Wilka Leadership Talks

VIP guest: Marcelo Bicudo, founder of Travel Cash, a UK-based company that has been innovating the travel and hospitality market with cashback and loyalty solutions focused on real results for hotels and consumers. Travel Cash stands out for offering an intelligent platform that connects hotels with travelers around the world, transforming bookings into loyalty opportunities with technology, agility and a focus on performance.

Thato Manyoga, a key leader in Revenue Management shared his vast experience with top hotel brands to drive operational success and exceptional RevPAR growth. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa and lived in NYC, NJ, and Miami Beach! Thato pursues his PhD in Organizational Leadership. Based in Miami, he’s passionate about leadership, travel, and culinary adventures!

Burnell Goldman is a seasoned hospitality executive with nearly 33 years of experience leading hotels across multiple markets. A five-time General Manager and Cornell University School of Hotel Administration alumnus, he is known for driving performance, developing leaders, and navigating complex, mixed-use environments.He currently serves as Area General Manager with Modus Hotels by PM Hotel Group in Philadelphia, where he partners closely with ownership on performance, capital planning, and long-term value creation.Burnell’s leadership perspective is further shaped by a 200-pound personal health transformation that reinforced his belief in discipline, resilience, and sustainable success.

Jason D’Agostino is one of the architects behind integrated commercial strategies that bring together revenue management, sales, marketing, and digital performance across leading hotel brands including Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Best Western, and independent portfolios.Most recently with Visions Hotels, he helped scale the company from 25 to over 70 hotels and more than $300M in annual revenue — uniting teams, tools, and brand partnerships to consistently outperform market benchmarks.A Certified Revenue Management Executive (CRME, CHIA) and graduate of Cornell University’s Executive Programs in Hotel Revenue Management, Digital Marketing, and Strategic Leadership, Jason combines analytical depth with practical innovation to drive sustained top-line growth.He is passionate about exploring the intersection of AI, leadership, and commercial strategy — helping owners and operators design smarter, more connected pathways to profitability.

We’re thrilled to welcome Amanda Frank to the next episode of Leadership Talks! With over 15 years of experience in the fast-paced world of hospitality, Amanda is a powerhouse executive known for her ability to drive results, build high-performance teams, and open markets with impact.Amanda has led the successful opening of more than 40 hotels, consistently surpassing RevPAR targets and raising the bar for operational and sales excellence. Her leadership journey spans from early roles as a Sales Manager to high-level positions including Regional Director of Sales and, most recently, Corporate Director of Sales at Kasa Living—a Series C startup redefining flexible accommodations. At Kasa, Amanda built the sales organization from scratch, scaling revenue from zero to over $3 million in just two years while also leading major cross-functional initiatives in product and technology.Previously, during her seven-year tenure at Evolution Hospitality, she oversaw the launch of 28 hotels, led nationwide training programs, and earned the prestigious President’s Award for her contributions to both culture and performance.Amanda brings a rare blend of strategic vision and operational execution, making her a standout voice in leadership, innovation, and hospitality. In this episode, she’ll share her insights on scaling teams, building culture, and leading through growth and transformation.Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with Amanda Frank on Leadership Talks where real leaders share the stories behind their success.

Lynn Zwibak is a dynamic revenue management expert who bridges the gap between theory and practice in the hospitality industry. As an adjunct professor at Virginia Tech University and founder of her own consultancy, she brings a unique blend of academic insight and hands-on experience from her revenue management leadership across the U.S., Asia, and Africa.Drawing from her background in group sales and cross-cultural communication, Lynn specializes in making complex revenue management concepts accessible and actionable. She's particularly known for unifying commercial strategy disciplines and fostering collaboration between revenue management and other hospitality functions.A Cornell Hotel School graduate with an MBA from Duke University, Lynn holds multiple industry certifications (CRME, CHDM, CHIA, CHE) and authored The Study Guide for the CRMA certification exam for HSMAI. Her engaging presentation style and real-world anecdotes make her a sought-after partner for any hotel or vendor looking to unleash their commercial strategy.

With over 18 years of expertise in hospitality sales, Muhammad Tanveer has established himself as a transformational leader known for driving exceptional revenue growth and fostering high-performing sales teams. His leadership spans across global markets, delivering sustained sales excellence and strategic market expansion.Key Achievements:✔ 2024: Ranked #1 LinkedIn Sales Leader in Pakistan (Favikon)✔ 2023: Recognized among the Global Top 100 Most Inspirational People in Hospitality (International Hospitality Institute)✔ Favikon Ambassador Pakistan✔ 2021-2022: Sales Person of the Year✔ 2018: Finalist for Sales Manager of the Year – Hotelier Xpress Awards, DubaiHis leadership is defined by his ability to transform sales strategies, drive innovative growth, and nurture long-term partnerships. As a respected thought leader and industry speaker, he continues to shape the future of hospitality sales through insights and visionary leadership.

We’re thrilled to be joined by Cerissa Olson, a dynamic leader with a passion for service, strategy, and elevating experiences. Cerissa currently serves as the Director of Sales & Services at Visit Lubbock, where she plays a key role in attracting and supporting conventions, meetings, and events that bring people and business to the heart of West Texas. With a strong background in hospitality and customer experience, she’s a powerhouse when it comes to creating memorable, people-first engagements.But that’s not all Cerissa also brings global experience to the table, having served as Executive Briefing Center Manager at Poly in Dublin, Ireland, where she helped steer high-level communications and customer engagement in the tech sector.From West Texas charm to international leadership, Cerissa’s journey is full of valuable lessons on adaptability, team culture, and driving growth through human connection.So grab your coffee, get comfortable, and let’s dive into this conversation with Cerissa Olson.

In this episode of Leadership Talks, we sit down with Jeremy Huvard, a seasoned hospitality sales and marketing leader with over 15 years of experience driving revenue growth and brand success. As the Regional Director of Sales and Marketing at Donohoe Hospitality Services, Jeremy has played a pivotal role in optimizing market strategies for top hotel brands, including IHG, Marriott, and Hyatt.Beyond his professional expertise, Jeremy serves as the President of the HSMAI DC Chapter, where he helps shape the future of hospitality sales and marketing professionals. In this insightful conversation, he shares key leadership lessons, the evolving landscape of hospitality, and strategies for building high-performing teams in a competitive industry.Join us as we explore Jeremy’s journey, his passion for mentorship, and the principles that have shaped his leadership style. Whether you're in hospitality or any customer-driven industry, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to elevate your leadership game.

Welcome to another episode of the Leadership Talks podcast, where we dive into the minds of inspiring leaders who are shaping industries and driving change. Today, we are honored to feature Nicole Basch!Nicole is an award-winning sales leader with extensive experience in the hospitality industry. As the Area Director of Sales for Commonwealth Hotels, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and a passion for driving business growth. Her ability to innovate, lead high-performing teams, and navigate challenges with resilience has made her a standout in her field.In this episode, Nicole shares her insights on leadership, sales excellence, and the mindset required to succeed in a competitive industry. Get ready for an inspiring conversation packed with valuable lessons!