{"podcast":{"title":"Defining Hospitality","slug":"defining-hospitality-4474091","podcast_index_feed_id":4474091,"rss_url":"https://feeds.transistor.fm/defining-hospitality-podcast","website_url":"http://www.defininghospitality.live","image_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/OzoyXev3ftWKuyY_-NovZJmcbLN9d-mYgaYpwVNfSZw/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzM5MzU3LzE2ODE4/MjI1NTUtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.jpg","author":"Dan Ryan","episode_count":261,"summary":"Welcome to Defining Hospitality, the podcast focused on highlighting the most influential figures in the hospitality industry. In each episode we provide 1 on 1, in depth interviews with experts in the industry to learn what hospitality means to them. We feature expert advice on working in the industry, behind the scenes looks at some of your favorite brands, and in depth explorations of unique hospitality projects. Defining Hospitality is hosted by Founder and CEO of Agency 967, Dan Ryan. With over 30 years of experience in hospitality, Dan brings his expertise and passion to each episode as he delves into the latest trends and challenges facing the industry. Episodes are released every week on Wednesday mornings. To listen to episodes, visit https://www.defininghospitality.live/ or subscribe to Defining Hospitality wherever you get your podcasts.","last_synced_at":"2026-07-22T18:21:25.387597+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/defining-hospitality-4474091"},"episode":{"title":"The Human Side of Hospitality - Chelsea Hershelman - Coral Tree Hospitality - Episode # 236","slug":"the-human-side-of-hospitality-chelsea-hershelman-coral-tree-hospitality-episode-236","published_at":"2026-01-28T10:00:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/defining-hospitality-4474091/the-human-side-of-hospitality-chelsea-hershelman-coral-tree-hospitality-episode-236","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/defining-hospitality-4474091","url":"https://share.transistor.fm/s/6020064a","audio_url":"https://media.transistor.fm/6020064a/f40afece.mp3","summary":"Can empathy, curiosity, and a willingness to run toward the fire reshape how leaders design experiences, and careers, in hospitality? In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan sits down with Chelsea Hershelman, VP of Design and Development at Coral Tree Hospitality, to unpack hospitality as an empathetic act and leadership as influence, not authority. From designing for neurodiversity and stressed-out arrivals to taking leaps of faith across a non-linear career path, Chelsea shares how curiosity, courage, and human-centered thinking drive better spaces, stronger teams, and more meaningful guest experiences, without needing perfect credentials or traditional titles. Takeaways: Hospitality starts with empathy, not aesthetics. Great experiences are built by considering the full ecosystem and designing for emotional states, not just how a space looks in photos. The most effective leaders rely on influence, not authority. By building relationships, using humor to help teams “unclench,” and knowing when to listen versus decide. Curiosity beats credentials every time. A background in art history, procurement, and project management became an asset, not a liability, because transferable skills opened doors others never saw. Running toward problems builds momentum and trust. Reframing crises as opportunities to shine, and celebrating quick wins can energize complex projects and establish you as someone who thrives in the arena. Balance isn’t static, it evolves. Sustained leadership requires knowing when to push and when to “take a knee,” prioritizing physical and mental health, and giving yourself grace as your definition of success changes over time. Quote of the Show: “To lead by influence is listening, staying curious and asking good questions.” - Chelsea Hershelman…","meta_description":"Can empathy, curiosity, and a willingness to run toward the fire reshape how leaders design experiences, and careers, in hospitality? In this episode of D…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":3421,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/defining-hospitality-4474091/episodes/the-human-side-of-hospitality-chelsea-hershelman-coral-tree-hospitality-episode-236/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/defining-hospitality-4474091/the-human-side-of-hospitality-chelsea-hershelman-coral-tree-hospitality-episode-236.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}