Whole Systems Hospitality Podcast

Hosted by Kathy Sue McGuire

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Jun 2026

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Where Sustainable & Wellness Hospitality = Business Resilience A podcast for hotel leaders to build stronger, smarter operations. Whole Systems Hospitality Podcast is your go-to source for business-smart conversations at the intersection of strategy, performance, and long-term value in the hotel industry. Hosted by Kathy Sue McGuire, the show features candid interviews with hotel executives, owners, and industry leaders who are rethinking how to run leaner, compete smarter, and build trust in a high-stakes market. If you’re looking for practical, bottom-line insights—not buzzwords—on how to boost margins, reduce operational risk, and future-proof your business, this is your playbook. Because today, the smartest operators know: operational excellence is the path to long-term profitability. Learn more about Whole Systems Hospitality

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11 recent

September 1, 202640 min

Is Your U.S Hotel Sustainable or Eco-Friendly? The EU Says Prove It. | Daja Apetz-Dreier

In this episode, Kathy Sue McGuire talks with Daja Apetz-Dreier, co-leader of Morgan Lewis' ESG and Sustainability Advisory practice in Munich, about the EU's new anti-greenwashing law and why it reaches US hotels, resorts, and DMOs. The Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (EmpCo) becomes binding September 27, 2026. The conversation covers who is in scope, why "carbon neutral" and "eco-friendly" are now high-risk phrases, and what US hospitality should do before the deadline. CHAPTER BREAKDOWN 00:00:02 — Welcome & Introduction Meet Daja Apetz-Dreier and the law behind the headlines. 00:00:45 — What Is the EmpCo Directive? The EU's anti-greenwashing consumer law, in plain terms. 00:01:23 — Why a European Law Reaches US Hotels A hotel in Arizona isn't automatically in scope. Targeting EU consumers changes that. 00:04:17 — Three Risk Areas Vague green language, unverified labels, offset-based claims. 00:05:17 — Self-Created Seals vs. Real Certification Why invented logos implying independent review are the target. 00:06:25 — OTA Badges & the Certification Problem How booking platforms flatten tiered scores into one badge. 00:10:15 — "Carbon Neutral," "Net Zero" & Offsets The riskiest claim category, and how to replace slogans with measurable statements. 00:13:08 — Is Certification Mandatory? Substantiation vs. certification, and what counts as real evidence. 00:14:36 — GSTC & Accredited Certification Bodies It's not just the scheme you pick — it's who accredits it. 00:17:45 — Fines, and the Bigger Risk Up to 4% of global turnover, but reputation may cost more. 00:19:40 — The Food Export Analogy US brands already reformulate to sell into the EU. Marketing is no different. 00:22:02 — What Counts as "Targeting" EU Consumers? Language, currency, booking capability, and where courts may draw the line. 00:26:28 — DMOs, Tour Operators & Campaigns German-language campaigns put vague eco-claims squarely in scope. 00:30:05 — A LEED Building ≠ a Sustainable Event Certifying the structure says nothing about operations inside it. 00:33:06 — What to Do Before September 27 Have the data, match claims to evidence, validate independently. 00:39:30 — Final Thoughts Find out whether you're in scope, then decide. 🔗 Resources & Links EmpCo Directive (EU) 2024/825 Morgan Lewis GSTC Whole Systems Hospitality Podcast 👤 About the Guest Daja Apetz-Dreier is co-leader of Morgan Lewis' ESG and Sustainability Advisory practice in Munich, Germany. She advises companies on climate change, greenwashing, and regulatory matters. 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Don't miss future episodes of the Whole Systems Hospitality Podcast, exploring practical strategies and systems thinking for a more sustainable future in hospitality and travel. → Listen & subscribe

