Neen James, MBA CSP's Recent LinkedIn Posts

She walks into the bar alone. Confident. Intentional. She doesn't want to explain herself. She wants you to have already thought of her. The rise of zero-proof cocktail programs at luxury hotels isn't just a drinks trend, it's the convergence of three powerful movements: mindful wellness, the sober-curious lifestyle, and the fastest-growing segment in luxury travel: solo female travelers. And the hotels that are getting this right are not treating mocktails as an afterthought. They're designing full zero-proof menus with the same artistry, botanicals, and theatre as their finest cocktail lists. That's not accommodation. That's an exceptional experience. I've shared some thoughts on what this means for luxury brands and five ways brands can apply it right now in the article attached. You can also see the full ALHI article in the comments below. #LuxuryTravel #WellnessTravel #SoloFemaleTravel #MindfulDrinking #ExceptionalExperiences #LuxuryHospitality #ChampagneMomentbutmakeitnonalcoholic

I was happy. Leading teams in a large Australian corporate, deep into people development and learning. No plans to leave. Then one evening, I attended an Australian Institute of Management networking program led by the famous Robyn Henderson. I sat front row, filled a notebook with idea and strategies she shared and I kept thinking as she was speaking, "I do that. I already do that." - has that ever happened to you? You hear a speaker and think 'yes, I do that!" - go you! But instead of feeling like I knew it all, a lightbulb went off: What if I did THIS too? No, not just the networking strategies—but the speaking itself. Could I stand on stages and spark insights in others the way Robyn was doing for me? Watching her work that room with such intention and impact, I saw a completely different path for myself. She didn't tell me to become a speaker. She simply demonstrated what was possible when you take what you know and amplify it from the stage. That evening redirected everything. Robyn Henderson became my inspiration to step into the speaking profession. This photo was taken in 2001 and Robyn is in the purple suit. Years later, I not only built a profitable speaking career—I went on to publish books with her. And I still admire her today, grateful that I chose the front row that night (I know 🪑Marilyn Sherman, CSP, CPAE 🪑 would cheer for that!) Who inspired YOUR leap into what you are doing now? I'd love to hear about them in the comments below. They deserve the recognition. Inspiration from this post is from Pamela Slim (my wonderful business coach, brilliant author, and the designer of the incredible program called Tiny Marketing Actions - I am registered for her cohort this month - see the link below). #TinyMarketingActions #YourOriginStory #KeynoteSpeaking

It feels like a family reunion.... One of the privileges of working with one of the BEST luxury brands in the luxury travel industry, Virtuoso Travel, led by Matthew Upchurch, is speaking at their amazing global events and also connecting other with other thinking leaders. This week at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, México I am excited to share my latest book, Exceptional Experiences, with the Owners and Managers of luxury travel advisor services and our business partners from cruise lines, hotels, tour companies, destination management companies, and more! Big welcome to Kimberly Wilson Wetty Joe Mull, CSP, CPAE and Kelly Monahan, Ph.D. who will share their genius too. This events team is world-class, and I am constantly in awe of the exceptional experiences they create. Thank you. Jennifer Campbell Mark McCowan, CTIE Evan Upchurch Fernanda Nielsen Beth Butzlaff Una O'Leary Shawn Johnson #SoVirtuoso #SeeTheWorld #VirtuosoTravel

I was in seat 2D. A window seat. (I'm an aisle girl, you know this about me.) But the flight was full, so window it was on my Delta Air Lines flight from Tampa to LA. My seatmate was already settled in, fidgeting, nervous energy radiating off her. You could tell flying wasn't her happy place. And then the most beautiful thing happened. When our flight attendant Rosemary came by for drink orders, my seatmate quietly pulled out a little bag of chocolates; a gift for the crew. Rosemary was visibly touched. A few minutes later, she came back and said softly, "Would you like to come take a photo with the pilot in the cockpit?" I watched my seatmate's whole face change. That nervous energy? Gone. Replaced by the biggest, prettiest, most radiant smile. She sat back down glowing, scrolling through the photos, then texting them to her mum. You know what, this cost Rosemary nothing. No budget line. No approval process. No AI prompt. Just a human being paying attention to another human being — and choosing to make her feel extraordinary. Rosemary went on to share stories of all the passengers she's done this for over the years. It's her own personal system of elevation. Her signature way of making people feel seen, valued, and special. In my book, Exceptional Experiences, I write that luxury is not about expensive things, it's about human connection. Rosemary is living proof. In a world racing toward automation and AI, the most powerful competitive advantage you have is still this: a person who genuinely cares. Thank you Delta for having humans like Rosemary on your team. She is your brand and another reason I featured you in my book. Today let's all be like Rosemary and make someone feel extra special. #ExceptionalExperiences #CustomerExperience #LuxuryLeadership #HumanConnection #Delta #Leadership #CX #ServiceExcellence

'Honored' doesn't feel like a big enough word!!! Thank you to the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, which named me one of the Top Luxury Speakers in the World for 2026!!! That's amazing and crazy and so exciting for me, and YES, this is a boasting post. I'm genuinely moved by this recognition from an organization whose standards I deeply respect. What makes this even more meaningful is being listed alongside my client and dear friend, Caroline Huo of The Caroline K. Huo Group and Keller Williams Luxury. Caroline embodies what luxury leadership looks like in action, and sharing this distinction with her is such a treat! This recognition reflects work that has become the through line of my career. For many years, I have been studying what separates truly exceptional luxury experiences from everything else, and that curiosity led me to commission the only proprietary research study of its kind in the world, Luxury as a Mindset. Luxury as a way of thinking, leading, and serving. That research shapes conversations I have with CEOs and executive teams I advise, and it lives at the heart of my book, Exceptional Experiences: Five Luxury Levers to Elevate Every Aspect of Your Business. To the leadership team, Alexander Chetchikov, at the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, thank you. Your generosity in this endorsement for those contributing to the international luxury ecosystem means everything. To everyone in this community and my clients I love who have trusted me with their stages, their boardrooms, and their brands, thank you! Susan Baier Pamela Slim Bianca Huber #LuxurySpeaker #ExceptionalExperiences #LuxuryMindset #WLCC #LuxuryLeadership #WLCC #Top25LuxurySpeakers #KeynoteSpeaker

