#054 - I'm In - Are we Over Reliant on AI?

This Podcast is Sponsored by Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland

https://www.leonardohotels.co.uk/

Host: Phil Street FIH

Guests:

Adam Hamadache FIH - Founder, Formula; Digital Growth SpecialistSonia Cresswell MIH - Marketing & Communications, Institute of HospitalityRyan Thomas AIH - Duty Manager, Whitbread; Hotel Manager Programme

Artwork and Branding: Sonia Cresswell (MIH)

Music by: Leon Williams (FIH)

Are We Over-Reliant on AI?

AI is everywhere. On our phones. In our booking engines. In our revenue tools. In our copywriting. In our discovery journeys.

So, the question becomes:

Are we enhancing our thinking… or avoiding it?

In this wide-ranging and honest conversation, Phil is joined by Adam Hamadache, Ryan Thomas, and Sonia Cresswell to explore whether hospitality is using AI wisely, or leaning on it a little too heavily.

From digital discovery and operational efficiencies to education, ethics, creativity, and even Tom Hiddleston’s wardrobe, this episode pulls no punches.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Where each guest sits on the AI adoption scale, from cautious user to daily dependency AI as an efficiency tool vs AI as a crutchWhy hospitality operations are increasingly embedding AI into call handling and guest interaction Revenue management and digital marketing as major AI growth areas The seismic shift from “ranking on Google” to “being recommended by AI” Whether AI enhances creative thinking, or quietly erodes itThe risk of de-skilling in education and leadershipThe ethical grey zone of AI generated workHow young professionals are navigating AI in education Why over hyping AI can be as dangerous as ignoring itThe importance of healthy scepticism when using AI tools

Why Our Guests Said, “I’m In!”

Adam Hamadache FIH:

Adam believes hospitality needs strong institutions to champion the breadth and value of the industry. For him, the IOH plays a crucial role in advocating for hospitality as a serious, dynamic profession, particularly at a time when recruitment and recognition remain challenges.

Sonia Cresswell MIH:

From inside the organisation, Sonia describes the IOH as one big hospitality family. Working closely with members daily, she sees first-hand the genuine care and connection that drives everything the Institute does.

Ryan Thomas AIH:

Ryan describes the IOH as his “perfect partner for progression.” As someone early in his leadership journey, he values mentoring, networking, and being part of a professional community that recognises potential and supports development.

Outstanding Quotes from the Episode

“AI can give you very convincing gobbledygook” - Adam Hamadache “It’s not that different from people using pre-designed stuff on Canva… that’s been happening for a lot longer than AI” – Sonja Cresswell“It’s polished rubbish” - Ryan Thomas “Ideally, it should act as a thinking partner, not a replacement for your brain” - Ryan Thomas “Stop thinking of it as ranking. Start thinking about being recommended” - Adam Hamadache “If you use it as a tool, as a partner tool, rather than actually to do it for you, it’s definitely the way forward” - Sonja Cresswell“If you use it properly, it enhances clarity. If you copy and paste, it becomes a shortcut” - Ryan Thomas “We have to approach AI with healthy scepticism” - Adam Hamadache “It’s a touch unregulated… it can effectively be left to run wild” - Phil Street

Join the Conversation

X: @IoH_Online

Instagram: @ioh_online

LinkedIn: Institute of Hospitality

Website: The Institute of Hospitality

AI isn’t coming. It’s here.

The real question isn’t whether we use it, it’s how consciously we choose to.