Schulering HUB Talking Hospitality Podcast

Hosted by Schulering

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149

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Schulering Hub is a hospitality training consultancy. Helping hotels and restaurants discover their training needs, training the trainers, and offering training procurament from its rich network of professionals. Schulering audits, assesses, optmizes, and structures every step of your internal hotel guest - Your Staff. From the pre-employment to departparture, we help hotels build their employer branding by doing all the rights things with their people, turning staff into ambassadors of the brand. Our podcast, Talking Hospitality aims to raise awareness of the PEOPLE in our industry doing what we preech, showing the impact that treating your staff well do to your business. If there is a guest that you want to see on the show, please contact them with us on hello@schulering.com

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June 14, 2026Episode 13940 min

Is Emotional Intelligence Hospitality's most important skill?

Why is the hospitality industry facing a massive talent exodus? Hint: It’s not just about the long hours or the mediocre pay. It’s a systemic failure of emotional leadership.For decades, the hospitality sector has operated on an outdated, rigid playbook. Traditional industry leadership has historically ignored the human element, treating employees like replaceable cogs in a 24/7 machine. The result? Burning out our best talent, toxic working conditions, and a post-pandemic mass exodus of passionate professionals who simply said, "Enough."But while corporate spreadsheets have failed to fix the crisis, the answer might actually lie in a skill we all possess but rarely train: Emotional Intelligence (EQ).In this episode of The Schulering Hub, host Mauricio Schuler sits down with two incredible industry heavyweights: Vládka Vlaskova, a former luxury hospitality professional turned certified Life Coach, and Nah-Dja Tien, a legendary former General Manager who built some of Europe’s coolest boutique hotels entirely on emotional connections.What You Will Learn in This Episode:EQ vs. IQ: Why being "smart" isn't enough anymore, and why your emotional quotient is the ultimate business superpower.The "Falling in Love" Recruitment Strategy: How leading with vulnerability and letting your team be their authentic selves creates a massive competitive advantage (and skyrocketing TripAdvisor reviews).The Burnout Trap: A raw, unfiltered look into how even the most successful leaders crash when they ignore their own emotional red flags, and how to spot the warning signs before it's too late.The Color Palette of Feelings: Practical, actionable tools (including AI-driven journaling experiments!) to help you label, process, and master your emotions in a fast-paced environment.A Quick Reality Check: While our guests advocate for the power of emotional awareness, let’s be brutally honest: EQ isn’t a magical band-aid for structural industry problems. A leader practicing emotional intelligence cannot use it as a substitute for fair wages, safe working environments, and manageable workloads. However, true EQ demands that leaders finally look in the mirror, acknowledge the human beings behind the uniforms, and stop treating "hospitality" as a license to exploit.If you are tired of the old-school, robotic approach to management and want to discover how human emotions can bring joy, profit, and longevity back to our industry, this conversation is your wake-up call.Stop pretending. Start feeling.👉 Hit play to join the journey toward true happiness in hospitality! Don't forget to connect with Vládka and Nah-Dja on LinkedIn to follow their work.Find more information about Schulering on our website.Follow us on other social networks:Linkedin Youtube Instagram Schulering: Evolving Hospitality through Learning.

May 9, 2026Episode 1381 hr 4 min

Why Hotels Keep Failing at Staff Training (And How to Fix It) with Sarah Brooks

Most hotels keep failing at staff training — but what if the solution is simpler than you think? Sarah Brooks, a top 101 global HR mind, reveals how genuine communication and a focus on core skills can transform staff retention and service quality almost overnight.In this eye-opening episode, Sarah shares her personal journey from childhood ambition to senior HR expert, highlighting the power of experience, empathy, and intentional training in hospitality. You'll discover why on-the-job learning, targeted skills matrices, and authentic leadership are the keys to reducing staff turnover — even in the most high-pressure environments. We break down practical steps for independent hoteliers to build foundational training plans, foster company culture, and engage their teams without massive budgets or complex overhaul.You'll also hear why traditional training often fails hospitality brands, especially amid high turnover and industry burnout. Sarah discusses the importance of connection, caring for employees' well-being, and leading by example — especially in a post-COVID world where mental health and resilience have become critical. Her insights show how transparent communication, personalized onboarding, and small yet impactful gestures (like quality staff meals and inclusive feedback) can dramatically improve morale and loyalty.Missing out on effective development costs your business in turnover, reputation, and service — but investing in people creates a competitive edge. Whether you're running a boutique hotel or managing large brands, this episode delivers pragmatic, proven strategies to upgrade your staff training and retention today. Perfect for hotel owners and managers hungry for real change, it's your blueprint to cultivate a motivated, skilled, and committed team.Sarah Brooks is a globally recognized HR leader with over 20 years of hospitality expertise, known for transforming staff development strategies across multiple markets and hotel types. Her practical approach and human-centered philosophy make her insights invaluable for hospitality professionals aiming to elevate their teams sustainably.Learn how to reframe your training culture, empower your staff, and build a hotel that visitors and employees love. Because in hospitality, people are the true luxury — and the winning difference.Fikrah HR: www.fikrahhr.comConnect with Sarah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbrooks-hr-passionate/Find more information about Schulering on our website.Follow us on other social networks:Linkedin Youtube Instagram Schulering: Evolving Hospitality through Learning.

