Dollars and Drivers

Dollars and Drivers

by Keith Kefgen

Season 3

Jonathan Halkyard: Sustaining Trust on the Climb to the Top

In this episode, Keith sits down with Jonathan Halkyard, Chief Financial Officer of MGM Resorts International, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, trust, and resilience in hospitality and gaming. Together, Keith and Jonathan explore what it takes to lead with integrity at scale, why sustaining trust is essential in both business and personal leadership, and how his experiences continue to shape his approach to guiding organizations through change.

Allison Reid: The Power of Curiosity in Business

What truly sets exceptional leaders apart? In this episode, Allison Reid, former Chief Global Growth Officer at Aimbridge Hospitality, shares why curiosity is one of the most overlooked drivers of career success and business growth. Drawing from her leadership experience in hotel real estate, Allison shows how asking better questions, staying open-minded, and leading with curiosity can spark innovation, inspire others, and help you stand out in today’s competitive business world.

Michael Evans: Navigating Hospitality and Gaming with Integrity and Vision

In this episode, Keith sits down with Michael Evans, President of Marcus Hotels and Resorts, for an insightful conversation about navigating the dynamic worlds of hospitality and gaming. With extensive experience spanning the gaming, hotel, and restaurant industries (as well as Law), Michael brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Join Keith and Michael as they explore the strategies and mindset behind building a successful and meaningful career in hospitality.

Richard Stockton: Navigating Hotel Real Estate in Today’s Global Economy

In this episode, Richard Stockton, CEO of Braemar Hotels & Resorts, shares insights into the dynamic world of hotel real estate. From market challenges to growth opportunities, he discusses the strategies, risks, and rewards that come with leading a luxury hospitality portfolio in today’s ever-changing landscape.

Season 2

Keith Cline: How to Prepare for a Transaction

This week on Dollars and Drivers, we are joined by former President and CEO of CorePoint Lodging, Keith Cline to discuss how he navigated transactions throughout his career.

John Scott: Career Planning is a Non-Linear Event

Welcome back to Dollars & Drivers! We are joined by John Scott, former President and CEO of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and Belmond Hotels, and current Senior Advisor to TPG Global and Founder of Park House Dallas. He thoughtfully describes building his career in an unexpected non-linear path.

Carlos Rodriguez Jr: How to Succeed in the Family Business

Carlos Rodriguez Junior, Co-Founder, President, and COO of Driftwood Capital touches on the subjects of family business and explains how Driftwood has navigated and thrived through uncertain times throughout the pandemic.

Keith Space: Know Your Customer!

Keith Space shares with us the ways Fort Hospitality handled the COVID-19 pandemic from the start.

John Paul Nichols: Why Differences Can be a Strength

JP speaks eloquently about why being different can be a great asset in today's world. Being “like minded” may be good for collegiality, but not so for problem-solving and innovation. He also discusses that it was the things he did during “extra time” that made him promotable and visible.

Season 1

Mark Birtha: Personal and Professional Identities Intertwined

Mark speaks eloquently about how his work and self-identity are intertwined. He cites an essay he wrote years ago entitled, “A Life Unlived”, where he wanted to make sure he did not regret his life choices later on in life. The essay has become a roadmap to his drive and purpose as an adult. Mark is outspoken about the gratitude he has for the life he is able to lead and all of the people that have gotten him to where he is. It is a compelling and motivational listen.

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