StarrCast: Recent Episodes
StarrCast
Did you ever consider a career in the world of wellness? Lisa Starr of Wynne Business chats with people from varying backgrounds who have achieved success in the wellness industry, and they share their journey and tips for success.
Host Lisa Starr sits down with Leah Crump, founder of Leah Crump Consulting and author of the forthcoming book Be Well, Do Well, in this inspiring episode of the StarrCast Podcast. A trailblazer in spa consulting, Leah shares her unique path from the treatment room to global wellness consulting and authorship.
With a deep focus on healing, authentic leadership, and sustainable business practices, Leah opens up about the realities of the consulting world, the burnout epidemic in wellness leadership, and how she’s helping shape the next generation of consultants through her mastermind course. She also offers an inside look at her new book, which aims to blend practical guidance, personal storytelling, and soulful strategy.
Whether you're a spa director, a wellness entrepreneur, or just curious about the evolving world of wellness, this episode is rich with professional insight, heartfelt reflection, and powerful lessons on how to “be well and do well.”
About the Guest: Leah Crump
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- Founder of Leah Crump Consulting, specializing in spa and wellness development and operational strategy.
- Creator of a Spa Consulting Mastermind course.
- Author of Be Well, Do Well, a field guide to healing work, lasting leadership, and defining success on your own terms.
- Known for blending operational precision with soulful leadership and visionary creativity.
Key Takeaways:
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- Why great spa consultants are equal parts problem-solvers, artists, and guides.
- How “soft power” and feminine leadership can positively impact hospitality and wellness.
- Tips for avoiding burnout and embracing balance as a wellness professional.
- How Leah structured and self-published her first book—and what others can learn from that journey.
- Predictions for the future of wellness: from tech-touch balance to community-focused "third places."
In this powerful episode of The StarrCast Podcast, host Lisa Starr sits down with Lindsay Madden-Nadeau, Senior Director of Wellness Strategy for Red Sea Global, to explore one of the most ambitious hospitality and wellness developments in the world. From her beginnings in luxury hospitality to leading wellness vision for giga-projects like Amaala and Red Sea, Lindsay offers insights into the massive transformation taking place in Saudi Arabia’s wellness tourism sector.
With candor and vision, Lindsay shares how Saudi’s Vision 2030 is reshaping global tourism, why Amaala is set to become the world's most comprehensive wellness destination, and how wellness is being designed from the ground up — with cultural sensitivity, sustainability, and commercial strategy at the core.
Guest Highlights:
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- Lindsay Madden-Nadeau began in luxury hospitality and clinical massage therapy and rose through major global hotel groups including Fairmont, Accor, and Banyan Tree.
- Founded Meraki Bespoke Wellness Strategies in France before joining Red Sea Global.
- Now leads the wellness strategy for over 30 luxury hotels and 12 dedicated wellness brands across Saudi’s Red Sea giga-projects.
Key Takeaways:
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- What is Red Sea Global? A government-backed developer responsible for Saudi’s giga projects, including Amaala and Red Sea Projects.
- Wellness Beyond Spas: From coral regeneration and solar-powered staff villages to culturally rooted wellness rituals, Lindsay emphasizes that wellness isn’t inserted — it’s embedded.
In this enlightening episode of The StarrCast Podcast, host Lisa Starr welcomes wellness visionary Belgin Aksoy, the founder of Global Wellness Day. From her beginnings in the Turkish hospitality industry to the creation of a worldwide movement touching over a billion lives, Belgin shares the deeply personal journey that led to the birth of Global Wellness Day—and the unstoppable passion that continues to drive it.
Listeners will hear how a cancer diagnosis at age 29 sparked a transformation not only in Belgin's own life but in the wellness journeys of people around the globe. With a mission rooted in gratitude, simplicity, and service, Belgin reveals the surprising origins of Global Wellness Day and how it's grown from a small hotel event to a massive celebration in 170 countries.
This episode is a must-listen for spa professionals, wellness entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in turning personal insight into global impact.
Key Takeaways
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- The origin story of Global Wellness Day started with a personal health crisis and a mysterious inner calling.
- True wellness is not about perfection, but balance—and it’s accessible to all, regardless of status or income.
- The event is founded on volunteerism and authenticity, operating without a formal organization or profit model.
- Global Wellness Day encourages simple, impactful actions through its 7-Step Manifesto, such as drinking more water, walking more, and doing a good deed.
- The movement's annual theme—"Reconnect Magenta"—reminds us to reconnect with ourselves, our community, and nature.
In this insightful episode of The StarrCast Podcast, host Lisa Starr welcomes two industry leaders—Tony Nicastro, Senior Global Manager of Spa & Fitness at Marriott, and Derek Hofmann, Senior Director of Spa & Wellness at Four Seasons— for a deep dive into the evolving practice of yield management in spas. Once a foreign concept in wellness, dynamic pricing is now gaining traction as spas seek to balance rising demand, staffing challenges, and revenue growth.
Drawing on years of leadership in global hospitality, Tony and Derek explore how spas can apply airline-style pricing to spa appointments, the technology that supports this shift, how to implement it without guest pushback, and how it's even enhancing guest satisfaction. With practical takeaways, real-world examples, and forward-looking strategies, this episode is a must-listen for spa leaders ready to evolve their pricing models and maximize profitability.
Key Takeaways:
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- Yield management is underutilized in spas—yet it's perfectly suited to spa services due to time-sensitive, limited inventory.
- Technology now enables flexible pricing based on day, time, utilization, and demand—automatically and without manual input.
- Guest satisfaction may improve, not decline, under dynamic pricing, by offering better access and clarity.
- Staff compensation strategies must evolve in tandem, balancing fairness, motivation, and profit.
- Online booking systems encourage upselling and reduce pressure on front desk teams.
