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Pillow Talk Sessions

Jessica Gillingham

Pillow Talk Sessions is a podcast about modern hospitality operations and how guest experience is operationally delivered in a tech-enabled world.


Hosted by Jessica Gillingham, author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, and produced by Abode Worldwide, the show features in-depth conversations with leaders building, operating, and scaling modern hospitality across hotels, short-term rentals, serviced living, and flexible living models.


Each episode explores how hospitality is evolving beyond traditional hotels. From the hotelization of real estate to the rise of platform-driven and automated operations, we unpack how technology, systems, and organizational design are reshaping how stays are designed, delivered, and experienced.


Pillow Talk Sessions goes deep on hospitality operations, technology, and strategy. Topics include new operating models, guest experience delivery, AI and automation, platform ecosystems, and the convergence of hotels, short-term rentals, and serviced living.


This podcast is for hospitality operators, founders, owners, and technology leaders who want to understand the future of hospitality beyond trends, and how modern hospitality actually works on the ground.



About your host


Jessica Gillingham is the author of “Tech-Enabled Hospitality – Strategies to Elevate Guest Experience and Operational Efficiency,” and is also an industry speaker, adviser, and the CEO of Abode Worldwide, a global strategic communications and PR agency for the tech transforming hospitality.



The podcast is brought to you by the team at Abode Worldwide.

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  • 21 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 41 min
  • English

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  • S2 · E13
    Thursday · 34 min

    Scaling Hospitality: From Short Term Rentals to Modern Hospitality with Reuben Doetsch (AvantStay)

    AvantStay started with a simple proposition: create a consistent guest experience in a fragmented market. Eight years later, Reuben Doetsch has scaled it to more than 3,000 homes across 100-plus US markets. In today's episode, I ask Reuben a deceptively simple question. What exactly is a short-term rental operator in today's market? AvantStay spans large group homes, aparthotels,, and branded residences, with technology and data at the center of how it operates. Reuben makes a case that the boundary between hotel operator and short-term rental company is already dissolving — and that the operators who understand that earliest will define what professional hospitality looks like for the next decade. Along the way, he gets into what it actually takes to scale quality across non-standard assets, and why AvantStay ended up building much of its own technology to do it. The conversation gets into: How AvantStay uses technology, data and incentives to maintain consistent guest and owner experiences across 3,000+ properties Why scaling short-term rentals is fundamentally an operational challenge, and how the company expanded from large homes into aparthotels The importance of brand standards and local character, and how to create consistency without making every property feel the same How the short-term rental and hotel sectors are converging, from loyalty and personalized service to AI-powered discovery What the next five years could look like as hospitality becomes less about the type of asset and more about the experience being delivered Reuben argues that the future of hospitality is less about whether a guest is staying in a hotel or a short-term rental, and more about creating the right experience for the person traveling. 🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear my conversation with Reuben Doetsch discuss the challenge of scaling hospitality, the technology behind AvantStay, and why the distinction between hotels and short-term rentals may matter less and less. #Hospitality #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #PropTech #Hotels #TravelTech #PillowTalkSessions Explore related industry analysis and strategic perspectives: https://abodeworldwide.com/news-insights/ Pillow Talk Sessions: https://www.pillowtalksessions.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pillowtalksessionspodcast/ Tech-Enabled Hospitality: https://techenabledhospitality.com/ Reuben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reubendoetsch/ AvantStay: https://avantstay.com/ Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

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  • S2 · E12
    June 18 · 44 min

    From short lets to branded living with Maxine Leufroy-Murat (Sejour Living)