April 15, 2026Episode 13745 min

Hotel Staff Training: Turning Operational Intelligence into ROI with Julia Krebs

What if I told you that your housekeepers are your best source of insight? In our latest episode, we discuss the invaluable role of housekeepers in understanding guest needs and preferences. Host: Mauricio SchulerGuest Speaker: Julia KrebsHow do you think hotels can utilize this knowledge better? Let’s chat in the comments! #Housekeeping #GuestInsights #HotelManagement #Hospitality #ServiceExcellence #Podcast #IndustryInsights #HotelExperience Find more information about Schulering on our website.Follow us on other social networks:Linkedin Youtube Instagram Schulering: Evolving Hospitality through Learning.

March 28, 2026Episode 13642 min

Websites for Humans vs. Agents: The Future of Independent Hotel Distribution

Are you still selling four walls and a bed? If so, you’re already behind. In this episode of the Schulering HUB Talking Hospitality Podcast, we sit down with Pedro Colaco, CEO of Guestcentric, to dismantle the traditional approach to revenue management and guest engagement. Pedro argues that in an increasingly digital world, guests aren't looking for a hotel—they are looking for memories and emotional resonance. We dive deep into the "Hospitality Staffing Crisis" and why the industry’s biggest bottleneck is no longer technology, but the ability to deliver a genuine emotional connection. Whether you are looking for a hospitality staff training solution or trying to reduce hotel staff turnover, this conversation provides the blueprint for balancing high-tech facilitators with high-touch human warmth. In this episode, you will learn:Why we are moving toward separate websites for "agents" and "humans." The critical link between staff engagement and guest connection. Why you must hire for warmth and train for skill to survive the current market. How to use tech as a facilitator for understanding, not a replacement for soul. Tune in to transform your independent property from a commodity into an experience. Follow Schulering HUB Talking Hospitality Podcast for more insights into the future of the industry.Find more information about Schulering on our website.Follow us on other social networks:Linkedin Youtube Instagram Schulering: Evolving Hospitality through Learning.

March 25, 2026Episode 13530 min

Stop Managing Rooms: The Evolution of Total Revenue Management with Alexey Kovrigin.

Is your hotel still living in the past?In this episode of the Schulering HUB Talking Hospitality Podcast, host Mauricio sits down with Alexey Kovrigin, a veteran who built the in-house revenue optimization system (ROS) for Starwood Hotels. Now leading Hotel Lab, Alexey is on a mission to prove that revenue management is the "soul" of a profitable hotel business—and most people are doing it wrong.We dive deep into why "Total Revenue Management" is no longer just a buzzword but a necessity that includes spas, casinos, and even parking lots. If you think your monthly market reports are timely, wait until you hear how Hotel Lab uses AI to generate 20-page, data-heavy reports in just 10 minutes—delivered days after the month ends, not months later.In this episode, you’ll discover:The Three Pillars of RM: Why technology fails without the right process and people.The Pricing Simulator: How gamification is fixing the "boring" world of revenue management training.The "Unexplored Territory": Where AI is headed and why you need to "embrace technology" to free up your strategy.Whether you’re a boutique owner or a director of revenue, it’s time to stop "recycling numbers" and start strategizing.Listen, subscribe, and join the Schulering HUB community to stay ahead of the hospitality staffing crisis and master continuous learning.Find more information about Schulering on our website.Follow us on other social networks:Linkedin Youtube Instagram Schulering: Evolving Hospitality through Learning.