- Dynamic availability (managing service duration) is another tool to optimize flow and elevate guest experience.
- Cultural and operational differences affect adoption across global markets, but the momentum is growing.
Guest Highlights:
Tony Nicastro brings a global view from Marriott's vast portfolio, where he's helped pioneer dynamic spa pricing practices across North America. His data-driven approach blends guest psychology, technology integration, and measurable ROI.
Derek Hofmann helps to shape wellness strategy for Four Seasons and shares candid insights into market variability, team adoption challenges, and why dynamic pricing isn’t just about profit—it’s about elevating the guest journey.
In this inspiring episode of The StarrCast Podcast, host Lisa Starr sits down with Vivienne Tang, founder and CEO of Destination Deluxe, a luxury wellness and travel company, to explore the dynamic world of wellness retreats. Vivienne shares her journey from fashion publishing to becoming a global thought leader in wellness travel, offering insider perspectives on the evolution of wellness experiences, the essential elements that make retreats transformative, and how travelers are seeking more profound, meaningful experiences beyond traditional spa services.
Whether you’re a spa professional, wellness entrepreneur, or simply wellness-curious, this episode offers a compelling deep dive into where the industry is headed—and how you can tap into it.
About Vivienne Tang
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- Founder & CEO of Destination Deluxe, a leading online magazine and platform for curated wellness and luxury travel.
- Former Editor of Asia Spa Magazine and co-owner of The Sanctuary, a holistic wellness center in Hong Kong.
- Vivienne is recognized worldwide for her expertise in wellness retreats, and is often called upon by top hotels and resorts to consult on designing wellness programs.
Key Takeaways
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- The Rise of Wellness Retreats: How consumer needs shifted from spa services to holistic, transformative experiences.
- Authenticity Matters: The importance of genuine programming, expert practitioners, and personalized guest experiences.
- What to Expect: A breakdown of typical retreat structures—consultations, activities, food, and digital detox strategies.
- Medical Meets Wellness: How biohacking and preventative medicine are blending with traditional wellness practices.
- Building a Successful Retreat: Essentials like customized guidance, community building, connection to nature, and standout culinary offerings.
- The Ongoing Journey: How retreats offer a gateway, but true wellness is a lifelong path—not a one-week fix.
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In this episode of The StarrCast Podcast, Lisa Starr speaks with James Gu, Director of Spa and Wellness for Equinox, and Greg Kasparian, founder of The Creek Retreat in Serenbe, Georgia. The episode, recorded live at the We Work Well spa event at Chateau Elan, offers a dual perspective on the future of wellness.
James discusses how Equinox is evolving its spa offerings across over 90 properties with a focus on performance, biohacking, and accessibility. Greg shares his journey from the supplier side of the industry to launching a cutting-edge wellness facility based on intention, technology, and personal reinvention.
This episode reveals how two leaders are shaping wellness spaces that respond to modern health demands, staffing limitations, and shifting consumer expectations.
Why It Matters: As wellness merges with fitness and personal optimization, both guests demonstrate how vision, adaptability, and innovation are crucial to staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
Key Takeaways: * The future of spa is rooted in performance, personalization, and technology-driven recovery. * Equinox is shifting from one-size-fits-all spa models to specialized tiers and touchless modalities. * The Creek Retreat embodies a deeply personal reinvention of wellness care, offering hyperbaric therapy, red light, cryotherapy, and pain-relieving SoftWave technology. * Biohacking, longevity, and stress regulation are top wellness trends guiding design and service innovation. * “Rewirement” is the new retirement: wellness entrepreneurship as a second act.
Other Topics:
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
- Cryotherapy
- Red light therapy
- Wellness retreats
- Biohacking
- Vibroacoustics
- Recovery labs
- Touchless therapy
- Healthspan
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Live from FIBO Part 2 of 2; Longevity Center CEO Joanna Bensz discusses her Center's focus on expanding preventive health and lifestyle optimization and László Puczkó, Hospitality and Wellbeing Strategist, advises on incorporating true wellness activities into your business model. Event organizers Andrew Gibson and Sven Huckenbeck comment on the many innovative takeaways of the Spa & Wellness International Day.
Live from FIBO, the largest fitness show in the world, we're sharing excerpts from the Spa & Wellness International Day, where expert speakers shared innovative business models integrating longevity and wellness with hospitality and membership. This episode, part one of two, features Andrew Gibson, Oliver Patrick of Pillar Wellbeing, and Claire Bourne of Eden One.
Live from LEC Innovation Summit: industry veteran operators Maggy Dunphy and Tammy Pahel share thoughts on the current state of the wellness industry and future innovation, including touchless wellness options.
Live from the Health & Fitness Association's annual conference, three panelists from different corners of the world discuss how their innovative business models are redefining what it means to be well, and why they’re quickly becoming the go-to destinations for individuals seeking comprehensive, transformative health experiences that promote physical recovery, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. Featuring Emili Hernandez, of Inner Flow, Daniel Stickler of The Covery, and Matthew Riemann of ShaeFit.
Every year, wellness is included on more trend lists from popular publications and thought leaders, but it can be difficult to discern a trend from a fad. Business management has to navigate these forecasts to ensure their business is providing options that are sought after, but not too far ahead of the curve. Jessica Shea, VP of Wellness, Retail and Leisure Operations for Hilton Americas, helps us to find the practical applications in the haystack.
Africa is a continent rich with indigenous wellness rituals and unique botanicals, but growing the wellness industry within Africa is a challenge on many levels. Mariane Akwenye of NomadSpa and Michelle Saudan of Amanzi Wellbeing, Chair and Vice-Chair of the African Wellness Initiative from GWI, are passionate about the continent's history and culture and determined to spread the word globally.