    Like many entrepreneurs entering the short-term rental space, Maxime Leufroy-Murat started out believing growth was a function of acquiring more properties and scaling operations. After more than a decade in the industry, he has reached very different conclusions. Maxime Leufroy-Murat has spent over a decade inside the short-term rental industry — building City Relay, one of London's most established lettings management platforms, and Opago, a tech-enabled operations business now managing around 5,000 units across London and Paris. When growth hit a ceiling, he built sideways — into a new venture called Sejour Living, a design-led branded living concept in the heart of London targeting the part of the private rented sector that institutional capital is just beginning to take seriously. His central argument is that growth alone is not a strategy. Businesses that have survived the last decade in STR have done so by constantly reading the market and evolving ahead of it, not by holding their position and hoping the fundamentals stayed the same. In this episode, Maxime traces the journey from short lets to branded residential, and makes the case that the skills hospitality operators have spent years developing — speed, service culture, owner relationships — are exactly what the PRS has been missing. The conversation gets into: Why the short let model in London was always a tool, not a strategy — and what the operators who survived worked out early The gap Sejour is targeting: a BTR-style guest experience, without the BTR price tag or the amenities arms race How hospitality instincts translate into a long let product — and where the translation breaks down Why community in residential doesn't require a rooftop terrace or a co-working space What it takes to build a brand in a sector where most landlords have never thought about brand at all The role of institutional capital in the PRS — and where Sejour fits in a market that is starting to consolidate Maxime runs four interconnected businesses that together form a vertically integrated stack: investment, development, operations, lettings, and brand. That structure shapes everything about how he thinks — and it's what makes this conversation worth paying attention to. 🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear how Maxime Leufroy-Murat is applying a decade of short let experience to the biggest and most underbranded slice of the rental market. #Hospitality #ShortTermRentals #BrandedLiving #PillowTalkSessions Explore related industry analysis and strategic perspectives: https://abodeworldwide.com/news-insights/ Pillow Talk Sessions: https://www.pillowtalksessions.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pillowtalksessionspodcast/ Tech-Enabled Hospitality: https://techenabledhospitality.com/ Maxime's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxime-leufroy-murat/ City Relay: http://cityrelay.com/ Opago: https://www.opago.co/ Leufroy: http://leufroy.com Séjour Living: https://sejour.living/ Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

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  • S2 · E11
    June 4 · 36 min

    We Grew Too Fast and Nearly Lost Everything with Njål Elliasson (Proptonomy & Heimby)

    When Njål Elliasson co-founded his Norwegian-based short-term rental property management company, Heimby, in 2022, he was over the moon as it quickly grew in size and profit. But before he knew it, his company started crumbling, going from a $100k profit in year one to a $200k loss by the end of year two. By the end of 2023, Njål was forced to start over, prioritizing quality of product over profit and growth. He got rid of all of his team, downsized to just the 20 best homes, hired at CTO and spent a year working on a tech product that would help him scale, but this time better. He is now also the founder of Proptonomy, an AI-driven operations platform built to solve the challenges he encountered while scaling and his property management company is doing better than ever. In this episode of the Pillow Talk Sessions Podcast, Njål's shares his story. This is not a straightforward success story, and in today's interview, he shares all the lessons he learned from starting, failing, and restarting Heimby, going from catastrophic failure to building a completely different, AI-driven approach to hospitality. The conversation explores: • Why so many short-term rental operators hit a ceiling when they try to scale • The operational mistakes that nearly brought Heimby down • Why quality and process matter more than chasing margins • The lessons learned from rebuilding a company from the ground up • How AI is being used to streamline maintenance, onboarding, and day-to-day operations • Why technology can become a competitive moat in property management • The changing relationship between operators and property owners Njål challenges some of the industry's assumptions. While many operators view relationships as their primary competitive advantage, Njål argues that technology and operational excellence may ultimately prove more scalable. He also makes the case that owners should take greater responsibility for the performance of their own assets, rather than relying on operators to absorb every problem. What emerges throughout the conversation is a picture of an industry wrestling with complexity. Short-term rentals have often been built on hospitality principles, but as portfolios grow, logistics, systems and operational discipline become increasingly important. Looking ahead, Njål's focus is on helping other operators avoid the mistakes he made. Through both Heimby and Proptonomy, he is exploring how technology, process, and accountability can help property managers scale without sacrificing quality. 🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear how Njål Eliasson went from rapid growth to operational collapse and back again — and what his experience reveals about the future of short-term rental management. Njål Elliasson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/njaleliasson/?locale=en_US Heimby LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heimby-no/ Heimby website: https://www.heimby.no/ Proptonomy LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/proptonomy/ Poptonomy website: https://proptonomy.ai/ Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

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  • S2 · E10
    May 21 · 39 min

    How Mollie's is Running Hospitality Like a High Street Retailer with Matt Bell (Mollie's Motels)