Americans have got it wrong. The French have got it right. Have you ever considered that your Sunday "reset" could be burning you out? The French practice something we don't: Rest isn't a reward. It's a strategy. I'm living my French Girl Era right now, and it's transforming how I think about luxury, leadership, and what truly matters. Shout out to my French family who continue to teach me this lesson: Pascal Testeil Laurence Testeil is the best French teacher! Leanne Testeil I bet Pamela Slim would agree! Read what I learned (link in comments below) #FrenchGirlEra #FrenchSunday #ExceptionalExperiences #Relax #LuxuryIsAMindset

What is the opposite of humble bragging? Blatent bragging? I am SO excited..this is a #ChampagneMoment for me! My book, Exceptional Experiences, just won the Silver Medal at the 2025 Axiom Business Book Awards in the Advertising / Marketing / PR category, and I couldn't be more grateful. Big cheers for the extraordinary team at Page Two, who believed in this book from the very beginning and never wavered. Jesse Finkelstein Trena White and the entire dream team! Their commitment, creativity, and care made this possible in ways I can't articulate. HUGE thanks to everyone who bought it, gifted it, shared it, posted about it, or pressed it into a colleague's or client's hands. I am so grateful! To every book club currently reading it and having the kinds of conversations I dreamed this book would spark: you are the reason it found its way into the world. Luxury is about experiences, not things. It is about creating moments that matter. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! And huge congratulations to fellow Page Two authors Amy Climer, Ph.D., CSP, and Dr. Katie Keller Wood, who also made the list! #author #AxiomBusinessBookAwards #ExceptionalExperiencesBook

I squealed with joy when I heard that Valerie Wilson of Valerie Wilson Travel was being inducted into the ASTA - American Society of Travel Advisors Hall of Fame! So many extraordinary humans were honored at the ASTA Globes. As someone dedicated to understanding what makes luxury experiences truly exceptional, I'm bursting with pride to call so many of these winners my clients (and friends) and even more honored to feature their wisdom in my book, Exceptional Experiences. It is because of great humans, including Matthew Upchurch and Jennifer Campbell, that I have met them through Virtuoso Travel over the years. These leaders and brands have helped shape the travel industry over decades through service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. I've always admired Val, traveling the world, and she's my fellow pink-lover, creating exceptional experiences and teaching others along the way. Each of these winners understands that true luxury isn't about things; it's about how you make people feel. It's about transforming transactions into relationships and moments into memories. To all the ASTA Globe winners: you're not just elevating the travel industry—you're showing the world what's possible when passion meets professionalism, and when attention to detail becomes an art form. Congratulations to these great brands and humans I get to work with - I am so excited for you: Delta Air Lines Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. John Chernesky, CTIE, ECC Collette Silversea Cruises Uniglobe Travel International LP Betsy Geiser, CTA, VTA, CTIE Marriott International Here's to celebrating excellence, championing each other, and continuing to raise the bar for what exceptional experiences truly mean ...and I can't wait to hug some of you at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, México for Virtuoso Travel US Forum with Beth Butzlaff and the team this week! #ASTAGlobes #SeeTheWorld #LuxuryTravel #SoVirtuoso #Leadership

Most businesses don’t lose customers because of price. They lose them because of the experience. Confusing handoffs. Silence after the sale. Moments that should feel thoughtful—but don’t. That’s one of the reasons I wrote Exceptional Experiences. It’s the playbook and practical guide for leaders and teams who want customers and clients to say: “Wow, that was easy.” “They really thought this through.” “I’d absolutely come back.” "Who can I tell about this experience?" If you and your organization care about: • retention • trust • word-of-mouth • experiences people actually remember Then I am going to let you know that this book is for you! I know it's cheeky to say that, but it's true! Grab a copy from your favorite book source (and I narrate the audiobook if you love listening to books) and find out more in the link in the first comment (all the international links are there too) PS. So many great businesses lose momentum over fixable experience gaps, let's make sure that' not YOU!

It feels like a warm blanket for your mind .... That's the feeling I get from this brilliant book on Audible. I am not yet finished, but I find myself scheduling extra walks just so I can listen to it, and playing it in my car while driving to locations. I heard about it from Oprah when she shared her favorite quote for the year: "In orderfor anything to be good or truly successful, it has to have love in it." The book is Theo of Golden, written by Allen Levi. If your soul is looking for something to listen to, I highly recommend the audio version. If you prefer reading exquisite storytelling and brilliant descriptions that bring images to life, buy the physical book. You will be so glad you did, #TheoOfGolden #ReadMore #Theo

I've spent years studying what luxury brands do differently. Want to know their secret? They don't just satisfy clients — they ignite them. If you want to move beyond capturing clients attention and build client advocates, check out the ideas here: #KeynoteSpeaker #ExceptionalExperiences #CustomerExperience

Luxury isn't absent in hard times. It's actually most visible in hard times. Because luxury, at its core, is how you make people feel seen, heard and valued. And right now, the most exceptional thing you can offer the people around you as a leader is the feeling that someone in charge is navigating the direction for everyone. I have five ways to leverage my Luxury Levers to share so that you can level-up your leadership through this rough season.