Chiropractor and Concierge Wellness Doctor Jonathan Leary recognized the need among patients for an opportunity to participate in holistic healing activities that did not feel isolated, and the idea for Remedy Place was born. On the cusp of opening their 4th location, Dr. Leary discusses the journey so far and his vision for the future of this new and exciting business model.
Entrepreneur Jennifer Pahl took a yoga class and said, I can do this too! Using a practical approach, Jennifer shares her journey from idea to studio owner, yoga instructor, and yoga studio business coach, creating a vibrant Twist-Yoga community along the way.
What's ahead this year in wellness? The eagerly awaited annual Global Wellness Summit Trend report, released live in NYC, sheds light on how to position and market our wellness businesses for the future. We spoke with journalists and attendees Heather Mikesell, Jennifer Walsh, Sandra Sadowski, Francisco Lugo and Sallie Fraenkel for their expert opinions and first impressions. Learn more details here on the GWS site.
The world watched in horror as the recent L.A. wildfires engulfed neighborhoods, businesses and lives. Local wellness professionals Kim Marshall, Catherine Dambrosia and Sparrow Harrington share their first-hand stories of destruction and sorrow, with hope for the future. For ideas on how to help, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/wildfire-relief/california, https://www.gofundme.com/f/berosygofundme, https://www.lafoodbank.org/donate/disaster-relief, www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html
Charging ahead with continued 7% growth, the global wellness economy continues to roll along. Global Wellness Institute Senior Research Fellows Ophelia Yeung and Katherine Johnston share some of the stories behind the numbers, and what is fueling this continued growth and consumer interest in wellness.
Yoga has never been more popular, and yet many studios still struggle to survive. International yoga business consultant and Yogapreneur Josh Biro shares some of the tactics and strategies required for long-term success in a class-based business model.
Wellness is difficult to define, and yet global brands build their reputations on standards and consistency. The visionary Michael Newcombe, VP of Wellness for Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts globally, shares some of the unique elements that define Four Seasons spa and wellness experiences across 100+ properties in 44 countries.
Music is an important component of everyday life for many of us, pacing our actions and accompanying our activities, and has always been a crucial component of a well-rounded spa experience. We are fortunate to hear from Freddie Moross, Founder of Myndstream, which has made playing a wide assortment of purpose-built and royalty-free music easy for spa and wellness businesses globally.
Live from the Global Wellness Summit, the premier global gathering of wellness professionals, industry leaders Cathy Chon, Dr. Marc Cohen, Don Genders, Erin Lee and Charles Davidson share their insights on the wellness industry for 2025.
Recorded live at the We Work Well Spa hosted buyer event in La Jolla, CA, Spa Gregories owner Scott Duncan and Spa Director of Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf & Spa Resort Tracy Harper discuss market conditions they are seeing in their regions, and what they think the next year will bring.
Sauna and bathhouses are the hottest (pun intended!) topics in spa & wellness right now, and no business is hotter than Othership. Co-founder and CEO Robbie Bent shares the story of the amazing growth of the business, from his back yard to the newly opened 3rd location in Manhattan, and what he sees as the future of contrast therapy.
Have you incorporated generative AI into your life yet? We'll dive into how AI is being incorporated in the design, operations and fitness realms of the spa and wellness industry. Listen in as Vishal Patel of Sensei, Toby Ward of DFL and Enrico Manaresi from Technogym share how they are using AI to help their businesses work smarter and face the future. Hosted by the Consulting Initiative of the Global Wellness Institute.
China's growth may have slowed recently, but it is still a force to be reckoned with. Second in the world in both population and economic might, the growing middle class in China is continuing to fuel interest in spa & wellness. Recorded live at the 2024 Spa China Summit, Johnny Chang of Spa Solutions TM, Laura Gamboa of Natura Bisse, and Yvonne Cheung of PA Wellness Consultancy share their first-hand views of the domestic spa industry.
Technology evolution continues; the long-awaited Aescape system for robotic massage is coming soon to a spa or wellness center near you! Join us to hear about the 7+ years behind the development of this amazing device from SVP of Product Alex Linde and Paul Nunez, Director of Partnerships. Meant to augment hands-on treatments, the Aescape system gives a remarkably human massage. And it never calls in sick!
This global capital of 9 million is revered as a bastion of tradition and is home to some of the most iconic hotels in the world, but the recent strong growth in hospitality and wellness facilities brings more new properties and modern concepts to the marketplace. Hattie David-Wilkinson, Director of Spa for Claridges Hotel, and Taffryn Ellis Kinsey, Director of Wellness for Six Senses London, share their insights on the local market, trends and outlook post-Brexit.
Spa and wellness businesses have been operating at capacity since post-pandemic, but is there a economic slow-down on the horizon? We gain insights from Patrick McDirmit, VP at Trilogy Spa Holdings, Lynn Curry of Curry Spa Consulting, and Derek Hofmann, Senior Director of Spa Four Seasons, on what these seasoned executives are seeing firsthand in the multiple spas they are responsible for. Recorded live at We Work Well Spa North America, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point.
Now that the pandemic is in the rear-view mirror, and touchess wellness and recovery services are steaming ahead, we check-in with renowned architect Robert Henry, Founder and Principal of wellness architecture firm RDHA, and spa, wellness & leisure facility designer Bryan Dunkelberger of S3 Design, for tips on the latest design trends and concepts in the field.
Leading teams in any discipline requires energy. But so often, our reserves are depleted by the demands of daily living. As the spa & wellness industry strives to create relaxing havens for guests and fulfilling work for staff, we have to be the masters of creating balanced energy in the workplace. Five leaders from across EMEA share their tips and strategies for maintaining the energy level of both themselves, and their teams, while creating serene environments. Recorded live at We Work Well Spa EMEA; Sardinia May 2024
While it may be a gaming mecca, Las Vegas is also a spa & wellness mecca, home to many of the largest and most elaborate facilities in the US. Current Director of Spa & Wellness for Fontainbleau Las Vegas, local spa maven Jennifer Lynn, has helmed many of these world-class locations and shares the method behind the magic of wowing clients in a city with a wow a minute.