    What does it take to build a hospitality brand that delivers genuine quality at a budget price point? Matt Bell is the Managing Director of Mollie's, a design-led motel and diner concept with properties in Oxford, Bristol, and Manchester. With nearly two decades in independent hospitality, Matt brings a rare mix of operational rigour and brand instinct to everything Mollie's does. In this episode, Matt breaks down the philosophy behind the brand — why budget doesn't have to mean boring, and how Mollie's is building what he calls a value-lux proposition. Great design, thoughtful food, and a deeply human guest experience, all at an accessible price point.exclusive to the luxury end of the hospitality chain. The conversation gets into: What it means to run a hospitality brand like a retailer — and where that analogy breaks Why technology should remove friction without replacing warmth, and how Mollie's walks that line The three-part test every decision at Mollie's gets held against: guest satisfaction, financial viability, and team performance Why Mollie's embraces failure, iterates fast, and doesn't wait for perfect How a young brand thinks about scale — and the discipline required to get there What makes Mollie's worth paying attention to is the clarity of thinking and deliberation. In a sector where budget often means transactional and the bare minimum, Matt and his team are making a deliberate case that the guest experience and the price point don't have to trade off against each other. The design, the diner, the technology, the people — each one is chosen to pull in the same direction. Matt is also clear about what technology should and shouldn't do. At Mollie's, it's an enabler — centralising expertise, reducing friction, and freeing up the floor team to focus entirely on the guest in front of them. The human side of the experience is non-negotiable, and the technology is there to protect it, not replace it. Looking ahead, Matt sees Mollie's growing through discipline. A standardised, refined product that can scale quickly, into locations with the right blend of corporate and leisure demand. The goal is a brand guests actively seek out — not just somewhere reliable to stop, but somewhere they actually want to be. 🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear how Matt Bell and the team at Mollie's are building a hospitality brand where great design, smart operations, and genuine warmth are designed to work together, not compete. #Hospitality #HospitalityTech #PillowTalkSessions Explore related industry analysis and strategic perspectives: https://abodeworldwide.com/news-insights/ Website: https://www.pillowtalksessions.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pillowtalksessionspodcast/ Tech-Enabled Hospitality: https://techenabledhospitality.com/ Matt Bell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcrbell/ Mollie’s Motels: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mollies/ Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

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  • S2 · E9
    May 7 · 43 min

    How CitizenM Mastered Hospitality Automation with Mike Rawson (Formerly CitizenM)

    Mike Rawson spent seven years as CIO of CitizenM, one of the most tech-forward hotel brands in the world. His biggest lesson? Technology comes last. In the latest episode of Pillow Talk Sessions, Mike joins me to break down what most hotels are getting wrong about automation and how CitizenM built an NPS score good enough to catch Marriott's attention. His belief: you shouldn't reach for technology until you understand the real requirement, the business value it will bring, and most fundamentally, the people around it. In this episode, Mike shares with me: Why the speed of AI innovation is making decision-making so difficult for operators right now How most operators are currently stuck between paralysis and poor decisions The compliance, governance and control conversation nobody in hospitality is having — and why that's going to hurt How AI, done right, frees people for the moments that actually move NPS What Mike's ideal hotel would look like if he were starting from scratch in 2026 #HospitalityTech #CitizenM #HotelTech #PillowTalkSessions Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

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  • S2 · E8
    April 23 · 45 min

    The Rise of Agentic AI in Hospitality with Tim Major (Operto)

    In this episode of Pillow Talk Sessions, Tim Major, CEO of Operto, joins host Jessica Gillingham to explain how agentic AI is shifting hospitality from automation to autonomous execution. Through Operto One, Operto is building an AI workforce capable of performing operational and marketing tasks, optimizing performance, and driving outcomes across hotel systems. The conversation explores what this shift means for hotel teams, guest experience, and business performance. While AI offers significant potential, most hotels face a fundamental challenge. Data readiness. Without structured, accurate content, AI systems struggle to deliver reliable results. Tim outlines how hotels can begin adopting AI in a controlled, practical way, focusing on high-impact areas like direct bookings and operational efficiency. Key themes explored: What agentic AI means for hospitality operations Why direct booking optimization is a key AI opportunity How hotel teams will evolve into hybrid human-AI workforces The importance of ethical, consent-based data use Why structured data is critical for AI performance How hotels can approach AI adoption without falling into hype For hospitality leaders, this episode provides a clear view of what AI will actually change, and what foundations must be in place to make it work. #HospitalityTech #AIinHospitality #AgenticAI #FutureOfWork #HotelTech #PillowTalkSessions Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

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  • S2 · E7
    April 9 · 36 min

    Privacy, Safety & the Future of Rentals with Nils Mattisson (Minut)

