The Queer Stuff Pod

Mar 03 2025 48 mins 4

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23: What does it take to build some of the most talked-about hotels in the world — and do it while proudly representing the LGBTQ+ community at the top levels of corporate leadership? Blake Danner, COO of aka Hotels and Hotel Residences, joins us to share his journey from nightclub-loving hotel rookie to the executive suite, shaping brands like NoMad, The Line, and Freehand along the way.

Blake opens up about the risks that shaped his career, the power of mentorship, and what it means to lead authentically — even in industries not always known for diversity. Whether you’re chasing a career in hospitality or just love bold leadership stories, this episode is packed with real talk and hard-earned advice.

Topics Discussed:

Breaking into hospitality

Lessons from building iconic hotel brands

Being out in corporate America

Mentorship & diversity in leadership

Leading teams through crisis

Career advice for young professionals

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:36 - Who the Hell Are You?

00:05:57 - Why Work in Hotels?

00:08:31 - Blake’s First Job

00:11:33 - Risk-Taking & Delano Hotels

00:13:56 - Dallas vs. New York Nightlife in the 90s

00:15:59 - Coming Out in Corporate America

00:19:59 - Max & Blake’s Friendship

00:22:30 - Leading People in the Corporate World

00:25:06 - Being a Visible Queer Leader

00:29:58 - Advice for Young Professionals

00:33:37 - Biggest Mistakes in Corporate America

00:35:27 - Managing Hotels Through COVID

00:38:24 - Keeping Employees Happy and Motivated

00:40:15 - Why Blake Joined AKA Hotels

00:43:42 - Mentoring & Fostering Growth in Others

00:45:36 - Fight Me! New York vs LA

Out & Proud In Corporate America | Blake Danner

Mar 03 2025 48 mins 4