June 2, 202637 min

Time to Throw in the Towel | Paul Marquez, Excel Dryer

In this episode of the Whole Systems Hospitality Podcast, host Kathy Sue McGuire sits down with Paul Marquez, Global Head of Specifications and Sustainability at Excel Dryer, to explore how restroom design connects to sustainability, public health, operational efficiency, guest experience, and whole systems thinking. From reducing paper waste to improving hand hygiene and lowering operational costs, this conversation highlights how overlooked guest touchpoints can become opportunities for more sustainable hospitality operations. CHAPTER BREAKDOWN 00:00:32 — Day in the Life of a Paper Towel The environmental journey of a paper towel—from forest to landfill in less than 24 hours. 00:04:22 — Better Alternatives to Paper Towels Kathy introduces the environmental impact of paper towels and welcomes Paul Marquez. 00:05:06 — Sustainability & Community Impact How Excel Dryer supports sustainability education and partnerships. 00:06:00 — LEED, WELL & Green Globe A look at Excel Dryer’s certifications and sustainability commitments. 00:06:41 — Transparency & EPDs Why life cycle assessments and third-party standards matter. 00:09:11 — Solar & Recycled Materials Paul discusses solar panels and recycled materials. 00:10:25 — Understanding WELL Certification Key considerations for building owners pursuing WELL certification. 00:11:21 — XLERATOR & Performance Standards How standardized testing supports transparent product claims. 00:12:45 — Indoor Air Quality & HEPA Filtration A discussion on restroom air quality and filtration systems. 00:14:48 — Clean Hands Save Lives Why proper hand drying matters in public health. 00:15:36 — The Hybrid Restroom Approach Balancing reduced paper towel use with accessibility and guest preferences. 00:17:40 — Cost Savings & ROI How reducing paper towel use lowers operating costs. 00:19:09 — Hidden Costs of Paper Towels Plumbing issues, clogged toilets, and restroom downtime. 00:20:26 — Addressing Noise Concerns How adjustable sound controls improve guest comfort. 00:22:39 — ADA Compliance & Design Flexibility Accessibility and high-traffic restroom considerations. 00:23:45 — Community Art Partnerships How Excel Dryer partners with Artists for Humanity. 00:25:42 — Life Cycle Assessment Data Why measurable environmental impact matters. 00:28:20 — Sustainability Awards & Recognition How third-party recognition validates environmental commitments. 00:29:39 — The Future of Commercial Hand Drying Integrated sink-mounted dryers and evolving restroom design. 00:33:43 — Whole Systems Thinking in Practice Kathy reflects on Excel Dryer’s sustainability approach. ⸻ 🔗 Resources • Excel Dryer — https://www.exceldryer.com/ • Whole Systems Hospitality — https://www.wholesystemshospitality.com/ • Podcast — https://www.wholesystemshospitality.com/wshpodcast ⸻ 👤 About the Guest Paul Marquez is the Global Head of Specifications and Sustainability at Excel Dryer, working with architects, designers, and hospitality professionals on sustainable restroom solutions focused on transparency, performance, and indoor air quality.

December 16, 2025Episode 7247 min

From Food to Sleep: Wellness at Every Touchpoint | Tammy Pahel and Christopher Robinson

In this episode of The Sustainable Hospitality Podcast, host Kathy Sue McGuire sits down with Tammy Pahel, Vice President of Spa & Wellness Operations, and Executive Chef Christopher Robinson of Carillon Miami Wellness Resort. Together, they unpack what it truly means to operate a wellness-focused resort—far beyond a traditional spa offering. The conversation explores how Carillon integrates wellness across food, movement, sleep, technology, and guest experience. From regenerative sourcing and personalized nutrition to AI-driven sleep systems and touchless wellness technologies, Tammy and Chef Chris share practical insights into building a holistic, evidence-based wellness ecosystem that benefits guests, staff, and the bottom line. ⸻ 🎧 CHAPTER BREAKDOWN 00:30 — Introducing Carillon Miami Wellness Resort 01:45 — What Defines a True Wellness Resort 03:30 — Integrative & Functional Health Partnerships 06:00 — Nutrition as a Core Wellness Pillar 08:00 — “What Are We Buying?” Rethinking Food Sourcing 09:45 — Local, Regenerative & Transparent Vendors 11:45 — Wellness Menus: Vegan, Keto & Blue Zone 14:30 — Regenerative Meat & Ethical Protein Choices 16:45 — Wellness Travel & Tourism Certification (WITT) 19:00 — Movement for Every Age & Ability 22:30 — Integrating Wellness into Guest Rooms 25:30 — Guest Feedback & Wellness Personalization 30:50 — Culinary & Wellness Guest Stories 33:00 — Sleep, Technology & Touchless Wellness 38:00 — COVID’s Impact on Wellness Expectations 41:55 — Advice for Hotels Getting Started with Wellness 44:30 — Wellness as a Revenue Driver ⸻ 🔗 Resources & Links • Carillon Miami Wellness Resort – CarillonhotelLuxury Miami Beach Resort & Spa | Carillon Miami Beach Hotel • Sustainable Hospitality Solutions – www.sustainablehospitalitysolutions.com ⸻ 👤 About the Guests Tammy Pahel is Vice President of Spa & Wellness Operations at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, where she leads one of the most comprehensive wellness programs in hospitality, integrating movement, nutrition, technology, and longevity science. Christopher Robinson is Executive Chef at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort. His culinary philosophy centers on regenerative sourcing, mindful nutrition, and creating food that supports both wellness and joy—without compromise. ⸻ 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Don’t miss future episodes of The Sustainable Hospitality Podcast —where we explore real-world strategies for creating regenerative impact in travel and tourism. → Listen and subscribe: www.linktr.ee/sustainablehospitalitypodcast

