Good Strategy, Great Execution: A Hospitality Leader’s Playbook
Description
Host: Cindy Hook
Guest: Chris Kehn - Principal, KH Hospitality
Summary
Cindy sits down with second-generation hotelier Chris Kehn to trace his path from ROTC/Army discipline to hands-on leadership across independent hotels and resorts. Drawing on early lessons at the Hawthorne Hotel and years of owner-side advisory work, Chris explains why execution; not just planning, creates results, how a tough setback taught him more than a string of wins, and what it really takes to build teams, protect culture, and keep standards when the pressures on.
What you’ll learn
- Why independent properties can be the fastest classroom for owners and operators
- The operating cadence that turns strategy into outcomes, consistently
- Hiring for attitude and fit (and when to make the hard call to protect culture)
- How to stay even-keeled and decisive through uncertainty
- The difference owner education makes in project success
Notable quote
“I’ve seen average plans win with great execution, and great plans fail without it.”
Guest bio (short)
Chris Kehn is a hospitality operator and advisor who has led teams across independent hotels and resorts, helping owners align strategy, people, and process to deliver sustained performance.
United States
