The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald
Ashleigh and Michael Donald 52 episodes Nov 11, 2026
Ashleigh and Michael Donald are a husband-and-wife team with over 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry. In this podcast, they share stories and lessons from their careers and from building a business together. The show is aimed at anyone pursuing a similar path in hospitality or entrepreneurship. Through their conversations, they offer practical insights and personal reflections on work and life.
Episodes
Hospitality Through and Through with Ryan Haynes
What hoteliers really say when the microphones are offRyan Haynes usually asks the questions. He has interviewed hundreds of hoteliers on Hoteliers' Voice, so this time we turned the mic round.Although he worked in a kitchen at 15 and a pub at 16, Ryan started his adult career with a decade in broadcasting, before moving into hotel technology marketing. For a long time, he admits, he felt like
Why Hotel Blogs Still Matter in the Age of AI with Dominic Bryce
How hotels get found when guests stop searching and start promptingIf your hotel blog has been sitting untouched since 2019 then maybe this episode is your nudge.Ashleigh and Michael are joined by Dominic Bryce, Head of SEO at Click2Convert, a Glasgow-based digital agency where he leads SEO and GEO for hotel, resort, health and fitness and e-commerce clients.Dominic's point is a simple one. La
The Connected Guest Journey with Patryk Luszcz
Why "five clicks" might be the most important metric in hospitality right now.In Episode 50 of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael are joined by Patryk Luszcz, UK Regional Director at Profitroom, who brings more than 15 years of experience across luxury hospitality in the UK and Germany.Patryk's hospitality story began in childhood, growing up in Greece where the industry was simpl
Is Your Website Working While You Sleep? w/ Silvia Del Corso
In this episode, Ashleigh and Michael are joined by Silvia Del Corso, founder of PinkSEO, an award-winning SEO agency built on a simple premise: no jargon, no fixed contracts, and results that really move the needle.In this conversation, Silvia shares how her background in travel and tourism shaped the way she runs her agency today. She explains why trust is now the central currency of digital sea
Connection, Community and the Future of Hospitality with Katie Tobin & Karen Willey
Why the best business development doesn't feel like sellingIf the idea of "business development" makes you uncomfortable, maybe this episode is for you.Ashleigh and Michael are joined by Katie Tobin and Karen Willey, co-founders of Always Thinking and Festival of Hospitality, two people who've spent their careers proving that the best business development doesn't feel like bu
Managing Inspiring Brands in the AI Era with Sam Weston
In this episode, Ashleigh and Michael are joined by Sam Weston, Head of AI and Marketing at 80 Days and editor of Hotel Speak, a specialist with over two decades of experience across hospitality, digital marketing, brand strategy, and AI.Sam explores why brand has never mattered more for hotels and why "brand legibility" is fast becoming as important as brand strength. The conversation c
The Hospitality Revenue Engine with Stephen Levins
What if your front desk is the most underused commercial team in your hotel?In Episode 46 of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael are joined by Stephen Levins, Vice President International at Frontline Performance Group, who leads an international team supporting more than 1,500 hotels across over 100 countries.Stephen's hospitality story starts in Ireland, runs through a graduate programme in ca
Reviews & Reputation with Paul Griffiths
In Episode 45 of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael are joined by Paul Griffiths, Head of Commercial Growth and Strategic Partnerships at GuestRevu and Co-Founder of Next Wave Hospitality.Paul's hospitality story begins the way so many do, with the odd silver service shift at sixteen, and pulling pints behind the bar through university, The medical biochemistry degree might be a little less usu
The Next Wave of Hospitality with Alessandra Leoni
What does it really take to future-proof a hotel business? In this episode, we sit with Alessandra Leoni, Head of Hospitality at Focus on Hospitality and co-founder of Next Wave Hospitality, to explore the intersection of technology, people, and performance in modern hospitality.With over 30 years of experience spanning housekeeping to senior commercial and technology leadership roles at brands in
IHIF Berlin 2026 Insights with Guy Lean
Fresh from the floors of IHIF Berlin 2026, Michael Donald sits down with Guy Lean, Managing Director of hospitality recruitment specialists Madison Mayfair, to unpack what 2,500 hospitality leaders and 700+ investors were really talking about, beyond the headlines.From cautious optimism in the face of the week's most popular term "geopolitical uncertainty", to the growing recognition of hotels as
Returns Beyond RevPAR with Graham Norris and Matt Hughes
Is your hotel performing well on paper but falling short on returns? It's time to look beyond RevPAR.In this episode, Ashleigh and Michael are joined by Graham Norris, Co-Founder of InnPractice, and Matt Hughes, Founder of Accommodate Consulting, to unpack one of hospitality's most persistent blind spots: the gap between strong trading metrics and actual owner returns.Recorded against the back
International Women’s Day in Hospitality
In this episode of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael Donald reflect on International Women’s Day 2026 and what it means for the hospitality industry today.The conversation explores the origins of International Women’s Day, the two themes shaping this year’s discussion, and how the day has been recognised across the UK through panels, events and wider industry debate. Ashleigh and Michael also
Episode 40: Insights from NoVacancy London 2026
In this milestone 40th episode of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael Donald reflect on NoVacancy’s inaugural London show at ExCeL and unpack what it revealed about the future direction of hospitality.Fresh from two energising days on site, Ashleigh shares first-hand observations from across the keynote stages, panels and conversations that defined the event. From long-term thinking to 2030 and
Episode 39: Preview of No Vacancy London
Ashleigh and Michael are sharing a quick preview of No Vacancy London, as it opens this morning (25th February 2026) at ExCeL. With 3,000+ attendees and 100+ speakers and exhibitors across two days, they spotlight the themes and some of the sessions likely to shape the year ahead, including AI and hotel discovery, marketing differentiation, tech in practice, data-led market insights, and the indep
Episode 38: The Night Manager Effect
This episode is inspired by Season 2 of The Night Manager (starring Tom Hiddleston), but this one has fewer silk shirts and less international espionage and a bit more fire alarms at 3 am, overbooked nights, and being the person everyone relies on when the hotel and its guests are at their most vulnerable.Ashleigh and Michael look back on their own time working nights across very different propert
Episode 37: People & Performance with Dan Barnes, from Flourish Hospitality
What does it take to build confident teams, strengthen service culture, and lead with practical clarity in today’s hospitality landscape?In this episode of The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories, Ashleigh and Michael Donald are joined by Dan Barnes, Founder and Managing Director of Flourish Hospitality, for a thoughtful discussion on people, performance, and the leadership behaviours that truly shap
Episode 36: For the Love of Hospitality
In this episode of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael Donald explore what Valentine's Day really means in hospitality and why operators may want to move beyond the old predictable formulas.With February now positioned as a full “month of romance”, they unpack how hotels and restaurants can stand out in an increasingly crowded calendar by focusing on experience-led, connection-driven program
Episode 35: Fractional Marketing
Hotel marketing in 2026 is not just campaigns and content. It’s about leadership across brand, revenue operations, and guest experience. In this episode, Ashleigh and Michael unpack what fractional marketing support really means, and why it is becoming a serious advantage for hotels navigating tighter margins, shifting guest behaviour, AI-driven discovery, cookieless marketing, and constant operat
Episode 34: Wellness Resets in 2026
January is the month of resets, but guests do not leave their wellness intentions at home when they travel. In this episode, Ashleigh and Michael explore what “supportive wellness” could look like in hospitality, without becoming preachy, restrictive, or trend-led.From the rise of the no and low alcohol movement and supplement culture, to why “environment beats willpower”, they discuss how hotels
Episode 33: New Year Planning and the Pomodoro Technique
In this episode, we take a proper pause after our first week back of the New Year to reflect on what we’re building and how to set your plans up for success, whether you’re running a hotel, leading a team, or growing a business.We talk through why January is the perfect moment to review last year’s results, sense-check your strategy, and update/set your goals for the year. We also share some produ
Episode 32: ABCs of Storytelling
In a world of AI assistants, bots and generative search, a clear and consistent story is no longer a nice-to-have. It is essential.In this episode, Ashleigh and Michael unpack Halo’s ABCs of Storytelling - a practical framework to help hotels and hospitality brands own their narrative from first search to post-stay review. They explore how to join the dots between what is promised in marketing and
Episode 31: 2026 Travel Trends - Part III
In this third instalment of our 2026 travel and hospitality trends series, Ashleigh and Michael discuss how travel is shifting from escape to expansion. Drawing on the brilliant Forbes trend series by travel writer Angelina Villa Clarke, alongside insights from The Future Laboratory, Fox Communications and leading hotel brands, they explore what guests will really be looking for in the years ahead
Episode 30: 2026 Travel Trends - Part II
In our second Travel Trends episode, Ashleigh and Michael look beyond the classic capital cities to explore how travelers are rediscovering “second” cities, coastal communities, and lesser-known islands in response to over-tourism and rising costs. From Bali, Lombok and Komodo to hill tribe communities in Vietnam, they discuss the realities behind regenerative travel, and how tourism can leave pla
Episode 29: 2026 Travel Trends - Part I
From decision overload to decision detox, Ashleigh and Michael chat about how travelers are rethinking the way they plan and book their trips. In this first Travel Trends episode, they explore why all-inclusive and fully curated itineraries are making a comeback, how luxury travel advisers and retreat operators are stepping in to remove cognitive load, and where AI powered tools such as ChatGPT an
Episode 28: Morocco with Azdean from Destinations Morocco
In this episode, Michael takes listeners on a journey to Morocco, a country that we visited earlier this year and continues to rise as one of the most exciting destinations for global travellers. Together with expert guide and podcast host Azdean Elmoustaquim, from Destination Morocco, they look at what makes Moroccan hospitality so special. From the magic of the medina and the scent of spice mark
Episode 27: Black Friday with John Mullen
In this special Black Friday-focused episode of The Halo Effect, Michael is joined by John Mullen, Senior Territory Sales Manager at Revinate, to explore how hotels can turn one of the most competitive moments of the year into a genuine commercial advantage.With consumer behaviour shifting and inbox competition at an all-time high, John shares some practical advice on planning, scheduling and pers
Episode 26: The Heart of Hotel Sales with Joanna Fisher
Sales sits at the core of every hospitality business, but what truly makes it work? Ashleigh and Michael welcome back Joanna Fisher, a commercial hospitality specialist with 25+ years across hotel brands, clusters and global markets.In this episode you’ll hear:• How hotel sales has evolved, and why it will always be about people• Why confidence, curiosity and connection still outpace clicks• Pract
Episode 25: Hospitality Conference Season
What do hotel shows really offer beyond the exhibition floor? In this episode of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael Donald share their reflections from a busy conference season, from the Independent Hotel Show to AHC and more.They discuss ROI of attending industry events, including the power of visibility, long-term networking, and the ripple effect of those chance conversations that can lead t
Episode 24: Family Travel: Part 2 - Amed Coast, Sanur and Bangkok
Part Two of our Family Travel special moves straight from Ubud to Bali’s Amed Coast and onwards to Sanur and finally Bangkok’s mega-city energy. Ashleigh and Michael snorkel with turtles, talk safety and reviews, and unpack why simple tech plus trust still wins for local operators. In Sanur they reflect on value, calm seas and working-holiday realities. Bangkok brings Skytrain rides, river ferries
Episode 23: Family Travel: Part 1- Phuket and Ubud
After a short hiatus, Ashleigh and Michael return with the first of a two-part special recorded after a month travelling through Southeast Asia with their family. From Phuket’s upmarket shift and transformed airport to Ubud’s calm, green charm, they share what today’s guest experience looks like on the ground. They reflect on “Jai yen” as a blueprint for gracious service, why looking after childre
Episode 22: Franchising w/ Matt Hughes
What does it take to pivot from a 20-year global career with Marriott to launching your own hospitality consultancy? In this episode of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael Donald are joined by the brilliant Matt Hughes, founder of Accommodate Consulting, for a rich conversation spanning hotel franchising, sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship.With experience across asset strategy, glo
Episode 21: The White Lotus Effect w/ Natasha Eldred
We’re back with Season Three of The Halo Effect, and what better way to return than with an episode that combines luxury hospitality, brand storytelling, and a touch of HBO glamour.In this episode, Ashleigh and Michael Donald are joined by the brilliant Natasha Eldred , a brand and PR specialist with years of experience working across Thailand’s most iconic hospitality brands. From her time rebran
Episode 20: Mentorship w/ Dean Crews from InnPractice
In Episode 18 we spoke to Graham Norris and Dean Crews about their journey in hospitality and the recent launch of InnPractice. In this episode, we welcome Dean back to explore the deep impact of mentorship within the hospitality industry. We discuss the realities of supporting people in a high-pressure sector where human connection often makes the difference between staying and walking away.Dean
Episode 19: Guest Service vs Guest Experience
In this episode of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael explore the fundamental difference between guest service and guest experience – and why getting it right can make or break a hotel’s reputation.🏨 Guest Service = The operational basics. Clean rooms, efficient check-in, responding to requests.🌟 Guest Experience = The emotional connection. The moments that surprise, delight, and create loyalty
Episode 18: Hospitality with Graham Norris and Dean Crews of InnPractice
In this episode of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael are excited to welcome two of the co-founders of InnPractice, Graham Norris and Dean Crews, who share their incredible journeys through the hospitality industry—from accidental beginnings to shaping the future of hotel management.Graham and Dean discuss the philosophy behind their new venture InnPractice and share their mission to do hospit
Episode 17: The Power of Awards
In this episode of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael chat about awards applications – and why they can be so much more than just a shiny trophy.Drawing on their own experiences from being part of hotel teams that won some amazing accolades to judging startup awards and winning industry awards with Halo, they discuss…🏆 Why awards matter – beyond recognition, from networking to marketing impact📝
Episode 16: Elevating Women in Hospitality w/ Naureen Ahmed
In this episode, released just before International Women's Day on the 8th March, we’re joined by the incredible Naureen Ahmed, founder of Inspiring Women in Hospitality, a global community championing the voices of women across the industry. With nearly 200 podcast interviews, countless mentorship sessions, and a thriving membership network, Naureen is on a mission to inspire, connect, and empowe
Episode 15: The ABCs of Hotel Openings – Obvlo Collaboration
In this special episode of The Halo Effect, we bring you a conversation that originally appeared as a part of Obvlo’s webinar series, Personalising the Guest Journey.Hosted by James Parsons, this session features Ashleigh presenting her ABCs of Hotel Openings – a powerful framework designed around three core pillars, that every hotelier should consider to ensure seamless, impactful hotel launches
Episode 14: Travel Trends 2025 – Female Adventurers, Soft Travel & Silent Escapes
In this episode of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael Donald dive into the latest travel trends for 2025, inspired by a recent Forbes series by Angelina Villa-Clarke. They discuss the growing popularity of solo female travel, the emergence of ‘soft travel,’ and the rise of silent escapes for those looking to disconnect and recharge.Links to the Original Articles are here!https://www.forbes.com/
Episode 13: The Travel Maximiser
We’re back! After a short break, The Halo Effect returns for Season Two!
To kick off, Ashleigh and Michael Donald chat about Hilton’s 2025 Travel Trends Report, where they discuss the Travel Maximiser – a new breed of travellers looking to elevate their experiences in meaningful ways.
This episode also covers:
✅ The rise of sleep tourism - why guests are prioritising high-quality rest
✅ Adventure
Episode 12: Social Media Strategies with Kerry Metcalfe
In the final episode of the first season of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael welcome special guest Kerry Metcalfe, founder of KMedia. Together, they explore the influence of social media in hospitality marketing and offer some practical strategies to enhance brand engagement, increase bookings, and build lasting guest loyalty.
Kerry shares her expertise on leveraging platforms like Instagram
Technology in Hospitality with Harry Fielder
In this episode, Ashleigh and Michael Donald are delighted to be joined by Harry Fielder, CEO of Umi Digital and Chair of the Hospitality Marketing Association. Together, they discuss the evolving role of technology in the hospitality industry, from the rise of connected property management systems to the increasing influence of AI and automation.Harry shares some remarkable insights, including th
Episode Ten: Hospitality Trends with The Halo Effect
In Episode Ten of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael Donald guests onto the podcast for the very first time!
Together with Joanna Fisher and Ros Hardiman, we explore the power of people-led strategies, the evolving role of technology, and the importance of authenticity in guest experiences. From insights gained at major industry events like WTM and the Independent Hotel Show to personal refl
Episode Nine: Celebrating Five Years of Halo
In episode nine of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael Donald celebrate five years of Halo. They reflect on their proudest achievements, from building strong client relationships to embracing their roles as entrepreneurs.
Hear how they've navigated the challenges of the past few years, including the impact of COVID-19, and learn about the evolution of their services - from generalist business
Episode Eight: Branded Vs Independent Hotels
In Episode 8 of The Halo Effect podcast, Ashleigh and Michael Donald explore the unique dynamics of Branded vs. Independent Hotels.
With over 40 years in hospitality, they’ve seen both sides, working for major brands like Starwood and cherished independent hotels like The Goring. From the consistency and reach of global brands to the authenticity and flexibility of independents, they unpack the
Episode Seven: Hospitality Horror Stories - Halloween Special
🎃 It’s spooky season and Ashleigh and Michael Donald invite you for a chilling Halloween special where they delve into the world of hospitality horror stories. 👻
From haunted hotels and strange sightings to unexpected guests and night shifts that went wrong, this episode is packed with tales from our time in hospitality.
But it’s not all ghosts and ghouls—this episode also reveals some of the cha
Episode Six: Dynamic Pricing in Hospitality - Transparency, Trust, and the Future
In this episode of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael Donald explore the world of dynamic pricing within the hospitality industry. They take listeners through the evolution from fixed pricing to modern, technology-driven strategies influenced by supply and demand.
Ashleigh and Michael break down the difference between dynamic pricing and surge pricing, using examples like the Oasis ticket cont
Episode Five: Guest Reviews
Welcome to Episode Five of “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald”
Listen as husband-and-wife team Ashleigh and Michael Donald draw on their 40 years of combined experience in global hospitality to share insights and stories from a dynamic industry.
Whether you’re just starting out, seeking growth, or venturing into entrepreneurship, we hope that this podcast can
Episode Four: AI in Hospitality Marketing
Welcome to Episode Four of “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald”
Listen as husband-and-wife team Ashleigh and Michael Donald draw on their 40 years of combined experience in global hospitality to share insights and stories from a dynamic industry.
Whether you’re just starting out, seeking growth, or venturing into entrepreneurship, we hope that this podcast can he
Episode Three: Michael's Career Journey
Welcome to Episode Three of “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald”
Listen as husband-and-wife team Ashleigh and Michael Donald draw on their 40 years of combined experience in global hospitality to share insights and stories from a dynamic industry.
Whether you’re just starting out, seeking growth, or venturing into entrepreneurship, we hope that this podcast can
Episode Two: Ashleigh's Career Journey
Welcome to Episode Two of “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald”
Listen as husband-and-wife team Ashleigh and Michael Donald draw on their 40 years of combined experience in global hospitality to share insights and stories from a dynamic industry.
Whether you’re just starting out, seeking growth, or venturing into entrepreneurship, we hope that this podcast can h
Episode One: Welcome to The Halo Effect
Welcome to the very first episode of “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald”
Listen as husband-and-wife team Ashleigh and Michael Donald draw on their 40 years of combined experience in global hospitality to share insights and stories from a dynamic industry.
Whether you’re just starting out, seeking growth, or venturing into entrepreneurship, we hope that this podc
Teaser for The Halo Effect
Welcome to "The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh & Michael Donald". With over 40 years working in the hospitality industry we’ve lived some incredible experiences, and as a husband and wife team, we continue to forge a path through business and life that continues to presents both challenges and opportunities.
Through this podcast, we would like to share some of these e