March 14, 2026Episode 13345 min

Beyond the Booking Engine: How AI Agents Will Sell Your Hotel in 2027

The Death of Chatbots & The Rise of Agentic HospitalityIs the hotel website officially dead? In this episode of the Schulering Hub Talking Hospitality Podcast, host Mauricio Schuler sits down with two industry "heavyweights"—Daniel Doppler, CEO of Quinta, and Philip von Ditfurth from Apaleo PMS —at the Hotel Jalta in Prague to discuss the seismic shift from basic automation to AI Agents.As we approach 2026, the hospitality landscape is moving beyond the "kindergarten" phase of chatbots. We dive deep into why structured data is the new "quintessence" of the industry and how the Model Context Protocol (MCP) is creating a bridge between Large Language Models (LLMs) and property management systems (PMS).In this episode, you’ll discover:The Evolution of Data Points: Why moving from 800 to 3,700 data points (like pool length or fridge temperature) is the only way to stop AI "hallucinations".The Future of Booking: Why Daniel believes hotel websites will become less useful as personal AI agents begin talking directly to hotel AI agents.Operational Autonomy: How AI "assistants" are ending the era of "room Tetris," freeing staff from administrative screens so they can return to being true hosts.Open API vs. Monolithic Systems: Why a "smart PMS" with an open architecture is essential for actionable data and seamless guest experiences.The Infrastructure "Shovels": How companies like Apaleo, Quinter, and Blent are building the sub-brains and infrastructure required for the next generation of hospitality.Whether you are an independent hotelier or part of a global chain, this conversation provides the "shovels" needed to navigate the AI gold rush. Don’t get stuck in the traffic of the past—learn how to leverage agentic hospitality to stay ahead of the curve.Key Hospitality Insights:MCP (Model Context Protocol): The "box" that provides the knowledge and guardrails for AI to act securely on transactional data.Staff Adoption: Why convenience is the ultimate driver for overcoming technology anxiety in the hotel industry.Beyond 2026: The transformation of accommodation concepts through digital-first, staffless, and tailored business models.Featured Guests:Daniel Doppler: CEO of Quinter (formerly Quicktext), serving 1,900 hotels in 72 countries.Philip von Ditrich: Representing Apaleo, an open PMS platform serving over 2,000 hotels across 32 countries.Find more information about Schulering on our website.Follow us on other social networks:Linkedin Youtube Instagram Schulering: Evolving Hospitality through Learning.

January 17, 2026Episode 13211 min

The "Silent Killer" of Independent Hotels (And How Training Stops It)

Is your training budget the first line item you cut when times get tough? In this episode, we reveal why that decision might be costing you nearly $626,500 a year in hidden turnover costs.Join us for a deep dive into the measurable ROI of hospitality training. We move beyond the "fuzzy" benefits of soft skills to analyze hard data, proving that well-designed training programs don't just prevent mistakes—they generate returns of 200% to 500%.Whether you are an independent hotelier or a GM, you will learn how to transition your training strategy from "defense" (avoiding lawsuits and turnover) to "offense" (generating efficiency and revenue).In this episode, you will discover:The Math of Turnover: Why replacing a single manager costs $50,000 and how "modest" turnover rates can bleed over half a million dollars annually.Legal "Defense" Strategy: The critical lessons from Miller v. Walmart and why your training documentation is your best protection against negligent hiring lawsuits.Case Study - The 37% ROI: How addressing a language barrier with ESL courses led to a massive productivity boost for groundskeepers.Operational Efficiency: How a simple "supply cart" training program saved 240 hours of labor in just one month.Why Training Fails: The danger of skipping the "Design" phase and why the T.R.A.I.N. methodology (Teach, Repeat, Ask, Imitate, Know) is essential for adult learners.Featured Concepts:ADDIE Model ImplementationRisk Management & Legal Liability Calculating "Net Program Benefits" The "Virtuous Cycle" of Staff Satisfaction Listen now to stop the "silent killer" of your margins and turn your staff development into your hotel's strongest asset.Find more information about Schulering on our website.Follow us on other social networks:Linkedin Youtube Instagram Schulering: Evolving Hospitality through Learning.

January 10, 2026Episode 13243 min

Hotel Staff Training: Expense or Investment? With Yamel Henriksen from AHLEI

Is Training an Expense or an Investment? The Real Cost of Turnover with Yamel Henriksen (AHLEI)Do you know how much it truly costs when an employee leaves your hotel?Many hoteliers see training as a "nice-to-have" expense. But when you look at the numbers, the cost of not training is far higher. In this episode of the Schulering Hub Talking Hospitality podcast, Mauricio Schuler sits down with Yamel Henriksen, Area Manager for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East at the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).With over 70 years of history, AHLEI is the global leader in hospitality certification, helping professionals from frontline staff to general managers build successful careers. Yamel shares her inspiring journey from organizing events as a student to leading education across three continents, and explains why training is not just about business—it is a moral choice.In this episode, we uncover:The Shocking Cost of Turnover: Why replacing a single manager can cost up to €10,000 in recruitment fees alone—plus months of lost productivity.Return on "Individual": Why the best investment isn't just in your property, but in the people who bring it to life.Simple Steps for Independent Hotels: You don't need a big budget. Learn how to build a learning culture with just 10 minutes a day and simple public recognition.The Future of Learning: How Artificial Intelligence (AI) will help us identify skill gaps and personalize training, allowing humans to focus on what matters most: empathy and service.Whether you manage a small boutique hotel or a large corporate team, this conversation will change how you think about your staff. As Yamel says, "It is always cheaper to prepare the people you already have than to pay to repair the damage of losing them".Tune in to learn how to turn your hotel into a place where talent wants to stay.Resources Mentioned:Guest: Yamel Henriksen – Connect on LinkedInOrganization: American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) – Visit WebsiteHost: Mauricio Schuler | SchuleringFind more information about Schulering on our website.Follow us on other social networks:Linkedin Youtube Instagram Schulering: Evolving Hospitality through Learning.

