
#63: Empowering Sales and Managing Stress in Hospitality | with Eric Szymanski
04/09/24 • 53 min
Eric Szymanski is an award winning American hospitality industry professional with extensive sales & marketing leadership experience including Hilton, Marriott, Starwood and Disney. Eric has demonstrated success in leading high-performing sales teams through planning, implementing and monitoring actionable sales and marketing plans at hotels and resorts of all sizes, including city-center, convention district, airport and attractions areas. He has a proven track record of success at all levels through the achievement of both individual and team goals for several 1st tier, globally recognized brands. Throughout his career, Eric has created authentic, world-class experiences while volunteering at all levels in several meetings industry associations. As the co-author for Sell More Stress Less: 52 Tips to Become A Mindful Sales Professional Eric believes that sales does not have to stress people out, in fact when done authentically can inspire both the sales person and prospect.
In today's episode, David and Steve sit down with Eric Szymanski. They discuss the importance of data and business intelligence in driving successful commercial strategies for hotels. So, get ready to engage with a multifaceted leader who understands that the key to success in hospitality is as much about the human touch as it is about the data.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
- Why is business intelligence and data-driven strategies important for hotels?
- What is the significance of mindfulness and stress management in the hospitality industry?
- The connections between sales, marketing, and overall hotel success
- The Commercial Strategy and Industry Future
This episode is sponsored by Independent Lodging Congress: https://ilcongress.com/
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media
Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericszymanski/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/63
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...
Eric Szymanski is an award winning American hospitality industry professional with extensive sales & marketing leadership experience including Hilton, Marriott, Starwood and Disney. Eric has demonstrated success in leading high-performing sales teams through planning, implementing and monitoring actionable sales and marketing plans at hotels and resorts of all sizes, including city-center, convention district, airport and attractions areas. He has a proven track record of success at all levels through the achievement of both individual and team goals for several 1st tier, globally recognized brands. Throughout his career, Eric has created authentic, world-class experiences while volunteering at all levels in several meetings industry associations. As the co-author for Sell More Stress Less: 52 Tips to Become A Mindful Sales Professional Eric believes that sales does not have to stress people out, in fact when done authentically can inspire both the sales person and prospect.
In today's episode, David and Steve sit down with Eric Szymanski. They discuss the importance of data and business intelligence in driving successful commercial strategies for hotels. So, get ready to engage with a multifaceted leader who understands that the key to success in hospitality is as much about the human touch as it is about the data.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
- Why is business intelligence and data-driven strategies important for hotels?
- What is the significance of mindfulness and stress management in the hospitality industry?
- The connections between sales, marketing, and overall hotel success
- The Commercial Strategy and Industry Future
This episode is sponsored by Independent Lodging Congress: https://ilcongress.com/
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media
Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericszymanski/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/63
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...
Previous Episode

#62: Putting Turks and Caicos On The Map | with Nikheel Advani
Nikheel Advani is the COO and co-founder of Grace Bay Resorts and oversees overall operations, branding, sales, and marketing of resort development. He joined Grace Bay Club in August 2004 as the Managing Director, serving as the top operational executive in its expansion and renovation as it evolved from a $15 million, 22-room boutique hotel to a full-service luxury resort boasting 82 suites and residences, now valued at over $200 million. Most recently, he was responsible for the successful opening of the $100 million Veranda Resort & Residences in February 2010.
In this episode, David and Steve are joined by their guest Nikheel Advani, the co-founder, COO, and principal of Grace Bay Resorts in Turks and Caicos. Nikheel shares his inspiring journey from working odd jobs as a teenager to becoming a leader in the luxury hospitality space. He provides valuable perspectives on attracting and retaining talent, creating exceptional guest experiences, the importance of continued education, and trends like wellness travel and multi-generational trips. With wisdom from his decades of experience, Nikheel offers practical advice for young hoteliers looking to climb the ranks and thrive in this dynamic industry.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
- Global experience in hotel management
- The role technology plays in enhancing guest experiences at luxury resorts like Grace Bay
- Contributions to Turks and Caicos
- The importance of hands-on experience
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media
Links:
Nikheel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikheel-advani-53184640/
Grace Bay Resorts: https://gracebayresorts.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/62
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...
Next Episode

#64: How Cultural Competency Drives Success | with Seema Jain
Seema Jain is the Founder and CEO of Seva Global – Growing Business Through Cultural Competency. She has years of experience helping companies become more culturally competent when engaging with people from different backgrounds. In her past role as Senior Director, Multicultural Affairs at Marriott International, Seema had responsibility for developing tools and resources for Marriott associates and hotel properties to enhance cultural competencies to better serve the company's diverse guests and customers. She is also a co-founder of two non-profit organizations – the Supporting Excellence in Education Foundation (SEED), which awards scholarships to high school students, and the Young Jains of America (YJA), a national youth organization created to share Jain heritage and culture.
In this episode, Seema discusses her personal background as a first-generation American, her career journey from healthcare to hospitality, and her passion for promoting cultural competency in organizations. She shares insights on the benefits of cultural competency for employee engagement, customer satisfaction, and financial performance. This episode provides valuable perspectives on diversity, inclusion, and cultural intelligence in the hospitality industry and beyond.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
- How to deal with tough economic times while in a leadership role
- The importance of cultural competency in hospitality
- Why it is important to empower people at work
- The openness to future collaboration and networking opportunities
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media
Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemajain/
Seva Global: https://www.seva-global.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/64
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...
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