The Layover

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Alex Schellenberger, former Global Chief Marketing Officer of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, to explore how one of the world’s most iconic luxury hospitality brands balances heritage, growth, and modern brand building.From his early career at Procter & Gamble, Hugo Boss, Coty, and Accor to leading brand strategy for Mandarin Oriental, Alex shares how classical brand management principles translate into the world of ultra-luxury travel—where emotion, recognition, and service define the guest experience.Alex unpacks how luxury hospitality is evolving through:Preserving brand DNA while scaling Mandarin Oriental’s global footprintBuilding loyalty among ultra-high-net-worth travelers through recognition, access, and emotional connectionKeeping the iconic “I’m a Fan” campaign relevant after more than two decadesUsing celebrities and cultural figures as authentic brand ambassadors, not just paid endorsersApplying AI and guest data to improve personalization while keeping the human touch at the centerDesigning transformational experiences, from monk-led retreats in Japan to private museum access and champagne house immersionsThe conversation also explores why service memories matter more than room design, how Asian hospitality continues to shape global luxury, and why the future of high-end travel depends on both technology and deeply human moments.Whether you’re a luxury traveler, hotelier, brand marketer, or simply fascinated by what makes a hospitality brand iconic, this episode offers a rare look inside the strategy behind one of the most respected names in global travel.🏨 Learn More Explore Mandarin Oriental’s hotels, residences, and experiences at mandarinoriental.com.

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Einar Garzoa, co-founder and CEO of Conserve Safari, to explore how a finance career in Europe transformed into a mission-driven journey in Africa’s wilderness. From Latvia to Uganda to Tanzania, Einar’s story is one of reinvention—trading spreadsheets for savannahs to build eco-conscious safari lodges that connect travelers with nature and purpose.Conserve Safari isn’t just about game drives and luxury tents. It’s about creating spaces where travelers can rediscover themselves while supporting conservation and local communities.Einar shares how Conserve Safari is:Building sustainable safari lodges that bring comfort without cutting travelers off from the wildTurning conservation into a financially viable model that funds national parks and anti-poaching effortsTraining staff and educating guests to be stewards of nature long after they leave campDesigning transformational experiences that help travelers look inward, not just outwardExpanding into wellness-focused safaris that blend yoga, mindfulness, and immersion in African landscapesEnvisioning 35 eco-lodges across East Africa to scale both conservation and community impactWhether you’re an ecotourist, an adventurer seeking meaning, or simply curious about how travel can transform lives, this episode offers a rare look at how safaris can be more than sightseeing, they can be soul-searching.

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Michael Shiwdin, Group Vice President of Guest Engagement, Loyalty, and Strategic Partnerships at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, to explore how the brand behind 24 hotel names is transforming travel rewards into something far more experiential and emotional.From turning points into Applebee’s and Panera Bread perks, to launching exclusive VIP auctions with the NFL, Wyndham is rewriting the playbook for loyalty—and it’s not just about free nights anymore.Michael unpacks how Wyndham is:Making loyalty programs more flexible, fun, and family-friendlyTapping into partnerships that meet travelers where they already live, dine, and playPrioritizing “memory-making” over pure redemption valueBuilding a program that speaks to value-conscious families, Gen Z adventurers, and road-trip superfans alikeCreating an ecosystem where points mean more than transactions—they mean storiesWhether you're a travel nerd, loyalty junkie, or just curious about what’s next in hospitality, this episode offers a front-row seat to how Wyndham is making travel feel more personal, playful, and accessible than ever.

What does it take to turn a beloved local destination into a multi-platform media powerhouse? In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Brian Bossuyt, Executive Vice President and CMO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, to explore how his team is redefining destination marketing—one camera, one app, and one fall foliage map at a time.Brian shares how the Pocono Mountains region is:Attracting new and returning visitors year-round, from family road-trippers to luxury travelersLeveraging data, storytelling, and even its own 24/7 television network to inform, inspire, and convert audiencesBuilding strong partnerships with state agencies and local businesses to elevate small-town tourismNavigating trends like short booking windows, user-generated content, and travel inspiration via OTT and appsMaking travel more accessible, from multi-generational family reunions to last-minute escapesWhether you're a tourism professional, a media strategist, or a weekend warrior looking for your next trip, this episode offers a masterclass in modern travel marketing—and why the Poconos are having a serious moment.

In this episode of The Layover, host and EVP of Partnerships at LOST iN, Dylan Conroy, hits the slopes with Dan Sherman, Chief Marketing Officer at Ski.com — the leading platform for planning and booking unforgettable mountain getaways.Together, they carve through the evolution of ski travel, unpack how data, content, and community are transforming the way people discover and experience winter destinations, and explore the challenges of marketing adventure in a rapidly changing digital landscape. Dan shares the behind-the-scenes strategy that keeps Ski.com at the forefront of mountain tourism and offers a glimpse into the future of alpine experiences — from personalized itineraries to sustainable snow sports.Whether you’re a seasoned skier or an armchair adventurer, this episode offers a fresh look at the culture, business, and passion driving the snow travel industry.