Untitled

[gregdesworld]

✨ NEW PODCAST RELEASE ✨🎙️ 🚀 Building Brands & Changing Lives with Dave Girgenti is NOW LIVE on Something To Say with Greg DeShields Podcast! 🎧 Listen here: https://lnkd.in/etVQRgAK Join me for an inspiring conversation with Dave Girgenti, an award-winning creative leader, brand strategist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, as we explore the powerful intersection of creativity, innovation, branding, and purpose-driven leadership. 🔥 In this episode, Dave shares: 🎨 His journey through advertising, gaming, hospitality, and nonprofit innovation 💡 The story behind founding Hero Network & Wish Upon a Hero — one of America’s first social helping and crowdfunding platforms 🤝 How storytelling and branding can truly change lives 📈 Lessons in entrepreneurship, leadership, and building impactful campaigns 🤖 His insights on the evolving role of AI in marketing and creativity With more than 25 years of experience leading award-winning initiatives and helping raise millions for charitable causes, Dave delivers wisdom, inspiration, and forward-thinking perspectives that every entrepreneur, marketer, creative professional, and business leader should hear. 🎯 If you’re passionate about innovation, branding, leadership, creativity, and personal growth — this episode is a MUST-LISTEN! 🎧 Tune in now and join the conversation!

[gregdesworld]

✨ NEW PODCAST RELEASE ✨🎙️ 🚀 Building Brands & Changing Lives with Dave Girgenti is NOW LIVE on Something To Say with Greg DeShields Podcast! 🎧 Listen here: https://lnkd.in/etVQRgAK Join me for an inspiring conversation with Dave Girgenti, an award-winning creative leader, brand strategist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, as we explore the powerful intersection of creativity, innovation, branding, and purpose-driven leadership. 🔥 In this episode, Dave shares: 🎨 His journey through advertising, gaming, hospitality, and nonprofit innovation 💡 The story behind founding Hero Network & Wish Upon a Hero — one of America’s first social helping and crowdfunding platforms 🤝 How storytelling and branding can truly change lives 📈 Lessons in entrepreneurship, leadership, and building impactful campaigns 🤖 His insights on the evolving role of AI in marketing and creativity With more than 25 years of experience leading award-winning initiatives and helping raise millions for charitable causes, Dave delivers wisdom, inspiration, and forward-thinking perspectives that every entrepreneur, marketer, creative professional, and business leader should hear. 🎯 If you’re passionate about innovation, branding, leadership, creativity, and personal growth — this episode is a MUST-LISTEN! 🎧 Tune in now and join the conversation!

[gregdesworld]

I’m excited to welcome a renowned Iron Chef and restaurateur, Jose Garces, to Something To Say with Greg DeShields Podcast for an engaging discussion about leadership, hospitality, passion, perseverance, purpose, food, and food.

From award-winning culinary ventures to building an incredible hospitality empire, Chef Garces shares insights, inspiration, and the personal side of what makes him not only a world-class chef but fundamentally a great guy. 🎙️ Watch and listen for the official release on June 5th!

[gregdesworld]

Releasing tomorrow on Something To Say with Greg DeShields Podcast "Building Brands & Changing Lives" featuring the incredibly talented Dave Girgenti. 🎙️🎬 Dave, an award-winning creative leader, brand strategist, entrepreneur, and visionary storyteller, joins me for an inspiring conversation about creativity, branding, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and the evolving role of AI in marketing and storytelling. But that’s not all… Dave is now stepping into the world of film production, writing "The Dog at Old Salem Road," a gripping psychological thriller that explores the unraveling reality of an ordinary man caught in extraordinary circumstances. “For two decades, this story lived in my imagination. Now, with the right team, incredible momentum, and an international collaboration of creative talent, we are bringing this powerful vision to life.” This is more than a movie project; it’s the launch of a cinematic journey fueled by passion, persistence, and creative purpose. Watch the trailer and get ready for an unforgettable conversation tomorrow on Something To Say with Greg DeShields. 🎥🔥Trailer: https://lnkd.in/eys6V24G

[gregdesworld]