December 10, 2025Episode 7152 min

Inside Audubon International's Hospitality Certification | Gregoire Poirier

In this episode of The Sustainable Hospitality Podcast, host Kathy Sue McGuire speaks with Greg Poirier, Global Director of Hospitality Certification at Audubon International. Greg shares how the organization evolved from wildlife protection into one of the most influential sustainability certification bodies in hospitality—now active in 37 countries. They explore why third-party verification is becoming essential for hotels, why waste remains the industry's weakest performance area, and how staff culture, guest expectations, and AI-driven tools are reshaping the future of sustainable operations. Greg also breaks down the business case: where real ROI comes from, how to measure it, and why insurance volatility may soon push sustainability forward faster than anything else. ⸻ 🎧 CHAPTER BREAKDOWN 00:00 — Why Guests Expect Sustainability 01:00 — What Audubon International Actually Does 03:00 — How Hotel Certifications Work 05:30 — The Scientific Pillars of Sustainability 09:50 — Waste: Hospitality's Biggest Weakness 12:00 — Culture & Staff Engagement 14:15 — The Guest Experience Myth 17:00 — The Business Case: Hard + Soft ROI 23:00 — Quantifying Revenue Impact 26:00 — Reducing Turnover Through Sustainability Programs 29:00 — Big Brands, ESG & Ownership Challenges 31:00 — Insurance Volatility as a New Driver 36:00 — AI, OTAs & the Future of Hotel Bookings 44:00 — Personal Sustainability & Behavior Change 48:00 — The Future of Audubon International ⸻ 🔗 Resources & Links • Audubon International – https://auduboninternational.org • Learn more about Greg Poirier – https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoirepoirier/ • Sustainable Hospitality Solutions – www.sustainablehospitalitysolutions.com ⸻ 👤 About the Guest Greg Poirier is the Global Director of Hospitality Certification for Audubon International, overseeing sustainability programs for hotels, resorts, and built environments. His work focuses on measurable impact, operational improvement, and helping properties achieve credible third-party verification across 37 countries. ______ 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Don't miss future episodes of The Sustainable Hospitality Podcast—where we explore real-world strategies for creating regenerative impact in travel and tourism. → Listen and subscribe: www.linktr.ee/sustainablehospitalitypodcast

October 10, 2025Episode 6454 min

Why WELL Matters: Elevating Guest & Staff Wellbeing | Rachel Hodgdon

What if investing in your building could transform not only the guest experience, but also the lives of employees?In Part 4 of our Wellness Series, host Kathy Sue McGuire speaks with Rachel Hodgdon, President & CEO of the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). Rachel shares how WELL Certification helps hotels and hospitality businesses create people-first spaces that improve staff wellbeing, reduce turnover, and enhance profitability—while elevating the guest experience.Discover the 10 core concepts of the WELL Standard, from air and water to nourishment, acoustics, and community connectivity. Hear real-world examples of hotels improving employee retention, guest satisfaction, and financial performance through healthier environments. Learn why focusing on employee wellness is becoming a competitive advantage in today’s hospitality industry. About the Guest Rachel Hodgdon leads IWBI’s global movement for healthier spaces, with WELL adopted across nearly 6 billion sq. ft. in 135+ countries. Previously, she founded the Center for Green Schools at USGBC, mobilizing $275B+ in LEED-certified projects worldwide. 👉 Resources & Links: • Learn more about Z3 Data • Learn more about Rachel Hodgdon • Discover Sustainable Hospitality Solutions • Become a sponsor:Reach out to kathy@sustainablehospitalitysolutions.com Subscribe & Follow Don’t miss upcoming episodes of the Sustainable Hospitality Podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube to join us in shaping a more regenerative future for travel.All platforms: https://linktr.ee/sustainablehospitalitypodcast