    In this episode of Pillow Talk Sessions, Nils Mattisson, CEO & Co-Founder of Minut, explains how privacy-first technology is solving one of hospitality’s most complex challenges. Balancing guest privacy with host security. Minut developed a system that detects events such as noise, overcrowding, and smoking without recording or storing audio. This approach builds trust while enabling operators to maintain control over their assets. The conversation expands into broader industry shifts, including the convergence of short-term rentals, student housing, and senior living, all of which are adopting similar technologies and service expectations. At the same time, upcoming EU and UK regulations are expected to reshape supply, pricing, and operational strategies across the market. Key themes explored: How privacy-first monitoring builds trust between hosts and guests Why asset classes are converging across hospitality and living sectors The impact of new EU and UK short-term rental regulations How AI and automation are transforming guest experience and operations Why guest safety remains an underdeveloped area in hospitality The future of building-level monitoring and operational intelligence For hospitality and real estate leaders, this episode highlights a critical shift. The next generation of operations will be defined by how well technology balances privacy, safety, and efficiency. #HospitalityTech #PropTech #ShortStay #DigitalTransformation #GuestSafety #PillowTalkSessions Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

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  • S2 · E6
    March 26 · 33 min

    Building Sustainable Hospitality with Marc Laros (The Usual Hotels)

    In this episode of Pillow Talk Sessions, Marc Laros, CTO of The Usual Hotels, explains how sustainability, technology, and guest experience can be designed as one integrated operating system. The Usual Hotels is building toward becoming Europe’s most sustainable hotel brand, targeting 20 hotels in five years. Rather than treating sustainability as a layer, the company embeds it into how hotels are built, operated, and measured. At the same time, a flexible, API-driven tech stack and growing use of AI are transforming operations. From frictionless check-in to automated backend workflows, technology is used to remove complexity and allow staff to focus on delivering meaningful guest experiences. The conversation explores how hospitality can evolve by aligning sustainability, automation, and human service into one coherent model. Key themes explored: Why sustainability must be embedded into operations How transparent reporting builds trust and accountability Using AI across guest communication and operational workflows Why automation should enhance staff roles, not replace them How frictionless journeys improve both efficiency and experience The importance of flexible, API-driven infrastructure Why community engagement is central to modern hospitality brands For hospitality and technology leaders, this episode highlights a clear shift. The future of hospitality will not be defined by sustainability or technology alone, but by how effectively they are integrated. #SustainableHospitality #HotelTech #AIinHospitality #DigitalTransformation #GuestExperience #PillowTalkSessions Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

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  • S2 · E5
    March 12 · 33 min

    Curated Hospitality with Cathrine Reimann (Landfolk)

    In this episode of Pillow Talk Sessions with Jessica Gillingham, Cathrine Reimann, Co-Founder of Landfolk, explains why disciplined curation, not scale alone, is the foundation of a successful short-stay marketplace. Landfolk has grown from just 33 homes to more than 1,500 handpicked properties across seven markets. But unlike many platforms focused on inventory growth, Landfolk rejects roughly 50% of potential hosts in order to protect quality, brand integrity, and long-term community health. This approach has produced unusually strong host loyalty. Nearly 60% of the original hosts who joined the platform five years ago remain active today, demonstrating what Cathrine calls “emotional collateral”, the trust and relationships that develop when hosts feel valued rather than treated as interchangeable supply. The conversation explores how Landfolk balances technology with human judgment, using AI to support efficiency while preserving what the company calls “warm hands” in moments where human interaction matters most. Key themes explored: Why rejecting 50% of hosts strengthened Landfolk’s growth and brand reputation How host retention became the company’s most important KPI The concept of emotional collateral and why it drives long-term marketplace stability How combining AI with human support improves guest and host experience Why Landfolk built an AI-powered search engine focused on vibe and storytelling rather than filters The importance of high-quality photos, descriptions, and reviews in an AI-driven discovery world How curated onboarding and host referrals maintain consistent inventory quality Landfolk’s pilot expansion into urban rentals in Copenhagen under strict regulatory compliance Why quality, not supply volume, is the company’s most important strategic value For leaders across hospitality, short-stay, and living platforms, this episode highlights an important shift. The strongest marketplaces of the future may not be the biggest. They may be the most disciplined, the most curated, and the most trusted by the communities they serve. #ShortStay #VacationRentals #HospitalityInnovation #MarketplaceStrategy #LivingSector #CuratedTravel #HospitalityLeadership #PillowTalkSessions Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

