Rethinking Hospitality Leadership & Education | Marc Dardenne Interview. TSHS – 126

🎙️ Welcome to The Social Hotelier Show with Sam-Erik Ruttmann – named one of the Top 20 Hotel Podcasts globally by FeedSpot!

🌟 In this exclusive conversation, Sam-Erik interviews Marc Dardenne, CEO of Modon Hospitality, on the evolving role of hospitality education, leadership transformation, and why rethinking hotel design, branding, and talent engagement is urgent in today’s changing world.

💡 Marc reflects on his return to Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne as a guest lecturer — 43 years after graduating — and what he learned from engaging directly with the next generation of hospitality leaders.

🔍 What You’ll Discover:

✨ The future of hospitality leadership

✨ Why modern students need mentors more than manuals

✨ 24-hour check-ins, tech-driven guest journeys & facial recognition

✨ Why “Heart of House” design matters as much as the lobby

✨ The truth about SOPs, flexibility & employee expectations

✨ How to build hospitality brands from culture, not just checklists

🧠 About Marc Dardenne:

👔 CEO, Modon Hospitality – Abu Dhabi

🏨 Former COO at Accor Luxe Europe, Group COO Jumeirah, CEO Emaar Hospitality Group and Armani Hotels and Resorts

📚 Guest Lecturer at EHL (Lausanne)

💼 Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-dardenne