
Top Floor
Susan Barry
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Top 10 Top Floor Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Top Floor episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Top Floor for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Top Floor episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

191 | Unzipped and Flipped
Top Floor
05/13/25 • 22 min
Sarah Moss is the Chief of Staff at Hunter Hotel Advisors, where she’s the operational glue behind both the firm and its booming hotel investment conference. A hospitality lifer, she started as a maitre d’ and worked her way through college before joining Hunter full-time, pausing only briefly to crunch numbers at Coca-Cola. Susan and Sarah talk about growth, grit, and good data.
💡 Learn why saying “yes” to the jobs no one wants can be the ultimate power move in hospitality.
🏗️ Hear how Sarah Moss helped double the size of a major hotel investment conference—pandemic and all.
🎤 Get the truth behind conference programming, from booking speakers to dodging $30k “pay to play” traps.
🌟 Find out how she’s leading the charge for diversity and strategic vision in an industry built on tradition.
🧠 Why becoming a “professional Googler” might be the soft skill of the century—and her advice for future leaders.

169 | Breathtaking Beauty
Top Floor
12/10/24 • 42 min
Peter Follows, founder of Carpedia, has spent over 30 years helping businesses turn strategies into actionable results. From working with industrial giants to hospitality leaders like Ritz-Carlton, Peter’s expertise lies in optimizing operations and aligning teams for success. Susan and Peter talk about labor challenges in hospitality, the hidden power of implementation, and the potential of AI to transform the industry.
Bridging the Strategy Gap: Peter reveals how Carpedia started by addressing the disconnect between strategy creation and implementation, ultimately carving a niche in operational consulting.
The Ritz-Carlton Pivot: Learn how a serendipitous cold call led Peter’s firm into hospitality consulting, pioneering the application of lean manufacturing principles to service industries.
Labor Challenges in Hospitality: Peter breaks down labor optimization into three dimensions: process efficiency, planning systems, and managerial interaction.
Owner vs. Brand Tensions: Peter discusses navigating the nuanced relationships between hotel brands, management companies, and owners, and how Carpedia manages to balance competing priorities.
AI’s Role in Hospitality: From housekeeping to revenue management, Peter explores the untapped potential of AI to revolutionize operations beyond surface-level automation like check-in kiosks.
Implementation’s Messy Magic: Why great ideas aren’t enough—Peter explains how implementation uncovers hidden roadblocks and refines strategies to ensure sustainable improvements.
Unlikely Lessons: Peter shares anecdotes of unexpected challenges, like elevator bottlenecks and community-driven constraints on staggered shifts, that highlight the importance of context in operational changes.
Advice for Independents: Practical tips for small operators to compete with big brands, from leveraging group purchasing to understanding their unique customer appeal.
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172 | Pandemic Survivor Couple
Top Floor
12/31/24 • 29 min
Geetika Agrawal is a designer and entrepreneur with a career that spans architecture, digital product creation, and cultural preservation. Formerly of Disney Imagineering and MasterCard, she has reimagined travel through Vacation With An Artist (VAWAA), a platform that connects travelers with master artisans for immersive craft experiences. Susan and Geetika talk about bamboo bicycles, beekeeping, and adventure.
Taking the Leap: Geetika shares how she transitioned from working for global brands like Disney Imagineering and MasterCard to launching her passion project, Vacation With An Artist (VAWAA).
Design Thinking for Life: How Geetika’s background in architecture shaped her ability to design human-centered experiences in both digital products and cultural initiatives.
Crafting Connections: The transformative experiences of learning centuries-old crafts from master artisans worldwide, from Kyoto calligraphy to Napa Valley beekeeping.
Travel with Purpose: Why experiential learning vacations are more than just trips—they're immersive journeys into tradition, innovation, and personal growth.
The Future of Craftsmanship: Geetika predicts a revival of traditional crafts as tools for creativity and cultural preservation in a rapidly digitizing world.
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Top Floor!" If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps other people like us find the show and makes our guests feel good about being on it.
Tap to give us five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Be sure to let me know what you liked most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast or restart automatic downloads. It's the best way to make sure you don't miss out.

