Pillow Talk Sessions cover art

Pillow Talk Sessions

Pillow Talk Sessions

Written by: Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski
Listen for free

About this listen

Pillow Talk Sessions is the essential podcast for in-depth conversations with the leaders at the forefront of transforming how modern hospitality is operationally delivered and experienced.


Hosted by Jessica Gillingham, author of “Tech-Enabled Hospitality”, and brought to you by the team at Abode Worldwide, each episode dives into the ideas, technology, and people reshaping modern hospitality.


From the hotelization of real estate to the rise of fully automated operations, we speak with leaders across hotels, short-term rentals, and serviced living who are redefining how stays are designed, delivered, and experienced.


We explore everything from new operational models and guest-centric thinking to shifting traveler expectations, global trends, and the technologies transforming both front- and back-of-house functions.


Core Themes


The Hotelization of Real Estate

How hospitality-grade service, design, and technology are expanding beyond hotels to STR and flexible living.


Technology as the Great Enabler

How platforms, automation, and AI are driving smarter operations, improved margins, and elevated guest experiences.


The Convergence of Lodging

Where hotels, STR, serviced living, and flexible living overlap—and what this means for owners, operators, and guests.



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.

© 2025 Pillow Talk Sessions Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Scaling Hospitality Through Automation with Alexander Limpert (RentalReady / GuestReady)

    Scaling Hospitality Through Automation with Alexander Limpert (RentalReady / GuestReady)
    Dec 4 2025

    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
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • Rethinking UK Housing with Jason Hardman (CBRE)

    Rethinking UK Housing with Jason Hardman (CBRE)
    Nov 20 2025

    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.
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • The Future of Casual Living with Asli Kutlucan (TFE Hotels)

    The Future of Casual Living with Asli Kutlucan (TFE Hotels)
    Nov 6 2025

    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.
    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
No reviews yet