The Lobby Talk

From New York to Quinta Camarena: Vera & Cam Camarena’s story of building a sustainable boutique hotel

What happens when you leave behind the fast pace of New York to create a hospitality experience rooted in purpose, sustainability, and connection?
n this episode of The Lobby Talk, we sit down with Vera and Cam Camarena, the entrepreneurs behind Quinta Camarena, to explore their inspiring journey from successful careers in New York to creating a meaningful hospitality experience in the Portuguese countryside.
From fashion and photography to entrepreneurship and hospitality, Vera and Cam share how they transformed their vision into a sustainable boutique retreat built around authenticity, connection, and a slower way of living. We discuss the challenges of leaving behind corporate careers, the importance of designing experiences with purpose, and what it takes to create a hospitality concept that feels truly personal.
During our conversation, Cam also shares some of the books and films that have influenced his hospitality philosophy, including Unreasonable Hospitality, a powerful exploration of creating exceptional guest experiences, and Kiss the Ground, a documentary highlighting the potential of regenerative agriculture and sustainable practices.
Discover more about Vera and Cam’s boutique retreat:Quinta Camarena Official Website
Recommended inspiration:📖 Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara🎬 Kiss the Ground documentary
A conversation about reinvention, purpose, sustainability, and the future of authentic hospitality.
#Hospitality #BoutiqueHotels #SustainableHospitality #Entrepreneurship #SlowLiving #LuxuryHospitality
 

From peeling potatoes to Global Chief Development Officer: Camil Yazbeck on hotel development, leadership & the future of hospitality

From peeling potatoes at 14 to leading global hotel development at Accor what does it really take to build the future of hospitality?
In this episode of The Lobby Talk, I speak with Camil Yazbek, Global Chief Development Officer at Accor, about hospitality leadership, hotel development strategy, and the future of the global travel industry.
From early operational roles to shaping global expansion strategies, Camil shares how hands-on experience, private equity, and the owner mindset influenced his approach to scaling hotel portfolios worldwide.
The conversation explores key trends transforming hospitality today:
Global hotel development and investment strategy
The rise of adaptive reuse and asset-light growth models
Modern hospitality leadership and team empowerment
Accor’s vision for responsible hospitality and brand expansion
The impact of Gen Z travel behaviour and experience-driven demand
How AI in hospitality is reshaping operations while keeping human connection at the core
A deep dive into why hospitality growth, travel demand, and hotel investment opportunities remain resilient despite global uncertainty and why the industry is entering one of its most dynamic cycles.
 

From luxury yachting to experience design: Sonja Stojcevski on what makes hospitality truly work

What does it take to go from service to shaping hospitality experiences?
In this episode of The Lobby Talk, I sit down with Sonja Stojcevski, founder of Brand & Spice. From sommelier to luxury yachting to experience design, her journey is driven by one thing: curiosity.
They explore why great hospitality isn’t just about aesthetics but about how spaces actually work. From operations to design, Sonia shares why bridging the gap between brand promise and real experience is one of the industry’s biggest challenges today.
In this episode:• From service to experience design• Lessons from luxury yachting• Why operations should shape design• The gap between promise and reality• Designing spaces that truly work
A sharp, grounded conversation on the future of hospitality.
🔗 Brand & Spice: Instagram | Website
#HospitalityDesign #GuestExperience #LuxuryHospitality #TheLobbyTalk

From corporate life to award-winning chef: The art of Ichigo Ichie with Grace Choy

What if the most defining moment of your career came from the courage to start over?
In this episode of The Lobby Talk, I sit down with award-winning chef Grace Choy to explore a journey shaped by reinvention, resilience, and purpose.
From a corporate career in Hong Kong to building her own private kitchen, and eventually redefining her craft in Tokyo, Grace’s path challenges the idea of a “linear” success story.
We dive into her transition into the culinary world, the realities of starting from scratch, and how she created an intimate, deeply personal dining experience rooted in Cantonese tradition and elevated by Japanese ingredients.
At the heart of it all lies a powerful philosophy: Ichigo Ichie — one time, one meeting. A way of living and creating that turns every meal into a moment that can never be repeated.
This episode goes beyond food. It’s about courage, self-awareness, and the art of creating meaningful connections through hospitality.
🎧 In this episode:
How to successfully reinvent your career
The truth about building a business from passion
Why intimacy is shaping the future of hospitality
The philosophy behind Grace Choy’s culinary approach
🎥 Watch Grace Choy’s documentary:
Story of Grace and ChoyChoy | choychoy

