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 ‘hotelization’ 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 “Tech-Enabled Hospitality - Strategies to Elevate Guest Experience and Operational Efficiency.”
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
Community, Affordability & Long-Term Value with Stephanie Smith (Muse)
In this week’s Pillow Talk Sessions, Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski sit down with Stephanie Smith, Head of Residential at Muse, to unpack how thoughtful design, data, and collaboration are shaping the next era of residential living in the UK.
💡 Highlights include:
🏡 Why responsive service and maintenance matter more than flashy amenities
🌍 How early engagement with residents and local schools drives better design and safety
📊 Why “tech for tech’s sake” is out — and data-driven benchmarking is in
🌿 The financial and environmental benefits of Passive House design
🏘️ How Muse balances regeneration and affordability without triggering gentrification
Stephanie’s insights offer a refreshing, pragmatic view on how to create homes that genuinely support communities — not just markets.