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  • S2 · E4
    February 26 · 44 min

    Reinventing Hotel Standards with Adam Tuttle (Yipy)

    In this episode of Pillow Talk Sessions with Jessica Gillingham, Adam Tuttle, Co-Founder and CEO of Yipy, explains why hospitality’s approach to standards management has remained fundamentally outdated and how digitising standards can transform operational performance, team culture, and guest experience. While hotels have embraced digital guest journeys and automation, internal standards often still live in binders, PDFs, or static intranets. Adam argues that without a live, accessible standards system, consistency breaks down, training becomes inconsistent, and decision-making relies too heavily on human bias. Yipy transforms standards from passive documents into an active operating system. By defining, distributing, and tracking compliance in real time, the platform gives hotels measurable visibility into performance across teams, properties, and portfolios. This shift unlocks smarter budgeting, more precise training, and stronger operational accountability. The conversation explores how standards intersect with culture, data, and emerging AI capabilities, and what must change for hospitality to evolve beyond outdated compliance models. Key themes explored: Why traditional standards management systems fail to drive daily performance How digitised standards improve team confidence and operational consistency Replacing tribal knowledge with real-time compliance data How independent hotels can define identity and strengthen brand delivery through structured standards Why vacation rentals must mature standards to improve guest experience and reputation Using performance data to eliminate bias in budgeting and annual reviews How aggregated compliance data supports smarter capital expenditure decisions The role of AI in recommending training plans, budgets, and operational improvements Why transparent standards may eventually influence guest booking decisions How modern standards systems can align staff, management, owners, and guests For leaders across hospitality, living, and operations, this episode reframes standards not as administrative paperwork, but as infrastructure. The next competitive advantage will come from measurable clarity, embedded culture, and intelligent data-driven execution. #HospitalityOperations #HotelLeadership #StandardsManagement #HospitalityTech #DigitalTransformation #LivingSector #OperationalExcellence #PillowTalkSessions Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

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  • S2 · E3
    February 12 · 44 min

    Professionalising Short-Term Rentals with Merilee Karr (UnderTheDoormat)

    In this episode of Pillow Talk Sessions, Merilee Karr, CEO of UnderTheDoormat Group, explains how short-term rentals have evolved from fragmented, alternative accommodation into a professional, institutional-grade asset class operating at scale across Europe and beyond. With short-term rentals now accounting for over 20% of accommodation nights in Europe, the sector is no longer a niche. Merilee outlines how operational infrastructure, technology platforms, and regulatory collaboration are shaping its next phase of growth. UnderTheDoormat operates across luxury B2C properties and institutional portfolios in London and Paris, while its technology arm, Hospiria, supports global operators with flexible PMS and reservation systems designed specifically for converging asset classes. Through Trusted Stays, the group has also opened access to government contracts and global distribution systems, accelerating the sector’s professionalisation. The conversation explores how short-term rentals intersect with real estate, hospitality, and policy, and what must happen next for the sector to mature sustainably. Key themes explored: Why short-term rentals have become a core part of Europe’s accommodation landscape How the merger of UnderTheDoormat and Veeve strengthened luxury and institutional portfolio management The role of Hospiria in enabling flexible, mixed-use rental operations How Trusted Stays unlocked government and GDS distribution channels for short-term rentals The difference between hotelization and hospitality, and why authenticity still matters How the UK Renters Reform Bill is accelerating institutional interest in flexible rental models Why tenant-driven subletting models can increase retention without destabilizing buildings The scale of opportunity in the Middle East, where short-term rentals represent less than 5% of accommodation nights Why legacy PMS systems struggle to manage converged asset classes How AI and emerging technology are likely to disrupt flexible rental operations over the next five years For leaders across hospitality, real estate, and flexible living, this episode reframes short-term rentals not as disruption, but as convergence. The next competitive advantage will come from professional standards, agile infrastructure, and thoughtful regulatory collaboration. Explore related industry analysis and strategic perspectives: https://abodeworldwide.com/news-insights/ Website: https://abodeworldwide.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abode-worldwide #ShortTermRentals #FlexibleLiving #HospitalityInnovation #PropTech #RealEstateTech #LivingSector #DigitalInfrastructure #Professionalisation #PillowTalkSessions Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

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  • S2 · E2
    January 29 · 38 min

    Scaling Short-Stay Living with Laurenz Schwarzhappel (Global Living Apartments)

    In this episode of Pillow Talk Sessions, Laurenz Schwarzhappel, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Global Living Apartments, explains how the company consistently achieves around 92% occupancy across nine German cities by doing what most hospitality operators avoid. Narrowing the guest segment, rethinking asset use, and automating everything possible. Global Living Apartments focuses on families and group travelers, a segment traditional hotels struggle to serve. By converting commercial properties into short-stay apartments and operating with a deeply automated tech stack, the company delivers affordable, high-density stays with a lean team and minimal friction. The conversation explores how this model performs not only in major cities, but also in smaller industrial markets where demand is stable and competition is limited. Key themes explored: Why targeting families and groups unlocks consistently higher occupancy than hotels How operating in smaller cities like Jena and Chemnitz delivered 90%+ occupancy and exceeded financial expectations The regulatory advantage of converting commercial real estate into short-stay apartments in Germany How AI-driven guest communication saved 800–900 operational hours with a team of five Why automation should precede hiring, not follow it How tech-first operations reduce ADR while improving guest satisfaction What AI-driven booking assistants will change about demand, discovery, and niche positioning Why “if you address all, you address no one” is becoming a survival rule in hospitality Global Living’s expansion into property management services for smaller operators in 2026 For hospitality, short-stay, and living sector leaders, this episode reframes performance. The competitive edge is not scale alone, but clarity of segment, disciplined automation, and a willingness to operate where others are not looking. Explore related industry analysis and strategic perspectives: https://abodeworldwide.com/news-insights/ Website: https://abodeworldwide.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abode-worldwide #ShortStay #HospitalityTech #PropTech #LivingTech #Automation #AIinHospitality #FamilyTravel #AlternativeAccommodation #OperationalStrategy #PillowTalkSessions Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

    • Transcript
  • S2 · E1
    January 15 · 39 min

    Hospitality’s Digital Reset with Ulrich Pillau (Apaleo)

    In this episode of Pillow Talk Sessions, Jessica Gillingham sits down with Ulrich Pillau, Co-founder & CEO of Apaleo, to explore how AI and API-first technology are redefining what modern hospitality looks like behind the scenes and in front of guests. Uli explains why the industry is splitting between digital-first operators and legacy brands struggling to adapt, and why simply “moving to the cloud” won’t fix broken guest journeys without a fundamental rethink of operating models. 💡 In this conversation, you’ll hear about: 🤖 How AI and LLMs are changing how guests research, book, and interact 🏨 Why replacing a PMS doesn’t automatically modernise operations 🔌 How open, API-first platforms enable faster experimentation and innovation 🔄 The emergence of hybrid models blending hotels, serviced living, and niche lodging ⚠️ Why mid-market brands face consolidation pressure without real digital reinvention A clear-eyed look at what hospitality must rethink now to stay competitive in an AI-driven world. Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

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  • S1 · E31
    Dec 4, 2025 · 38 min

    Scaling Hospitality Through Automation with Alexander Limpert (RentalReady / GuestReady)

    In this week’s Pillow Talk Sessions, Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski speak with Alexander Limpert, the founder behind RentalReady and GuestReady, to unpack how automation, data, and AI are transforming operational efficiency in short-term rentals. 💡 Highlights include: 🤖 How RentalReady became the first PMS to integrate OpenAI, now powering a third-gen AI assistant 💬 Why AI replies to “confident messages” but escalates complex ones to humans 🏗️ Why GuestReady is shifting toward entire building management to strengthen revenue stability 🌍 How geographic diversification helps manage regulatory volatility 🛏️ Why GuestReady blends local authenticity with hotel-like standards for a differentiated stay 📜 The case for reasonable, balanced STR regulation that protects housing and enables innovation Alex makes the case for a future where smarter tools empower operators, improve guest experience, and support sustainable growth across the sector. 🌐 pillowtalksessions.com Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

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  • S1 · E30
    Nov 20, 2025 · 37 min

    Rethinking UK Housing with Jason Hardman (CBRE)

    In this week’s Pillow Talk Sessions, Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski sit down with Jason Hardman, Head of UK Living at CBRE, to explore how policy, planning, and private capital are reshaping the UK’s housing future. 💡 Highlights include: 🏡 Why housing models must evolve to reflect modern lifestyles and longer life spans 🏘️ How institutional investment is fueling growth in single-family rental 📊 The UK’s 1.5 million homes target—and how to balance quality, speed, and sustainability 🤝 How the Renters Reform Bill is changing landlord-tenant relationships ⚙️ Why tech-led service delivery is the key to happier renters and efficient operations Jason offers a grounded, data-informed perspective on how the UK living sector can innovate without losing sight of long-term value, community, and trust. Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