This is the best news, Mike Michalowicz- congratulations USA TODAY Best seller, The Money Habit, published for the new Simplified Imprint with Page Two. So excited to see brilliant 'thinking leaders' (a Tamsen Webster, MA, MBA term), shine in the world. The founders, Trena White and Jesse Finkelstein, published my book, Exceptional Experiences, and working with them is a dream. Their authors include world-class experts like Tamsen Webster, MA, MBA Anjanette “AJ” Harper 📚Michael Bungay Stanier Phil M Jones Clint Pulver Liane Davey Joe Mull, CSP, CPAE Ron Tite and Derek Coburn. We are all cheering for you, Mike!!! #MoneyHabit #Authors #PageTwo #ExceptionalExperiences

No is a complete sentence. No. Nope. Not for me. These all work instead of yes! For over 25 years, I got it wrong. It was Tamsen Webster, MA, MBA of the Message Design Institute, who helped me get it right. I'd been creating a 'word' every year as my decision-filtering system. I thought it was enough to determine how to say yes or no to something... and she explained that wasn't enough. She's brilliant and beautiful, and you can read here why I now have a two-word theme for 2026: Curated Elevation. What's your 2026 theme and how's it going so far? #GoalSetting #ExceptionalExperiences #LuxuryIsAMindset #MessageDesign

The AKA Hotels+Hotel Residences brand truly gets it. They understand the female solo traveller who wants to stay healthy while they are on the road. You already know I am a massive fan of the Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) property, AKA Alexandria, with such a great front office team led by Isaiah Frazier and the AKA Washington Circle led by Mark Driscoll ... their attention to detail is exceptional. I mentioned to Mark on a previous visit that I'd love a foam roller in their hotel gym, so imagine my delight when I checked in and found all the new fitness toys to stay consistent while traveling. I also love the personalized handwritten note when I checked in. Andi Stiles, these little marketing touches mean the world to me. Small details make a BIG impact when you travel for work. AKA hotels make you feel like you're at home ... just even more luxurious! Thank you to the team! #AKA #SeeTheWorld #LuxuryTravel #LuxuryisAMindset

A hand-drawn card. A server who remembers your name. And a graduate school acceptance is worth celebrating. Congratulations to the brilliant Leanne Testeil on her acceptance into the University of Florida's graduate program. We are SO proud of you, Lea! 🧡💙 To celebrate, we headed for drinks to a fabulous spot in Hyde Park, Tampa, Ro, and what happened next is a masterclass in exceptional experiences. When making the reservation on OpenTable, I added a simple note: we're celebrating Lea getting into UF. That's it. That's the whole system. And when we sat down, the hosts delivered a hand-drawn card in UF blue and orange. Go Gators. It took them a few minutes, cost them nothing, and made us both smile in pure delight. But it didn't stop there. Our server Bevin, who had also served us at Lea's last birthday celebration, recognised us the moment he walked over. No prompt. No hesitation. Just genuine warmth and connection. This is what I write about in my book Exceptional Experiences, published by the team at Page Two, it's not about grand gestures or enormous budgets. It's about the systems behind the moments — the OpenTable note that became a card, the server who pays attention, the team that turns a reservation detail into a memory. Luxury is in the details. And Ro, you nailed it. 🧡 As Dale Carnegie wrote in How to Win Friends and Influence People, "A person's name is the sweetest sound." Today, let's all challenge ourselves to use someone's name intentionally. Your client. Your colleague. Your server. Watch what happens. Watch them smile. #ExceptionalExperiences #CustomerExperience #LuxuryLevers #HospitalityExcellence #GoGators #Personalization #ClientExperience #LuxuryIsAMindset

The secret's out! Luxury People Magazine just told the world what I've always known. My gorgeous friend and client Lisa Holland, CEO of Sheltair, the largest privately owned aviation network in the United States, is featured in Issue 4 of Luxury People Magazine by the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce. Now the world knows what I already know... Lisa is the real deal. She leads with a family-first culture, empowers her team to go above and beyond, and has built a company where every client feels genuinely seen, known, and valued — even down to remembering their pet's name and their favorite coffee order. 🐾 At Sheltair FBOs, clients stepping off private jets are greeted with a custom red mat, sometimes featuring their own company logo - their own red carpet experience I talk about in my book, Exceptional Experiences. That's not just hospitality. That's intentional, personalized luxury at 30,000 feet. Lisa embodies everything I write about in Exceptional Experiences: she knows that when time is the ultimate luxury, the details are everything. Link to the article below in the comments in the feature edition of Women in Luxury. Congratulations, Lisa, you are exceptional in every way! 💛 Priscilla Yecora Bianca Huber Alexander Chetchikov Todd Anderson #ExceptionalExperiences #LuxuryPeopleMagazine #SheltairAviation #LuxuryLeadership #WomenInAviation #LuxuryChamberOfCommerce #ClientExperience

Today was another wonderful AKA Hotels+Hotel Residences stay at AKA Rittenhouse Square Extended Stay before I worked with Comcast today. What a gorgeous property - so well located in Philadelphia! Highly recommend. The wonderful Wister, who checked me into my room, was truly delightful. That first impression, after traveling from another AKA Hotels+Hotel Residences in Washington Circle, it was SO cold and dark out, and yet Wister's warm personality and excitement for his role were truly delightful. He 'upgraded' me, and I wished I could have stayed longer! He is the perfect ambassador for this hotel and brand. Don't ever underestimate the importance of that first impression when someone enters your business. Do you make them feel welcome? Do you make them feel you are excited to see them? Do you share how you have elevated their experience? Luxury is about experiences, not things. He made me feel seen, heard, and valued Brittney Ruland, he is an asset to your team! #StayAKA #SeeTheWorld #LuxuryTravel

