It’s Personal Stories, A Hospitality Podcast Launches New Website, Creating One of the Hospitality Industry’s Most Comprehensive Libraries of Leadership Wisdom

Phoenix, AZ – January 22, 2026 – It’s Personal Stories, the hospitality leadership podcast founded by industry veterans David Kong, Rachel Humphrey, and Lan Elliott, today announced the launch of its newly-redesigned website, making available one of the most comprehensive and authentic collections of leadership wisdom ever assembled for the hospitality industry.

At the heart of the new platform is a curated and continually expanding library of nearly 300 in-depth interviews with respected hospitality industry leaders from around the world. These conversations capture something rarely documented at scale: the personal journeys behind accomplished leaders – their defining moments, challenges, values, and lessons learned.

Unlike platforms focused on trends, company performance, or data, It’s Personal Stories centers on the human side of leadership. Each interview, intentionally designed in a concise, 30-minute format, offers an honest and personal perspective, shared authentically and generously. The result is leadership insight that is relatable, practical, and easy to digest.

The new website allows users to search interviews by guest advisor name, title, company, and categories such as brands or ownership/management groups. Every interview is accompanied by a thoughtfully written summary, providing a clear snapshot of each guest advisor’s journey and key takeaways. These summaries serve as an inviting entry point, allowing users to quickly absorb the essence of each story and then seamlessly dive into the full interview to experience the depth, emotion, and nuance behind the advice.

In addition to capturing leadership journeys, It’s Personal Stories offers a practical way for professionals to prepare for meaningful business and career conversations. By learning how leaders think, what has shaped them, and what they value, listeners can engage with greater context and intention, whether approaching a partnership discussion, interviewing for a role, or seeking mentorship. The platform translates lived experience into applied insight, helping elevate conversations into authentic relationship-building.

In addition to the interview library, the site features a growing collection of original articles inspired by these conversations. Topics include imposter syndrome, overcoming adversity, work-life harmony, leadership habits and traits, influence, and self-care – timeless themes drawn directly from lived experience, not theory.

Nowhere else can you find so many extraordinary lived hospitality leadership experiences, shared so personally and impactfully, gathered in one place, freely accessible to professionals at every stage of their career.

“This platform was created to empower personal success,” said David Kong, Founder of It’s Personal Stories and former President and CEO of BWH Hotel Group. “I wanted to create a space where our guest advisors, leaders we deeply respect, could openly share their thoughts, experiences, and advice to inspire the next generation of hospitality leaders. These individuals are true role models. Their stories and insights offer invaluable guidance for navigating career progression, building confidence, and making intentional choices along the journey. My hope is that by learning from those who have walked the path before them, others will be inspired to believe in themselves and boldly pursue their own goals and dreams.”

Founded in 2022, It’s Personal Stories has built a global following, generating nearly 750,000 views on YouTube, underscoring the strong demand for authentic leadership storytelling within the hospitality community and beyond.

All content on the platform is offered free of charge, reinforcing the organization’s mission to democratize leadership wisdom and make meaningful, experience-based insights accessible to all.

To explore the new website and access the full library of interviews, summaries and articles, visit ItsPersonalStories.com.

About It’s Personal Stories, A Hospitality Podcast

It’s Personal Stories is a hospitality leadership podcast and content platform dedicated to empowering personal success through authentic storytelling. Founded in 2022, its principals include David Kong, Rachel Humphrey, Lan Elliott, Dorothy Dowling, and Huilian Duan. The platform captures candid conversations with hospitality leaders who reflect on their journeys, challenges, and lessons learned so others can learn, grow, and lead with intention. The podcast has received the International Hospitality Institute’s Top Hospitality Podcast honor every year since its launch.