🎉 Skål Philadelphia’s Pop-Up Spring Social at Amada Restaurant was an absolute blast! 🍷✨ What an incredible evening of networking, friendship, and outstanding hospitality. A huge thank you to the amazing Amada team for delivering such a memorable experience for all who attended. 👏 Special recognition to Executive Sous Chef Jose Noboa 👨‍🍳 for creating an incredible menu that truly elevated the evening. 🍽️🔥 Thank you as well to everyone who joined us and helped make the event so special, including Noel Zayas, Olivia Elberfeld from Amada, Jim Dwyer, President SKAL NEW JERSEY and the outstanding team from Temple University's School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management🎓🌟 A very special shout-out to Michael J. Usino 🙌 for his continued support and engagement. Events like this continue to showcase the power of connection, collaboration, and community within the tourism and hospitality industry. 🤝🌍 To Fellow Skålleagues Everywhere: 💙 Good Health 🤝 Friendship 🌟 Long Life 😊 Happiness 🥂SKÅL!

[gregdesworld]

From Cheesesteaks to Czechia: New Nonstop Flights from Philly to Prague Congratulations Michaela Claudino CzechTourism it was an honor to represent Skål Philadelphia at the program announcement yesterday. And it is exciting to know there is now a direct flight from Skål Philadelphia to Skål International Prague. "To fellow Skålleagues everywhere: happiness, good health, friendship, long life! Skål!"

[gregdesworld]

Spring is here — and it’s time to reconnect! 🌸🍷✨ Join Skål Philadelphia for a special Pop-Up Dining & Social Experience at the incredible Amada Restaurant! Enjoy amazing conversation, networking, and the delectable flavors of Amada’s famous Happy Hour while connecting with Philadelphia’s travel, tourism, and hospitality community. Be sure to try: Charcutería, Quesos, Picada, and Sangría! 📍 Amada Restaurant, 217-219 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 📅 Wednesday, May 20, 2026 ⏰ 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM 💲 Only $45 Register now: https://lnkd.in/eaWV3WVM Come ready to mix, mingle, and celebrate spring with great people, great food, and great energy! 🍹✨

[gregdesworld]

As a proud board member of The Philadelphia Award, last evening was a truly inspiring celebration as we presented the 105th Philadelphia Award to Theodore A. McKee.

Judge McKee’s distinguished career reflects an unwavering commitment to justice, civic responsibility, and the strengthening of our democratic institutions. His leadership—both on and beyond the bench—has helped shape the legal landscape while advancing fairness, opportunity, and public trust.

In the spirit of Edward Bok’s founding vision, Judge McKee’s life and work stand as a powerful reminder that service to others strengthens not only individual lives but also the broader community.

Congratulations to Judge McKee on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you to everyone who made this remarkable evening possible.

[gregdesworld]

I was truly excited and honored to return for Round Two at DisruptHR Dutchess County 2.0! Congratulations to Marilyn Espinosa for producing such an impactful and energizing DisruptHR Dutchess County 2.0 event. The evening was filled with authentic conversations, bold ideas, relatable experiences, and emotionally engaging stories that challenged traditional thinking and inspired meaningful dialogue. What makes DisruptHR so powerful is its ability to create space for honest conversations around leadership, workplace culture, innovation, and the future of work — all delivered with passion, creativity, and purpose. Grateful to have shared the stage with such dynamic speakers and professionals committed to pushing the HR and workplace conversation forward.

[gregdesworld]

Spring is here — and it’s time to reconnect! 🌸🍷✨ Join Skål Philadelphia for a special Pop-Up Dining & Social Experience at the incredible Amada Restaurant! Enjoy amazing conversation, networking, and the delectable flavors of Amada’s famous Happy Hour while connecting with Philadelphia’s travel, tourism, and hospitality community. 📍 Amada Restaurant, 217-219 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 📅 Wednesday, May 20, 2026 ⏰ 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM 💲 Only $45 Whether you're a longtime member, industry professional, or simply looking to expand your network, this is the perfect spring social gathering you won’t want to miss! Register today at Skål Philadelphia https://lnkd.in/eaWV3WVM Come ready to mix, mingle, and celebrate spring with great people, great food, and great energy! 🍹✨