From Paris to São Paulo: Romain Avril on building luxury hospitality across borders

What does it take to build a global career in luxury hospitality?
In this episode of The Lobby Talk, Camille Jammeron sits down with Romain Avril, hospitality leader at Rosewood São Paulo, to explore international mobility, Food & Beverage strategy, and leadership across cultures.
From starting in Paris to moving to Dubai at 23, leading F&B in Morocco and Rio during the Olympic Games, navigating crisis in Beirut, and returning to France before settling in Brazil. Romain shares a candid perspective on resilience, adaptability, and long-term growth in luxury hotels.
Together, we discuss:
• Building an international hospitality career• Leadership before and after COVID• Why the first human interaction still defines luxury• Protecting a strong F&B concept without compromise• Digitalisation vs. human connection in high-end hotels• Sustainability as storytelling, not marketing
A strategic and human conversation about consistency, courage, and why people remain the ultimate luxury in hospitality.
If you enjoy conversations on luxury hospitality, hotel leadership, F&B innovation, global careers, and the future of tourism, follow The Lobby Talk for more.

[FRENCH] From a London hostel to building hospitality with soul: Adrien Gloaguen on boutique hotel leadership

Behind every hotel is a story, a vision, and a passion that transforms stays into unforgettable experiences.
Join Adrien, hotel entrepreneur and founder of the Touriste Group, as he shares his journey from youth jobs in London to creating independent hotels with a unique design and guest-focused DNA.
In this episode, we explore:
How early experiences in hostels and corporate hospitality shaped a bold vision for independent hotels.
The story of Touriste Group, from the first acquisition in Paris to creating a brand known for personality, creativity, and profitability.
Secrets of designing memorable guest experiences: balancing design, location, and atmosphere while maintaining affordability.
Lessons from diversifying into campsites and new markets, and how to manage operations across very different hospitality models.
Tales of challenges, failures, and triumphs: from financing the first hotel to building a team that grows with you.
Why human connection, training, and attention to detail remain the cornerstone of hospitality, regardless of technology or market trends.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, hotelier, or hospitality enthusiast, this conversation is full of actionable insights, inspiration, and stories showing how vision, creativity, and perseverance can redefine a hospitality brand.
🔗 Connect with Adrien / Touriste Group:
Linkedin
Touriste Group
Camping Liberté
🎬 Adrien’s Recommended Shows & Movies:
Rebel Hospitality by Chip Conley – lessons from building a global hotel group with purpose and innovation.

[FRENCH] From Guy Savoy to his own star: the rise of Alexis Voisenet a Michelin-starred chef-owner

Behind every dish is a story, a craft, and a passion that turns a meal into an unforgettable experience. Join Alexis Voisenet as he shares the art and soul of French gastronomy at Maison Avoise.
In this episode, we explore:
How precision, creativity, and respect for ingredients shape a Michelin-starred culinary journey.
The story behind Maison Avoise, from concept to opening, and building a team that brings vision to life.
Secrets of modern French gastronomy: using every part of the product, balancing flavors, and creating moments that guests remember.
How mentorship, experience with top chefs, and a dedication to craft cultivate excellence in a restaurant.
Tales from opening Maison Avoise, receiving its first Michelin star, and redefining what it means to be a chef-owner.
Whether you’re a chef, hotelier, or hospitality enthusiast, this conversation is full of actionable insights, inspiration, and stories that show how culinary creativity can elevate an entire guest experience.
🔗 Connect with Alexis Voisenet:
Maison Avoise 
Linkedin
🎬 Alexis’ Recommended Movies:
The Founder – the story of building a global food empire with precision and vision.

