
About this episode
Susan Barry explores the intersection of creativity and hospitality, discussing its implications for education, recruitment, and guest experience.
Susan Barry is a marketer, podcaster, consultant, speaker, bird influencer, and serial starter of delightfully unconventional side projects, all connected by a deep belief in the power of creativity. In this solo episode, she explores why hospitality may be optimizing itself out of its most human advantage and what that means for education, recruitment, and guest experience. *** What You'll Learn: *** • Why hospitality is still an apprenticeship business and the hidden cost of that reality • The growing disconnect between hospitality education and operational experience • Why "borrow a fortune and hope for the best" isn't a workforce strategy • The surprising recruiting lesson hospitality can learn from Below Deck • How a storytelling shortage may be fueling a labor shortage • How etiquette can create belonging—or reinforce barriers • Why great hospitality professionals know when to break the rules • The connection between creativity, problem-solving, and memorable experiences • What inspired the launch of a travel-themed snail mail club in a digital-first world • How anticipation, discovery, and delight extend far beyond hotels • Why creating meaning may be hospitality's most…
People in this episode
Host: Susan Barry
Topics covered
- hospitality
- creativity
- education
- recruitment
- guest experience
- storytelling
- meaning-making
Keywords
- hospitality
- creativity
- education
- recruitment
- guest experience
- storytelling
- labor shortage
- meaning-making
More episodes of Top Floor
- 247 | GMs of the Year · June 9, 2026 · 41 min
- 245 | Voyeur Beach Resort · May 26, 2026 · 35 min
- 244 | Pigeon Shoot Out · May 19, 2026 · 36 min
- 243 | Run Through Walls · May 12, 2026 · 35 min
- 242 | Dog Treat Explosion · May 5, 2026 · 31 min
- 241 | Little Bit of Fire · April 28, 2026 · 28 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Top Floor podcast page.