September 23, 2025Episode 6756 min

Regenerative Hospitality: The True Meaning | Prof. Dr. Willy Legrand

What if hospitality could go beyond “doing less harm” and actually restore the places it touches? In Part 3 of our Wellness Series, host Kathy Sue McGuire speaks with Professor Dr. Willy Legrand to explore the concept of regenerative hospitality. Together, they examine how hotels, resorts, and destinations can learn from nature, heal ecosystems, and create guest experiences that leave people and places better than before. This episode is sponsored by Feelgoodz Hospitality, leaders in eco-friendly in-room slippers that reduce waste and turn a simple amenity into a lasting memory. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The difference between sustainability and regeneration in hospitality How lessons from nature, including photosynthesis, can inspire business models that benefit communities and ecosystems Practical ways hotels can embed regenerative practices into guest experiences and local partnerships Why siloed thinking holds back progress and how whole-systems thinking changes everything The barriers to adoption in hospitality, from short-term mindsets to regulatory gaps, and how to address them Why redefining luxury as connection, wellbeing, and meaning is key to the future of travel About the Guest Professor Dr. Willy Legrand is a leading academic voice in sustainable and regenerative hospitality. Based in Germany, he has authored multiple books on sustainability in the industry, chairs the Hospitality Net World Panel on sustainability, and lectures internationally on ESG, regenerative tourism, and hospitality management. He is currently co-editing two forthcoming handbooks: ESG in Hospitality and Tourism and Regenerative Tourism and Hospitality . Resources & Links Learn more about Prof. Dr. Willy Legrand: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-willy-legrand/ Explore Feelgoodz Hospitality: https://feelgoodzhospitality.com Discover Sustainable Hospitality Solutions: https://sustainablehospitalitysolutions.com Subscribe & Follow Don’t miss upcoming episodes of the Sustainable Hospitality Podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube to join us in shaping a more regenerative future for travel.

September 3, 2025Episode 6653 min

Beyond Spas: Redefining Wellness in Hotels | Oxana Spivey

Wellness in hospitality is far more than spas and fitness centers. In this episode, Kathy Sue McGuire sits down with Oxana Spivey, VP of Wellness and Standards Development at Wellness in Travel & Tourism (WITT), to explore how hotels can embrace holistic wellness certification that goes beyond the surface.Oxana shares:• The five pillars of wellness (healthy eating, holistic healing, nature, movement, and local impact)• Why travelers are demanding authentic wellness experiences that integrate sustainability and community engagement• How hotels of all sizes — from boutique city properties to large resorts — can adopt standards that improve guest well-being, environmental health, and long-term business resilience• The role of certification in building guest trust and shaping the future of travel• If you’re in hospitality, tourism, or simply curious about how wellness is transforming travel, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiring examples.------------🔗 Meet our online training program helping hotels get certified to Green Key: https://www.sustainablehospitalitytraining.com/ 🌳 Sponsor the Sustainable Hospitality Podcast:kathy@sustainablehospitalitysolutions.com🎙️ Subscribe for more insightful conversations with leaders transforming hospitality and travel through smarter, people-first practices.

July 21, 2025Episode 6454 min

At Choice Hotels Int’l, Sustainability Means Business Value | Megan Brumagim

What does true sustainability look like at scale, and why is it smart business? Kathy Sue McGuire welcomes Megan Brumagim, Vice President of Upscale Brands and Chief Sustainability Officer at Choice Hotels International, for an in-depth conversation on how one of the world’s largest hotel franchisors is tackling sustainability head-on. From corporate reporting and franchise accountability to quirky innovations (hello, beehives and bamboo toilet paper), Megan shares how Choice is aligning environmental responsibility with bottom-line results. 🎧 Highlights include: Why institutional investors care deeply about ESG The four-tier “Room to Be Green” framework used globally How Choice Hotels supports franchises in earning eco-certifications Leveraging guest data and utility dashboards for impact Choice’s partnerships with the American Red Cross and National Park Foundation This is a must-listen for hoteliers, sustainability pros, and hospitality leaders looking to future-proof their business. 🔗 Explore our certification training at sustainablehospitalitytraining.com

