Top Floor

Lan Elliott’s career spans the highest levels of hotel real estate, from acquisitions at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. to asset management at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Now, as the co-founder of Acacia Digital Holdings, a champion for women in hospitality through Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance, and a podcast host on It's Personal Stories, she’s on a mission to create more opportunities in leadership and investment. Susan and Lan talk about career pivots, negotiation power moves, and the myth that there aren’t enough women speakers in hospitality. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ?? How to land a speaking gig at a conference – and why writing articles might be the secret. ?? The truth about “not enough women speakers” – Lan shares how a 700-person speaker directory turned into 1,400+ in just months. ?? Hotel real estate vs. operations – why Lan pivoted from GM dreams to investment deals. ?? Traditional luxury vs. lifestyle hotels – what Ferraris and Rolls Royces teach us about branding. ?? The power of lifelong learning – why the top leaders she’s interviewed all have one thing in common: curiosity. ?? Negotiation 101: The unspoken signals you should be listening for. ?? A bold prediction for the future of hotel investment – and why the numbers aren’t looking good for women in leadership (yet). If you want to break into hotel real estate, negotiate like a pro, or finally get that conference speaking gig, then you need to hear Lan Elliott’s insights and stories! Listen here: https://lnkd.in/d7Gbzi6e

Dream Guest! Help us find the next amazing voice for the Top Floor! Tag someone you think deserves the mic or submit your suggestion at the link below. We’re all ears! https://lnkd.in/e99JGw4v

Emails that won’t make you snooze. Join the Top Floor list for engaging stories, hospitality tips, and a dash of fun. You won’t regret it: https://lnkd.in/eP-JwBen

We are revisiting March episodes from years past. First up, Madison Rifkin! Madi joined us on March 14, 2023, and here's how we described the episode then: Madison Rifkin invented a bike lock at age 12, patented it at 15, and is now CEO of the company it inspired a decade later. As co-founder of Mount, Madi helps travelers make memories by allowing them to easily rent equipment and gear like kayaks, golf clubs, and scooters. Susan and Madi talk about revenue streams for short-term rental hosts, fundraising, and how to (maybe?) rent a car in Hawaii. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/dBQmhW4R

Friday Mix Tape! Whether you're running a restaurant or just ordering takeout, this *Restaurants* playlist serves up stories and strategies from the heart of the industry. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/eraKyFVt.

We aren’t recording Loading Dock stories at the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some top-quality comedy gold from years past! Check out our playlist of past Hunter episodes to hear from: Azari Jones Barbara Purvis Catherine Bolling Charles Oswald David Brown Davonne Reaves Ed Brock Eric Myers Esther Yi Glenn Haussman Heidi Wilcox Jason Craparo John Lancaster Kate Burda Katherine Camak Kathryn Bryant, PMP Keslie Easton Larry J Spelts Lynn Zwibak, CRME Michael Ealy Nate Barger Paul Breslin, CHA, ISHC, HAMA Peggy Berg Rachel Vandenberg Rebekah Hamilton Rowan Sarah Dinger Stacy Silver, ISHC Tiffany Cooper Viviana Wilkins Listen here: https://lnkd.in/eQ8Dnia2

Sloan Dean climbed the hospitality ranks from revenue management to the CEO of Remington Hospitality in 2020, steering the company through a global crisis while leading massive expansion. With a background in engineering and finance, he brings a strategic yet people-first approach to hotel management, emphasizing leadership, innovation, and the importance of knowing "a little about a lot." Susan and Sloan talk about prioritization, transformation, and why Gen Z isn't lazy. Episode Highlights: ?? The CEO’s Real Job? It’s not what you think—Sloan reveals the #1 skill that makes or breaks leadership. ?? Ditch the Multitasking Myth—Why great leaders don’t juggle everything, they prioritize like pros. ?? From Revenue Management to the Corner Office—Sloan’s unexpected career path (and how 46 job interviews shaped his strategy). ?? What Gen Z Wants (And Why It Matters to Hotels)—How the next generation’s spending habits will transform travel. ?? AI in Hospitality: Hype or Game-Changer? Sloan’s take on what will get automated first (spoiler: it’s not housekeeping). ?? The Hardest Leadership Lesson—Why waiting too long to make personnel changes is a mistake every CEO regrets. ?? Flooded Hotel Rooms & Bathtub Mishaps—Sloan shares a behind-the-scenes disaster only fit for the Loading Dock. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/e5vpvceH

Born in Korea and adopted by Japanese American parents in Seattle, Shari Leid knows what it means to search for belonging. A former litigator who reinvented herself as a life coach and author, she set out on a life-changing journey to all 50 states, meeting 50 women along the way. Susan and Shari talk about fostering friendships, flipping perspectives, and fueling fearless connection. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ?? The unexpected way Shari’s solo journey across America reshaped her view of belonging ?? Why she believes human connection will thrive despite AI and virtual work ?? The three types of organizations you must join if you want to build a strong community ?? How her experience growing up as an adoptee shaped her lifelong search for belonging ?? The powerful movement she launched, Flip the Box, and how you can join ?? Why she wishes hotels would stop announcing room numbers at check-in ?? The moment a white supremacy rally tested her commitment to open-hearted travel Listen now to be inspired by Shari’s incredible adventure and her mission to bring people together! Listen Here: https://lnkd.in/eg5kPETb

With 20 years in hospitality, Tommy Beyer has done it all—from parking cars to managing multimillion-dollar assets. After 16 years with Newport Hospitality Group, he co-founded a private REIT and launched B Hospitality Advisors, where he helps hotel owners maximize their investments. From finance to future trends to finding hidden revenue, Tommy knows how to make hotels work smarter, not harder. Susan and Tommy talk about why the brand explosion might be making things worse and how small revenue tweaks can mean big bucks. What You'll Learn About: ?? Revenue vs. Cost-Cutting: Tommy settles the age-old debate—what’s more important for a successful hotel? ?? Lessons from Valet Parking: How running to retrieve cars shaped Tommy’s view on service, hustle, and career growth. ?? Vegas Dreams (and Why He Ditched Them): Tommy shares why he turned down a job at a premier Las Vegas resort—and why it turned out to be the best decision ever. ?? REITs 101: The difference between private and public real estate investment trusts—and why one could be a game-changer for investors. ?? Revenue Hacks That Work: The ridiculously simple way Tommy helped a beachfront hotel generate $800K without lifting a finger. ?? Expense Creep Crisis: Why hotel costs are outpacing revenue and what owners can do about it. If you want to learn how a simple tweak could add hundreds of thousands to your hotel's bottom line, hit play! Listen Here: https://lnkd.in/eDqHc_zM

Friday Mix Tape! For the moments when you’re not sure what you need, but you know you need something: our *Miscellaneous* playlist has you covered. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/e3iQggD7