Perhaps travel isn't as much about the destination but more about the vibe, the feeling and the person you're becoming. Accor and Globetrender identified eight trends reshaping the future of travel, and they confirm what the best Virtuoso Travel Advisors have always known: people don't book trips, they book transformations. Did you know 25% of travelers now start their search based on mood rather than location? I am fortunate to work with Nancy Swanson-Ebel and she can tell you this is true for me. That's not a travel trend. That's a human one. Attached is an article unpacking the eight trends, what they mean for luxury travel brands, and how the five luxury levers from my book Exceptional Experiences connect directly to where this industry is heading. If you work in travel, hospitality, or luxury, or you believe that how you feel matters more than where you go, you might enjoy this. Read the full article below. #ExceptionalExperiences #LuxuryTravel #Virtuoso #Accor #Globetrender #ExperientialTravel #TravelTrends #NeenJames

Most people book a trip. The exceptional few curate a life-changing experience. I was inspired by this list of the world's top 10 luxury travel experiences of 2026 to add even more places to my wanderlist and was reminded that the destination is never really the point; it's all about the experience! I am excited to be heading to Portugal this summer, and if you have been, I want to know everything! What are the hidden restaurants, the hotel that made you never want to leave? The moment that stopped you in your tracks? Thanks to Michael Barber, Mike Ganino, and Lisa Holland for their fabulous suggestions! Share your Portugal suggestions in the comments with me, and while you are there, tell me your dream destination for 2026. Working with Nancy Swanson-Ebel, a Virtuoso Travel advisor, is the best and I love the leadership that Matthew Upchurch and Jennifer Campbell bring to this amazing company. Booking travel online yourself is transactional: working with a Virtuoso Travel Advisor who will curate a life-changing experience, that's transformational! #SoVirtuoso #SeetheWorld #LuxuryTravel #ExceptionalExperiences

Delighted to discover my most popular LinkedIn post last year was: "What She Sees: The Wellness Details Female Travelers Notice (And Why They Matter to Your Bottom Line)." The engagement on this post told me something important: leaders in hospitality are paying attention to what matters most. We discussed the booming solo female travel market and how 76% of female travelers (according to the American Express Business 2024 Global Travel Trends Report) are driving significant revenue opportunities for brands that understand the subtle safety signals and wellness details they notice. But here's what excites me most about 2026—building on this conversation. This year, I'm expanding this work through our custom Exceptional Experiences™ keynote and training program, designed specifically for hoteliers and hospitality leaders who want to elevate every experience for their guests—not just their female solo travelers. Because when you master the art of creating exceptional experiences for your most discerning guests, everyone benefits. Your team becomes more attentive. Your brand becomes more memorable. And your bottom line reflects the transformation. If you're ready to transform how your guests feel from the moment they arrive until long after they leave, let's talk about bringing Exceptional Experiences™ to your team. What details are you noticing in your guest experiences? I'd love to hear what's working in your hotels! 🥂 #ExceptionalExperiences #HospitalityLeadership #LuxuryHospitality #GuestExperience #SoloFemaleTravel #HotelierLife https://lnkd.in/ebDrtzgq

When a hotel anticipates needs you didn't even know you had… that's the Luxury Lever of Delight in action! Staying at the Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek owned by Makeready, I am so impressed with every extraordinary detail: Their gym is stocked with fantastic equipment and freshly made protein bites waiting for you (the only thing missing? A foam roller ... but I'll forgive that 😉) A record player in my room. A RECORD PLAYER. Seriously! Reading materials in a stunning, leather holder mounted on the wall — maximizing every inch of beautiful space. A yoga mat AND yoga blocks in my room, ready before I even thought to ask (if you know me well, you know I love to work out on the road, and even better if it's in my room). Gorgeous glassware, local coffee pods, thoughtful treats, and a hair turban towel that made me feel genuinely seen. Ladies, how much do we love this! Little nooks of a water station, newspapers, and fresh fruit on every floor for self-service. A provisions space (normally used for gear to enjoy the local area) was converted into a snack station for conference guests. And the team, always smiling, so helpful and incredibly attentive. And the food? Every single bite tasted as if someone made it with love. This is what the Luxury Lever of Delight looks like: paying personalized attention, offering exceptional service, and adding value in ways that leave guests asking, "How did they anticipate needs I didn't even know I had?" Halcyon didn't just meet my expectations, they made me want to tell everyone like you! That's the move from the luxury lever of Delight to Ignite when your clients stop being guests and start being advocates. And here I am writing this post from my room before I head to the ballroom to keynote for an exceptional leadership team today. If you're heading to Denver, Cherry Creek, this is the vibe you want and the place to stay. And if you're a brand leader, take notes. THIS is how it's done. Congratulations McClinton Heil - you have a great team! Eric Gavin Kathryn Piepho William Bullens Riley Nail Edita Matic Mikia Brown #ExceptionalExperiences #LuxuryLevers #DelightedGuest #HospitalityExcellence #CherryCreek #Denver

It's time for the yearly reveal of my phrase for the year! This year, it's "CURATED ELEVATION." I will be curating clients, product offerings, relationships, health, and financial investments with even more intention so keep an eye out for more exciting news to come. What would shift in your leadership if you treated 2026 as the year you curate—not just manage—your clients, commitments, and team experiences? Read more inside...and see what my January challenge is for you!

