In this episode, Craig Poole reflects on why hospitality is uniquely positioned to create hope—especially in broken or forgotten places. Drawing on his experience turning around marginalized properties and communities, Craig explains why hope isn’t something leaders can wish for but must actively build through selfless decisions and risk-taking. The conversation explores hospitality as a giving profession—and how hope emerges when leaders invest in people others overlook.

A few more resources:

• If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here.
• You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions
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If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve!

Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode, Josiah Mackenzie speaks with Craig Poole, a three-time Hilton Connie Award winner and AHLA’s General Manager of the Year, about hospitality’s unique ability to heal broken places. Craig shares how he approaches struggling hotels and communities by changing perception first—restoring dignity, self-esteem, and hope long before financial results follow. Drawing on real-world turnarounds, he explains why investing in people and engaging the surrounding community can transform not just a business, but an entire environment.

See more with Craig:

• Listen: People are the point of impact: How to create new beginnings and empower through leadership
• Listen: Transforming lives through hospitality: What inspired me to do more
• Listen: Be the change you want to see: My advice for hospitality leaders
• Watch: Follow Me and I Will Be Behind You
• Follow Craig on LinkedIn

A few more resources:

• If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here.
• You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions
• If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free.
• Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
• If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together.

If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve!

Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode, Rob Blood, Founder and Chairman of Lark, returns for a one-year check-in following Lark’s blockbuster deal with Life House. Rob reflects on what it actually takes to scale a hospitality company after the announcement—working through integration challenges, repairing trust, and intentionally building culture under pressure. The conversation explores how values are operationalized at scale, why storytelling and culture anchor identity, and what to look for in leaders when complexity increases.

You may also enjoy:

1. Billion-Dollar Boutique Blockbuster: The Story Behind Lark Hotels’ Joint Venture with Life House
2. How We Created An Award-Winning Boutique Hotel Management and Development Company - Meg Kennedy & Rob Blood, Lark Hotels
3. Road Trips & Revelations: Fresh Ideas for Hospitality - Meg Kennedy & Rob Blood, Lark Hotels

A few more resources:

• If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here.
• You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions
• If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free.
• Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
• If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together.

If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve!

Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands