Glenn Haussman: The Hospitality Industry’s Favourite Talk Show Host!

With a career spanning an impressive 25 years and counting, Glenn Haussman has emerged as the indomitable force reshaping the way we converse about hotels and travel. His charm, wit, and undeniable positive energy have catapulted him to the forefront of the industry, earning him the well-deserved title of the hospitality industry's favourite talk show host.

Based in Long Island, New York (where he lives with his spouse and a few beloved felines), the father of two college-going twin boys is the host of the widely acclaimed No Vacancy podcast.

Having been captivated by the world of podcasting a decade or so ago, Glenn expresses his genuine fondness for the medium, as it evoked memories of his upbringing during the 1970s and early 1980s. During that time, he would tune in to AM Talk Radio, where he savoured the opportunity to engage in more profound and substantial conversations.

A particular show, ‘The Late Late Show with Bob Costas,' majorly influenced Glenn's inclination towards podcasting. This show consisted of half-hour episodes featuring one guest and engaging in extensive dialogue - an aspect that resonated deeply with him. Driven by his admiration, Glenn made the deliberate decision to venture into podcasting, recognizing it as a viable and promising new medium to explore.

“Curiosity is vital because it makes you interested in everything, it’s what gets you out of your comfort zone and makes you try out new things,” he states, when speaking about the importance of reinventing oneself throughout one’s life.

“You also have to get rid of that ego, as much as you possibly can. Confidence yes, ego no. Honestly? I’m not that great, you’re not that great, none of us are all that great. So by being humble about everything, people respond better to you. You’re going to make better one on one connections with people and those relationships will help you get opportunities that are then up to you to either succeed at or fail at. Everytime I try to reinvent myself, I have to look at ways of getting out of my comfort zone. There were years when I would’ve preferred sitting behind my computer, but now I find myself speaking in front of groups of up to 5000 people.”

Holding court with some of the biggest names in the hotel business, Glenn delves deep into their insights, experiences, and the constantly changing landscape of the hotel industry. And with each episode, he skillfully weaves a tapestry of knowledge and entertainment, leaving listeners both educated and thoroughly entertained.

“Everyone thinks they can do a podcast, but there’s a rhythm and a nature to it,” he says when asked about what it takes to be a successful podcaster. “There’s a way of connecting one part of the conversation with another part to make it seamless. You have to remember, it’s a show; so you have to talk bigger and louder! Because what happens in the recording medium is that the voice gets toned down a little when it hits people’s ears…so when you speak in a normal tone it’s not going to translate well, nor is it going to have the same impact. Speak with confidence and always be moving that conversation forward!”

But Glenn’s influence extends far beyond the confines of his podcast studio. In 2022, his exceptional contributions were acknowledged with prestigious titles and awards: he was honoured as one of the top 100 Most Powerful People in Global Hospitality, solidifying his influential presence in the industry.

Furthermore, Glenn secured the coveted position of being the #1 Global Social Media Influencer in Hospitality, showcasing his profound impact on digital platforms. Adding to his achievements, his podcast, No Vacancy Live, soared to the top as the #1 podcast in the hospitality realm, attesting to its compelling content and wide-reaching audience.

In May (2022), Glenn’s remarkable leadership during the COVID crisis was recognized with the esteemed Leadership Excellence Award from SKAL USA. His unwavering efforts in bringing the hotel industry together during challenging times earned him this well-deserved accolade. Moreover, the podcast itself was honoured with a Davey Award, further exemplifying its excellence in broadcasting and storytelling.

Glenn’s unique ability to connect with audiences on a personal level has made him an indispensable source of inspiration and information.

In addition to his digital prowess, Glenn’s live appearances are nothing short of extraordinary. Whether he's delivering keynote speeches or moderating industry panels, his extensive knowledge of the hotel and travel industry is a testament to his unwavering dedication.

Having witnessed a significant amount of change in the hospitality industry over the past two decades, Glenn reveals that the entire operational approach of the industry has been redefined, particularly with the emergence of select service hotel franchising, which was not prevalent when he initially entered the business. Technology has also played a pivotal role in this shift, he explains, which has revolutionized the way hotels engage with guests, fostering meaningful connections when utilized effectively.

As for his insights into how the industry is set to change in the near future, the broadcaster states that one shouldn’t listen to what everyone else is doing or saying.

“Because they aren’t necessarily going to be right. I mean, if I listened to what people told me what I should be doing, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today,” Glenn states. “We all have a gut that we must trust in, if we deny trusting in it, that’s when we’re going to have problems. You gotta get in there and trust the gut. The people that are the most successful in the hospitality industry were the ones that made bold moves and investments during the pandemic when everyone else was scared. Those bets paid off big! Think deeper, trust your gut and use critical thinking – there’s no one size fits all solution. But one piece of advice? Find better ways to make human connections with guests…that is the future. Technology has the possibility of overshadowing everything and taking control away from hoteliers – don’t let that happen. Find ways to make meaningful human to human interactions.”

As Glenn continues to elevate the art of conversation within the hospitality industry, his impact resonates far and wide.

But the most significant milestone in Glenn's career coincided with the toughest period he had to face; the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It caused immeasurable suffering for everyone he knew, including himself.

At the time, Glenn had worked tirelessly for four years to establish his business and had finally reached a point where he felt satisfied and saw everything falling into place. However, the arrival of COVID-19 abruptly reset his progress to zero. In response, he turned to online platforms and started hosting a podcast, effectively bringing together the entire hospitality community. Initially, he began this endeavour earnestly, aiming to help others and foster a community of shared ideas. Little did he expect the impact it would have.

Reflecting on the profound influence he made in people's lives, he continues to receive expressions of gratitude on a regular basis. The experienceof hearing people say 'thank you' for uniting them and making a positive difference has been immensely meaningful and rewarding for Glenn.

“I know it sounds hokey but the more positive energy you put out into the world, the more you’re going to get back to you. It might actually be the most selfish thing you can do, but the fact of the matter is that if you’re generous and honest, it will come back to you.”

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Photos courtesy of: Glenn Haussman