December 11, 2025Episode 13113 min

Why Train If They Leave?" Solving the $5,800 Turnover Problem

If you are a leader in hospitality, you aren’t just running a business, you are fighting a "brutal war against attrition". With industry turnover rates hitting a staggering 85% in the U.S. , the cynical question every owner asks is unavoidable: Why pour time and money into training employees who will just leave in seven months? In this AI deep dive into our Research and Article for the podcast with Florian Horn, we dismantle the "Training Paradox" and reveal why the old way of hiring and training is actually a financial drain. We break down the true cost of losing a single employee—over $5,800 conservatively —and introduce a new, adaptive battle plan for building a "High Fidelity Workforce".In this episode, you will learn:The "Training Paradox": Why the risk of turnover forces managers to do the bare minimum, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of underprepared staff.The "Attitude First" Filter: Why you can teach a POS system but can’t teach empathy—and how to spot the "service DNA" in a 15-minute interview.The Retention Ramp: How to use simple SMS preboarding to win loyalty before Day One.The 90% Rule: Why peer-to-peer "buddy systems" transfer tacit knowledge 90% more effectively than any manual.Gamification & VR: How big players like Hilton are using Virtual Reality to boost empathy by 94% without the awkward roleplay.Stop being the "grim reaper" of hospitality who only appears when things go wrong. Tune in to discover the framework that turns training from a cost center into your best retention tool.Find more information about Schulering on our website.Follow us on other social networks:Linkedin Youtube Instagram Schulering: Evolving Hospitality through Learning.

December 4, 2025Episode 13044 min

Hospitality Training Playbook: Inside Manifesto Market’s Success

Are you struggling to fill hospitality jobs or keep your team motivated? With industry turnover rates hitting 72%, the old ways of hiring and training are broken. In this episode, we sit down with Florian Horn, Managing Director of Manifesto Market, to unpack a revolutionary approach to HR that is turning "dead zones" into vibrant cultural hubs in Prague and Berlin. Florian shares his "Blue Ocean" strategy for hospitality training: stop hunting for experience and start hiring for attitude. From the critical psychology of "Day One" (and avoiding the dreaded "shit show" of bad onboarding) to his unique "Jedi & Padawan" peer-mentorship model, this episode is a masterclass in building teams that stay. In this episode, you will learn:The "Hire for Attitude" Strategy: Why technical experience can sometimes be "baggage" and how to spot the right personality for your brand. The "Jedi" Training Model: How to empower your staff to train their future peers, creating immediate trust and accountability. Fixing "Day One": Why the first 24 hours determine if a new hire stays or leaves, and how to treat it like "meeting the in-laws." Managing Gen Z: How to navigate the new "guardrails" of the younger workforce and why respecting their boundaries is a retention superpower. The "Chirpy" Manager: Why emotional contagion matters and how a leader's mood dictates the guest experience. About Our Guest: Florian Horn is the Managing Director at Manifesto Market, a hospitality brand known for transforming neglected urban spaces into cashless, renewable-powered food hubs. With over 18 years of experience—including 11 years at Hard Rock Cafe and roles at Michelin-starred Le Gavroche—Florian is an expert in scaling operations and building high-performance teams across borders. About Manifesto Market: Manifesto is "Europe's largest food hub" concept, blending 20+ restaurants, culture, and technology into a sustainable ecosystem. Their locations in Prague and Berlin are famous for their "good vibes," "urban oasis" atmosphere, and innovative reversible design. #HospitalityTraining #HospitalityJobs #ManifestoMarket #HRStrategy #RestaurantManagement #FlorianHorn #EmployeeRetention #GenZWorkforce #HospitalityLeadershipFind more information about Schulering on our website.Follow us on other social networks:Linkedin Youtube Instagram Schulering: Evolving Hospitality through Learning.