188 | Scared in the Dark
Top Floor
04/22/25 • 34 min
Renee Rubens is the founder of Symphony of Leaves, a luxury tea company rooted in ethical sourcing and sensory sophistication. After decades in global media sales, she followed her passion for tea into a new venture that blends her business savvy with botanical elegance. In this episode, she dishes on premium pu-erh, purposeful partnerships, and proper preparation.
What you'll learn about:
✨ Why tea bags are basically dust in a disguise (and what to sip instead) 🍵 How a Brit’s sass and a global pandemic led to a tea empire 🏨 Why hotels and spas are the new hot spot for high-end tea 🌿 What makes real tea real—and why chamomile doesn’t count 💧 The water temperature trick that’ll totally change your cup 📱 A henna mishap + no cell signal = Renee’s wildest travel story

171 | Shower Not Included
Top Floor
12/24/24 • 33 min
Niamh McAnally is an adventurer and author who has traveled the world as a hotelier and volunteer. With a career spanning from actor and director in Ireland to suba instructor on Key Largo, she’s mastered the art of reinvention. In her book Following Sunshine, she chronicles her global volunteer journey, delivering insights on travel, resilience, and living boldly. Susan and Niamh talk about storytelling, sustainability, and self-discovery.
From Broadway to Beaches: Niamh shares how her theatrical upbringing in Ireland shaped her journey, from acting and directing to scuba diving and luxury hotel management on the remote island of Sark.
Island Life Hacks: Ever wonder what managing a hotel on an island with no cars, airports, or shopping malls teaches you? Niamh spills the beans on logistics, hiring for personality over experience, and making the best of tractor deliveries.
Following Sunshine: Learn how Niamh’s passion for storytelling and exploration inspired her memoir about travel, personal growth, and finding connections around the globe.
Adventures in Volunteering: From tutoring in Tonga to marine conservation in Kenya, Niamh reveals the highs, the lessons, and even a few cringe-worthy moments of volunteering worldwide.
Life Lessons for Travelers and Dreamers: Niamh’s advice on minimalism, adaptability, and trusting your instincts will inspire you to pack light and follow your dreams.
Tips for Smaller Hotels: Strategies for monetizing lobbies, meeting rooms, and more by rethinking public spaces as mixed-use areas.
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Top Floor!" If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps other people like us find the show and makes our guests feel good about being on it.
Tap to give us five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Be sure to let me know what you liked most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast or restart automatic downloads. It's the best way to make sure you don't miss out.

162 | Money-Making Machine
Top Floor
10/22/24 • 37 min
Michelle Pascoe is a Sydney-based expert in hospitality and customer service with over 30 years of experience. As the founder of her own consultancy and host of the Michelle Pascoe Hospitality Podcast, she helps businesses improve customer engagement and operational efficiency. Susan and Michelle talk about navigating the complexities of a multigenerational workforce.
Can we still ask employees to smile? Michelle digs into employee morale and the changing expectations of customer-facing roles.
A career-defining bad interview: Michelle recounts a shocking job interview that tested her values and ultimately led her to start her own business.
Navigating generational differences: Learn Michelle’s strategies for managing a workforce that spans Baby Boomers to Gen Z.
Leadership built on values: Michelle shares her no-nonsense leadership philosophy—know your values, live by them, and lead with integrity.
Consistency is king: From setting service standards to handling customer complaints, Michelle emphasizes the importance of consistency.
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Top Floor!" If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps other people like us find the show and makes our guests feel good about being on it.
Tap to give us five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Be sure to let me know what you liked most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast or restart automatic downloads. It's the best way to make sure you don't miss out.

179 | Bridal Suite Sweethearts
Top Floor
02/18/25 • 31 min
James Ferguson started his hospitality career at the front desk and worked his way up through operations and leadership roles. Now, as Director of Culture at Wurzak Hotel Group, he focuses on employee experience and engagement with the goal of making workplace culture his company’s strongest asset. He’s also the author of The Confetti Culture Playbook, a guide to building high-performing teams through recognition, reward, and real connection. Susan and James talk about cool titles and crazy weddings.
What you'll learn about:
🎉 Confetti Cleanup 101: James shares the ultimate hack for dealing with post-wedding ballroom disasters. (Hint: Leave the regular vacuums out of this.)
👔 Suit Up for Success: How a front desk job and a sharp suit transformed James' confidence—and his career trajectory.
🏨 From GM to Culture Guru: Why James took a step back from a general manager role to refine his leadership skills before stepping into a bigger game.
📖 Confetti Culture Playbook: The surprising backstory of how a personal leadership playbook turned into a published guide for workplace excellence.
🤝 Director of Culture – Best Job Ever?: James explains what his role entails and why every company needs to rethink how they engage employees.
🚀 Your Culture Is Your Competitive Edge: The dramatic shift in how hotel companies attract, retain, and inspire their teams—and why it’s more crucial than ever.
🔥 Recognition Over Pizza Parties: Why celebrating employees properly is not about cheap perks but about real engagement that moves the needle.
🤯 Wedding Drama in the Lobby: The jaw-dropping loading dock story that could easily be mistaken for a reality TV plot.
📚 Grab James's Book: https://theconfetticultureplaybook.com/
🎧 Listen now and level up your workplace culture! If you loved enjoyed this episode want more like it, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. Need your burning hospitality questions answered? Call or text the hotline at 850-404-9630 to be featured on a future episode!