Walking into ballrooms and boardrooms for years, talking about exceptional experiences, I've always said, 'Luxury is a mindset.' But there was no research to support my theory. Leaders needed me to prove it. So I did. Here's what 500+ leaders revealed in our proprietary research study conducted by Susan Baier at Audience Audit Inc.... and believe me, it surprised even me! Luxury is about experiences not things ... and that single finding changes everything about how we show up for our clients. Full article linked below. 👇 #LuxuryResearch #ExceptionalExperiences #LuxuryMindset #ProprietaryResearch #KeynoteSpeaker #MarketResearch #ConsumerInsights #ExperienceElevationModel #LuxuryMindsetResearch #ExceptionalExperiencesExpert

When the executive team personally serves you champagne at the end of your keynote, you know something special just happened in that room! This week, I had the honour of keynoting for the extraordinary leaders of Pacific Hospitality Group at the stunning Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach and wow what an experience they created for their team ... and me! Their theme was Illuminate, and every thoughtful detail, from the yoga mat and foam roller in my room to the views stretching miles down the Pacific Coast Highway, showed they lived their theme. The experience you create for your team is the experience they create for your guests, clients, or whatever community you serve. I shared what made this week so extraordinary and what every hospitality leader can learn from it in this article. When did you last create a #ChampagneMoment for your team? Ajeet Anand Cheryl Ferguson, CMP Joe Martino #ExceptionalExperiences #Illuminate #PacificHospitalityGroup #HospitalityLeadership #KeynoteSpeaker #GuestExperience #NeenJames

Delta Air Lines doesn't follow travel trends; they set them! That's why I chose Delta as the case study in my book, Exceptional Experiences. Looking for a timeless brand to demonstrate what it truly means to elevate every touchpoint, every tier, every traveler, Delta was the best brand to demonstrate the Experience Elevation Model (the five luxury levers). Some people drive to work; I fly. It's just a different form of commute. I rely on the amazing TSA agents, the crew, the airlines, and the infrastructure to be timely and well-resourced. With current TSA disruptions creating chaos across the country, the brands that lead are the ones that focus on what they can control. Ed Bastian gets this. His commitment to a more elevated, more human travel experience is how Delta operates. From the gate agent who quietly seats your family together to the Porsche that meets a Diamond Medallion member planeside for a tight connection, none of it is accidental. It's all a system of elevation. Tim Mapes, SVP and Chief Communications Officer at Delta, endorsed my book, sharing: "Exceptional Experiences offers a fresh, fun take on how luxury brands can stand out from the pack and connect meaningfully with customers. Neen's energy and wit come alive through her storytelling — it's like hearing from a dear friend." I flew Delta One home to Australia to see my mum. I thought it would be special, BUT I was wrong, I was BLOWN away with how exceptional it really was! Walking into that lounge in LAX like checking into a spa, lie-flat bed, sommelier, sushi chef, compression boots for tired legs ... I loved every part of it! That gap between expectation and reality, where reality wins, is exactly where exceptional experiences live. Well done, Delta. Delta proves that luxury is a mindset, not a price point. And they prove it every single day. Thank you, Ed and Tim, for all you are doing in the world right now. Page Two Tessa Eisenberg Jesse Finkelstein Rebekah Biddle Savannah Huddleston #FlyDelta #Delta #ExceptionalExperiences #SeeTheWorld #LuxuryIsAMindset

This is how you do Galentine's Day! Kari LaRocco, CFP®, CRPC™, APMA™, BFA™ hosted an exceptional experience to raise awareness and funds for The Spring of Tampa Bay💄✨🥂 You can read my article about it in the comments (and my other post), and I wanted to share photos from this masterclass in the Experience Elevation Model™ and absolute PROOF that the best business development happens when you genuinely care about creating memories, not just meetings. This is what happens when someone truly understands the luxury levers in my book, Exceptional Experiences. Read my full article in the comments below. Thank you Debbie Lundberg 2X TED Speaker, Author, Performance Coach and Jody Thorson for capturing pictures for us! #ExceptionalExperiences #ExperienceElevation #LuxuryBusiness #TampaBay

Luxury isn’t always defined by price. It’s defined by meaningful, thoughtful experiences that endure over time. So excited for my fellow Page Two author! The Path of an Inspired Leader by Bruce Mayhew is that kind of luxury. Not because it sits on a shelf, but because it’s a trusted and inspiring companion and guide that leaders will want to return to again and again as they build teams rooted in support, trust, and genuine connection. This is more than just a book to read; it’s a resource to actively use on your leadership journey. Grab your copy, link in the comments below: Page Two Jesse Finkelstein Trena White #Author #LeadershipBooks #PageTwoAuthor

A heart doctor walked into a wine tasting .... what happened next is a masterclass in luxury. Meet Cante Swearingen, Director of Customer Experience at Trinitas Cellars, someone who truly gets what exceptional experiences look like. A $24K lifetime value wine club member booked a tasting. Cante could have just poured the wine, but instead, he did what the best luxury experience creators do: he got very curious. Through conversation, he discovered the guest was celebrating his birthday. So he went to work, researched, and found out he was a heart doctor. Realizing from his purchasing history that Chardonnay was his favorite, he used AI to create a custom wine label just for him. He also printed personalized menus welcoming him and his wife, Carmen, by name and filled balloons including one shaped like a blue surgical glove (that made me smile) to greet them at the table. When that custom-labeled bottle of his favourite Chardonnay arrived, he was speechless. What a delightful example of a customized and personalized experience. In my book, Exceptional Experiences, I share that luxury is about making people feel seen, heard, and valued. Cante lives this philosophy, combining the luxury levers of Excite (surprising, sensory, share-worthy moments) and Delight (anticipating needs clients didn't even know they had) into one perfectly orchestrated experience. He demonstrates what luxury brands understand: personalization and customization are the golden keys to client relationships. Knowing what someone buys, who they are beyond their wallet, and what moment in their life they're celebrating, that intelligence transforms a tasting into a memory they'll never forget. Dale Carnegie once said, "A person's name is the sweetest sound". I'd add that a wine bottle with your name on it is pretty extraordinary, too. Cante, you are the living, breathing proof that exceptional experiences don't just happen. They are designed with intention, curiosity, and genuine care. Pacific Hospitality Group is so fortunate to have you in their team. It got me thinking, what is one way we can personalize our next client interaction? Share a cool example like this in the comments if you have one! I'd love to celebrate you and share your story. #ExceptionalExperiences #LuxuryLevers #CustomerExperience #Personalization #WineIndustry #TrinitasCellars #ClientLove #LuxuryisAMindset

