The Leadership Series is a distinguished platform aimed at inspiring and shaping the next generation of leaders in the luxury hospitality industry. As moderators and guest speakers, we will engage with CEOs of luxury hotel companies and hospitality innovators, inviting them to share their insights and experiences.

For future engagements focused on authenticity, genuineness, and weaving the local fabric into hospitality experiences, please contact Abdul Baaghil, Co-Founder & Principal, at baaghil@harvestcottontale.com.


Podcast with Josiah Mackenzie of Hospitality Daily (San Francisco) – Voted World’s #1 Hospitality Industry Influencer 2025

Our Co-Founder & Principal, Abdul Baaghil, recently joined Josiah Mackenzie on the Hospitality Daily podcast to discuss luxury hospitality, innovation, and the people who define exceptional guest experiences. He shared insights from our work on Villa Vermillion, a world-class hotel project, and explored why some of the best hospitality professionals come from unexpected backgrounds—artists, musicians, and storytellers who bring authenticity and soul to the industry. If you’re passionate about rethinking hospitality and the power of human connection, you won’t want to miss this conversation.


Independent vs. Global Hotels: The Fight for Authenticity & Culture

Our Co-Founder & Principal, Abdul Baaghil, recently joined host Sam-Erik Ruttmann on his podcast to discuss the shifting landscape of luxury and lifestyle hotels. In this thought-provoking conversation, Abdul shares his journey from working with prestigious brands like Ritz-Carlton and Campbell Gray Hotels to independently developing hospitality concepts rooted in cultural identity and authenticity. As global chains like Accor and Marriott continue acquiring boutique brands, we explore the challenges of maintaining genuine guest experiences, brand integrity, and the soul of hospitality. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the future of luxury hotels and the importance of human capital in preserving authenticity.


Shaping the future of Luxury Hospitality (Class Room Session) at Les Roches, Bluche, Switzerland.

Co-Founder and Principal Abdul Baaghil recently served as a guest speaker at Les Roches Global Hospitality Education in Switzerland, engaging with the next generation of hospitality leaders on shaping the future of luxury hospitality. The discussion focused on transformative trends redefining guest experiences, the importance of authentic connections, and a commitment to sustainability. Abdul's insights offered students a forward-looking view into the evolving landscape, highlighting the innovative approaches that will drive the industry forward.


Harvest Cotton Tale Global Hospitality Group Leadership Series in partnership with Les Roches Hospitality Education.

An engaging hospitality symposium held in August 2018 in Bluche Switzerland with guest speakers Ted Teng President/Chief Executive Officer Leading Hotels of The World, Tony Chi Founder of the award wining Tony Chi interior design studio (NYC) and Q&A with Rami Sayess Regional Vice President/General Manager Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts.

Harvest Cotton Tale Global Hospitality Group in Partnership with Les Roches Global Hospitality Education (Switzerland).

Harvest Cotton Tale Global Hospitality Group in Partnership with Les Roches Global Hospitality Education (Switzerland), Forbes Travel Guide, Leadership Series on Quality & Digitalization with guest speaker Filip Boyen, Chief Executive Officer, Forbes Travel Guide.

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Les Roches, Global Hospitality Education, Graduation Ceremony December 2015, Bluche Switzerland.

Abdul Baaghil Co Founder/Managing Director Harvest Cotton Tale (Global Hospitality Group) guest speaker at the winter graduation ceremony for Les Roches under graduate students.

 

Glion Institute of Higher Education and Les Roches Global Hospitality Education.

Glion Institute of Higher Education and Les Roches Global Hospitality Education, “Alumni in Conversation” with guest speakers, Abdul Baaghil, Co Founder/Chief Executive Officer Harvest Cotton Tale (Global Concept Hospitality Group) and Jean-Luc Naret former Chief Executive Officer La Reserve Hotels & Resorts and former Chief Executive Officer of global Michelin Guide.


 Quarantine Kitchen with Harvest Cotton Tale Global Hospitality Group

 Quarantine Kitchen with Harvest Cotton Tale (Global Concept Hospitality Group), Co Founder/Director of Culinary Bruno Contreras in partnership with Fresh Food Market (Mansour Holding a multinational conglomerate).


Hotel Metropole, Pavillion De L’arsenal, Paris.

 

Founders of Harvest Cotton Tale Global Hospitality Group, Chief Executive Officer Abdul Baaghil and Bruno Contreras participated in the exposition of hotels of tomorrow together with some of Paris most reputable architecture/design firms. Hotel Metropole ( hotels of tomorrow) was held at Pavillon De L’Arsenal on the 6th of December 2019 in Paris.

Amongst the participants was Cigue a world class design/architecture firm for hotels of tomorrow in picture above is one of the six founders Hugo Hass with founders of Harvest Cotton Tale Global Hospitality Group Abdul Baaghil and Bruno Contreras at offices of Cigue design studio in Paris


Most People Don’t but you Do!

Bart Berkey, Author of Most People Don’t with Abdul Baaghil Co Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Harvest Cotton Tale Global Hospitality Group on “Answering the Authenticity Question“


Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer Abdul Baaghil with students of The American University in Cairo - School of Sciences, Engineering and Interior Design.

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Ecole de Cuisine Alain Ducasse and Le Manufacture de Chocolat with Elis Masurel

 
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Harvest Cotton Tale Global Hospitality Group founders Abdul Baaghil and Bruno Contreras on a visit to Ecole de Cuisine Alain Ducasse and Le Manufacture de Chocolat with Elis Masurel, Managing Director Ecole de Cusine Alain Ducasse


The Sustainability of Hotels Post COVID-19

Abdul Baaghil, Co-Founder/ Chief Executive Officer of Harvest Cotton Tale (Global Hospitality Group) online live guest of Switch TV Kenya and BIHC


Harvest Cotton Tale at To The Table Asia.

Harvest Cotton Tale Global Hospitality Group hosted a symposium ( Exploring Pop UP Trend ) with Chef Ian Kittichai at To The Table forum Asia, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur followed by cooking demonstration by Chef Ian of Issaya Siamese Club #39 Asia’s best 50.

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Harvest Cotton Tale Global Hospitality Group, Leadership Series in partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.

Principal Co/Founder of Harvest Cotton Tale Global Hospitality Group, Abdul Baaghil and Chief Executive Officer of Les Roches Global Hospitality Education Carlos Diez De Lastra (Hospitality Education Carlos Diez De Lastra (Hospitality Symposium) with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.

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