After celebrating 100 episodes since launching in 2018, Hospitality Design’s What I’ve Learned podcast continues to shine a light on the visionaries in and outside of the industry through candid conversations with editor in chief Stacy Shoemaker Rauen. This year, our guests shared valuable insights and unique perspectives, providing a fascinating look into the people pushing the boundaries in hospitality and beyond.
Celebrating 100 Episodes
In this 100th episode clip show, Shoemaker Rauen reflects on the fascinating guests, incredible stories, and thought-provoking lessons learned since launching the podcast in 2018. Highlights include Ace Hotel Group’s Brad Wilson sharing how he carries on the vision of the hotel company’s late founder Alex Calderwood, and Paula Sher telling her inspiring journey to becoming the first female partner of multidisciplinary design studio Pentagram. Listen to the full episode to hear more from our first 100 guests.
Noah Tepperberg and Jason Strauss, Tao Group Hospitality
Photo courtesy of Tao Group Hospitality
Noah Tepperberg and Jason Strauss need no introduction. They’re the creative force behind Tao Group Hospitality, known for gamechanging nightclubs like Marquee, OMNIA, Hakkasan, Beauty & Essex, and more. The duo, who run Tao alongside Marc Packer and Rich Wolf, sat down with HD in the spring to talk about how the brand has become synonymous with hospitality. Listen to the full episode.
K.J. Hughes, Manifest
K.J. Hughes is a true entrepreneur. He was born in Washington, DC to a beautician and hair salon-owner mother, who would become the inspiration for Manifest, a hybrid barbershop, speakeasy, coffee bar, and retail concept that opened in the city’s Adams Morgan neighborhood in late 2021. He partnered with Snarkitecture to envision the design of the one-of-a-kind lifestyle destination. Listen to the full episode to learn how Hughes translated his vision into an inclusive space dedicated to self-care and wellness.
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