What happens when the president of High Point University and I, two people who are obsessed with making people feel extraordinary, sit down together on PBS? Pure magic. I had the privilege of joining the brilliant Nido R. Qubein on his show Side by Side on PBS, and we talked about the one thing I believe every leader needs to hear right now: Luxury isn't about money. It's about moments. Luxury is a mindset. We've been letting price tags define luxury for too long — and it's costing businesses more than they realise. The most powerful experiences aren't the most expensive ones. They're the most thoughtful ones. It's how people experience YOU and your brand. Read the full article below: 🎥 Watch the full episode: https://lnkd.in/etXMxUT4 #ExceptionalExperiences #LuxuryMindset #NidoQubein #PBS #SideBySide #KeynoteSpeaker #LuxuryLevers #HPU #AccesstoInnovators #HighPointUniversity

Time is the most underestimated luxury in business. Exceptional experiences honor time through preparation, precision, and respect. When you give time back to your clients, you earn trust without asking for it. How are you designing your systems, sales process, and strategies for time, not just efficiency? #LuxuryIsAMindset #ExceptionalExperiences #TimeisLuxury

Let's be honest: it's possible you (and your team) have started 2026 already burned out? What we're experiencing isn't just fatigue—it's cognitive exhaustion from constant context switching in a world that demands we process tragedy and bad news and then immediately jump into a team meeting. And the tools we usually use? Not the best for this moment. So what CAN we do? Read more to find out...

You Don't Need a Gala to Change the World. You Need the Right Women in the Right Room. Most fundraisers ask you to give. This one made you want to. When women walk into a room with purpose, something shifts — and last night, I watched it happen in real time. I had the joy of hosting an extraordinary evening at CoutureUSA, a pre-owned luxury boutique, bringing together some of my favourite people: great friends and incredible clients for a night that was equal parts glamorous and generous. Catherine, the brilliant founder of CoutureUSA, has been building something special in Tampa for 22 years, and last night she opened her stunning designer boutique, poured champagne, and welcomed her own VIP clients alongside ours to shop, connect, and give. A portion of every sale went directly to The Spring of Tampa Bay, supporting survivors of domestic violence in our city. In my book, Exceptional Experiences, I write that luxury isn't about price; it's about how you make people feel. Last night was that principle brought to life. Every detail, from the champagne to the curated boutique to the company in the room, was designed to make every woman feel seen, celebrated, and part of something meaningful. That IS luxury. Guests went home with some truly stunning pieces, including a Birkin, and The Spring went home with something even more valuable: real support from real women who showed up. Here's what struck me most. This wasn't a gala. There were no silent auction paddles or formal speeches. It was simply a thoughtful businesswoman sharing her beautiful space, incredible inventory, and a loyal community built over two decades to make a difference. And that is exactly the kind of creative generosity we can all be thinking about. You don't need a budget. You need a belief in something bigger than a transaction. When you bring women together around a shared purpose, give them a beautiful environment, the opportunity to connect with each other, and a reason to invest, they will always rise to the occasion. Every. Single. Time. If you lead a team, run a business, or champion a cause — think about how you can create an experience that serves multiple goals at once. Support a women-owned business. Elevate the evening. Move the conversation for something that matters. That's not just good business. That's exceptional. 💛 Thank you Catherine and the CoutureUSA team. Thank you to every woman in that room. And thank you to The Spring of Tampa Bay for the vital work you do every single day. Mindy Murphy Kari LaRocco, CFP®, CRPC™, APMA™, BFA™ Ryann Halo Nancy Swanson-Ebel Sonali Fournier Jennifer Addabbo Catherine Ansel Priscilla Yecora #ExceptionalExperiences #WomenInBusiness #GiveBack #LuxuryLeadership #TheSpringofTampaBay #CoutureUSA #WomenSupportingWomen #TampaBay #Leadership #Philanthropy #NeenJames

Words Matter. I think "Intimate" beats "Small" every time! Believe me, I understand 'small', I am 4' 10.5 (and yes, that 0.5 matters)! The email I received from AKA Hotels+Hotel Residences Rittenhouse Square is a masterclass in luxury language and anticipation—two of the Five Luxury Levers I write about in my book, Exceptional Experiences. I'm returning to this hotel today to work with Comcast, and my new reservation is for a smaller suite than the one I had during my previous stay. Notice how Front Office Manager Bianca Valle didn't describe it as "smaller" or "different." She called it "intimate." One word. Completely different emotional response. And it gets better...this email arrived weeks before my check-in. She's not waiting for me to notice the change at check-in (awkward). She's proactively reaching out to ensure my comfort, offering to review upgrade options or modify my suite type. This is the Experience Elevation Model: Excite luxury lever in action: building anticipation, showing me I'm worthy of this level of attention, and demonstrating that they're already thinking about my needs before I've even packed my bag. This is also the Delight lever at work: anticipating needs I haven't expressed. I didn't ask about the suite difference. She noticed, cared, and acted. Andi Stiles, every team I meet at AKA has been exceptional so far. Isaiah Frazier you work with some cool people, and AKA Alexandria is still one of my faves! Every touchpoint with your client communicates something about you. The question is: are you using language that elevates the experience? Are you anticipating needs before they're expressed? A smaller suite became an intimate layout. A potential disappointment became a demonstration of care. That's the power of luxury language and anticipatory service. What's one word you could change in your client's digital communications today that would shift the entire tone? Mark Driscoll Brittney Ruland #ExceptionalExperiences #LuxuryLeadership #ClientExperience #Hospitality #CustomerService #AKA #SeeTheWorld #Communication