From car park to the Ritz Paris: Colin Field on hospitality leadership & world-class guest experience

Behind every cocktail is a story, a smile, and a moment that guests will never forget. Join Colin Fields and discover the secrets of legendary hospitality.
Step behind the bar with Colin Fields, the legendary head bartender of the Hemingway Bar at The Ritz Paris, twice named Best Bartender in the World. From his early days as a car park attendant in England to creating iconic cocktails like the Limoncello Spritz, Colin shares the art, science, and soul of hospitality.
In this episode, we explore:
How personality, passion, and presence create unforgettable guest experiences.
The story behind the Limoncello Spritz and other signature cocktails.
Secrets of luxury bartending, from speed, service, and efficiency to crafting moments that guests remember forever.
Why simplicity in cocktails often delivers the most profound guest experiences.
Tales of celebrity encounters, iconic bars, and lessons from a lifetime in hospitality.
Whether you’re a bartender, hotelier, or hospitality enthusiast, this conversation is full of actionable insights, inspiration, and insider stories that show how cocktails can be an art form and a tool to connect people.
🔗 Connect with Colin Fields:
Hemingway Bar – The Ritz Paris
LinkedIn
🎬 Colin’s Recommended Shows & Movies:
The Rink (1916, Charlie Chaplin) – bartending flair over a century ago.
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[FRENCH] From vision to innovation: Bernard Boutboul and the new era of hotels and restaurants

Ever wondered what the future of hospitality and restaurants looks like from an industry visionary?
In this episode, I sit down with Bernard Boutboul, founder of Gira and a trailblazer in restaurant consulting. From running iconic food concepts to advising hotels on guest experience, Bernard shares insider stories and bold insights that are shaping the hospitality landscape today.
We explore:
The three dimensions of a memorable dining experience and why service will never be replaced by robots.
How hotels can rethink food and beverage to engage both guests and locals.
The challenges of staff shortages and innovative ways to inspire teams in a high-turnover industry.
Generational shifts in customer expectations — from Gen Z to seasoned travelers.
Lessons from iconic chefs, legendary brands, and real-life restaurant bloopers.
Whether you’re a restaurateur, hotelier, or simply curious about what makes a dining experience unforgettable, this conversation is full of actionable insights, humor, and inspiration.
🔗 Connect with Bernard Boutboul & Gira:
Gira
LinkedIn
🎬 Bernard’s Recommended Shows & Movies:
Le sens de la fête by Eric Toledano & Olivier Nakache
 
Délicieux by Eric Besnard
Tune in to discover how Bernard sees the intersection of food, service, and hospitality shaping the next generation of experiences.

From Broadway dreams to global hospitality: Michelle Moreno on resilient hospitality leadership

Her very first table? Leonardo DiCaprio. From that moment, Michelle Moreno’s journey in hospitality was unstoppable.
On this episode of The Lobby Talk, I sit down with hospitality leader, consultant, and international restaurant creator Michelle Moreno. From dreaming of the West End stage to opening over 60 restaurants and bars worldwide, Michelle has transformed her love for people and performance into a career shaping global hospitality.
We explore:
How resilience and “sliding-doors” moments define a career.
Adventures from Mykonos to Mauritius — the highs, the challenges, the lessons.
Why investing in people is the ultimate key to success in hospitality.
A sneak peek at her exciting new project, A Day in the Life of Me.
Whether you’re a hospitality professional or curious about the human side of the industry, this conversation is equal parts insightful, inspiring, and downright fun.
🔗 Connect with Michelle Moreno:
LinkedIn: Michelle Moreno
QAB Leadership
🎬 Shows she recommends:
Landman by Taylor Sheridan & Christian Wallac
The Wire by David Simon
#TheLobbyTalk #HospitalityLeadership #LuxuryHospitality #FoodAndBeverage #GlobalCareers #LeadershipLessons #Resilience #HospitalityIndustry