Pillow Talk Sessions
Pillow Talk Sessions is a podcast about modern hospitality operations and how guest experience is operationally delivered in a tech-enabled world.
Hosted by Jessica Gillingham, author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, and produced by Abode Worldwide, the show features in-depth conversations with leaders building, operating, and scaling modern hospitality across hotels, short-term rentals, serviced living, and flexible living models.
Each episode explores how hospitality is evolving beyond traditional hotels. From the hotelization of real estate to the rise of platform-driven and automated operations, we unpack how technology, systems, and organizational design are reshaping how stays are designed, delivered, and experienced.
Pillow Talk Sessions goes deep on hospitality operations, technology, and strategy. Topics include new operating models, guest experience delivery, AI and automation, platform ecosystems, and the convergence of hotels, short-term rentals, and serviced living.
This podcast is for hospitality operators, founders, owners, and technology leaders who want to understand the future of hospitality beyond trends, and how modern hospitality actually works on the ground.
About your host
Jessica Gillingham is the author of “Tech-Enabled Hospitality – Strategies to Elevate Guest Experience and Operational Efficiency,” and is also an industry speaker, adviser, and the CEO of Abode Worldwide, a global strategic communications and PR agency for the tech transforming hospitality.
The podcast is brought to you by the team at Abode Worldwide.
Pillow Talk Sessions
Driving Building Performance with Jonathan Burridge (Utopi)
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In this week’s Pillow Talk Sessions, Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski sit down with Jonathan Burridge, Founder & CEO of Utopi, to explore how his company is helping operators cut costs, reduce carbon, and improve resident engagement through data-driven technology.
💡 Highlights include:
⚡ How Utopi uncovered 1,400% energy consumption variance in one building
📊 Why ESG is shifting from “compliance” to performance and ROI
🎮 Behavioral change campaigns that save energy and build community
🤖 The role of AI in streamlining workflows, insights, and customer features
🏨 How lessons from student housing can carry into hospitality and hotels
Jonathan shares a candid perspective on how tech can drive operational excellence—without losing sight of residents or community.
Explore related industry analysis and strategic perspectives:
https://abodeworldwide.com/news-insights/
Website: https://www.pillowtalksessions.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pillowtalksessionspodcast/