Maybe the hottest amenity in luxury travel is absolutely zero Wi-Fi!! Virtuoso Travel just highlighted this perfectly on trips designed for digital detoxing - see the great article in the comments below. From wellness retreats in Mexico to cruising through Alaska's pristine national parks, travellers are choosing destinations where Wi-Fi is weak (or blissfully absent), where nature drowns out notifications, and where "recharging" means something completely different from plugging in a device. After a big 2025... and given all that's happening in 2026... this could be just the vacation you need *raises hand! Through my work on the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce Board, I've been tracking this travel trend firsthand, driven by our deep desire to experience more analogue this year. And it aligns with my book, Exceptional Experiences, where I share that true luxury today isn't about adding more; it's about thoughtfully taking away. It's about creating space for what matters. The most exceptional experience you can offer someone might be permission to be unreachable. As an Aussie, I'd add that our vast national parks, remote wilderness areas, and eco-lodges are tailor-made for this kind of soul-restoring escape. There's something profoundly restorative about stargazing in the Outback with zero light pollution (and zero signal bars). This isn't just wellness tourism – it's essential survival in our hyperconnected world. For all my travellers, where have you gone to truly, completely disconnect? What destination made you forget your phone even existed? I'm building my own list and starting with Quercus. #LuxuryTravel #DigitalDetox #WellnessTravel #AustralianTravel #ExceptionalExperiences #Virtuoso #WorldLuxuryChamberOfCommerce

After a February full of connection with clients nationwide, I was feeling reflective about the power of connection, and I came to this conclusion: The leaders who will win the next decade are not the ones who automate the most. They are the ones who use technology to handle the transactional—and invest the time they save back into the relational. Read more about why in this week's Notes from Neen!

When a financial advisor schools you on what it REALLY means to be wealthy... and hands you Champagne Laurent-Perrier, caviar bumps, and a Guerlain lipstick that becomes your daily reminder. 💄✨🥂 Last night's Galentine's event was a masterclass in the Experience Elevation Model™ and absolute PROOF that the best business development happens when you genuinely care about creating memories, not just meetings. Kari LaRocco, CFP®, CRPC™, APMA™, BFA™ and her team at LaRocco & Associates didn't just host an event, they created magic. They gave back to The Spring of Tampa Bay led by Mindy Murphy and every woman in that room felt wealthy in ways that have nothing to do with our bank accounts. This is what happens when someone truly understands the luxury levers in my book, Exceptional Experiences. Kari is the role model for the Experience Elevation Model. Read my full article here and why this new pink lipstick is about to become my new obsession! So fun to see Debbie Lundberg Jody Thorson Sonali Fournier and so many other great women support this! #ExceptionalExperiences #ExperienceElevation #LuxuryBusiness #TampaBay

A little belated… but nonetheless heartfelt. Happy International Women's Day to one of my absolute favourite humans on the planet. 💛 There are people who change your business. And then there are people who change your life. Pamela Slim does both and somehow makes it look effortless. As my business coach, my friend, and one of the most genuinely brilliant humans I know, Pam has shaped so much of who I am as an entrepreneur these past few years. Her advice doesn't just speak to the head OR the heart — it speaks to both… and yes, honey, the bank account too. Sunday was pure joy, enjoying brunch at my favourite spot in Tampa, Oxford Exchange. (If you haven't been, put it on your list immediately for your next Tampa visit.) And you know what made it even more awesome, walking into the Oxford Exchange bookstore and seeing Exceptional Experiences sitting there on the shelf - woo hoo! I still get giddy seeing my book in the wild! Pam is the author of the iconic Body of Work, it is one of those books that reframes everything. I cannot wait for the world to get their hands on her upcoming book, Remember Who You Are — releasing later this year and published by Jesse Finkelstein and Trena White at Page Two (two other women I adore). If you're not already following Pam's body of work (see what I did there? 😉), I cannot recommend it highly enough. She is wisdom, warmth, and wit in one extraordinary woman. Pam, thank you for seeing me and helping me build a business and a life I love. You are a treasure. 🌟 Who is a woman in business who has changed YOUR life? I'd love to know about them, share in the comments below: #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInBusiness #BusinessCoach #PamSlim #ExceptionalExperiences #OxfordExchange #Tampa #RememberWhoYouAre #BodyOfWork #LuxuryLeadership #Gratitude

So proud of my client Trish Henwood, MD at Jefferson Health who is leading the way for women in healthcare! What a truly exceptional recognition of the contribution she is making in the world and inspiring other leaders to do the same! Her focus on transformation will impact the lives of patients and team members across the globe. Congratulations! Modern Health #ProudMentor #JeffersonHealth #WomeninLeadership #MakeanImpact

Luxury is about experiences, not things. These findings from my proprietary research study into Luxury as a Mindset, conducted by Susan Baier and the team at Audience Audit Inc., confirmed what many leaders in the luxury industry understand: it's all about creating exceptional experiences. (btw, highly recommend them for your next research project as they are attentive, thorough, and highly regarded by people who hire them year after year!). One brand I admire for its leadership and vision, led by Matthew Upchurch, is Virtuoso Travel. I admire how they take great care of their team, advisors, owners, managers, and business partners. They invest in education, networking, and world-class events led by Jennifer Campbell (another leader I deeply admire). They are constantly sharing trends and research to keep everyone current and relevant. They fully embrace that luxury is about experiences, not things. So when they publish the 2026 Nine Must Do Experiences ... you can believe I am taking notes ... and so is the world! Enjoy this amazing reveal to inspire your next adventure or company retreat: https://lnkd.in/e9_ktpFc #SoVirutoso #SeeTheWorld #meetingsandevents #LuxuryTravel Pamela Slim Misty M. Nancy Swanson-Ebel

This is one of those proud client moments for me! Not only is Trish Henwood, MD, doing exceptional work at Jefferson Health, leading a digital transformation in her role as Chief Clinical Officer, but she is also being recognized for her incredible contribution as a judge for Newsweek AI Impact & Awards Summit - so cool to see this shout-out! #Ihavethecoolestclients #AI #DigitalTransformation