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  • S1 · E29
    Nov 6, 2025 · 50 min

    The Future of Casual Living with Asli Kutlucan (TFE Hotels)

    In this week’s Pillow Talk Sessions, Jessica Gillingham and co-host Kristian Lupinski sit down with Asli Kutlucan, CEO Europe at TFE Hotels, to explore how the company is bridging the gap between hotels and homes with its fast-growing Adina and MM:MT (Moment) brands. In this episode, Asli shares: 🏨 Why casual living is the next evolution of modern hospitality 🏗️ How adaptive reuse is unlocking new value from underused city buildings 🤖 How the new GXP platform is transforming guest experience and staff operations 🌍 Why flexible, service-led living is resonating with a generation on the move 💬 How to balance tech-driven efficiency with authentic hospitality From Berlin to Cambridge, Hamburg to Glasgow, TFE is leading a new era of living that’s flexible, connected, and human-centered. Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

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  • S1 · E28
    Oct 23, 2025 · 40 min

    Community, Affordability & Long-Term Value with Stephanie Smith (Muse)

    In this week’s Pillow Talk Sessions, Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski sit down with Stephanie Smith, Head of Residential at Muse, to unpack how thoughtful design, data, and collaboration are shaping the next era of residential living in the UK. 💡 Highlights include: 🏡 Why responsive service and maintenance matter more than flashy amenities 🌍 How early engagement with residents and local schools drives better design and safety 📊 Why “tech for tech’s sake” is out — and data-driven benchmarking is in 🌿 The financial and environmental benefits of Passive House design 🏘️ How Muse balances regeneration and affordability without triggering gentrification Stephanie’s insights offer a refreshing, pragmatic view on how to create homes that genuinely support communities — not just markets. Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

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  • S1 · E27
    Oct 9, 2025 · 49 min

    Global Student Housing Trends with Joe Persechino (Yugo)

    In this week’s Pillow Talk Sessions, Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski sit down with Joe Persechino, COO of Yugo, to unpack the global growth trajectory of student accommodation and the strategies needed to meet demand. 💡 Highlights from the conversation: 🌍 Why student numbers are rising from 240M to 400M by 2050 📊 Why markets like the UK are 30% penetrated while Italy lags at only 5% 🏢 How Yugo blends global brand consistency with local market nuance 🤝 Why partnerships with universities and parents are critical for trust and growth 🌱 How Gen Z expectations around sustainability and wellbeing are reshaping the student experience Joe explains why PBSA is no longer a niche “alternative” but a core asset class attracting global institutional capital — and how Yugo is leading the way. Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

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  • S1 · E26
    Sep 25, 2025 · 51 min

    Driving Building Performance with Jonathan Burridge (Utopi)

    In this week’s Pillow Talk Sessions, Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski sit down with Jonathan Burridge, Founder & CEO of Utopi, to explore how his company is helping operators cut costs, reduce carbon, and improve resident engagement through data-driven technology. 💡 Highlights include: ⚡ How Utopi uncovered 1,400% energy consumption variance in one building 📊 Why ESG is shifting from “compliance” to performance and ROI 🎮 Behavioral change campaigns that save energy and build community 🤖 The role of AI in streamlining workflows, insights, and customer features 🏨 How lessons from student housing can carry into hospitality and hotels Jonathan shares a candid perspective on how tech can drive operational excellence—without losing sight of residents or community. Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

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  • S1 · E25
    Sep 11, 2025 · 47 min

    The Future of Smart Stays with Dr. Josef Vollmayr (Limehome)

    In this week’s Pillow Talk Sessions, Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski sit down with Josef Vollmayr, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Limehome, to explore how the company is reshaping hospitality across Europe with efficiency, design, and digital-first operations. 💡 Highlights include: 🌍 Why most travelers now value clean, functional stays over luxury touches 🤖 How Limehome achieves 85% automation without losing the guest experience 🏗️ The building strategies behind 72% space efficiency versus hotels at 50% 📲 Why OTAs remain vital—and how Limehome still captures loyalty post-booking 💶 How staffing, energy, and construction costs are forcing innovation in hospitality Josef offers a candid, insider perspective on what it takes to scale hospitality today — and where the market is heading. Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

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