180 | Balloon Transformer
Top Floor
02/25/25 • 29 min
Janet Irizarry has spent 30+ years in the restaurant industry, from owning multiple eateries to teaching at the Culinary Institute of America. Now, she’s on a mission to help families reduce food waste through her innovative My Mindful Kitchen method. Susan and Janet talk about sustainability, smart shopping, and stress-free meal planning.
What You'll Learn About:
🥬 Spring mix struggles! Susan confesses to an ongoing battle with Costco-sized salad greens—Janet delivers a reality check on what “value” really means.
🍴 From McDonald's to mindful meals. Janet shares her unexpected path from geology major to restaurant owner to sustainability advocate.
🖩 The restaurant reality check. Hospitality students often dream of glamour, but Janet breaks down the nitty-gritty of restaurant ownership (spoiler: math is involved!).
🧒 A kid-friendly food revolution. Janet's new course, My Mindful Kitchen, turns food waste reduction into a family adventure—stickers, scavenger hunts, and all.
🌶️ Leftovers like a pro. Get creative with your fridge finds—Janet shares easy hacks and a Google search trick that will change your meal planning game.
🎈 Balloon-induced blackout?! A restaurant power outage caused by rogue Mylar balloons—just another day in the unpredictable world of hospitality.
If you loved enjoyed this episode want more like it, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. Need your burning hospitality questions answered? Call or text the hotline at 850-404-9630 to be featured on a future episode!

154 | Football Lost & Found
Top Floor
08/27/24 • 28 min
Mindi Cooke is fashion executive turned reunitor of lost things. As SVP of Business Development at Reunitus, Mindi helps airlines, ski mountains, and hotels use software to match lost items with their owners. Susan and Mindi talk about stuffed animals, iPads, and Chanel.
What you'll learn about in this episode:
- Where to label your suitcase.
- What percentage of lost luggage is found.
- How hotels outsource lost-and-found services.
- Which lost items are most important to return.
- Why Unclaimed Baggage pays for lost items in advance.
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Top Floor!" If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps other people like us find the show and makes our guests feel good about being on it.
Tap to give us five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Be sure to let me know what you liked most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast or restart automatic downloads. It's the best way to make sure you don't miss out.

161 | Airline Bankruptcy Surprise
Top Floor
10/15/24 • 31 min
Jared Lerner, co-founder and CEO of Nappr, transformed his personal challenges with sleep and travel into a platform offering short-term hotel stays designed for rest. With a background in software engineering and startup culture, he pivoted Nappr from brick-and-mortar spaces to a tech-driven marketplace. Susan and Jared talk about sleep health, travel convenience, and company culture.
What you'll hear about:
- Pivoting in Business: Jared discusses his experience pivoting Nappr from a brick-and-mortar concept to a marketplace model, focusing on what makes a pivot successful.
- Startup Culture: Jared shares insights from his time in New York startups and the importance of company culture, especially in smaller, more agile teams.
- Founding Nappr: Inspired by personal sleep issues and a gap in the travel market, Jared launched Nappr to offer short-term hotel stays focused on improving sleep.
- Overcoming Challenges: From co-founders leaving to airline bankruptcy chaos, Jared explains the hurdles he faced while growing Nappr.
- Tips for Travelers: Advice for getting better rest while traveling, including using an eye mask, meditating, and embracing short naps during long travel days.
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Top Floor!" If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps other people like us find the show and makes our guests feel good about being on it.
Tap to give us five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Be sure to let me know what you liked most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast or restart automatic downloads. It's the best way to make sure you don't miss out.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Top Floor have?
Top Floor currently has 141 episodes available.
What topics does Top Floor cover?
The podcast is about Places & Travel, Society & Culture, Marketing, Leadership, Hospitality, Investing, Hotel, Podcast, Podcasts, Leaders, Business and Travel.
What is the most popular episode on Top Floor?
The episode title '150 | Wedding Wing Man' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Top Floor?
The average episode length on Top Floor is 35 minutes.
How often are episodes of Top Floor released?
Episodes of Top Floor are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Top Floor?
The first episode of Top Floor was released on Sep 6, 2022.
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