Tiny habit. Big intention. I’m attending Tiny Marketing Actions with Pamela Slim, and it’s grounding me in how I want to approach marketing in 2026. My theme for 2026 is Curated Elevation — choosing fewer, better actions and showing up with even more intention. For me, this application today is elevating my marketing through one small, thoughtful habit each day. Nothing flashy. Just consistent. If you had to choose one word or phrase to guide how you show up this year, what would it be? #TinyMarketingActions #CuratedElevation #MarketingHabits #SmallStepsBigImpact

What an honor to serve on the Board of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce - I am so excited for this upcoming event with them - join us! Register with the link below:

It's no secret that sharing Exceptional Experiences with one of the MOST exceptional companies in the world makes me SO happy! Jennifer Campbell, your audio over this video is absoutely 100% true! Matthew Upchurch, I love being part of the Virtuoso Travel family. So excited to be at the first of many events this year. Watch this video as a masterclass on how to truly elevate every experience using exclusive events as a strategy (that's one of the systems of elevation in the Experience Elevation Model chapter on Delight in our book, Exceptional Experiences). This events team is constantly looking to surprise and delight their guests, thank you, Fernanda Nielsen. Huge thank you to Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, México, and loved presenting with Kimberly Wilson Wetty, Joe Mull, CSP, CPAE and Kelly Monahan, Ph.D. - what a thinking leader line up!

"Be consistent" "Have a point of view to share." "Have a Human voic.e" That was the brilliant advice I loved hearing from Amber Naslund of LinkedIn in an interview with Pamela Slim, as part of Pam's Tiny Marketing Actions Program. She was sharing wisdom about how to get involved and engage on LinkedIn. Amber is so right. LinkedIn is a wonderful community of people. Despite the crazy DMs from time to time and the silly comments posted occasionally, my experience on this platform (I was one of the original users a gazillion years ago) has been so positive. I still think it's the most professional of all the social media platforms, and it has evolved into so much more than a work-related, job-search, and networking forum - do you agree? What I love about LinkedIn is that we can create exceptional experiences for others by sharing great content, engaging in conversations, connecting with people authentically and with genuine care, connecting others, giving shout-outs, writing recommendations, sharing book recommendations, and advocating for each other ... and more. What do you love most about LinkedIn? #TMA #LinkedInLearning #AlwaysBeLearning

If you have read Exceptional Experiences, you will know about the team at Sheltair led by Lisa Holland - they are the epitome of the red carpet experience we talk about in the Experience Elevation Model! I smiled so big when I read Lisa's post below; it was my #ChampagneMoment today. This photo was taken when she unveiled the new Sarasota Sheltair Hangar and gorgeous facilities, and I watched so proudly as she spoke to the large crowd of dignitaries and team members- everyone was moved by her words. I highly recommend this team, and their FBOs are stunning! Priscilla Yecora #PrivateAviation #ExceptionalExperiences #SeeTheWorld #ExperienceElevationModel

When thousands of Virtuoso Travel advisors share the best travel companies of 2025, you pay attention! Congratulations to some of my clients on this list and some featured in my book, Exceptional Experiences: Delta Air Lines -Tim Mapes IC Bellagio - Andrea Grisdale Oceania Cruises Travelex If you are planning travel this year, reach out to your favorite Virtuoso Travel Advisor (and if you don't have one, message me) or go to Virtuoso.com. They will open your world to experiences you didn't even know were possible! I love working with Matthew Upchurch and Jennifer Campbell and their exceptional leadership team, as they are world-class! Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eE4zUzdK #SeeTheWorld #SoVirtuoso #LuxuryIsAMindset #VirtuosoTravel #Delta100 #LuxuryTravelAdvisor

Can you imagine how thrilled I was to publish with the team at Page Two? Check out their Fall 2025 titles - congratulations to Jesse and Trena and all the authors listed below! Honored to be in the same company as you! Exceptional Experiences by ME! Alignment by Dr. Katie Keller Wood The Strength of Talent by Mike Goldman 21 Things You Need to Know About Indigenous Self-Government by Bob Joseph by Bob Joseph The Terrifying Art of Finding Customers by Collin Stewart: Starting a Startup by James Sinclair Headamentals by Suzy Burke, PhD Ryan Berman Rhett Power Permission to Be You by Alaina Love The Positive Intent Mindset by Amer Kaissi, Ph.D. Scale with Purpose by Jason M. Blumer, CPA Ian Vacin The Consistency Code by Courtney Townley Quiet Champions by Ian Chisholm The Six Circle Strategy by Chris S. Reynolds A New Position on Sex by Dr. Juliana Hauser Shift by Peter Reek MSc, PCC The Referable Client Experience by Stacey Brown Randall Iconic Phones by PhoneArena

You don't need a luxury product to provide a luxury level of service. You may not think of hospitals as a luxury product... but I am so proud of my client, Jefferson Health, and the work they do in their communities to elevate the patient experience; Wendell featured in this post is a great example of that. The work of leaders like Baligh Yehia, MD, MPP, MSc Trish Henwood, MD Kristi Caldararo, MHA, FACHE, and others across the network continues to impress me - thank you all for providing exceptional experiences in your community. #ExceptionalExperiences #LuxuryisAmindset #JeffersonHealth #JeffersonHealthPlan #SmallGuesture #BigImpact #Kindness

John O'Leary - Oh my friend - I finally invested time in your magnificent movie! A must-watch for everyone, my friend - truly brilliant. Do yourself a favor, watch this move on Netflix and be prepared to laugh, grab the tissues because you will cry, and you will be inspired. Watch 'Soul on Fire', a true story based on John's life and a terrible accident that burned 100% of his body. https://lnkd.in/eguZZpk6