David shares his journey from working in NYC restaurants to owning a Manhattan jazz bar, and how that experience motivated him to create humane workplaces, which ultimately led to him leading the University of Denver’s hospitality program. David also explains the benefits of making deposits of “idiosyncrasy credits” in helping one distinguish themselves.

In our conversation, Roland Elter shares powerful insights from his journey:

✨ "People are individuals—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach."
✨ "No vision = no success." People need to understand their purpose.

We explore the value of building strong habits. For Roland, that means staying curious and actively engaging with others.

He also reminds us that effective communication starts with listening and truly understanding the other side and being relevant to your audience.

And don’t miss his thoughtful advice to his younger self—practical, grounded, and worth hearing.

Dorothy Dowling interviews Ryan Mann from McKinsey & Company in the 'It's Personal Stories' podcast. Ryan shares his career journey, the pivotal role of COVID in his professional life, and the importance of asking the right questions in consulting. He discusses leadership in consulting, time management, nurturing talent, and future disruptions in the hospitality industry. Ryan emphasizes core skills like synthesis, problem breakdown, and differentiating between facts and insights. He concludes with advice on self-reflection and focusing on learning, not just achieving titles.