How does one become a saunameister, and what is involved in that role? We visit with the world-renowned Lasse Eriksen, Development Manager for FarrisBad, who not only leads a team of 10 sauna masters at FarrisBad, he also heads up the Norwegian Sauna Association, is Vice President of Aufguss WM, a Board Member of ISA, and a global spokesperson for the many health benefits of sauna culture.
You know those beautiful spreads of spas and hotels in glossy magazines? We speak with Angelina Villa-Clarke and Nicole Trilivas, who are writing many of them for Forbes, Travel & Leisure, The Robb Report, and more! These women have the job of a lifetime; they travel the world visiting luxury properties and trying out the amenities. We gain their perspective on what they look for in their spa and wellness experiences, what is a turnoff, and what trends they are seeing across the globe.
Scandinavia is often equated with saunas and contrast therapy, but it was always done individually; it is only of late that communal experiences have become more common. Travel with me to Norway as I visit the amazing water palace spa & hotel The Well and chat with Asst. GM Annete Ose, survive a Celtic Sweat Lodge ceremony at Farris Bad with Tim Jago, and meet with Ragna Marie Fjeld, a founder of the Oslo Sauna Association, which is bringing affordable sauna to the people!
As the worlds of hospitality, fitness and wellness continue to converge, we welcome the first fitness hotel, SIRO, from Kerzner International, debuting in Dubai. A hotel created for both leisure and business travelers who want to maintain their healthy routines while traveling, the five pillars of SIRO, fitness, nutrition, sleep, recovery and mindfulness, are evident throughout the property. We talk with the Recovery Lab Manager, Julie Amos, and Staff Clinical Dietician Heeral Shivnani about what makes SIRO special.
With so many digital business promotion methods available, is it really necessary to have a website anymore? Connie Holen, Owner and Founder of Pixality Design, designs websites for wellness, fitness and yoga businesses, and shares her tips and tricks for effective web design and SEO practices, resulting in business promotion for both known and prospective clients.
Calculating the value of 11 different wellness industry sectors which total $5.6Trillion is no easy feat! Meet the knowledgeable leaders of the Global Wellness Institute research team, whose experience and determination make this feat a reality. Ophelia Yeung and Katherine Johnston have spent the last 10 years providing perspective and scope so the rest of us can better understand our specific sectors, and the multitude of business possibilities before us, as the industry is forecast to grow another 52% by 2027!
No wellness industry trend report carries more weight than the GWS Future of Wellness. Recorded live at the press event unveiling in NYC, hear the 2024 trends accompanied by illuminating thoughts and opinions on the trends from some of the attending journalists and experts. You'll hear from Jonathan Leary, Remedy Place; Sara Jones, Spa & Wellness Mexicaribe; Erica Huss, All Too Well Media; Joe Holder, GQ Magazine; Heather Mikesell, Well Defined; Cathy Chon, Finn Partners; Jane Kitchen, Spa Business, and Mia Kyricos, Kyricos & Assoc. Order your copy of the report here.
Sven Huckenbeck earned his Masters in Sports Science before venturing into the spa & hospitality world, so he possesses a unique skill set as both a business operator and a body technician. Currently the Spa Director at Inspiration Spa at Das Konig Ludwig Hotel in Bavaria, Sven discusses the creation of his BioBalance system for maintaining optimal physical and mental health.
We know consumers seek wellness in the general sense, but decided to dig down into trenches to learn how those desires are manifesting within the treatment room. We speak with celebrity esthetician and skincare expert Pietro Simone, massage expert Nicole Chryst, and Alisa and Mike McGlothlin, award-winning owners of an Ageless Fitness franchise, on what they're hearing from clients.
Among the estimated 180k spas in the world, massage therapy is universally the #1 requested service. And yet, post-COVID, few spas are operating with the desired number of massage therapists. John Morris, Corporate Director of Wisconsin's Sundara Spa, and Service Director Cassandra Stratton from Chicagoland's Mario Tricoci chain of spa/salons, share some innovative approaches to this ongoing challenge to revenue and profits.
From personal trainer to CEO/Owner of IDEA, the world's leading membership association for fitness and wellness professionals, powerhouse Amy Thompson shares her inspirational career path story, launching and growing numerous brands and programs. But she's not finished yet; hear about her exciting vision for the continued convergence of wellness and fitness and the debut of World-Active.
Recorded live at the fall '23 North American Spa edition of We Work Well, Tania McCorkle of Garden of the Gods Resort & Club, and Lynne Hite of Four Seasons Westlake Village share their perspectives on how the spa industry continues to evolve, and how an avant-garde mindset can benefit business operations.
Everyone wants to be in the wellness business, but not everyone thinks ahead about the end game. Luckily, there is an expert in that too! Mitch McGinley, MBA, has both bought and sold a wellness business personally, and now advises buyers and sellers in the process of valuation, due diligence, sales prep and all of the fun paperwork! Listen to Mitch's sound advice on what to look for when buying, and how to prep your business for your next chapter.
An early love of nature and the outdoors has infused every aspect of Jennifer Walsh's entrepreneurial career path. From founding Beauty Bar to roles as an on-air beauty expert, wellness journalist, published author, strategic advisor, co-host of Biophilic Solutions Podcast and creator of Wellness Walks®, Jennifer has literally been "walking the walk," demonstrating the connection between nature and mental wellness, touching the lives of thousands along the way.
