The podcast episode features a conversation with Daniel Martinez, the founder and CEO of QNS, discussing the impact of technology on restaurant operations, the value proposition for restaurant brands, Daniel's personal journey as a solopreneur, and the role of technology in the hospitality business. The conversation also delves into the misconceptions and realities in technology adoption, as well as the alignment of technology with measurable outcomes and the importance of resiliency and redundancy in network infrastructure. The conversation delves into the impact of technology on customer experience, highlighting the shift in the restaurant industry towards technology-driven customer interactions. It also explores the critical importance of endpoint security in business operations, emphasizing the need for robust security measures to protect sensitive data and systems.

Takeaways

• Technology needs to be aligned with measurable outcomes
• The importance of resiliency and redundancy in network infrastructure Customer experience is impacted by technology
• Endpoint security is a critical concern for businesses

Chapters

• Daniel’s Background & Career Journey – From IT leadership to founding Q & S, solopreneurship, and lessons learned.
• Q & S & Restaurant Technology – Discussing tech infrastructure for multi-unit restaurants, scaling, and operational efficiency.
• Security & Network Insights – Cybersecurity, endpoint security, and network resiliency in restaurants.
• AI & Tech Adoption – How AI and modern technology impact operations and decision-making.
• Personal Reflections – Daniel shares personal stories of resilience, community, and lessons from entrepreneurship.

The conversation covers the importance of AI in hospitality, Josh's Halpern's expertise in bar operations, his role at Anheuser-Busch, identifying key industry challenges, the impact of chicken wings on business, the role of AI in hospitality and emotional currency, the use of AI to enhance guest experience, challenges and opportunities with AI and Shaquille O'Neal, and creating emotional experiences in Big Chicken and Fresh Brothers Pizza. The conversation covers topics related to creating lasting memories, improving hiring processes, learning from Craveworthy, challenges of restaurant tech, the value of trade shows, AI in hospitality, and preparing for an AI-enabled future. Key themes include the importance of authentic energy and hospitality, the complexity of restaurant tech solutions, and the need to isolate feeling vs. thought in business.

Takeaways

• AI's role in enhancing guest experience
• Emotional currency and its impact on hospitality Authentic energy and hospitality are essential for creating lasting memories
• The complexity of restaurant tech solutions requires careful consideration and optimization

Chapters

• 00:00 Introductions and Cold Weather Chatter
• 05:15 Identifying Key Industry Challenges
• 16:04 The Use of AI to Enhance Guest Experience
• 23:51 Creating Emotional Experiences in Big Chicken and Fresh Brothers Pizza
• 29:21 Learning from Craveworthy
• 35:24 The Value of Trade Shows
• 41:07 Preparing for an AI-Enabled Future

🎙️ Podcast Spotlight: ChatGTM Podcast S2 Ep 5: Toni Ronayne on Leadership, Fractional Roles & Community

We had the pleasure of speaking with Toni Ronayne about her journey from corporate leadership to founding her own company, The C Society. The conversation dives into the shifts, insights, and strategies shaping modern hospitality leadership.

✨ Key Themes:
• Embracing change & validation
• Early career leadership lessons
• The rise & impact of fractional leadership
• Community building & mentorship in hospitality
• Unique pressures for women in leadership
• Momentum, cross-pollination & setting up fractional leaders for success

💡 Top Takeaways:
• Hospitality leadership: Navigating dynamic change & priorities
• Fractional leadership: Essential in times of transformation
• Community building: Finding your tribe & fostering connections
• Validation & timing: Knowing when to pivot & embrace new opportunities

🕒 Episode Chapters:
• 00:00 – NRF Highlights & Introduction
• 05:57 – Early Career & Leadership Lessons
• 14:00 – Rise of Fractional Leadership
• 20:54 – Community Building & Transition to C Society
• 27:16 – Embracing Change & Validation
• 33:27 – Unique Pressures for Women in Hospitality Leadership
• 39:03 – Setting Up Fractional Leaders for Success

Toni’s insights remind us that leadership isn’t just about title, it’s about momentum, community, and impact.

#Leadership #FractionalLeadership #Hospitality #CommunityBuilding#Mentorship #CareerTransition