5 Star Conversation with Rodger Powell - Shaping the Future of Hospitality: Insights from Rodger’s 50-Year Journey

In this episode of Five Star Conversations, Brendon Granger interviews Rodger Powell, a highly regarded leader in the hospitality and tourism industry with a career spanning over three decades. Rodger shares insights from his journey, beginning with his unexpected entry into hospitality through a family business and early roles that ranged from management cadetships to running diverse establishments. Reflecting on his unconventional career path, Rodger credits the varied experiences for his deep understanding of the industry and its many facets, from small pubs and motels to luxury hotels and international brands. This foundation has shaped his expertise in advising hotel owners and investors through his company, THSA Hotel Advisors, which is now a leader in hotel asset management in Australasia. Rodger discusses the evolution of the hospitality industry and its need to adapt to modern consumer expectations, particularly in leveraging technology to enhance guest experiences. He highlights how other industries, like aviation and retail, have set benchmarks for customer-focused technology that hotels should emulate. Rodger emphasizes the importance of balancing technology with high-touch service, noting that efficiency improvements—like mobile check-ins—can free staff to deliver more meaningful guest interactions. He also points out the shift in hospitality ownership structures as a barrier to tech adoption, stressing the need for operators and owners to invest in solutions that improve guest satisfaction and operational efficiency. As the conversation delves into Rodger’s leadership philosophies, he shares valuable advice for newcomers to the hospitality field, emphasizing persistence and a willingness to embrace opportunities. He reflects on the lessons from his diverse career, advocating for a commitment to continuous learning and adaptability. Rodger’s passion for the industry is evident as he encourages the next generation to view hospitality as a vibrant, rewarding career. Concluding with optimism, he envisions a future where lifestyle hotels and innovative technologies redefine the industry, creating more personalized and meaningful experiences for guests. Bio: Rodger Powell launched THSA - Hotel Advisors in 2005 after a 25-year career in senior and C-suite hotel and tourism roles. Today, THSA is recognised as a leading specialist hotel advisory and asset management business in AustralAsia. The diverse and dynamic THSA team has a combined 200 years in hotel and hospitality management and hotel consulting, completing more than 400 assignments that have informed major investment decisions and guided clients’ success and market reputations through evidence-based, straight-talking advice. Acting almost exclusively for hotel owners, developers and investors, THSA specialises in hotel asset management, performance improvement, market demand and feasibility studies, due diligence, dispute resolution and expert witness roles. They also collaborate with all tiers of government on planning and place-making. THSA's impressive client roster includes some of the region's largest multi-national developers, equity investors and financial institutions, high net worth individuals and boutique private enterprises. Some of the largest LGAs in the country also rely on THSA’s expertise. Rodger, Ruwan and the team are passionate hotel and tourism professionals whose hands-on experience delivers a wealth of advice and uncommon insights that balance innovation, value and risk. They are extremely proud that all their business comes from referrals. #HospitalityIndustry #GuestExperience #FutureOfHospitality #InnovationInHospitality #CareerAdvice #HospitalityLeaders Podcast Contact Details: Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendongranger Phone +61 2 8317 4000 Phone 1300 503 657 (Australia only) Web: www.Technology4Hotels.com.au