Today's guest is Jean-François Lappas, the founder of a company called Wabya (which stands for "We Are Because You Are").

He left a six-figure corporate job amid a pandemic and burnout to find his true purpose. After a journey of self-discovery fueled by self-help books, self-awareness, and self-compassion, JF now lives in harmony with their core values.

He founded a business that embodies his identity and mission, dedicated to helping individuals from all walks of life uncover and realize their purpose, increasingly through the platform-wabya.

The name represents the reliance that we have on each other. We can't exist without others, and others can't exist without us.

His company now helps people through individualized coaching for self-realization. More about JF and his organization can be found here: we are because you are (wabya.com)

I was so careful to get his title correct. He didn't mind.

I wanted to share how important his role was. It wasn't his focus.

I wanted to celebrate his accomplishments. He turned toward his team.

One of the most humble individuals I've ever met, yet one of the most empathetically aware leaders I've interviewed.

Today's guest: Joe Youssef, Executive Vice President, Commercial North America for Amadeus’ Hospitality Division. This podcast episode was recorded live at HITEC 2024 from the Charlotte Convention Center in between educational sessions and my keynote presentation. Joe took the time to share with our listeners valuable skills that he has learned during his career, and how others might be able to implement them.

My greatest learnings:

-Why "will" can often be more important than "skill" when finding the right talent

-How the "Jetsons" cartoon influenced his views about technology as a young child

-Growing up in Egypt and feeling the need to always prove himself

-Sharing essential values with his children

-Never forgetting the sacrifices of his parents

-Offering similar sacrifices for others; its not about him as a leader, it is always about HIS TEAM

He has more than two decades of executive experience in travel technology, distribution, strategy, and marketing.
Prior to his current role in Hospitality, Joe served as EVP of BI and Data Solutions as well as the global leader of Strategy, Marketing, and Corporate Development for Hospitality in Amadeus. Leading both the organic and inorganic growth strategies as well as the marketing strategy for Amadeus Hospitality globally.

Having joined Amadeus in 2006, Joe was previously Madrid-based Global Director for Operations and Business Development for the Hospitality division. He has also served as Regional Director - Marketing & Operations, and Markets Director for Middle East and North Africa. As Head of the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO) Program, Joe, and his team elevated Amadeus into a regional leadership position in Middle East and Africa region.

Prior to Amadeus, Joe worked for several global blue-chip companies, including American Express Travel, as Director of Operations & Business Travel, SHOWTIME networks and Kanoo Travel.
Joe holds a BA in Business Administration with a major in Marketing from the University of Cairo. He completed executive management post graduate studies at Canfield University in the UK and speaks both English and Arabic fluently.

Connect with Joe on LinkedIn here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmed-youssef-joe/

More about Amadeus here:

https://amadeus.com/en

This EPISODE SPONSORED BY:

Merch Madness Group

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Chris White has found his destiny. He was meant to be an author and an entrepreneur. He LIVES IN THE TREE, he doesn't just visit.

He attributes this example to his business coach as it defines his journey and his passion. We talk about:

-The encouragement of his wife; "you need to do this."

-Working for the right reason

-Realizing that he was good at sales engineering and finding a need to help others

-Writing a best selling book

More about Chris and his company:

https://www.techsalesmastery.com/

Chris White is the author of the Amazon best-seller "The Six Habits of Highly Effective Sales Engineers", Co-Founder of Tech Sales Mastery, and host of the LinkedIn Live program Tech Sales Advice (#techsalesadvice). After spending 15 years as an IT professional, he moved into a technical selling role and discovered very quickly that he didn’t know anything sales. He turned that learning experience into the book he published in 2019, and now teaches other high-tech professionals how to make the transition into the rewarding profession of technical sales.

As a young child, a teacher recognized Frank's intellect and shared with his parent, "he needs different work." He was ready to be challenged more.

Frank Wolfe, CEO of Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals, continues to challenge himself as a leader and encourages growth for HFTP and it's members.

This interview was conducted live from HFTP's largest conference called HITEC (https://hitec.org) in which professionals enhancing technology for the hospitality industry gather.

We discuss growing up, treating people like they want to be treated, meeting housekeepers and presidents of countries, all while remaining true and authentic to his roots.

He mentors people around the world, shows support for his members, and encourages HFTP to act like a start up by taking risks for growth. Finally, the conversation turns toward the impact and benefits of technology for service. It will allow choices for customers and promote even better service delivery as consumers.

More about Frank Wolfe:

He joined HFTP in March 1991 as the association's director of education and became executive vice president/CEO of HFTP in 1994, becoming one of the youngest association CEOs in North America at the time. As CEO, Wolfe oversees the association’s operations and represents the association worldwide at industry events, on industry boards and committees, and via the news media.

As the spokesperson for HFTP, Wolfe frequently speaks on hospitality finance, technology, social media and travel issues to varied audiences and has presented in more than 25 countries. He is also a regular columnist for Hotel Management and The Boardroom magazines. He has been featured in association, conference and industry publications including Convene magazine, Association Management magazine, MeetingTech Online, CIO Review and Hospitality Upgrade magazine. He has appeared on several television network interviews and programs including CNN, CBS, ABC, NBC, TVAsia and Bloomberg. He received CV Magazine's 2019 Corporate Excellence Award for "Most Influential CEO of the Year — Hospitality Finance and Technology."