Seems like everyone is doing yoga today - and there are almost 50k studios, just in the U.S. But owning a studio is not as easy as it looks. Sure, your yoga class is busy, but then what? You still have to pay rent on the other 22 hours a day! Verge Yoga owner Carole McKeon shares her journey from fitness guru to yoga instructor and studio owner, and the joys and challenges along the way.
Now that one of the world's largest spa & beauty markets is finally reopened post-COVID, hear from SVP of Mandara Spa Trent Munday, Director of Spa Development for Natura Bisse Laura Gamboa, and Paul Keegan, Senior Int. Trainer for AlfaParf, on the current challenges and opportunities of business in China. Recorded live at the 15th annual Spa China Summit.
Turning her back on a successful career as a financial analyst, Myriam Giri created a future for herself in wellness, first beginning a product company HolyBlends, with healthy snacks and supplements made in France, and then moving to Riyadh and starting a consultancy for wellness businesses. She is particularly focused on nutrition and its impact on overall health, and is finding much opportunity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where the citizens are embracing healthy lifestyles.
Patrick Tighe realized after personal experience that spa and wellness businesses needed an option to mitigate the already minimal risk for both client and business from non-invasive procedures. Coverwell by InjectSure® provides an easy and frictionless solution which helps to propel growth of these high-demand procedures.
Recorded live at the Medical Wellness Congess in Vienna, Austria, hear from 3 global experts on how the integration of spa, wellness and medicine is anticipated to evolve. We'll chat with Laszlo Puczko, Andrew Gibson and Emlyn Brown on their global perspectives and future vision for this growing field.
Entrepreneur and health-advocate Ross Bloom seized an opportunity to create something missing in the market; a wellness business that focused on individual care and treatment with a hospitality approach and beautiful environment. Almost 10 years into the journey, the biostation™ is flourishing and expanding. Bloom shares the story of the brand creation and growth, and the bright future ahead.
As the world continues to be obsessed with all things "wellness," it makes sense that the money will follow. Over the last several years, investment company CI Capital has purchased a string of high-profile wellness businesses and united them as Arch Amenity Group. We speak with Senior Vice Presidents Chris Griebe and Susan Grey on why CI Capital is so bullish on the wellness industry.
Often the future is best seen by those who benefit from the lens of past experience. Wellness Pioneer Anna Bjurstam shares her journey from celebrity fitness trainer to spa & wellness guru, creating global spa brands and most recently driving the renaissance of Six Senses Resorts. Anna enlightens us on radiesthesia, biohacking, biogeometry and energy healing, as well as what it means to be a pioneer, along the way.
Everyone is interested in mindfulness practices, but we don't always know where to start. What is meditation, exactly? And how do I know if I'm doing it "right?" Dr. Nina Smiley, Director of Mindfulness Programming at Mohonk Mountain House, walks us through the process, and supplies some excellent tips and tricks to get started.
When world-renowned wellness resort Chiva-Som decided to open a second location, they settled on a beautiful spot on the tip of Qatar, surrounded by the breezes of Arabian Gulf. Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som is a pioneer in Middle East wellness destinations and features full immersion of wellness services dedicated to promoting physical, mental, and emotional health, fully embracing the philosophy of Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine (TAIM). Director of Health & Wellness Sandie Johannessen shares the opening journey with us.
As spas, wellness, medical and fitness modalities continue to converge, business leaders need new strategies to stay ahead. Open a window into the future as Emlyn Brown, Global Head of Well-Being for Accor, Sara Codner, Senior Director of Spa & Wellness at Mandarin Oriental, and Kent Richards, Corporate Operations Director for Six Senses, share their insights and and plans for this competitive landscape for the coming year. This was recorded live during a webinar for We Work Well industry events in January 2023.
Spas play an important role in relaxation and stress relief for their guests, but sometimes we forget to focus on the mental wellness needs of our staffs and ourselves. Our guest, Professor Gerry Bodeker, is a public health researcher and academic specializing in lifespan wellness and integrative healthcare, who has worked over the decades with several UN organizations as well as global associations. Dr. Bodeker shares some insightful strategies to optimize selfcare for spa & wellness professionals.
Music is certainly a universal language, and we've all experienced how certain music can elicit a strong personal and emotional response. Researchers have continued to study the science behind the emotion, and Freddie Moross, the MD of Myndstream, explains how and why the company is using the research to enhance the artistic process, creating music designed to support wellness businesses and their clients.
Imagine spending 10-20 minutes per day to improve your brain function, lower stress, and improve creativity! Dr. Patrick Porter and team have created an effective and easy-to-use system, utilizing both software and optional hardware, that does just that. Listen in to the science behind BrainTap, and learn about the many ways this tool can be effective in spa and wellness settings, as well as for home use.
Massage is the most sought-after service in any spa, but that wasn't always the case! Join us as industry veteran C.G. Funk, former massage therapist and instructor, and current Senior Vice President of Culture and Industry Relations for Massage Heights, shares the evolution of massage within spa and wellness businesses, and sheds some light on the current therapist hiring challenges.
Many people dream of starting their own business, but this busy NYC marketing executive made her dreams become reality. Lisa Bare created and ran a very successful day spa in the Hudson Valley for almost twenty years, through financial downturns and pandemics, and the usual daily dramas, and still came out smiling! Listen in as Bare shares the lessons learned along the way.
We hear much talk about sustainability, but the concept of Wellness Architecture is less well-known. The Founder of Apostoli Studio, Alberto Apostoli, is a global leader in the field, having designed dozens of hospitality and spa projects around the world, including the multi-award winning Lefay Resorts. Apostoli discusses what defines wellness architecture, and how it contributes to a successful wellness business.
Is the wellness bubble doing more damage than good? Tune in to hear wellness industry veteran Lisa Henry Jacobs delve into this and other questions for wellness professionals to consider. Jacobs brings a unique perspective amidst her own health challenges, and urges that we consider how wellness is baked into our business models, and the true impact we are having on our communities. We need to perpetuate the need to give back, but of course wellness is still a business at the end of the day.