October 28, 2025Episode 701 hr 0 min

Energy, Waste & Water Conservation at Scale | Michael Gulich, MGM Resorts

In this episode of The Sustainable Hospitality Podcast, host Kathy Sue McGuire sits down with Michael Gulich, Vice President of Sustainability at MGM Resorts International, for a masterclass on scaling sustainable operations across one of the largest hospitality portfolios in the world.From pioneering LEED certifications for 16 million square feet of development to building the world’s largest renewable energy project in hospitality, MGM Resorts has woven sustainability into the very fabric of its business model. Michael shares the milestones, mindsets, and metrics behind their success—including stories about solar farms, food waste transformation, and how Las Vegas Formula 1 helped spark an atmospheric water innovation.But what stands out most is Michael’s grounded reminder: all of this was built incrementally over 20 years—and every hotel, no matter the size, can start their journey today.⸻ 🎧 Episode Highlights✅ A 20-Year Journey in Sustainability How MGM’s CityCenter project became a global LEED milestone Why the company shifted from green buildings to full-scale operational sustainability The 2030 goals driving reductions in energy, water, carbon, and waste 🔋 Energy Innovation at Scale Cutting energy use per square foot by nearly 25% across the portfolio Completing one of the largest LED lighting retrofits in the U.S. Building the world’s largest solar project in hospitality—providing up to 90% of daytime power Adding 115MW of new capacity + battery storage to cover peak evening use 🥘 From Food Waste to Community Impact How the Feeding Forward program donates high-quality, unused banquet meals Over 6 million meals donated since 2016 through partnerships with nonprofits like Three Square Repurposing post-consumer and pre-consumer waste for composting and animal feed Why MGM avoids guest-facing recycling bins—and what they do instead 💧 Water Stewardship in the Desert Saving 18+ billion gallons of water since 2007 Removing over 250,000 sq ft of turf to combat evaporative loss Bellagio’s fountains and Cirque’s “O” show: how they reuse water innovatively Launching a pioneering atmospheric water generator project with Las Vegas Grand Prix 🤝 The Power of Partnership & Collective Action Inside the Formula 1 cooling tower project turning air into track-washing water Enhancing water rebates for 55,000 employees through public-private collaboration Encouraging staff to extend conservation practices to their homes 📈 Making the Business Case for Sustainability The 5 value dimensions MGM uses to evaluate projects: Revenue Generation Cost Avoidance Risk Mitigation Brand Enhancement Community Benefit be & Follow

October 21, 2025Episode 6938 min

No Negatives–Only Upside: A GM’s Case for Green Key Certification | Michael Balcom

In this inspiring episode of the Sustainable Hospitality Podcast, host Kathy Sue McGuire talks with Michael Balcom, General Manager of the Renaissance Indianapolis North, to uncover how his hotel earned a Green Key Global eco-certification—and turned it into a catalyst for culture, creativity, and community impact.Michael shares a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to get certified—from engaging every department to crafting hyper-local partnerships, building a green wall, and even launching a bourbon made from compost-fed corn. The result? A more connected team, wowed guests, and a stronger business.⸻🎧 Episode Highlights:✅ Inside Green Key Certification• Why Pyramid Global chose Green Key as its go-to sustainability standard• How Michael rallied every department to complete a 100+ question audit• Turning the certification checklist into an action roadmap for continuous improvement🌱 Operational Sustainability That Sticks• Monthly “PULSE” team meetings that engage every department• Composting partnerships to divert banquet food waste• Non-refillable bulk amenities transformed by Clean the World🥃 Creativity Meets Circularity• A full-circle bourbon story: from guest meals → compost → corn → local whiskey• Branded private-label bottles and a signature Old Fashioned that guests love• Plans to grow mint from hotel compost for a signature mojito📊 Tracking Impact & Guest Reactions• How Marriott’s MESH system helps track energy, water, and waste• Green Wall metrics that engage guests and spark conversation• Feedback from top clients and group travel buyers who value sustainability🛎 Advice for Hoteliers• Why sustainability improves guest satisfaction and business metrics• The power of team buy-in and brand alignment• How sharing ideas across hotel networks multiplies innovation⸻🔗 Resources & Links:• Learn more about Renaissance Indianopolis North • Learn more about Michael Balcom • Discover Sustainable Hospitality Solutions • Become a sponsor:Reach out to kathy@sustainablehospitalitysolutions.comSubscribe & FollowDon’t miss upcoming episodes of the Sustainable Hospitality Podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube to join us in shaping a more regenerative future for travel. All podcast platforms ⸻👥 About the Guest:Michael Balcom is the General Manager of the Renaissance Indianapolis North Hotel, where he has led with purpose and passion for the past four years. With a total of nine years at the company, Michael has become a champion for sustainable hospitality—driving initiatives that reduce environmental impact while enhancing guest experience. Dedicated to creating a greener future for the hospitality industry, Michael fosters a culture of environmental responsibility among staff and guests alike.