[gregdesworld]

🎙️ Up Next on Something To Say with Greg DeShields Podcast, an inspiring conversation with Dave Girgenti, an award-winning creative leader and brand strategist with more than 25 years of experience building and scaling brands across the advertising, gaming, hospitality, and philanthropic sectors. Known for his relentless passion for branding and innovation, Dave has led teams in developing thousands of projects, launched nationally recognized philanthropic movements, and helped raise millions in investment capital and charitable donations through strategic brand-building. This upcoming episode explores the intersection of creativity, leadership, storytelling, and purpose-driven branding — and why authentic brand identity matters more than ever in today’s competitive marketplace. Don’t miss this engaging conversation filled with insight, inspiration, and practical wisdom from one of the industry’s most accomplished creative minds. 🎧 Something To Say with Greg DeShields — where leadership, innovation, and impactful conversations come together. https://lnkd.in/esg7iN6f

[gregdesworld]

Looking forward to DisruptHR Dutchess County 2.0, an evening of bold ideas, meaningful networking, and real inspiration.

14 Speakers 5 Minute Presentation Be Inspired!

Join us as innovative speakers challenge conventional thinking and push the boundaries of today’s HR conversations.

📍 The Sound Garden at Barton Orchards, 63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag, NY 📅 May 14, 2026

[gregdesworld]

Last night’s Skål Philadelphia April Program spotlighted key insights, leadership examples, and impactful networking as we explored the evolving future of customer service in hospitality front-office management.

At Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse, hospitality professionals came together to discuss how to balance innovative technology with the human touch, sharing practical strategies and success stories.

Thank you to moderator Gary Wooten of Global Philadelphia Association for leading an engaging discussion.

Our panelists: Mateo Sanabria (Sofitel Philadelphia) Coco M. Mantey (Warwick Rittenhouse Square Hotel) Tashna Seaton-Small (Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia)

The panel shared practical insights and discussed leadership strategies for adapting to new guest expectations, excelling at service standards, and preparing Philadelphia’s front-office teams for global recognition.

We were pleased Jim Dwyer President SKAL NEW JERSEY and past President Skål International USA joined us, highlighting the value of collaboration in our Skål network.

Programs like this highlight Skål’s vital role in uniting tourism and hospitality leaders dedicated to shaping our industry’s future.

Thank you to all who attended and made the evening a success.

[gregdesworld]

[gregdesworld]

Something to Say with Greg DeShields https://lnkd.in/esg7iN6f welcomes LaWana Boone MBA, Cultural Humility Consulting a global travel professional, cultural humility consultant, and dynamic speaker and storyteller dedicated to helping people connect across cultures with empathy and intention.

As CEO and Founder of Cultural Humility Consulting, LLC, she partners with organizations to bridge cultural gaps through workshops rooted in openness, respect, and meaningful dialogue.

With more than three decades in aviation as an International Flight Attendant, LaWana has quite literally traveled the world. Her lived global experience is further enriched through her studies abroad in Ghana, Cuba, Honduras, and Costa Rica—providing a powerful, firsthand perspective on cultural complexity and global interconnectedness.

Learn about The Window Seat Journal :https://lnkd.in/ep8kBAvs

[gregdesworld]

Excited and counting down—I can’t wait! Leaving soon for the 2026 North American Skål Congress (NASC)!

This incredible travel and tourism industry conference, hosted by Skål International New York, takes place May 2–7, 2026, aboard a 5-night cruise ⚓ from New York City to Bermuda.

It’s an amazing opportunity to connect with tourism and hospitality professionals from across North America, engage in educational sessions, and strengthen global partnerships.

Looking forward to meaningful conversations, new collaborations, and representing Skål Philadelphia with pride!

[gregdesworld]

Greg DeShields

Celebrated tourism leader Greg DeShields, in brief.

Cues and Views - Celebrated tourism leader Greg DeShields, in brief.

Cues and Views is the new CV.

Intended as a complement to LinkedIn and other professional networking sites, Cues and Views presents you more holistically.

Your personal insights, influences, passions, tastes, traits and big ideas, all in an engaging two minute read.