Supply chain issues are still impacting businesses across the globe; at the We Work Well Hospitality event in Malta, we took a deep dive into the challenges this is creating for hospitality operators and suppliers in the EMEA market. Denis Karalic, Diderick Woltering, Mirko Habek and Rich Burden share their management strategies for the moment.
Since its 2014 inaugural report, the Global Wellness Economy Monitor has become the go-to source of comprehensive global wellness economy data for business leaders, researchers and the media. We visit with the brilliant researchers behind the data, who share their insights behind the post-pandemic findings in the eleven wellness sectors.
With so much interest in wellness from consumers, this might be the right time for you to open your own wellness business, or to consider selling one you have built. We are joined by the very knowledgeable CPA April McDaniel from financial advisory firm Kopsa Otte, who shares many useful and informative tips and strategies on how to structure your business and handle your accounting to avoid unpleasant surprises at sale time!
The unique Healing Summit, an initiative of Healing Hotels of the World, gathers leaders from the worlds of business, hospitality, and non-profits to explore a holistic approach to life and business, with the aim to create a global community of influencers who commit to doing good in the world. We've collected brief contributions from a few of the world-class presenters including Paul Polman, Gina Diez Barroso and others, recorded live in the Algarve, Portugal in September 2022.
Join the momentum as World Wellness Weekend is back for the 6th year in it's continued growth, this year with 4000 venues in 140 countries participating. Founder Jean-Guy de Gabriac shares his passion for connecting wellness seekers with local venues offering an amazing array of wellness-related activities, and explains how WWW aligns with the UN SDG 's.
With the opening of their newest Medical Resort on the German resort island of Sylt, the Lanserhof Group continues to raise the bar in their genre. Everything from architecture, decor & design, food and staff training has been intentionally created to support a detoxification, cleansing and centering journey for its guests. Group CMO Nils Behrens and Medical Director Dr. Jan Strikze share the purpose and thought behind the business model during my visit.
Natural thermal springs and "taking the waters" have been hallmarks of communal wellness for hundreds of years, and the recent pandemic has renewed interest in this health practice. In advance of World Bathing Day on June 22, we hear from Charles Davidson, visionary entrepreneur and CEO of Peninsula Hot Springs in Victoria, Australia, on the latest developments in hot springs resorts, and how they can become a launching pad for regional tourism. https://www.femteconline.org/ https://www.hotsprings.org/
Long-time professionals in the spa world know the U.S. roots came from the salon industry, but the product and education supplier networks that existed 25 years ago have been completely up-ended by consolidation and the worldwide web. The process of delivering products and training is both easier, and harder, than ever! Distribution expert Brian McGee, General Manager of the nail supplier Dazzle Dry, shares his insights on what it takes to grow a beauty product business today.
Jim Chenevey left the world of top-five consulting and international business to take ownership of Living Earth Crafts/Earthlite 20 years ago, and has never looked back. In our conversation, Chenevey reflects on owning and managing this global leader of massage & wellness equipment and product manufacturing, with annual sales of over 37k products across 193 countries. Chenevey's passion for wellness, people and the planet is evident throughout all aspects of company operations, and despite the challenges of operating across international borders and in the internet era, he believes the positive momentum for wellness will continue to grow.
In the U.S., not only are massage therapists and estheticians licensed by different boards, these boards have different requirements for licensure in each of our 50 states, making it very difficult for therapists to work beyond their initial licensed area. However, change is looming; Deirdre Strunk, VP of Spa, Beauty, Fitness & Retail for Canyon Ranch, and a member on the Compact for Licensure task force, reports on the movement underway to update these generations-old regulations.
In spring of 2022, much of the world is receding from an active pandemic, although the results still linger. We check in with two spa leaders, Aldina Duarte-Ramos of Accor and Four Seasons' Christelle Besnier on how the spa and wellness industry is recovering in Europe and the Middle East. Recorded live at We Work Well EMEA 2022.
Wellness is in big demand, attracting developers who want to create projects with wellness elements; but the first question always is, where is the data? While we have excellent broad numbers on many wellness-related silos courtesy of the Global Wellness Institute, at the intersection of wellness and hospitality there is a dearth of detailed data on how spa and wellness components affect ADR or occupancy, or which particular services or experiences are in most demand. National Director of Hospitality Analytics for CoStar Jan Freitag, and Laszlo Puczko, Wellness Tourism expert and Co-founder of HTWW, share their insights on why this is such a difficult challenge, and how we might move forward.
Consumers today want wellness at every turn, including while traveling, and hotels are always promoting their wellness offerings, which may or may not be relevant to that guest. But did you know that in German-speaking Europe you could stay in a qualified "Wellness Hotel?" Wellness Hotels & Resorts has been certifying hotels for their quality of stay, food & environment for over 25 years! Managing Partner Michael Altewischer and Brand Ambassador Wilfried Dreckmann explain how a property becomes a Wellness Hotel, and what to expect.
Now that "wellness" is front and center, you can find the term everywhere. While that's probably a good thing, it can also create confusion for those seeking information online. Julie Keller Callaghan and Heather Mikesell of Well Defined discuss how they position their website, and the process of sifting through information to provide content that is relevant for both consumers and professionals.
The world has approximately 160k spas, so what makes one more special than the next? Tune in to hear highly-regarded spa consultants Tracy Lee and her colleague Michael Lahm share their process behind the vision and planning that goes into the creation of a unique spa and wellness retreat.
Hotel spas were among the hardest hit during the pandemic, but their recovery looks bright. US leaders of spa & wellness for both Hilton Worldwide and Marriott join us to share their current operations status, and future growth plans and projections, which are very positive! After a 40% revenue decline in 2020, many are beating 2019 revenues, and experiencing strong pricing power and momentum.
