Pillow Talk Sessions
Pillow Talk Sessions Podcast is the go-to podcast for exploring the future of hospitality and serviced living. Co-hosted by Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski and brought to you by the team at Abode Worldwide, each episode features insightful conversations with pioneers shaping the built-to-rent, co-living, PBSA, later living, multifamily and hospitality sectors.
Each episode explores the transition from simply providing spaces to creating value, community, and experiences. We discuss everything from operational shifts away from asset-focused approaches toward customer-centric models to changing customer behaviors, convergence of asset classes, global trends, and typology issues. From cutting-edge prop tech innovation to flexible stays and changing demographics, we uncover how hospitality and serviced rental living are reshaping the way we live, work, and play.
On the podcast, we cover three core themes:
- The āhotelizationā of real estate: How are the demands for concierge-level service, seamless tech, and elevated design are changing residential rental.
- Proptech as an enabler: How tools are unlocking smarter operations and richer resident experiences.
- The convergence of asset classes: We chart the strategic convergence of hotels, BTR, multifamily, and co-living as boundaries blur between short stays and rental homes.
Whether you're in real estate, hospitality, multifamily, short-term rentals, proptech, PBSA, build-to-rent, retirement living, co-living, or just curious about where these industries are headed, Pillow Talk Sessions offers engaging, thought-provoking conversations that will inspire and inform.
Your Hosts
Jessica Gillingham - Jessica is the CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations and communications firm focused on raising the profile of transformative technology solutions across global hospitality, lodging, and serviced living. Jessica is a regular industry speaker, author, adviser, and the founder of Pillow Talk. Jessica is also the author of the book āTech-Enabled Hospitality - Strategies to Elevate Guest Experience and Operational Efficiency.ā
Kristian Lupinski - Kristian is the content and events producer for Abode Worldwide. With extensive media production experience and a hospitality industry background, Kristian has a proven track record of creating engaging content and collaborating with influential figures shaping the sector.
The podcast is brought to you by the team at Abode Worldwide.
Pillow Talk Sessions
The Rise of Flexible Living with Begum Agca Okutgen (Blueground)
Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski are joined by Begum Agca Okutgen, Head of Partner Network at Blueground, to explore the ongoing transformation of the rental market driven by remote work, technology, and evolving guests needs.
š” Tune in to discover:
š How remote work is reshaping demand for flexible, furnished rentals across 35 cities worldwide.
š¤ The role of technology in streamlining operations and enhancing client experience.
šļø Why quality standards and curated design are key to maintaining premium rental experiences.
š The shift toward individual rentersādigital nomads, expatriates, and remote professionalsāand how instant booking is changing the game.
ā»ļø How sustainability is becoming a core focus for rental operators and their clients.
This episode dives deep into tech-driven efficiencies, market trends, and whatās next for flexible rentals.