Ep. 2: From Art Galleries to Hospitality Consulting: Lessons in Creativity, Leadership, and Networking with Carolyn Schneider

Technically Speaking

In this episode of Technically Speaking, Carolyn Schneider, founder of Corner Booth Hospitality and co-founder of Casita Group, shares her dynamic journey from the art world to shaping creative, immersive hotel experiences. Carolyn’s unique blend of expertise in art curation and hospitality consulting has led her to work with top-tier clients in hotels across California, including Palm Springs, San Diego, and Big Bear. She discusses how she transitioned from the gallery world to founding her own consultancy and how her artistic roots influence her approach to hospitality.

In this insightful conversation, Carolyn shares key lessons on:

Navigating Career Transitions: Carolyn reflects on how leaving the art gallery world and diving into hospitality opened doors to unexpected opportunities. Building a Career in Hospitality from the Ground Up: Starting as a cocktail server at Ace Hotels, Carolyn details her path through various roles and how she learned the ins and outs of the hospitality industry. Overcoming Early Career Challenges: Carolyn discusses the hurdles she faced early on, including overthinking her role in the industry, and how she learned to focus on her strengths and build strong, collaborative teams. The Power of Networking & Relationship Building: From cold coffee meetings to strategic connections, Carolyn reveals how networking and cultivating relationships have been instrumental in her success. Mentorship & Giving Back: Carolyn emphasizes the importance of mentorship, both receiving and offering it, and how informal mentorship has shaped her career. Creating a Lasting Impact in Hospitality: As a consultant, Carolyn talks about the role of creativity in designing hotel experiences and the importance of collaboration across multiple disciplines, from architecture to operations. Lessons Learned from Mistakes and Failures: Carolyn reflects on missed opportunities and how taking risks and being open to feedback has shaped her approach to business. Staying Motivated and Managing Work-Life Balance: Juggling family life with the demands of running a consultancy, Carolyn discusses the routines and habits that keep her productive and grounded. The Future of Hospitality and Emerging Trends: Carolyn shares her thoughts on the balance between technology and human connection in hospitality, and what future professionals should be mindful of in a rapidly evolving industry.

Carolyn’s approach to hospitality is deeply rooted in creativity, partnership, and the belief that great experiences come from both the big-picture vision and the small, intimate details. Whether you're just starting out in hospitality or looking to grow your career, her insights on leadership, resilience, and relationship-building are invaluable.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of following your creative instincts and finding ways to apply them to your career.
• Why networking and mentorship are critical to career growth and how informal relationships can be just as impactful as formal ones.
• The value of embracing failure and learning from it to improve your skills and confidence.
• How to balance work, family, and personal growth as an entrepreneur.
• The role of technology in hospitality and how professionals should stay adaptable to changes in the industry.

Carolyn also discusses her commitment to maintaining a work-life balance, even with the hectic demands of consulting, and shares her personal habits for staying motivated and focused.

Listen Now

Tune in to hear more from Carolyn Schneider and get inspired by her creative approach to hospitality consulting and career development. Spotify | iTunes

Resources

For more insights and to connect with Carolyn, visit:

• Corner Booth Hospitality
• Corner Booth on Substack