Consumers are seeking businesses that can deliver personal wellness while acknowledging the greater needs of a healthy planet. We chat with Michael Stusser, Co-Founder of GSNPlanet, and Lucy Brialey, Co-Founder and Director of the Sustainable Spa Association, about the mission of their organizations, and the extensive tools they provide to guide wellness businesses on sustainable operations.
Wondering what it would look like to merge Traditional Medicine with Holistic Health? Statera Integrated Health & Wellness successfully combines primary care, spa, movement, integrative health & counseling in a comprehensive and unique business model in the American midwest.
The wellness movement has shifted far beyond the spa, salon & fitness worlds to encompass many everyday activities. Jean-Guy de Gabriac, founder of World Wellness Weekend, explains the phenomenal global growth of the desire for wellness and the connection to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Given the ongoing struggle to find spa staff, options such as touchless therapies that can create revenue additional without direct labor are becoming more compelling. Listen in as Tammy Pahel of Carillon Wellness Resort and Michelle Gerukos of BluVida Wellness discuss their utilization of technology and its impact on operations and client satisfaction.
Along with all of the current interest in women's issues, there is also an increased focus on Women's Wellness. What's different about women? Well, a lot as it turns out! Judy Mackey and Dr. Jennifer Habashy of Garden of the Gods Resort & Club and STRATAMed discuss their programming around the specific needs of our female clients and patients.
What do dirt, the metaverse, and toxic muscularity have in common? Join us as Global Wellness Summit CEO Susie Ellis unpacks this year's eagerly-awaited 10 wellness trends from a variety of experts, sharing her insights and applications for businesses along the way.
It's funny to imagine that China was once considered a sleeping giant; these days it is anything but. According to the latest figures from the Global Wellness Institute, China is now the second largest wellness economy in the world, valued at $682 billion, behind only the US, and China's average growth rate through the pandemic only dipped 2.5%, much less than almost all of the other top 20 global wellness markets. If you've ever been curious about the spa market in China, this episode will pull back the curtain as we hear from country experts Fifi Kao, Editor of Spa China Magazine, and Graham Earnshaw, Publisher, Entrepreneur and long-time China resident.
Jeremy McCarthy, Group Director of Spa & Wellness at Mandarin Oriental, shares that one of the biggest surprises for all of us in the wake of the pandemic has been how difficult it has been to staff to previous levels. McCarthy applies the concepts he learned while earning his Applied Positive Psychology degree to be the compassionate leader he believes is necessary in organizations today, recognizing that people really want to find meaning through their work. Listen to learn about McCarthy’s sensible five-step process as a framework to take the best possible care of your most important asset, your team.
The world has experienced an explosion in all things related to wellness, yet amidst this attention the real messaging can get lost. According to Mia Kyricos, wellness industry sage and President at Kryicos & Assoc, well-executed wellness strategies help a business differentiate, generate greater revenue and profits, AND make a positive impact on people, community and planet. Mia introduces the Ecosystem of Wellbeing™ as a business model for the future, a way to rise above the noise and drive business performance with a true systems approach to wellness and wellbeing moving forward.
Languages, beauty, experiences, everything flows when you are around Patrizia Bortolin. Her journey from tour operator to beauty school to spa manager guided this visionary alchemist in creating excellent environments for both customers and staff at spas across Europe.
An entrepreneur goes to buy a massage table, and ends up buying the company instead! Thus begins the industry career of Allan Share, the unofficial mayor of the US spa industry.
A typical boy who loved model-building, Don Genders shares how he transitioned his passion to a career designing iconic fitness centers, spas and thermal areas on four continents, and discusses the many challenges of working with water.
Australian footballer Trent Munday has experience in many facets of the hotel industry, from bellman to Director of Rooms for 18k people for the Sydney Olympics! After stints with several large hospitality brands, he now uses his considerable hospitality acumen to manage 80+ global spas for One Spa World.
From kinesiology to the White House to the wellness industry! Lynne McNees's experience in listening to diverse voices has been the foundation of her expert leadership of the International Spa Association for the last 24 years, growing the industry credibility and reach for consumers through both demand and supply challenges.
When a college professor unlocked the wonder of biology, Dan Soffer knew his life path would be through medicine, feeding his desire to help and teach people. He currently combines practice as an Internist with a role as a Clinical Lipidologist, educating his patients on lifestyle management for healthier living.
After a planned career in nuclear medicine was derailed by her love of the naturopathic approach, Samantha Dunn worked in advertising and banking before transitioning to spa and wellness, living in multiple Asian countries along the way to becoming one of the foremost experts on spa operations and trends in her field.
As a Texan youth, Cary Collier engaged in the typical pursuits of horses, cattle and football, and even roughnecked in the oil industry. But passion led him to fitness, spa management and now, consulting and design. Many years of living and working in Asia fine-tuned his aesthetic, and his current home in the mountains of Montana continues to fuel his love of natural elements in spa design.
Suzanne Pengelly's side job while attending college provided a career path after 9/11 ended a NYC-based technical recruiter position. She utilized her front-line spa experience to fine-tune her customer focus and marketing skills into leadership positions at global beauty brands.
Childhood in a military family bred a nomadic wanderlust in Emlyn, as well as a high degree of adaptability. His interest in sports science led to fitness & nutrition and then club management, morphing into spa along the way. From South Africa to Egypt to Australia, Emlyn has lived and worked on 5 continents; tune in to hear where his favorite experiences have been.
Driven to work since age 12, Laura Gerchik parlayed her bi-lingual skills into marketing and business development for the French government, then spent 8 successful years working in the male-dominated commercial real estate sector in Paris. Jumping to the beauty industry, her unique perspective and fresh outlook has powered a five-fold increase in Biologique Recherche sales in North America in her tenure.
