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marion-emmanuelle-bull%C3%B4t-4105363a/
• Website: https://www.avroko.com/

Shout Outs:

• Gordon Ramsay https://www.gordonramsay.com/
• Marco Pierre White https://www.marcopierrewhite.co/
• Marriott https://www.marriott.com/default.mi
• Four Seasons https://www.fourseasons.com/
• Michelin https://guide.michelin.com/en
• Hoxton Chicago https://thehoxton.com/chicago/

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419
• Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/

In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan interviews Alessia Genova, a noted interior design expert in the hospitality industry. Alessia shares her inspiring journey from starting as an intern at Tihany Design to becoming the company's principal and managing partner. With over 15 years of experience, Alessia discusses her passion for hospitality design, the importance of relationships and reputation, and the challenges and triumphs she encountered when taking over the company. The conversation offers valuable insights into maintaining high-quality standards, navigating career transitions, and balancing innovation with tradition in the design industry. She is an inspiration to hospitality professionals everywhere, you don’t want to miss this episode!

Takeaways:

• Identifying and communicating the mission behind what you do can energize and drive you and your team. In hospitality, for example, the goal might be to make people feel cared for during their journeys.
• Building strong, lasting relationships within your industry—whether with clients, colleagues, or vendors—can be a foundation for long-term success.
• Nurturing your team members and providing mentorship can foster a strong, supportive working environment. Encourage personal and professional growth through guidance and sharing knowledge.
• For firms with a rich legacy, it’s essential to balance the respect for past accomplishments with the drive to innovate and explore new paths.
• The COVID-19 pandemic was described as a non-linear challenge, indicating the importance of adaptability. Leaders must stay flexible and manage unforeseen changes effectively.
• Focus on the quality of work and craftsmanship, from design to execution. Detailed project planning and immaculate attention to detail can set you apart.

Quote of the Show: “Eventually you grow and you understand that having an understanding of these spaces will help you also design them in a certain way.” - Alessia Genova

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alessia-genova-a28b742a/
• Website: https://tihanydesign.com/

Shout Outs:

• The Breakers https://www.thebreakers.com/
• Beverly Hills Hotel https://www.dorchestercollection.com/los-angeles/the-beverly-hills-hotel
• Hilton https://www.hilton.com/en/brands/hilton-hotels/
• Heart of House https://www.heartofthehouse.com/
• Amber Hotel https://www.hotelamber.com/
• Mandarin Hong Kong https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/hong-kong/victoria-harbour
• Richard Serra https://gagosian.com/artists/richard-serra/
• Le Cirque https://lecirque.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419
• Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/