Today's guest left a very lucrative business in the salon industry because he knew he could help so many more people. His name is Kelly Cardenas and he shares his story from salon celebrity to motivational speaker.

We discuss:

-cutting his dog's hair, turning the clippers on his buddy, and realizing he could make a living as a hairdresser

-"doing" as a point of desperation as a kid, not from a point of inspiration

-having parents that never cared about "what he did" but rather "how he did it"

-the influence of his mother and pops

-having the permission to try

-Using the structure of culture, vibe, process, procedure, productivity, innovation, and the ability to adapt to expand his business and now sharing with others to enhance theirs

More about Kelly:

Kelly Cardenas is a dynamic force in personal development and entrepreneurship. Host of a top-ranked podcast, the Co-host of Secret Knock, and creator of the Vibe Room, he embodies the art of harnessing the right energy for extraordinary accomplishments. Kelly's bestselling books have inspired and empowered readers to unleash their boundless potential. Being a featured Success a magazine top keynote speaker, he captivates audiences with his magnetic storytelling, impactful insights and unrelenting desire for greatness. Find additional details on his website: https://kellycardenas.com

Wayne M. Robinson grew up in a community and during the times when neighbors helped out each other. If you HAD a cup of flour, you GAVE a cup of flour.

His mother taught him to always be kind to others. To help others. To give to others. He never forgot these lessons.

Regardless of his past titles, he is the SAME WAYNE.

We talk about his retirement and the value of true friends. He shares, the only thing after my name now is a period, not a title. Only those that care about me as me, now want to stay connected.

He continues to be an Event Strategist, after experiencing a lifetime in the meeting and events industry.

The conversations goes on to discuss vulnerability and the balance between perception and exposure.

He encourages us all to put ourselves first, embrace your values, and align with others (companies and individuals) that share similar thoughts on culture and considerate interactions.

Finally, if you need a hug, his arms are wide open.

If you need a conversation, he has two ears to listen.

If you need a cup, he has a cup to give.

Connect with Wayne M. Robinson on LinkedIn here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-m-robinson-cmp-cmm-2571b86/

When 2 to rescue becomes 4 people in the water. Being part of the headcount, and not being “that guy”. Being vulnerable to help and to be helped.

Today's podcast guest is Jeff Engel, Navy SEAL Veteran that is now helping "locate" others through his company Location Tech.

Surrounding yourself with the smartest people you’ve ever seen. Not including your title on your email signature. Not needing to be “that guy”.

You have what you need to make things happen. You have the “bag”.

Crawl, walk, jog, run, sprint…Fear in the moment is fleeing. Fear and regrets long term can be lasting.

Know the “language” of those that you are helping. Take the time.

His company Location Tech helps locate employees when needed. Imagine a housekeeper finds a guest that needs medical help, they simply press a button. If a new campus engineer needs assistance, they simply press a button.

Easier and quicker than dialing any phone numbers, and doesn’t need to rely on spotty reception service. It works and can save lives. Just like Jeff’s example of jumping into the ocean to “locate” and rescue two distressed swimmers.

More about Jeff Engel:

An accomplished and visionary Global Business Leader who drives business results through strategy, committed teams and unwavering focus on customers. Led multiple cross-functional teams from 10 to 5500 members that operate simultaneously around the world. With experience as an entrepreneur / small business owner, large company executive, and a U.S. Navy SEAL, continuously creates winning results even in the most arduous environments. Proven fearless, flexible, and highly adaptable in ambiguous fast-moving situations, while implementing and executing industry firsts.

Gritty, Hardy, Resilient

Wireless Panic Button Systems for Offices | Alert Technology (locationtech.com)

Glenn Haussman is an icon to me. I've been listening to his podcast for years and have always admired the way he pulls great information and stories from others. This interview is my giveback to him and his listeners in which someone finally gets to help learn and tell his story.

We talk about his feelings of "being an imposter", chasing the dragons of flow, and continuing your destiny. He shares that he left a well-paying job to realize his dreams despite being uncomfortable in the process. So many life lessons shared and learned!

Today's conversation just flowed and together we allowed the podcast to "be what it needed to be."

Follow him on LinkedIn:

(1) Glenn Haussman | LinkedIn

And please listen to his amazing interviews on his show:

No Vacancy News Podcast With Glenn Haussman | Hotel Business News More about Glenn:

With more than 25 years of hotel industry and broadcasting experience, he is a hospitality media expert and leader who creates engaging and informative content for various audiences and platforms. He is the Show Host and President at No Vacancy, the home of the #1 hospitality podcast and video site, where he interviews the most notable names in the industry, cover all the major events, and educate and entertain my listeners and viewers along the way.
Glenn is also a sought-after event speaker, board member, consultant, and influencer who leverages his extensive knowledge and network to provide insights, trends, and business solutions for the hospitality and travel sectors. He has been featured in USA Today, New York Times, Washington Post, and other publications, and recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Inspirational People in Global Hospitality and the #1 Hospitality Social Media Influencer.

His mission is to transform and inject positive energy and great information into your events, content, and business.