This Australian triathlete and Ironman is always pushing himself, both physically and mentally. After management consulting didn't inspire passion, Craig Mitchell moved to sports management and tourism, and is now the CEO of the world-renowned Peninsula Hot Springs destination retreat. Mitchell shares the mistakes that led to his true calling.
Anni Hood knew from an early age that independence and freedom would be her driving forces. A hotel manager at 22, her career has since taken her from London to Dubai and then Paris, with a year of Asian backpacking thrown in. Now back in England, she shares that you don't have to be working in wellness to bring wellness to your work!
From growing up on the U.S. prairie to creating the global brand La Prairie, David Stoup then turned 2 Elizabeth Arden locations into 150! His amazing track record as a creator of brands in both the CPG and service industries is born of a passion to both serve people and do work that you love.
Raised on her grandfathers’ green juices, Diana planned on a career in medicine, but took her Summa Cum Laude in Biology at CalPoly into an MS in Physiology of Exercise, and then combined them both with work as a Spa Director for some of the largest spas in Mexico. Her current role as a consultant and designer has been informed by her first-hand knowledge of spa ergonomics and operations, as well as the importance of delivering a wonder-filled, transformational spa experience for the guest.
A curious nature pointed towards journalism, but Patrick’s creative pathway lay in the performing arts. After Yale School of Drama, Patrick split his time between acting and hospitality, with day spa on the side, both in NY and LA. But after walking through the “open door” of a great opportunity at Four Seasons Westlake Village, he has worked in spa/hospitality ever since, while appreciating the stage aspect to an impactful spa journey. Patrick is now firmly in spa, but has lost none of his stage charisma!
Growing up swimming in thermal springs gave Laszlo an appreciation for wellness from an early age. Multiple academic degrees and a stint as a management consultant have fine-tuned his instincts for both the inspirational and practical aspects of project development in wellness and health tourism.
After attaining a law degree and then working 100-hour weeks as an investment banker, Gustavo took on spa management as a side project and now presides over a growing chain of 40+ locations in Brazil; still working long hours but with an enjoyable purpose and positive social impact.
Kathryn's background in Food & Beverage led to creating dozens of spas for an international hospitality brand, and then starting two more businesses on her own, one during the pandemic! Listen to how fashioning a skirt in school sparked a sharp and visionary business mind!
An athlete with training in fitness & sports management, Emmanuel also had a background in languages and restaurants. But being a model for a massage training session helped to sell him on the many advantages of hospitality and wellness, and his journey has taken him to a regional director position at industry innovator Rosewood.
Politics, marketing, tourism, travel; Anne Biging used what she learned along her life journey to co-create the first-ever hotel association for healing hospitality and holistic health. Now with almost 100 members, Healing Hotels of the World is where everyone wants to stay! The visionary Anne shares what excites her about the future.
Julie Bach blazes an unlikely trail; with a background in finance and a Harvard MBA, she worked in coding, dot-com's, and management consulting, before finding her true purpose. Julie founded and is the Executive Director of Wellness for Cancer, bringing cancer-aware protocols to spas around the world, and affecting thousands of lives along the way.
Herve Bouvier received his MBA and discovered that the automotive industry was not nearly as much fun as beauty and wellness would be! Herve brings his global expertise to the spa sector as the Global Brand Director for [comfort zone], and shares his insights on the joys of working in a family-owned brand.
From Canadian beauty therapist to Corporate Director of Spa for a global brand, and then General Manager of one of the best-known health resorts in the world, Sheila McCann has lived and worked in multiple countries and continents, and she is a Leading Woman in Wellness, an award bestowed upon her by the GWI, everywhere she goes!
Longtime wellness warrior Mia Kyricos discusses how working in local restaurants as a pre-teen evolved into a role as Sr. V.P. of a global hospitality company. Mia serves on multiple corporate boards including as a founding board member of the Global Wellness Institute and Global Wellness Summit, and now focuses on strategic and brand advisory at her eponymous consulting firm.
A 30+ year industry veteran, Tara is an award-winning leader and pioneer in wellness. Her path has led from massage therapist to founder of the TARA brand of eco-chic products, co-founder of the Green Spa Network, and all-around kick-ass female role model who walks the wellness walk every day.
Did you ever think about moving to another country, where you don't speak the language, and then starting an industry trade publication? Probably not, but that's just what the intrepid Sara Jones did, with some stints as a Spa Director in multiple countries along the way. Sara also manages AraSpa Consulting.
Some people just have the touch; Karen has enjoyed a rewarding multi-decade career as a beauty therapist at multiple health & wellness resort properties in the UK, positively impacting the lives of thousands along the way.
Beginning his professional career as a Registered Nurse, Michael has parlayed his lifelong interest in health and wellness into an amazing career as Health & Healing Director, resort and property CEO, Chairman of ISPA, and Partner in an industry-leading recruiting firm for spa and hospitality. All while continuing to be the nicest, most humble man imaginable; it's wonderful to hear about his journey.
How does an English barrister end up running and growing a hospitality empire in Kenya? Alfrida shows us the way!
A degree in recreation management led to property development in Cyprus, Managing Director roles in multiple organizations, and VP of Spa & Wellness at several global hospitality brands. Andrew has served on multiple boards, including as a founding member of the Global Wellness Summit and the Wellness Tourism Association, among others. A famed leader in global spa & hospitality, he has lived in many countries along the way, but this Englishman currently calls Sweden home.
Elena shares her inspirational journey from linguist to psychologist, spa owner and, currently, consultant and foremost authority in the Russia and Eastern European spa and wellness market.
StarrCast host Lisa Starr of Wynne Business explains the inspiration behind this podcast series, in which she interviews people who have navigated from a wide variety of backgrounds and education to successful careers in the wellness world.