Emails, AI, and AirPods: A Day in the Life of a Modern Host

Not long ago, I was at one of the properties with a client, who happened to be there, at their property, filming a promotional video about their business. In the middle of our chat, she paused, smiled, and asked, “So, are you listening to music?” I was puzzled for a second, then realised I still had my AirPods Max sitting on my head—so much a part of me, I’d forgotten they were even there.

The truth is, my AirPods Max are with me almost constantly—from the moment I wake up to the moment I go to bed. But the funny thing is, I rarely use them for music. Yes, sometimes I’ll put on music for hours or a podcast, but mostly, they serve a very different purpose: they’re my office. More accurately, they’re the door to my virtual office, wherever I am—on site, at home, or walking the dog.

You see, in the world of Guesture, our hospitality brand, life is a constant stream of messages—guests checking in or out, online travel agents with urgent requests, suppliers, owners, contractors. My AirPods are my filter. Every time an email arrives, I hear a discreet summary read out. In seconds, I know if it’s urgent or something that can wait. If a guest can’t find the check-in code at 10 p.m., I’ll know right away—and can reply instantly, even while making dinner or spending time with my family. If it’s something less pressing, I can choose to finish my meal and deal with it afterwards.

For me, that’s not just convenience—it’s essential. It’s the only way to give every guest, every client, and every partner the attention they deserve, without sacrificing life’s moments that matter.

And the technology’s only getting better. These days, I don’t just listen—I can voice type responses instantly, so a guest receives a personal reply in moments. They often say, “You’re always there!” And it’s true. That’s what being a modern host means to me.

Why Apple? The Power of Continuity

People often ask why I’m so deeply rooted in the Apple ecosystem. The answer is simple: continuity. Years ago, I made the leap from Android and Windows to Apple for one crucial reason—everything just connects. It’s not about brand loyalty or fancy adverts; it’s about practicality.

With Apple, I can copy and paste between devices as if they’re all part of the same mind. Picture this: I receive a guest request through my AirPods Max while I’m making tea. I start dictating a reply on my phone—perhaps a quick message to reassure a late-arriving guest that the key is waiting for them. But then, if I want to tweak the message, add detail, or formalise it into an email, I can move to my computer, seamlessly copy that message from my phone, and paste it straight into an email draft. No fuss, no third-party apps—just smooth, uninterrupted flow.

Back when I was on Android and Windows, this sort of seamlessness simply wasn’t possible without extra software and workarounds. For me, and for Guesture, this little detail made all the difference. It meant faster responses, better guest experiences, and less friction in the daily routine.

“Always There”—The Guesture Way

It’s not just about me staying connected—this system enables the whole Guesture team to operate with a sense of presence that feels, well, almost superhuman. Thanks to these tools, collaboration is seamless. Whether I’m communicating with our social media manager, coordinating with the revenue management team, or working alongside our cleaning management team and the cleaners themselves, everyone is instantly in the loop.

For instance, the moment a property is cleaned and ready for a guest’s arrival, I’m notified immediately—wherever I am. That message goes to the right team members as well, so everyone knows what’s happening in real time. If a guest has a special request, or if something unexpected comes up, the right person receives that message straight away, with no delay, and can act on it before the guest even has a chance to worry.

This isn’t just a matter of efficiency. It’s a culture—a Guesture culture—where everyone adopts the same systems, the same expectation of responsiveness. Whether my colleagues are across town or across the country, we’re all working from the same digital playbook, and we’re all able to be present for our guests and property owners, whenever and wherever we’re needed.

It’s this “always there” mindset that lets us stand out. Guests comment on it all the time—how quickly we reply, how proactive we seem, how every detail is covered before they even think to ask. That isn’t magic. It’s the careful combination of technology, trust, and a shared commitment to genuine hospitality.