IDEEA Podcast

About IDEEA Podcast

Join us on the go for weekly conversations with hospitality investment leaders and disruptors across Europe. The talks on the IDEEA Podcast are a teaser and extension of the discussions that will take place at the IDEEA Hospitality Investment Forum, a growing platform for the hospitality investment community to come together for meetings, deals and insight on the opportunities and development across Eastern Europe. We believe you will find them insightful and if you have any feedback, please share them with us at hello@thebench.com.

Publisher

the bench

Category

business · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

14 Aug 2022

Latest episode

7 Sept 2023

Latest episodes

24 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Sept 2023

   Episode 24: Dr. Ruth Puhr, Les Roches Global Hospitality Education

   In this episode of the IDEEA podcast, the discussion delves into the intricate balance between maintaining the core structure of academic programs, such as academic years, semesters, and credit-based courses, while continuously updating and refining the content. Ruth highlights how this iterative process is not only applied to existing programs but also to the development of new ones. As the dialogue unfolds, Ruth emphasizes the significance of lifelong learning, a hot topic in an ever-changing workplace landscape. Lifelong learners, often seasoned professionals, seek two critical elements: staying informed about emerging trends and networking opportunities. This lifelong learning approach provides a platform for professionals to share their workplace challenges, solutions, and innovations, creating a rich environment for collaborative problem-solving. The conversation takes a closer look at Les Roches academic programs, including executive options. Ruth explains that some programs allow students to immerse themselves on campus, while others are designed to accommodate working professionals by offering shorter modules, as brief as 12 weeks. The benefits of these programs are multifold, with students immediately applying their newfound knowledge to their workplaces, resulting in observable impacts. Ruth shares inspiring anecdotes about students leveling up or changing roles during their programs. The enhanced communication skills gained during these programs empower graduates to articulate their expertise confidently during job interviews or when proposing significant business projects. Marina and Ruth also explore the close relationship that Les Roches maintains with industry players. Students gain valuable real-world experience through two-semester internships, ensuring they are well-prepared for their careers. Additionally, faculty-led study trips provide insights into industry needs, concerns, and trends, which in turn inform course development. Ruth emphasizes the industry's feedback that Les Roches students are exceptionally work-ready.

2. 

   1 Sept 2023

   Episode 23: Dirk Bakker, Colliers

   In this Episode of the IDEEA Podcast, Marina Franolic and Dirk Bakker touch upon a variety of topics. They start the discussion of the current state of the EMEA capital market for hospitality, acknowledging challenges such as high inflation, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and cautious investor behavior due to economic uncertainties. Dirk highlights that there is limited activity in the market, with price gaps between buyer and seller expectations, largely driven by uncertainties in interest rates. They also touch on the importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations in the industry, emphasizing that adherence to ESG compliance rules is essential for financing and aligning with corporate policies. The conversation delves into the evolving concept of hybrid hospitality, where work habits and accommodations are changing due to technology and societal shifts. Younger generations are seeking experience-based, lease-oriented concepts rather than ownership. Marina mentions a paper from 2020 on hybrid hospitality and asks Dirk about the future of this concept, which he believes will continue to evolve and cater to changing work and lifestyle patterns. He mentions the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on work habits and the rise of flexible office and hospitality solutions. The podcast covers the current challenges in the EMEA hospitality capital market, the growing importance of ESG considerations, the concept of hybrid hospitality, and the future of hotel brands in the industry. Dirk also expresses his anticipation for networking opportunities at the IDEEA event in Prague.

3. 

   18 Aug 2023

   Episode 22: JS Anand, Leva Hotels

   In this episode of the IDEEA Podcast, the host welcomes JS Anand, the founder, and owner of Leva Hotels, known for its presence in the Middle East hospitality market. JS Anand reflects on the unique spirit of Leva Hotels during COVID-19, highlighting their strategic planning, personalized services, advanced technology integration, and distinctive design. He notes that their focus on the Middle East and Africa markets during this period contributed to their survival and expansion. He shares his plans for Leva Hotels in Europe, mentioning potential locations like Greece, Athens, Venice, Austria, Berlin, and Budapest. He emphasizes that Europe requires a different approach due to the diverse cultural and structural factors. He reflects on the unique spirit of Liva Hotels during COVID-19, highlighting their strategic planning, personalized services, advanced technology integration, and distinctive design. He notes that their focus on the Middle East and Africa markets during this period contributed to their survival and expansion. JS shares his plans for Leva Hotels in Europe, mentioning potential locations like Greece, Athens, Venice, Austria, Berlin, and Budapest. He emphasizes that Europe requires a different approach due to the diverse cultural and structural factors. The conversation concludes with an exploration of Leva Hotels' management and potential franchise models. JS expresses his dedication to offering the same level of service and focus whether the brand operates under a management contract or franchise arrangement. The podcast ends with a note of anticipation for the upcoming IDEEA Hospitality Investment Forum in Prague, where JS Anand and Leva Hotels will engage in further discussions.

Contact IDEEA Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.